Small Office And Power Losses: The Solution

With the advancement technologies small home offices now implement modern technologies and IT into their work environment. Power loss can have a drastic effect on proper functioning of the office hence the need for a proper power backup. Standby generators are the most recommend alternative power source for uninterrupted power supply. But what is a diesel generator?

The Different Types Of Generators

All generators work on the same principle but not all use the same technology and offer the same possibilities. 

Three types of generators are different:

• Petrol generator sets 

• Diesel generator sets 

• Soundproof generators

Two types of generator sets are distinguished: 

• 2-stroke motorization 

• 4-stroke engine

Petrol generator

Petrol generators are the most versatile groups and therefore ideal for home office, DIY and any other home use and punctual. Starting can be done manually using a launcher, or electrically with a starter (ideal for standby generators) . Their power varies from 1.5 to 6 kW for the largest (we talk about the available electric power, not the power of the engine). 

Petrol generators are compact and generate little noise . As a general rule, Petrol generators deliver single-phase power (Several single-phase circuits are available on large power units). Their motorization can be 2 times or 4 times.

Diesel generator set

Diesel generators are considered as generators! Given the noise they produce, diesel generators can be immediately excluded from domestic use. There is a range of powers available because this type of generator is more oriented to a professional use (special requirements and intensive use) . Ranging from a few kW to several hundred or even several thousand, all sizes of diesel generators are represented. 

From the trolley-mounted generator set to the multi-ton generator set on the trailer of a truck.The start of a diesel generator is usually done with an automatic starter (on the majority of the generators of average to high power). 

All power supplies are available on models: single-phase , three-phase or mixed . Some groups even have an autostart feature which is perfect for standby generators. The engine of the diesel generator is 4 times. They can have different engine brands like Perkins, Baudouin and Cummins.

Soundproof generator

Soundproof generators are different from other generators because they are enclosed in an insulated box to minimize noise pollution . The sound level of soundproof generator sets does not exceed 90 dB (decibels) where other groups easily reach 105 dB or more. 

Soundproof generators have a small footprint and are light and fast to implement . The downside is that the power is affected because the soundproof generator sets rarely deliver more than 2 kW of electrical availability. 

Quieter, it is often a Petrol engine that drives them. Soundproof generators are perfect for very punctual uses that do not require a lot of available power. The motorization can be 2 beats or 4 beats.

Generator Standards

Whatever the type and the generator model you are considering buying, always check that it complies with the various standards relating to safety including ( E37 309 and 312 / EN 12601 / ISO 8528 ).

Many small home office are not prepared to face the threat - increasingly pressing - of power supply interruptions and are therefore exposed to significant risks of a financial, operational and image nature.

Last year 96% of small home office had a problem associated with energy. To have a lasting impact, power supply interruptions do not have to be prolonged: 13% of energy decision makers have declared that a one-day interruption would be catastrophic for their activity, and that the extent of the damage immediately it increases rapidly with the continuation of the interruption.

This is what emerges from a very recent research by Centrica Business Solutions, which includes a survey of over 200 energy decision makers from various sectors.

Although 94% of interviewed business consider energy resilience to be important, only 38% of small offices have a structured energy resilience strategy . 15% did not prepare any strategy to deal with interruptions in the supply of electricity.

The report on the resilience of Centrica Business Solutions highlights the possibility that small offices, lacking an energy resilience strategy, are risking 18% of their turnover due to damage and lost opportunities.

Think Of The Future

"When in a company the essential processes stop or the lights go out, it's not the time to plan, but to act urgently," said Christian Stella, Managing Director Italy of Centrica Business Solutions.

"The Centrica report shows that many small offices have unrealistic optimism about energy security, and they are not preparing for possible outages of electricity supply, putting the company at risk and potentially its staff (if any). The increase in stress on electricity grids and the dangers deriving from natural disasters, cyber crime and human errors represent a greater threat than ever for energy reliability ”, continues Stella.

