An engine, usually a diesel or gas turbine, connected
to an alternator, to provide electrical power. The power
is used to replace the mains source – should it
fail.
The changeover from mains to standby source may be made
either manually or automatically and occurs via a changeover
switch that is linked such that only one source is selected
at a time.
Generators are
noisy, heavy and they vibrate. The foundation and
housing for them needs to take this into account.
Also, they need a supply of fresh aspirating air for
cooling and combustion.
A standby electrical power supply
is essential for any business facility where an interruption
to their electricity supply for a number of hours,
would lose its customers and/or money.
It seems extraordinary that businesses, football matches,
dog racing stadiums – or even the Stock Exchange,
close down because of a lack of standby power. The
cost of an installation will clearly vary according
to many factors, and its worth will be measured against
the losses that would otherwise result were the electrical
supply to fail. Depreciation of the equipment is slow
and the payback immediate in the event of an outage.
A 250kW facility will cost in the region of £35k
and will support a medium sized facility. There are
alternative means of financing the purchase of the
equipment.
However, the provision of such a
facility is more than simply buying the equipment
and installing it. There are various authorities that
need to become involved and satisfied and of course
there are the Pitfalls
that can occur. The sizing of the equipment is clearly
important, as is the duration of resilience required
– see Pitfalls –
again!
See: How do we do it?
To find out how we assemble those elements & activities
to tailor and construct a facility to match your requirements
– within the timescale and expenditure budgets
agreed.
See: How much will it cost?
To find out how the financial aspects are dealt with.
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