Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007 - (Page S18)

on-peakperformance >>>>>>>>>>>>> Specifying Outdoor Generator By James Iverson Senior Applications Engineer Cummins Power Generation Minneapolis Protecting Power: With facilities opting for larger standby generators, where to locate these gensets can be a problem. >> usinesses and industries are adding more and larger emergency standby generators to reduce the impact of power outages, but where to locate these generators often becomes a problem. Stand-alone buildings or large mechanical rooms are not an option in many applications, particularly existing facilities or other sites with limited space or other installation obstacles. Outdoor generator enclosures often are the answer in these situations, and as emergency standby generators have become more vital to the continuation of business, so too have outdoor generator set enclosures that are properly designed, ventilated, secured, and located. Sound-attenuated, walk-in enclosure outside a bank data center in Belgium. B Once you’ve decided to install your generator set outside in an enclosure, the overall cost and ease of installation will depend on the physical location of all elements of the system—generator set, fuel tanks and accessories. Several types of enclosures are available, including weatherprotective, sound-attenuating, and walk-in. Weather-protective. While all metal enclosures provide weather protection, these basic enclosures only secure the generator set and provide protection from the elements. They do not retain heat or hold temperatures above ambient in cold weather or provide cooling beyond the ventilation and airflow offered by incorporated louvers or perforated panels. Sound attenuation is minimal and, due to their tight fit, access panels or doors are required for maintenance and inspections. S o u n d - a t t e nu a t i n g . Sound-attenuating enclosures may be specified when noise reduction is needed to meet local ordinances. These enclosures are generally larger and more costly than strictly weather-protective enclosures due to the design features required to reduce generator set noise. Walk-in. This term encompasses a wide variety of enclosures that are custom-built to a specific application. Walk-in enclosures often include sound attenuation, as well as space for power switching and monitoring equipment, lighting, fuel tanks, and other equipment. They can also accommodate insulating and heating capability. Walk-in enclosures may be treated as a building by local inspection officials. Virtually any size generator set can be housed in an outdoor enclosure available from the generator supplier or a wide variety of third-party suppliers. If your facility is considering a new generator that will be housed in an outdoor enclosure, there are several enclosure factors you will want to consider. 18 november2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007

Consulting-Specifying Engineer Contents Editor's Viewpoint Letters In The News M/E Roundtable Emergency Power for Healthcare 2007 Products of the Year Industrial-strength Lighting Hazardous HVAC Codes and Standards Management Report Jobs/Classifieds Specifier's Notebook On-Peak Performance Contents Best Battery Selector in Engine Starting Applications NEC 708: Practical Impact on Backup Power Systems Protecting Power: Specifying Outdoor Generator Enclosures Investing in Backup Power Systems Coes, Consultants, Manufacturers, and Standby Power Systems

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007

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