Electrical power is the lynchpin of modern industrial society. Everyday life depends on it for transport, heating, lighting, communications, life support systems, and computation. These sites simply cannot afford to stop even for a moment. Hence the importance of the emergency and standby power response process . When regular utility systems fail, backup sources provide the much-needed electricity to ensure continuity of operations.
The Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) is a fairly simple procedure. Upon power failure, the automatic transfer switch simultaneously shuts the utility line and opens the emergency power line from the generator. An automatic starter system prompts the generator to run. The standby generator then channels the electricity from the generator to the circuits through the emergency line. When the utility system is revived, the system switches back to the utility line. A cool-down period follows after, letting the generator run until it shuts down completely.
The key to success in fulfilling this need for constant power lies in the details. Sites wherein EPSS are required by law are also obliged to comply with standard performance requirements that include weekly system maintenance and operation, and monthly testing (of cooling, lubrication, fuel, and battery & charging subsystems). The idea behind these frequent maintenance and testing practice is to "exercise" the standby power systems so as to ensure maximum mechanical reliability when the emergency situations finally arrive. Standby generators, ATS switches, and circuit breakers need to be exercised frequently to guarantee correct mechanical lubrication.
What are the Vital Parts of the EPSS that need regular Maintenance?
Automatic Transfer Switch – The ATS determines the need to start up the emergency power source upon power failure. As such, ATS is vital to the EPSS and requires regular maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting.
Diesel-Powered Generator - The generator is the direct source of standby power derived from its burned diesel fuel. Maintenance of these generators is through "load banking," wherein the engine is tested with various loads to determine the perfect combustion temperature inside the cylinders. Load banking guarantees the burning all unburned fuel that have built up in the exhaust, ultimately preventing fire hazard. Load banking includes the regular "exercising" of the generator that both fine-tunes the efficiency of the engine and burn off any fuel left in the exhaust.
Circuit Breaker - Circuit breakers protect electrical equipment within a utility system, isolating it from anomalous currents that can potentially cause damage and fire. Breaker testing equipment will determine the efficiency of this power distribution component.
Prime Power recognizes this need for meticulous attention to EPSS maintenance and diagnostics. Established in 1983, we have been securing EPSS in the southeast United States by providing topnotch maintenance and diagnostics for all Emergency, Stand-by, and Prime Power Generators and their accompanying systems; and project consultation and engineering of safe and sound power infrastructures.
Our experience has given us the faculty to create a wealth of troubleshooting assistance so we can easily identify aberrations in systems. The regular schedule of stringent maintenance of standby power systems is our business because we know it will provide uninterrupted power that can cut costs and ultimately, save lives.
