What Makes Up A Standby Generator?
Breaking Down Generators
As a world leader in generator sales, service and rentals, we are always on the lookout for well-maintained, low-hour gensets. We are the biggest buyers of new, surplus and used gensets as well!
When these lightly-used units arrive at our locations in Texas, Colorado and Florida, buyers understand they were used for emergency standby applications. It also illustrates they were rarely called upon.
Limited hours incurred are typically from periodic maintenance and load testing. For example, when a Cummins set has been well maintained, they can still offer a long and dependable life for a new owner.
Configuration Options
- Skid Mounted – This unit includes an engine, generator and cooling system mounted on a skid. This unit is ready for installation in a building or enclosure.
- Sound Attenuated Enclosure – The unit is mounted in an enclosure. The structure enables the unit to sit outside and be protected from elements. All systems are located in the enclosure and the structure also dampens generator sound.
Skid Mounted
Most of these generators are available in skid mounted or with enclosures. A Cummins 2250 kW skid mounted generator with a QSK 60 engine is illustrated:
- Cooling System – Includes radiator, surge tank, aftercooler, oil and fuel coolers.
- Turbochargers – 2 banks of 2 turbochargers that supply air to the engine.
- Exhaust Manifold – Connected to the turbochargers, has one bank per side.
- Air Filters – Provides clean air to compressor side of turbochargers.
- Generator End – Produces 480 VAC. Rated at 2250 kW standby power in this example.
- Power Command Control (PCC) – Controller for all engine/generator functions.
- Fuel Filters – offers filtration of fuel that flows from the tank.
- Fuel/Water Separators – Water can be drained from filter by opening valve, separates water from fuel.
Sound Attenuated Enclosures
Engine components in the enclosed units are the same as skid mounted. This 2250 kW unit is one of the low hour generators in the package. The components include:
- Enclosure Lighting – Power supplied by circuit breaker in sub-panel. Controlled by a switch.
- Pancake Muffler – Critical grade muffler provides lower noise levels during operation.
- Cooling Louvers – Provides ventilation during generator operation.
- Battery Chargers – Maintains charge of start battery banks for starting engine.
- Fuel Tank – 4,120 gallon large capacity tank.
- Enclosure Frame – Mounts to fuel tank and supplies base for generator skid.
- Enclosure – Houses generator skid and operating components. Equipped with Emergency Shutdown Switch.
Story Summary
What is a standby generator?
A standby generator is a backup power supply, electrical system -- that automatically turns on when utility power goes out. It runs on diesel, natural gas or propane and is either portable or permanently installed outside your business. Standby generators provide power so you can operate as normal during outages.
What Does Skid Mounted Mean?
The engine, generator and cooling system are mounted on a skid, a industrial base, ready for installation in a factory or enclosure.
What Does A Sound Attentuted Enclosure Do?
This is a box, or structure, that coveres a genset. The housing covers the until encompassing all controls and components, protecting the unit from the elements like weather, rain and more. An enclosure also dampsens the sound of the unit so it is quieter while running so the genset isn't as loud.
Why Are Low-Hour Generators More Desired?
Just like a car when it comes to low or high miles, a generator with low-hours means it hasn't been used very much. So there's less wear and chances are it has been well maintained. This also tells us a unit was in a standby role and probably only run for maintenance, exercising and emergency outages.
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| 10/31/2017 4:49:05 PM
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