Analysis of the Effect of Radiator Performance on Power Production of Diesel Generator 1 at PLTMG Batamindo

Abstract

Gas Engine Power Plants (PLTMG) are widely used in Batam City due to their relatively small land requirements and economical operational costs. The reliability of a PLTMG is heavily influenced by its cooling system, particularly the radiator, which maintains the engine operating temperature at an optimal level to ensure power stability. This study uses a quantitative approach based on operational data from the Diesel Generator (DG) 1 radiator at PT Batamindo Investment Cakrawala for the period of January–March 2026. Measured parameters include coolant inlet and outlet temperatures, heat transfer surface area, and generator load. The analysis results show that the highest average heat transfer rate occurred in March 2026 at 2,533.2 kW (with an effectiveness of 38.0%), while the lowest occurred in January 2026 at 2,295.0 kW (with an effectiveness of 35.1%). The increase in radiator effectiveness has a positive correlation with the increase in generator load from 3.41 MW to 3.60 MW.