Installing a standby diesel generator is the only way to provide long running power protection to your business or residential premises.

Design options and installation considerations

Open Diesel Generator Installation – for installation within a plant room or dedicated generator building. If the space and budget allows, this is the best way of having a generator installed. The room may need soundproofing and apertures will be required to provide a cooling air intake and discharge – louvres and sound-reducing attenuation equipment may be required to keep the ambient noise levels outside the room within acceptable levels. The combustion exhaust will also need to be routed to the outside through a suitable flue.

Acoustic Canopy Diesel Generator Installation – this is the most common option and provides a complete ‘packaged’ solution. The engine, alternator, control system and fuel tank are all built within a canopy that also reduces the noise. It is also possible to install canopy generators within a building though it is essential to consider air flows for cooling and exhaust flues. This type of generator installation normally has a noise level of 85dB(A) at 1m.

Special Build – Low Noise Level – In noise sensitive areas it may be essential to design a generator installation that requires a lower noise level than can be provided by a standard acoustic canopy – for example residential areas or hospital generator installations. In these instances HGUPS can design a generator installation that meets all the needs of the specific project.

Control System Requirements – A standard generator installation requires either manual or automatic start control module. For an automatic system an ATS (automatic transfer switch) is normally required. The ATS monitors the mains power and if it fails (or a single phase fails) it sends a start signal to the generator and transfers the load to the generator. When the mains power is restored the process happens again in reverse.