Stationary generators: how to prepare for a blackout?
How to ensure yourself with electricity in case of a blackout? State institutions, municipal enterprises, and private companies try to ensure autonomy in case of power outage. But how to choose the right generator to meet the needs of your company?
What types of stationary generators are available on the market?
Most generators installed today are diesel generators. They can work for a long time without interruptions. Diesel units dominate the segment of generators with a capacity of 10 kW and above.
Depending on the location, generators of open or closed type (in a casing) are chosen. If the generator will be placed outdoors, a closed-type generator should be chosen. If it will be located indoors or under a canopy (with no noise level requirements), an open-type generator should be chosen. Diesel generators of closed type are much more common on the market today.
If there are multiple consumers at the enterprise, the mobility of the generator may be important. In this case, a generator on a wheeled base (in the form of a trailer) should be chosen for moving around the enterprise territory (from one consumer to another).
What engines are installed on generators?
The power of the generator depends on the installed engine. The engine works and produces energy in conjunction with an alternator. It is important to pay attention to additional engine options, such as whether it has oil heating and what sensors it has. Among the best engines, we can mention manufacturers like Baudouin and Iveco. Among the most reliable engines for stationary generators, Cummins and Perkins stand out separately, as they are always well-known and renowned for their quality and maximum equipment.
How to choose the power of a stationary generator correctly?
There are several criteria for choosing a generator, but the first and most important one is the total power consumed by the enterprise or all devices at the enterprise. The generator has two power ratings - nominal and maximum. If the generator is designed to work in standby mode (turned on for a limited time to power during the shutdown of the stationary (local) power source), the generator can be selected based on its maximum power. If the generator works constantly as the main (only) power source for the enterprise, its power supply capabilities should be calculated based on the nominal power.
For example, a 30 kW generator will have approximately 27-28 kW of nominal power. A 30 kW generator will be able to provide power if it works in standby mode, and 27 kW will be able to provide power as a constant power source. Working at maximum power cannot be long-lasting! For example, if the nominal power of the generator is 30 kW, it can work at a load of 110% (33 kW) for no more than an hour.
Installation and first start-up
All generators from Ekvives company are delivered to the customer fully ready for operation: they already have antifreeze and oil. To start the operation, you just need to fill in the fuel, which is absent only due to the prohibition of transporting fueled engines for safety reasons.
If the generator being installed has an AVR (automatic voltage regulator), it starts automatically when the main power source is turned off. When installing it, the local power cable is connected to the AVR unit, then to the generator, and from the generator to the consumer. In addition to the presence of power supply in the AVR unit, the battery charge (and other indicators) is monitored. When the light is turned on and the main power supply is restored, the generator also automatically turns off.
If the generator does not have an AVR unit, it is necessary to install an additional switchboard near the local switchboard and start the generator manually. An additional option for Ekvives customers is a GSM module that allows you to start the generator from a mobile phone, laptop, or any other device with an Internet connection. It is also possible to remotely monitor all indicators of the generator.
If the generator does not have an AVR unit, it is necessary to additionally install a panel with a switch near the local panel and start the generator manually. An additional option for Ekvives customers is a GSM module that allows you to start the generator from a mobile phone, laptop, or any other device with an Internet connection. It is also possible to remotely monitor all indicators of the generator.
Does a stationary generator need maintenance?
The first maintenance takes place after 50 operating hours. Then you need to take care of the generator every 200, 500 and 1000 engine hours.
In general, the service mode is as follows:
50 engine hours (first service) — oil and all filters are completely replaced;
200 engine hours — replacement of lubricant and oil filters;
500 engine hours — air filter replacement;
1000 engine hours — replacement of antifreeze.
Services of the company Ekvives
The company Ekvives is a domestic manufacturer of generator equipment, has a main service center in Kyiv, which provides maintenance services for generators. Among the accompanying services provided to customers, warranty service, maintenance (lubricant replacement, etc.), free first maintenance (when the generator is supplied, filter sets for the first maintenance (after 50 operating hours) are included.
For customers, the company's specialists can calculate the total power consumption of the enterprise to determine which power generator is needed.
The company has generators from 18 kW to 1500 kW. Generators from 10 kW of any capacity can be made to order (the order fulfillment period is up to 8 weeks). Generators are equipped with engines of global manufacturers Cummins, Perkins, Baudouin, Iveco, Lister Petter.
Ivan Bereza, Ekvives expert
