Generators used in high altitudes
Does anyone know if the Champion Inverter generators will run in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska? Will be there this summer and will need ti use a generator at times. Thanks
Forum Discussion
You can expect a Champion generator, or any other economy priced gas powered generator to operate under similar principles as a naturally aspirated piston airplane engine. The standard lapse rate applies which says that for every 1000 feet above sea level you are, expect to lose about 3.5% of your rated power. Additionally, for about every 10 degrees F above standard temperature at the elevation that you are (59 degrees F is standard temperature @ sea level) expect to lose approximately another 2% rated power. These are rules of thumb, not absolute statements. They are designed to be conservative so that pilots don't kill themselves, their passengers, and/or innocent bystanders when taking off at higher elevation airports at higher than standard temperatures.
For example: If you are camped at 7000 feet elevation and 78 degrees F outside, expect to lose:
3.5% x 7 = 24.5% rated performance because of the higher elevation
additionally: because it is 78 degrees F outside you can expect to lose another:
2% x 4 = 8% more performance because of the higher than normal standard temperature
Expect a total of 24.5% + 8% = 32.5% loss in power. (approximately)
According to the standard lapse rate it should be 38 degrees F at 7000 feet (you lose 3 degrees F per 1000 feet rise in elevation above sea level)
Some more expensive generators are intentionally over powered to minimize generator losses at higher elevations. They are overpowered (but throttled back) at sea level so they retain a higher % of their rated performance as elevations increase. Generally, you get what you pay for!
Chum lee
For example: If you are camped at 7000 feet elevation and 78 degrees F outside, expect to lose:
3.5% x 7 = 24.5% rated performance because of the higher elevation
additionally: because it is 78 degrees F outside you can expect to lose another:
2% x 4 = 8% more performance because of the higher than normal standard temperature
Expect a total of 24.5% + 8% = 32.5% loss in power. (approximately)
According to the standard lapse rate it should be 38 degrees F at 7000 feet (you lose 3 degrees F per 1000 feet rise in elevation above sea level)
Some more expensive generators are intentionally over powered to minimize generator losses at higher elevations. They are overpowered (but throttled back) at sea level so they retain a higher % of their rated performance as elevations increase. Generally, you get what you pay for!
Chum lee
