A reliable backup generator is a crucial investment for any business looking to ensure continuity during power outages. When the utility grid fails, having a backup power source can save your operations from costly downtime and potential losses. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a generator for your business, including advantages and disadvantages of common fuel types, enclosure options, and how to appropriately size the generator based on your specific needs.
Generator Fuel Types: Natural Gas, Propane, and Diesel
- Natural Gas Generators:
Advantages:
- Continuous Supply: Businesses with access to a natural gas utility source can enjoy an uninterrupted fuel supply, eliminating the need for refueling.
- Lower Maintenance: Natural gas generators generally require less maintenance compared to diesel generators since there’s no need to store fuel on-site or worry about fuel degradation.
- Clean Burning: Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel, resulting in reduced emissions.
Disadvantages:
- No On-site Fuel: Natural gas may not be viable for some critical operations facilities that require on-site fuel storage, such as healthcare.
- Fuel Source Dependency: In case of natural gas supply disruptions, the generator may become inoperable.
- Propane Generators:
Advantages:
- On-site Fuel Supply: Propane can be stored on-site in tanks, making it suitable for some applications where on-site fuel is required.
- Long Shelf Life: Propane has an indefinite shelf life, so you can store it for extended periods without degradation.
- Clean Burning: Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to diesel, resulting in reduced emissions.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Run Time: Propane generator tanks have limited run times compared to natural gas generators, which can be an issue during prolonged outages if access to refueling is restricted.
- Fuel Availability: In remote areas, finding propane supply points might be challenging.
- Generator Size Limitations: Propane generators are typically limited to lower kilowatt sizes compared to diesel and natural gas-fueled generators.
- Diesel Generators:
Advantages:
- Widely Available: Diesel fuel is readily available in most areas, making it a dependable option for backup power.
- On-site Fuel Supply: Diesel can be stored in tanks, which meets the requirements for facilities that need on-site fuel storage, including healthcare.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Run Time: Diesel generator tanks have limited run times compared to natural gas generators, which can be an issue during prolonged outages if access to refueling is restricted.
- Emissions: Diesel generators produce higher emissions compared to natural gas or propane generators.
- Fuel Storage and Degradation: Diesel fuel requires proper storage and maintenance to avoid contamination or degradation.
Standard Weather Enclosures vs. Sound Attenuated Enclosures
- Standard Weather Enclosures: Standard weather enclosures provide basic protection to the generator from environmental elements such as rain, snow, and UV rays. They are suitable for outdoor installation areas that have adequate ventilation. However, they do not offer noise reduction capabilities.
- Sound Attenuated Enclosures: Sound attenuated enclosures, on the other hand, offer the same weather protection as standard enclosures while significantly reducing operational noise levels. This makes them ideal for businesses situated in noise-sensitive areas or close to residential zones.
Sizing the Generator Appropriately
The proper sizing of your backup generator is essential to ensure it meets the power demands of your business during emergencies. Sizing depends on whether you intend to power the entire building or just essential loads. Here are two key approaches:
- Powering the Entire Building: To determine the generator size for powering the entire building, perform a detailed load analysis of all electrical equipment, including HVAC systems, lighting, machinery, computers, and other critical components. A professional electrical engineer or a licensed electrical contractor can assist in assessing the peak power demand and selecting a generator with adequate capacity to cover the entire electrical load.
- Emergency Loads Only: Alternatively, if you opt to power only essential loads during an outage, identify the critical equipment that needs to remain operational. This typically includes safety systems, security, refrigeration, communication equipment, and lighting. Calculate the power requirement for these essential loads and select a generator with a capacity that meets or exceeds the total power demand.
Before making a final decision on a backup generator system, consult with experts and consider the specific needs of your business to make an informed and cost-effective choice.
For more information, see: How to Design and Size Standby Generators for Businesses
Clifford Power Systems, Inc. provides dependable generator equipment, service, and rental. We are solely focused on power generation and offer professional consultation to meet all your project needs. Contact us at any of our locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, or Arkansas.
Clifford Power is an authorized Generac® industrial power dealer.