Critical Factors to Consider Before Buying Parallel Generators

Source: Homoatrox

Presently, the demand for reliable electricity and standby emergency power is drastically increasing. As a result, outstanding dealers such as able sales have invented parallel generator systems, which are excellent power backups.

Future growth may prompt a building to be expanded, thus increasing its electrical demands. Therefore, designing generator systems that provide for future growth calls for a cost versus benefit discussion with a client.

Only systems that are capable of paralleling generators can provide for system-growth capability. Also, the owner can comfortably purchase additional generator capacity based on the need.

Electrical engineers must be cautious when designing these generator systems. They must ensure that the building’s electrical capacity can support the specific application. Below are some fundamental factors that are considered before paralleling generators.

Physical Location

Choosing a convenient location for Existing Power Supply and Existing Power Supply Systems is very critical. A lot of considerations must be made based on the impacts they will have on adjacent systems. Also, you should have in mind that generators are large, noisy, and in most cases, produce unpleasant fumes.

It is essential to do thorough research to determine the maximum level of permissible noise in the area. Your research should be narrowed down to noise levels expected for a generator system.

Usually, the noisiest parts of a generator system that are the radiator fan, system vibrations, exhaust system, and engine. After identifying the noise sources, the design team is expected to find out the permissible noise levels in the adjacent property, buildings, or rooms.

After that, the necessary steps should be taken to reduce the noise. The most effective ways are; use of muffler systems which has high-insertion-loss values or louvers that have sufficient free-area. Also, using building walls that have sufficient transmission loss can work incredibly well.

Another very crucial thing to consider is the generator exhaust. Its proximity to the building’s ventilation and the prevailing wind directions should be taken into account. Natural disasters like floods should also be considered when determining the location of EPS and EPSS.

Environmental Conditions

Usually, generators are easily affected by adverse weather conditions and therefore require regular maintenance. Generators that have unit-mounted radiators require a lot of air from outside. The air should be ample in the room and also across the generator surfaces. However, air from outside has varying temperatures as well as humidity. Also, it may contain dust particles, pollen, flying insects, and other debris that can be carried by air.

On the other hand, generators produce a lot of noise, heat, and vibrations. When these factors combine, they make the environmental conditions very adverse for the system to operate effectively. The use of filters on louvers and grills to prevent dust is not a good idea too because, after a while, they will clog, thus preventing perfect airflow.

Expansion of Existing Systems

When dealing with existing emergency power supply systems, addition or replacement is usually very tricky. A design team must be present to identify possible implications to the current system. Emergency power outages are very critical, especially in health care sectors, critical operations, or any mission to essential buildings.

Expansion of the systems will require the standby emergency power system to be taken offline for some time. However, a thorough risk assessment must be done with the owner, who will alert disaster management teams.

The nature of the risk is assessed based on the proposed duration in which the emergency power system outage will occur during connection. To avoid any risk occurrence or other inconveniences, a new Existing Power Supply System would be the best option, rather than adding to an existing system.

Maintenance Implications

Anytime generator systems need maintenance; they must be taken out of service for a period of time. As a result, they cannot be used during a power outage and therefore calls for alternatives, which may be an added cost.

The most recommendable thing is to have additional sources of standby emergency power to serve during generator maintenance. At such times, paralleled generator systems may not be useful. As such, maintenance should be done frequently and when it is convenient.

Paralleling Requirements

Traditional switchgear, which has motor-operated breakers, can be used to parallel generator sets. A paralleling logic is housed inside the switchgear or otherwise in remote cabinets. Alternatively, the unit-mounted generator controllers can be allowed to provide paralleling control, which is an excellent way to reduce total system costs.

Onboard paralleling is good since it allows the design team to plan for a modular generator system. The system can provide more space for several other additional generator packages, which may be added as the load increases.

A stand-alone paralleling gear normally has a higher initial cost. However, this gear provides an overview of the entire system. In addition, its controls and breakers can be put in a well-conditioned place outside the Existing Power supply room. However, it is crucial to provide necessary protection to sensitive electronics from adverse environmental conditions.

On the other hand, unit-mounted controllers have enhanced redundancy. Even though one system controller may get lost, this is not likely to eradicate or tamper with the paralleling function of the remaining generators. It is recommendable that paralleling systems for critical functions can be manually controlled. In the case of electronic failure, the functions can still be done as usual. The generator control space should have clearly defined steps for manual startups and controls. Also, the personnel operating the system should be well versed in it.

The Design Choice

After selecting a paralleled generator system, the owner, with the help of a design team, identifies an appropriate physical location. They also decide on the future growth potential, desired redundancy, fuel system, voltage, and electrical-demand requirements.

In most cases, the operating voltage of the Existing Power Supply System is determined by matching the normal service voltage. However, discrepancies can occur when the systems are located far away from the buildings they serve. In such cases, medium or high voltages should be used.

In conclusion, making a decision to purchase and fit a parallel generator in your building can be very overwhelming. Able sales are specialists who understand what is best for you. Contact them now for an excellent deal.