“Regardless of the sector of activity - remarks - energy means much more than simply keeping the lights on . It means keeping production lines running and ensuring customer satisfaction, as well as ensuring the safety of people. Creating a comprehensive plan for energy resilience should be an essential element of business risk strategies. "

Four Essential Steps For Creating An Energy Resilience Strategy:

1. Knowing the energy architecture of your sites : the first step is to understand the energy profile of your production processes or buildings, creating a detailed diagnosis of the site, so as to be able to identify the points of vulnerability. The implementation of a consumption monitoring system, for example, is able to identify problems, providing transparency and visibility on energy use, identifying the sources of energy waste, identifying plant improvements and allowing, thanks to alerts, to intervene in real time before more serious repercussions occur at system level, while optimizing business efficiency.

2. Evaluate the impact of the duration of power outages , in order to identify critical and non-critical systems, prioritize backup solutions and ensure business continuity. Some equipment, such as air conditioning systems, can withstand short-term suspension of the power supply, while the impact of any interruption of the same on other systems, such as IT, can have serious consequences. It is also important to take into account the restart times of some components, at least in cases where delays in restoring optimal levels can negatively affect performance.

3. Use the data to guide the design of the strategy: the minimum requirement is to ensure that the backup power supply is sized so as to keep the essential loads active and the office's critical systems always powered, to avoid any downtime. . It is essential to take into account the continuity requirements of the power supply and the situations in which an automated backup power generation is required, to avoid any interruption of the power supply.

4. Make best use of storage and on-site generation: consider the business case for reconfiguration of existing on-site generators, such as cogeneration, so that they can be managed in "island mode", using them independently of the electricity grid to strengthen energy resilience. The adoption of battery storage technologies, capable of supplying electricity in less than a second, must also be evaluated.

Emergency Power Generators - The Alternative To The Electricity Grid

A separate power generator can also be used to provide the required and usual 230 volts AC. These units consist of an internal combustion engine which, in turn, drives a power generator. Depending on the type of fuel used, either Petrol or diesel is used, the Petrol engine being preferably installed in small generators. These are often mobile devices that are also used, for example, in garden centers, forest areas or in the fight against disasters. This means that refrigerators, lamps and pumps can then work

Emergency generator as a safety device

In many important areas, fixed and powerful gen-sets are often installed to maintain the power supply in the event of a public grid failure. These large units often run on diesel, which is the best choice for explosion-proof versions over Petrol. These emergency power generators are even required by law for certain buildings, such as hospitals, power plants and high-rise buildings, in order to maintain in operation the facilities important for safety in case of power failure. Nowadays, small home offices that use server systems and data centers are also critical areas that need reliable power 24 hours a day.

Standby Generators Must Be Practical And Reliable

The quality of these devices must be taken into account, especially for use in remote areas, as there is often no alternative in case of technical failures. Performance and appropriate equipment must also match the intended use. Most drives are designed as four-stroke Otto motors, have an output power of between 3 and 14 KW and offer several 230 volt protective contact points as well as three-phase power connections.

More Power With Diesel Engines

Diesel powered emergency generators are the best choice for regular and demanding electrical work, for example in small offices that large machinery. Known as automotive engines, these drives have high torque at low speeds and are superior to Petrol engines in terms of fuel consumption and service life. Thanks to its sturdy transport wheels, its 155 kg can still be easily moved and the maximum power of 7350 watts ensures smooth and continuous operation for all connected electrical devices.

Stationary Generator For Emergency Situations

Powerful emergency power generators are essential wherever power controls security processes or even provides vital equipment. As a general rule, stationary diesel generators are installed for these sensitive areas, which are also equipped with an automatic backup system. In the event of a failure of the public network, the buffer batteries take their service first and foremost to supply the main consumers of electricity, such as emergency lighting or medical equipment. The automatic emergency power supply then starts the diesel generator, which then keeps the necessary electrical equipment in good working order.