Before purchasing an industrial engine, there’s plenty of research required to make sure the engine you’re purchasing is the right fit for the job. From fuel type to cost and environmental impact, there are several factors to weigh in order to settle on the perfect engine for your needs. But one spec that will most likely be the main consideration is the size of your engine.
In this article, we’ll focus on determining the right size engine for your next project, taking into account the different factors that can impact the decision. Along the way, we’ll provide you with some helpful resources and tools to help narrow down the engine size you’re looking for.
While this guide focuses on engine size, there are many factors to consider when buying an industrial engine. For a complete guide to purchasing industrial engines, explore our Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.
Why Does Engine Size Matter?
When discussing engine specifications, “size” primarily refers to the power output it’s capable of. In other words, the main consideration when it comes to engine size is the amount of horsepower (hp) it produces. This will determine the type of equipment or machinery that the engine will be capable of powering.
Because horsepower is a measurement of the power output of your industrial engine, it is the single most important specification that will determine the size of the engine you’re looking for. If your engine doesn’t provide enough horsepower for your equipment, it will fail to properly power it.
Therefore, when choosing your engine, you want to ensure that it is capable of producing the necessary power without being over- or under-powered for your application.
How to Find the Right Size Engine
The size of engine needed for your application will depend on the exact specifications of the machinery that the engine will be powering. Machinery that requires a large amount of power to function properly will require a larger engine that produces more horsepower.
Depending on their application, industrial engines can vary widely in size. An engine used for power-heavy oil and gas production might produce 2500 horsepower and measure at nearly ten feet long. Meanwhile, engines for smaller facilities and construction equipment might only produce 140 horsepower and have a length of three to four feet.
To determine the horsepower needed for your application, inspect your machinery’s specifications for its horsepower requirements, or contact the manufacturer if you don’t have access to the power requirements. Alternatively, you can also ask an expert to help you determine the exact horsepower needed to operate your machinery.
In the case of generator ends that turn mechanical energy into electricity, the horsepower needed is roughly 2 hp for every kilowatt (kW) produced by the generator. So if your generator produces 4000 watts or 4 kilowatts, it will need roughly 8 horsepower at minimum.
As always, if you’re unsure of your exact power needs, it’s best to rely on an expert’s opinion. This way, you can receive advice relevant to your unique needs and avoid spending unnecessary time and money purchasing the wrong equipment for your project.
Considering Space Restrictions
In addition to the power requirements needed for your equipment, you might also be dealing with strict limits on the physical space your engine takes up.
Because high-horsepower engines can be massive pieces of equipment, it’s important to consider the space you have available to store and operate your industrial engine. If your power requirements demand an industrial engine that is far too big for the space available, you may need to find an alternative facility or adjust the surrounding area to accommodate.
That being said, different engines may come in a variety of sizes even within the same horsepower ranges. So when browsing industrial engines for your next project, be sure to inquire about the exact dimensions of the engine to determine whether or not it will fit in your allotted space.
If the machinery is going to be in an area with any weight limits, be sure to research the weight of the engine you’re shopping for as well.
Trusted dealers of industrial engines will be able to help you right-size your engine to your space restrictions. Proper inspection practices typically include the standard measurements of length, width, height and weight, along with far more in-depth specs about the engine’s capabilities. Don’t hesitate to ask for more information about a particular engine from a dealer before continuing in the purchasing process.
Industrial Engine Expertise You Can Rely On
At Depco, our trusted process ensures that every unit we sell meets manufacturer standards. If you need help determining which engine is best for your next project, ask one of our power generation experts for help. We provide you with all the information you need to power your world with confidence.
For more information about buying industrial engines, learn everything you need to know from our Ultimate Industrial Engine Buyer’s Guide.
