What is the difference between commercial and industrial generators?

Commercial and industrial generators are the core backbone of vast backup power systems, each playing a unique and critical role in their respective environments. You need to understand their unique characteristics, operating conditions, or power capabilities. This is key to understanding their unique role in the modern world. But how do we tell them apart? What factors should be considered when choosing commercial or industrial?

After reading this article, you will not only have a clear distinction between commercial and industrial generators, but you will also be able to choose the best generator for your specific needs. This knowledge ensures your operations remain uninterrupted during power uncertainties. So, let's get started right away.

What is a commercial generator?

When it comes to assuring power continuity for smaller-scale operations or business settings, commercial generators act as a reliable provision for backup power. Commercial generators generally run similarly to the residential ones we use during blackouts, but they can provide better power requirements than portable ones. Compared to residential generators, commercial generators are more robust with high-quality components.

Types of Commercial Generators

Many factors differentiate commercial generators, including unit size, power capacity, and manufacturer. Commercial generators are usually powered by diesel, natural gas, or propane, each having its own pros and cons. 

1) Diesel generator

Diesel fuel generators are known for their robustness and longevity. They are comparatively economical and offer a higher energy yield, hence making them quite popular. They require regular maintenance and can be slightly noisier than their counterparts. Besides, diesel burns less cleanly than other fuels and usually requires more storage space for external tanks.

2) Gasoline generator

Although gasoline is highly accessible and relatively cheap compared to most fuels. However, Gasoline is only suitable for one year and is highly flammable, presenting storage challenges.

3) Natural gas generator

One of the most essential advantages of a natural gas generator is that it can be connected to your existing gas line to use the fuel, saving you a lot of storage space. Another significant advantage is that it is environmentally friendly and burns cleaner than diesel or gasoline. Natural gas performs well in cold weather and runs quietly.

4) Propane generator

Like natural gas, propane burns cleanly and runs quietly, making it suitable for areas with noise restrictions. Propane, however, is more costly than natural gas and necessitates extra money for on-site storage. Propane generators use more fuel than most diesel generators.

5) Dual fuel generator

Many dual-fuel generators run on both diesel and natural gas, giving you a backup option if one runs out. Natural gas engines run cleaner than diesel engines, so that a mixed-fuel generator can provide lower emissions than a diesel-only generator. You can also run on more readily available and less expensive fuel.

What is an industrial generator?

When the conversation moves from providing power backup to small businesses or commercial establishments to ensuring continuous power in large-scale, mission-critical industries, we step into the realm of industrial generators. An industrial generator generates electricity for large-scale businesses such as construction sites, factories, power plants, and other industrial applications.

Large in capacity, these models can typically power large businesses and critical systems and equipment when power outages occur unexpectedly. This allows the generator to maintain normal operations during a power failure. As for the fuel types, industrial generators mostly utilize diesel and natural gas, though some might even use heavy-duty fuels.

Key differences between commercial generators and industrial generators

A detailed exploration of commercial and industrial generators can provide a deeper understanding of their functions. To better understand the two categories, it is necessary to delve into more specific differences such as power output, fuel type efficiency, application and use, cost, durability and maintenance, and environmental impact.

Power output

Size is the first noticeable difference. Generator power output is usually measured in kilowatts (kW) and represents the amount of electricity a generator can produce. It gives a numerical estimate of the power a generator can provide.

Commercial generators typically provide smaller power outputs, between 10 kW - 100 kW, which is enough to keep small businesses like restaurants or retail stores running during a power outage. They are compact in size and fit into the limited space available in these settings.

Industrial generators, on the other hand, offer higher energy outputs, can range from about 20kW to over 3MW. More extensive facilities require more energy capacity and thus often use three-phase motors for higher power.

Fuel type and efficiency

Fuel type greatly affects a generator's efficiency and operating costs. 

Commercial generators use many different fuel types, including propane, natural gas, diesel fuel, and solar energy. The most common commercial generator types are natural gas generators and diesel engines.

