Do You Need Continuous Power Generators?

Do You Need Continuous Power Generators?

Before you set out to buy diesel generators for emergency power needs, you should determine the requirements you need. Sometimes you only need enough power for short periods of time and possibly the traditional standby generators will do.

Typical standby generators can be fueled with diesel and meet a power outage needs operating for several hours. However, many standby generators are not designed for operating days on end so, if you are subjected to frequent power outages for long periods of time, consider investing in standby generators that are designed for prime or continuous use as an uninterrupted source for emergency power. Unless you buy standby generators that are designed for industrial use, you may overload your choice for backup generators exposing them to repetitive breakdowns and need for repair.

Top Choice for Remote Operations

There are certain situations when it may be less expensive to operate prime and continuous diesel generators rather than purchase power from the local utility grid. Also, for large industrial uses, there may be some limitations placed on the amount of electricity that can be drawn from a public grid creating a need to augment what is available. Many remote businesses such as mining, construction, oil and gas exploration, ranching and farming demand the best diesel generators to ensure smooth, continuous business operations.

Features to Consider for Continuous Power Diesel Generators

All machines called upon to operate continuously for extended periods of time need to be ruggedly constructed to handle the heavy demands placed upon them. This holds quite true for continuous or prime diesel generators as well. These machines have to withstand the rigors handling friction produced between moving parts and operate under conditions of sustained heat for long periods of time. Therefore, diesel generators rated for this kind of use tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional standby generators or home backup generators. Some features you need to consider are:

• Cooling System – needs to be quite large for continuous power diesel generators. The continuous fuel combustion creates an enormous amount of heat that has to be removed to ensure operation. Liquid cooling is recommended since circulating water absorbs heat the best when wrapped in a jacket around the engine.
  
• Air Cleaner – Large continuously running diesel generators need heavy-duty cleaners, filters and assemblies that work automatically since constant running prohibits manual cleaning.
  
• Running at Lower Speed – Large diesel generators kept running continuously need to operate at low revolutions per minute (RPM). Most traditional standby generators operate at about 1800 RPMs. Continuously running diesel generators should operate in the 1200 RPM range, or lower at 900 RPM, if possible. Lower speeds increase unit life while reducing maintenance costs.
  
• Power Output – Continuously running diesel generators are available providing anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of rated capacity for unlimited time. The output is constant at the rated capacity. Where loads are solely dependent upon power supplied by diesel generators, it is highly recommended that two identical diesel generators are installed. These should be connected in such a way that when one unit fails to perform, the other automatically kicks in.

For emergency preparedness and complete control of continuous power in the middle of nowhere, you can always call Emergency Power. The leader in diesel standby generators today, supplying governments and militaries on the North American continent.