These power failures are far more common than ever before. Generators maybe be gas or diesel powered and have a large external tank that will usually allow them to run for up to 48 hours before refuelling. A Standby Generator power back up system is also becoming more common for banks, distribution centres and private businesses that can not allow any disputation in their critical systems, especially if they are locked into a 'supply from stock contract' with their key customers.
Simply speaking, a standby generator is a robust commercial engine mounted on a skid, fitted with a large alternator, radiator, on board fuel tank and electric governing, housed either in a weather proof canopy or within a purpose built building. Sometimes referred to as 'a lorry without wheels', they are far more sophisticated than that. Each standby system has to be ready to start up at any given time, winter or summer, rain or storm without any possibility of failure, to ensure you have some level of disaster prevention .
The generator will be cabled into the incoming supply distribution board via an 'Automatic Transfer panel' also referred to as an' AMF' or 'Automatic Mains Transfer Panel' This is the nerve centre, constantly monitoring the sensitive harmonics of the National Grid supply for any deviation or fluctuation to the regular pattern. If such a deviation is sensed, then it is this panel that will instantaneously sent the 'start up signal' to the generator
Is the generator really on permanent standby? Yes. Every standby generator has a water heater that keeps the engine at a constant temperature so in the event of be required at a moments notice, the engine is already at its optimum temperature.
Can a standby generator fail ? Yes, like any mechanical equipment it needs regular maintenance and servicing. Though if maintained correctly, a standby generator will give over 30 years of faithful service ready to fire up and hold the building load within 60 seconds, day or night. What could I do to prevent any level of failure? You require N+1 disaster prevention.
Are standby generators noisy? Every generator is built to E.U noise level standards. Each has a silencer and can be either an openset, which has no housing or an enclosed set which is much quieter usually 85db at one metre and 65db at 7 metres.
In today's climate of fear, loss of power has become a serious issue. The technology of generators has been around since the birth of the combustion engine and yet they have become one of the most 'must have items' of any new commercial buildings in the 21st century.
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Types of generator
Diesel generators are the most commonly installed. The fuel is usually chosen for its low flammability and stability over time. Also, when considering capital expenditure, diesel-powered products are usually the most cost effective.
Natural gas is a regularly used alternative where available, although the engine will be need to be larger than a diesel equivalent to compensate for the lower calorific value of gas compared with petrol or diesel.
Weight
Generators are heavy. A 100kVA generator will weigh approximately 1.7 metric tons. The installation position is therefore important. If the chosen site is at ground level, for instance, the car park, weight is not a problem. If however the installation site is within a building, or on the roof, the load bearing capabilities of the structure will need to be ascertained
Exhaust, noise and heat emissions
All internal combustion engines produce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and noise. Exhaust gasses will have to be vented, and best practice is for this exhaust pipe to be of less than 10 meters in length. The exit point should be away from windows and other air intake points. Noise can be attenuated to an acceptable level for use outdoors by the use of acoustic hoods and to a lesser degree, weather-proof enclosures.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure reliability should a power failure occur. Taking a maintenance contract ensures that, if there is an emergency, an engineer will be despatched within four hours of a fault being reported. A typical maintenance contract, such as those we provide, include two visits every year to clean filters and check or change the oil and battery fluids (on certain models) in addition to the other regular checks to ensure reliability.
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring is a valuable maintenance option. The service provides constant monitoring while the generator is in operation and monitors your weekly auto-start procedures. It automatically confirms successful test runs, provides notification of any mains failure, common alarms and low fuel levels. You are notified of any alerts by SMS text or email as required.
Load bank testing
The service can be performed independently, or as an addition to the generator maintenance, and is undertaken by attaching an electrical load to the generator and monitoring results.
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