If fan noise is excessive for a nearby area, a remote fan and radiator can be used. In most instances, an engine-mounted radiator and fan provide genset cooling. For example, a 350kW unit may require as much as 33,000 cfm of air when running. Also note that an adequate volume of air, based on the genset size, is required. Be sure openings are provided and located so that cool clean air can be brought in, force through the engine cooling system, and directed out without recirculating. Reliable operation of an engine-generator set is dependent upon adequate Ventilation and cooling.
When additional vibration reduction is required, heavy-duty isolators and/or specially designed structural components can be provided, such as "floating" floors or foundations that rest on rubberized "hockey-puck" isolators.Ĭooling. These can reduce up to 98% of the vibration produced. Steel spring vibration isolators are normally provided on engine-generator sets rated from about 150kW up. Several types of manufactured vibration isolating devices are available and are effective in reducing vibration transmission when installed between the genset and the supporting foundation or floor slab.
Additional isolation usually is not required. Smaller gensets have rubber vibration isolators located between the engine and generator assemblies and the skid. Proper preparation includes excavation, setting of forms, reinforcing of structural steel where the unit is installed on an upper floor, vibration isolation, anchor-bolt positioning, and shimming and grouting. The foundation may be a large concrete mass or simply a fabricated steel base, depending upon the size of the genset and the type of soil or supporting material. You should also evaluate the weight-bearing ability and characteristics of the surface (soil, steel-work, etc.) where the unit is to be installed so that the most appropriate foundation is provided. This foundation serves three important functions: It supports the weight of the engine-generator set it maintains correct alignment between engine and generator and it isolates any vibration produced. A genset must be mounted on a substantial and level base. In addition, special considerations are usually required for use in ambient temperatures below 40 F. Installation procedures for large auxiliary-power units (1000kW to 2000kW) are usually more costly because of requirements for foundations, vibration damping, sound reduction, water cooling, exhaust stacks, and starting equipment. Important installation considerations include: Prior to starting an installation, be sure that all specifications are in order. 705, Interconnected Electric Power Production sources. 701, Legally Required Standby Systems Art.
#Floor generator vertical code#
Applicable Code rules, which serve as excellent guidelines for effective design, selection, and installation, vary with the purpose of the system under consideration.īe sure to review in detail Art. As a result, not only are energy costs reduced, but also capital costs are frequently slashed, permitting a fast payback of the initial capital investment. When such energy-conservation installations are implemented, grants or rebates that can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars may be available from the local utility or governmental body. Where appropriate, this can save significant amounts of money.Ĭogeneration, another energy-saving, cost-cutting technique, utilizes waste heat from one or more engine-generator sets to perform useful functions. This results in lower demand for power from the utility by cutting power peaks during selected 15- or 30-min intervals. This is accomplished through peak-shaving, which calls for the application of generator power to selected loads that are shed from the normal utility supply. Other applications include highly dependable back-up power for computer installations, communications networks, and modern research and development laboratories, each of which call for multiple engine-generator sets incorporating a wide variety of support equipment and systems.Īlso, an increasing number of facilities use on-site power to reduce operating costs. Hospitals and nursing homes have special needs vital to life, and these emergency power systems reflect these requirements.
Typical applications include apartment and office buildings, hotels and motels, places of assembly, and government facilities. Most engine-generator systems provide for human safety and protection of property. These general guidelines will help you complete the installation of an efficient and reliable genset.Įngine-generator sets now have countless applications, often with multiple uses within the same facility.