Whilst Beta Marine has had many years of experience and technical expertise delivering marine electrical power solutions for Inland Waterways, Seagoing leisure, Seagoing commercial vessels and Port Authorities, only general guidance can be given on this website as electrical power requirements for a vessel or port are a complex subject with many variables that need to be taken into account and considered.
Depending on needs this could be an integrated mix of electric energy delivered by a combination that may include engine alternators, domestic battery banks, inverters, generating sets and shore power.
For bespoke support please contact one of our specialist generating set team on the Beta Marine Help Desk.
General Overview
Beta Marine Kubota based Generating Sets are available ranging from 4 kVA to 58 kVA.
Marine generating set manufacturers quote power rated in kVA, electrical appliances/equipment are normally rated in Watts and kW. There is a direct correlation between them.
One thousand watts 1000W = 1kW (kilowatt)
The relationship of kVA to kW is based on a 0.8 power factor and one of the following appropriate calculations;
kVA multiplied by 0.8 = kW or
kW divided by 0.8 = kVA.
To select the correct specification generating set there are several key factors that should be taken into consideration.
Electrical Use
An average family home with a 100 Amp 230v AC (Single Phase 50 Hz) mains electrical supply would be unlikely to require more than a total of 23 kW of power used in total at any one given point in a normal family weekly schedule.
Should you wish your vessel to be used as ‘live aboard’ and to be as convenient as an average family home, using electrical power to the same schedule then a BetaSet or BetaGen model 33 which produces 33 kVA or 28 kW would be a base starting point.
However by moderating or rescheduling which appliances are being used at the same time which reduces the total given kW required at a given time, a smaller generating set can be considered.
Thought should be given to what appliances will be used together, when and for how long. Based on these needs a weekly schedule should be compiled which also has all the appliances maximum loads listed, so an appropriate calculation for the maximum kW/kVA at a given time and duration is known. This will then guide you to the most appropriate generating set model.
Note: It would be prudent to factor in any appliances that are at presently omitted but may possibly be planned for in the future.
We additionally recommend adding in a + 10 < 20% kW/kVA power factor of safety.
Total Electrical Requirement
Appliances on a vessel can be a mix of;
- 230V AC: Which are mains powered items that on land would be powered by the domestic mains supply – (Single Phase, 50 Hz) powered by an integrated mix of battery bank, 50 Hz inverter, generating set and shore power.
- 12 Volt DC: Are items that are usually powered from the vessels battery bank or engine alternators such as 12v interior lighting, navigation lights & equipment, engine room ventilation fans, domestic water pump, non mains fridge or television etc.
Calculations will need to be made to ensure adequate electrical power Amp hours are available from the battery bank to service both 50 Hz inverter & 12 Volt DC needs.
Should your calculations indicate a maximum demand no greater than either 3.5 or 5kVA an alternative solution could be a Beta Marine engine fitted with a Travel Power inverter which generates 230 volt AC 50 Hz. For further information please refer to our Greenline Engine Range.
Comfort and Convenience
Depending on the location of the generating set within the vessel, noise levels maybe an important criteria which is why Beta Marine offer generating sets as either
BetaSet (open framed) Models or
GenSet (acoustically enclosed) Models.
Although the BetaSet is quiet by comparison as standard, the Genset enclosure reduces noise level down to a low 60 dB(A) when measured at seven metres under free field conditions at normal operating speed.
Quick release “service” panels facilitate easy, simple and unobstructed access to the engine, generator and ancillaries. All necessary connections are all brought out of the enclosure ready for a quick and easy installation.
A remote generator control is available as an optional extra.
Generating Set Electrical Options
4 – Pole – 0.8 PF @ 50Hz (1,500 RPM) Generating Sets: for long life and reliability with lower noise levels. Single Phase 220/230/240 volt AC 50Hz or 3 Phase 380/400/415 volt AC 50Hz
2 – Pole – 0.8 PF @ 50Hz (3,000 RPM) Generating Sets: for long life and reliability however due to operating speed have higher noise levels. Single Phase 220/230/240 volt AC 50 Hz or 3 Phase 120 volt AC 50Hz
4 – Pole – 0.8 PF @ 60Hz (1,800 RPM) Generating Sets: for long life and reliability with lower noise levels. Single Phase 120 volt AC 60Hz or 3 Phase 208/120 volt AC 60Hz
2 – Pole – 0.8 PF @ 60Hz (3,600 RPM) Generating Sets: for long life and reliability however due to operating speed have higher noise levels. Single Phase 120 volt AC 60Hz or 3 Phase 208/120 volt AC 60Hz
All are offered as either Heat Exchanger, Keel or Radiator Cooled. Bespoke voltages and frequencies are available, for further information or support please contact one of our specialist generating set team on the Beta Marine Help Desk.