Complete Guide To Choosing Backup Diesel Generators For Farms Universal For Pig, Chicken, Shrimp Farming, Etc.

Boss of livestock farms, are you troubled over how to choose a suitable diesel generator set? Please read on patiently, it might be helpful to you.

 

1. First, calculate the total power (the most crucial first step)

 

The biggest concern for a farm during a power outage is that all critical equipment-fans, water curtains, negative pressure fans, heating lamps, water pumps, feed lines, cooling/heating systems, biogas pool equipment, monitoring systems, and lighting-stops working.

 

1. List all critical load power

Compile a list of all equipment that must not lose power:

 

- Negative pressure fans, circulation fans, water curtain pumps

 

- Heating lamps, hot air furnace/cooling fans

 

- Automatic feed lines, drinking water pumps, sewage pumps

 

- Incubators, environmental control cabinets, monitoring systems, lighting

 

2. Selection calculation formula

Generator rated power ≥ Total power of all simultaneously running equipment × 1.2~1.5 redundancy factor

Motor loads (fans, pumps) have high startup currents, so a 1.5 times margin must be reserved; it cannot be just barely matched.

 

Example: If the total power of all critical equipment is 80 kW, selecting a 120 kW–150 kW generator is most appropriate.

 

Reminder: Buy for normal operational power, not backup power

Backup power can only be used briefly. Farms require long-term load operation, so PRP (Prime Rated Power) must be used for continuous operation.

 

 

II. How to Choose the Type of Model

 

1. Priority of Power Brands (Worry-free, Durable, Low Failure Rate)

 

- Best value for money: Yuchai, Weichai, Shangchai, and other well-known brands (most commonly used in farms, easy to find spare parts, durable, and fuel-efficient)

 

- Unrecommended: generic brands

 

2. Generator

Choose a pure copper brushless motor, it must be pure copper, do not buy aluminum wire; brushless motors are maintenance-free, moisture-proof, and dust-resistant, making them suitable for the humid and dusty environment of farms.

 

3. Structural Form

- Silent generator sets: Highly recommended! Suitable for farms near living areas, low startup noise at night, does not disturb residents or frighten livestock.

 

- Open-frame: Cheaper but noisy, prone to dust and moisture, only suitable for remote, uninhabited pig farms.

 

- Fully automatic ATS dual power switching: Essential. Automatically starts when the power goes out and stops when power is restored, ensuring environmental control is uninterrupted without manual monitoring.

 

 

Ⅲ. Special Usage Requirements for Farms (Must Read)

 

1. High Humidity and Dust
Choose a dustproof and moisture-proof reinforced model, with a larger air filter and motor treated for moisture resistance to avoid damage from dampness.

 

2. Standby Machines for Occasional Use
Equip with battery float charging and preheating of the unit, with one-button start in low-temperature winters.

 

3. Stable Voltage Required
Environmental controllers and incubators are sensitive to voltage, so a voltage-stabilized model is necessary to prevent controller damage.

 

4. Fuel Consumption and Fuel Tank
Select models with built-in large fuel tanks to allow continuous operation for 8–12 hours; external fuel tanks can be added later.

 

5. Installation Location
Keep away from air vents of pigsties and chicken coops to avoid backflow of exhaust; elevate the foundation to prevent rain and flooding, and ensure proper exhaust duct installation.

 

 

Ⅴ. Must-Have Configuration Checklist (Avoid Pitfalls in One Go)

✅ Common power units (don't choose backup power)
✅ Pure copper brushless generator
✅ Noise-reducing silent box version
✅ ATS fully automatic dual power transfer cabinet
✅ Upgraded large desert air filter, dustproof and moisture-proof
✅ Smart dashboard, automatic fault protection (auto shutdown for overload, high temperature, or low oil pressure)
✅ Matching battery, base fuel tank, vibration pads

 

Ⅵ. Key Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Don't just add up the rated power on the nameplate without multiplying by a factor; it can easily overload or trip.

2. Don't be tempted to buy aluminum wire motors or refurbished units; they break down after half a year.

3. Don't skip the ATS; if the power goes out in the middle of the night, someone has to run to start it, causing huge losses.

4. Don't place the unit in low-lying areas; it will be ruined if flooded during the rainy season.

 

Please tell me: Does your farm raise pigs or chickens, how many pens/sheds do you have, and approximately how many fans and water pumps? I can directly calculate the exact power required for you and match you with specific models and configuration plans.