Similarly, the industrial type also uses other types of gas to run the engine, but diesel is today's popular fuel.

Application and use

Commercial generators are a lifesaver during power outages in commercial settings such as small businesses, restaurants, and stores. They are designed with simpler controls, focusing on user convenience and ease of operation.

In contrast, industrial generators meet the power needs of factories, buildings and remote workplaces, ensuring that critical industrial processes are not affected by power outages. They often have advanced features such as automatic transfer switches and remote monitoring for better regulation and control.

Cost

The cost of a generator varies greatly depending on its power output and complexity. Commercial generators have lower upfront and maintenance costs due to their lower power output and simpler functionality.

On the other hand, industrial generators require higher capital investment due to their larger capacity and advanced functions. They also often require professional installation and regular maintenance, adding to the total cost.

Durability and maintenance

Industrial generators are designed to withstand heavy use and adverse conditions, so they generally have sturdier construction and greater resistance, but may require more frequent maintenance checks.

Commercial generators, while durable, are less intensively used and may not have the same level of ruggedness. Maintenance requirements for these generators are generally low.

Environmental impact

Noise levels and generator emissions are two key factors when considering environmental impact. Given their large size and power output, industrial generators are often louder. Because of their larger engines, they also have stricter regulations on emissions.

In contrast, commercial generators tend to be quieter, which makes them suitable for environments such as businesses where noise may be disruptive. In terms of emissions, these generators generally comply with standard regulations for commercial use.

Choosing the right generator

When it comes to powering your business or facility, having the right generator is crucial. The choice between a commercial and industrial generator is not merely about their basic differences, but more about aligning a generator's capabilities with your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider when seeking the perfect fit for your power requirements.

Power needs

Calculate the power requirement for all the devices you want to support during a power outage. Also, take into account the initial load of the equipment in question. It is a good idea to add 20-25% of your total power requirements and size your generator based on that figure. Thus, the generator runs at about 80% of its capacity and has some reserve in case of additional requirements.

Operating time

Anticipate the duration for which you might need to run the generator during power outages. Natural gas generators are beneficial for extended outages because they can plug directly into your existing gas line.

Budget constraints

Analyze your requirements versus your budget. Commercial generators, despite having limited power outputs, are cost-effective and may serve small to medium businesses well. However, industrial generators, though pricier, provide higher power and might be essential for power-heavy setups. 

Installation controls

Consider options that provide easy installation and user-friendly control interfaces, especially for commercial generators. Industrial generators might necessitate professional installation and more complex control mechanisms.

Noise limits

Although noise is irrelevant for some industrial applications, quiet generators are essential for public and commercial applications such as hospitals, educational institutions, and retail stores. Some components can help reduce exhaust noise.

Fuel types and availability

Each type of fuel a generator uses has advantages and disadvantages regarding availability, cost, performance, and environmental impact. Also, consider any runtime and emission regulations in your location before deciding.

Location

Determining whether you'll be keeping your generator indoors or outdoors helps you choose the most efficient type, especially if you're considering a model that vibrates or has an extensive exhaust system. Also, you'll want to install your generator near the transfer switch, which plays a role in its activation during shutdown.

In summary

Making the right decision about a commercial or industrial generator is about more than just choosing a piece of equipment, it's about ensuring your business is successful. The importance of choosing a generator that suits your specific needs cannot be underestimated.

As a trusted generator manufacturer in China, BISON focuses on providing customized power solutions that meet your individual needs. We understand the nuances of varying environmental and power requirements in commercial and industrial settings. Utilizing industry best practices, we ensure we provide high-quality, durable and efficient generators with special consideration for your power needs, expected operating hours, budget, noise and preferences.

As you evaluate your backup power needs, remember we're here to help. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect generator, providing you with a comprehensive solution.

Contact us today and choose a power solution designed specifically for your needs.