Prime and Standby Power Generators

Some Key Factors To Consider When Specifying A Generator Set

1. Power Requirements: the actual power requirements must be assessed and the generator suitably sized to support the load. Power may be expressed in both Apparent Power (kVA) and Real Power (kWe) terms. Generator sets are not Unity Power Factor rated and the most common power factor used is 0.8 meaning an 80kWe generator can provide 100kVA of apparent power. Load step is another important issue to consider as generators cannot always provide all their power output instantaneously. Load start-up currents should also be considered as these can be far in excess of normal running currents.
2. Performance Characteristics: electronic and electrical equipment can be sensitive to their electrical supplies with a defined input voltage and frequency window and harmonic content. Generators have defined performance classes given in ISO 8528 Part 1 and must be matched to the load profile and its characteristics.
3. Rating Required: generator sets have engines that are rated differently depending on whether the set is to be used continuously as a Continuous Operating Power (COP), Prime Rated Power (PRP) energy source or in a Standby back-up power mode which may be Limited Time Power (LTP) or Emergency Standby Power (ESP). The difference for these in engine rating may be up to 30%.
4. Fuel To Be Used: a wide variety of fuels can be used including diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, LPG and others. Diesel is the most commonly used fuel. Biodiesel may be more environmentally friendly but can degrade over time.
5. Ambient Environment: temperature and altitude affect generator performance. High temperatures and altitudes can limit power. Low temperatures can lead to starting issues.
6. Autonomy Required: how long is the generating set expected to run for? This is known as its autonomy and is normally expressed in hours against a load percentage. The autonomy will influence the size of set chosen and fuel storage.
7. Standards and Regulations: what standards does the generating set have to comply with? For use within the European Union the set will have to be CE marked. Other standards and regulations may apply relevant to the country of operating including safety, noise, pollution and emissions.
8. Physical Environment: there are several inherent risks with a generator installation. If there is a risk of fire from the generator how will this be handled, especially if the generator is housed within a building? Building Regulations provide guidance and have to be complied with. Environmental risks also include leakage from fuel and coolants which must be managed. The Pollution Prevention Guidelines provide guidance on this matter. Generators also produce hot gases and fumes that will require external discharge to prevent risk to people or the environment. Generators can also be audibly noisy and an assessment should be made of the audible noise level allowed on the site. Fuel deliveries should also be planned for to accommodate refuelling requirements as well as storage of fuel on site.
9. Electrical Interface: what is the voltage and frequency of the existing electrical infrastructure? Also consider the electrical protection of the generating set, loads to be supported and people who will use it. The right protective devices will have to be installed after determining the arrangements for Earthing, Neutral Earthing and to ensure the mains and generator cannot operate in parallel to supply a load without the appropriate switching and protective devices to allow this to occur.
10. Grid Tied and Off-The-Grid Systems: attention will have to be given to G59 if the generator is to be used to supply back-up power into the grid to benefit from STOR feed-in-tariffs. As much care and attention also has to be given to generator sets used in Off-The-Grid self-sufficient installations.
11. Bunding: all tanks over 200litres, in most circumstances, must be bunded

Constant Power Solutions (CPS) Generators and Control Panels

Constant Power Solutions Ltd (CPS) are a UK generator manufacturer whose generating sets use Deep Sea Controllers.

The CPS group prides itself in being a leading UK manufacturer of generators and high quality power equipment. The company has a flexible production line to allow customisation of any generator product including mobile and hybrid generators. CPS generators include products for domestic homes, data centres, business critical systems, agriculture, mobile food outlets and industrial applications. The generators use high quality engines from manufacturers including: Perkins, Lombardini, Deutz, MTU, Volvo and Doosan.

SDMO Generator Control Panels

SDMO are a French generator manufacturer. Each SDMO generator has a standard control panel and may show and optional upgrade. The panels available include the NEXSYS and intelligent TELSYS.

SDMO Standby Generator Canopies

For each generator we offer an acoustic canopy and weather proof enclosure. To see the recommended canopy click on the individual generator in the collection above or use this table below as a reference.