A 100kVA generator is a high-capacity diesel generator that delivers 100 kilo-volt-amperes of power for medium to large sites and operations that need reliable output. For businesses and professionals in construction, mining, agriculture, commercial buildings, healthcare, and events, it can keep critical equipment running in demanding conditions where power interruptions are not an option.
When it comes to generators, the higher the kVA, the higher the output. As far as generators go, a 100kVA diesel generator is one of the most powerful generators available, offering consistent performance that makes it suitable for a range of construction and industrial settings.
Read on to learn how 100kVA diesel generators work, what their power rating means, how much fuel they use, where they are commonly used, and what to consider when hiring a 100kVA diesel generator from Control Hire.
Understanding generator power and generator size
There are several different measurements that are used to describe the power output of a generator, including kVA, kW, and PF. Here’s a quick overview of each of these measurements.
Kilo-volt-amperes (kVA) and 3 phase
Short for kilo-volt-amperes, kVA is a unit of apparent power used in relation to electrical systems like generators. Ultimately, the higher the kVA of a diesel generator, the higher the electrical output; a 100 kVA unit commonly supplies three phase power for industrial applications.
While kVA is a key measurement when sizing generators for your site, it’s also important to consider the kW (real power) and the power factor (PF).
Kilowatts (kW)
Kilowatts (kW) represent the real power or the actual power used to perform useful work, like running machines, lighting, or heating. Real power is what does the tangible work in a system, like powering tools and equipment on a construction site.
Power factor (PF)
The power factor is a dimensionless number, typically between 0 and 1, that represents the efficiency with which the apparent power (kVA) is converted into real power (kW). A power factor of 1 (or 100%) essentially means all the apparent power is being converted into real power efficiently, with no reactive power or losses in the system. While most generators are efficient machines, you’re unlikely to find a generator with a PF of 1. Instead, most real-world systems offer a PF of around 0.8 for industrial equipment. Motor starting current can be much higher than full-load current, sometimes up to six times higher, and can cause large voltage and frequency dips.
A low power factor (significantly less than 1) means that more apparent power (kVA) is needed to deliver a certain amount of real power (kW). This leads to inefficiencies, as the system requires more capacity than necessary to perform the same amount of work. On the other hand, a high power factor (closer to 1) indicates that most of the apparent power is being converted into useful work, making the system more efficient and reducing wasted energy.
At Control Hire, our 100kVA diesel generator is rated at 101 kVA prime power (PRP), delivering 80 kW of real power at a 0.8 power factor, the power available for actual work. It’s also rated at 110 kVA / 88 kW for emergency standby power (ESP). The remaining apparent power is reactive power, roughly 62 kVAR at the PRP rating, since real power (kW), reactive power (kVAR) and apparent power (kVA) relate as a right-angle triangle rather than a simple subtraction.
The 100kVA diesel generator can start and run multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously, though large motors may still need extra capacity. Compatible with high-frequency and inductive load equipment, it’s sufficient to power medium to large commercial buildings and construction equipment or serve as backup power for hospitals, data centers, or offices operating in demanding environments.
Fuel consumption of a 100kVA diesel generator
While 100kVA diesel generators can produce a consistent power supply to multiple pieces of equipment, with greater output comes higher fuel consumption. Fuel use scales with load rather than staying fixed, so the same generator can burn significantly less fuel per hour when it’s running well below full capacity.
Control Hire’s 100kVA diesel generator consumes:
- 22 L/hr at 100% PRP load
- 14.5 L/hr at 70% PRP load
With a 240L fuel tank, that works out to roughly 10.9 hours of continuous runtime at full load, or approximately 16.5 hours at 70% load on a single tank. As a rule of thumb, diesel generators are most fuel-efficient operating between 70-80% load, running well below 30% load for extended periods can lead to poor combustion (wet stacking), while running at 100% continuously increases wear. Understanding your expected load profile, not just the generator’s rated capacity, is the key to accurately estimating fuel costs, tank refill schedules and runtime for your project.
When to choose a 100kVA diesel generator and determine generator size required
A 100kVA diesel generator is powerful enough to support a variety of medium-to-large-scale applications across different industries.
A generator size calculator can help you estimate the right generator size before choosing a unit.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the applications where a 100kVA diesel generator could come in handy.
Construction settings
A 100kVA generator can power equipment like cranes, concrete mixers, drills, and pumps, making it a standard solution in many construction settings; however, inductive loads such as pumps and mixers can require 6-8 times more current to start than their running demand. As a practical guide, a 1 hp motor may need roughly 3-4 kVA at startup, though this varies by motor type and starting method. It can easily supply electricity for temporary offices, lighting systems, and power tools on large construction projects. Plus, multiple generators can be used simultaneously to provide adequate power coverage.
Mining, oil and gas sites
For isolated mining or oil drilling operations, a 100kVA generator is critical for powering tools, lighting, and communication systems. It also ensures the continuous operation of safety equipment and ventilation systems in hazardous environments.
Agricultural operations and electric motors
On farms, a 100kVA generator can power irrigation pumps, water treatment systems, and refrigeration for produce storage. It can also provide the energy needed to support large barns, greenhouse lighting, and agricultural machinery.
Commercial buildings
100kVA generators are suitable for providing backup power during outages for office buildings, retail centres, and warehouses. They can power elevators, lighting, HVAC systems, and critical IT infrastructure in business operations, though equipment such as an air conditioner should be sized by both running wattage and starting wattage, which can be 3-4 times higher.
Healthcare facilities
Many hospitals and clinics rely on 100kVA generators to support life-saving equipment, emergency lighting, operating rooms, and essential systems in the event of power outages and interruptions.
Event power supply
For concerts, festivals, or large outdoor gatherings, a 100kVA generator can supply power for sound systems, stage lighting, and concession stands. It can be used for powering portable offices, security systems, and communication equipment at large events in remote locations with limited access to grid power.
100kVA diesel generators are powerful models that can be used across a range of different industries and settings. Whether you’re looking to power tools and equipment on-site, provide power to an event site, or provide backup power for healthcare facilities, a 100kVA diesel generator can be a great option for scenarios that require a high-power solution.
Hire a 100kVA diesel generator with Control Hire
If you’re on the hunt for a 100kVA diesel generator, Control Hire can help. Our 100kVA diesel generator is built tough and can power multiple pieces of equipment at once. But that’s not all. We also offer a variety of generators, from portable generator models to larger site-ready units, to suit a range of projects and needs.
Explore the range today, or contact our team for a free quote if your project or your customers need help choosing the generator size required.