You have multiple energy source options when purchasing a generator for your commercial or industrial building. The type of backup system you choose will have specific installation and service needs. If you are unsure as to which source is best for your situation, a professional in the Atlanta, GA area should be contacted to evaluate secondary power requirements. A generator may be fueled by diesel, propane, natural gas, or a combination of these sources. Diesel systems are most common among commercial structures and bi-fuel setups are gaining in popularity among industrial facilities. In most cases, you will receive more reliability with a diesel-driven model when it will be supporting critical process. The system you choose must comply with National Electric Code (NEC) guidelines. These apply to the type of unit purchased, installation, and provided maintenance. A generator service in Atlanta, GA can help in ensuring your new backup unit is sufficient and falls within these guidelines.
Emergency Power Equipment: What Energy Sources Best Meet NEC Standards?
Emergency power equipment is designed to deliver sufficient loads for maintaining backup systems, critical operations, and systems throughout your building. They are necessary to ensure the safety of individuals, whereas other backup units keep processes going, but are not needed to protect those occupying your building. NEC guidelines define each type and vary depending on the purpose of the installed generator. Their standards require an onsite fuel supply with the ability to sustain power for at least two hours at full capacity. This must be kept in mind if you are purchasing a generator for emergency purposes. Natural gas does not easily meet this demand because the fuel is supplied through a pipeline that can be cut off under certain emergency circumstances. Propane-driven models also have difficulty meeting the two hour operation requirements of the NEC. You will have a guaranteed backup fuel supply for emergency power equipment when a diesel model is in place.
Environmental and operational factors are making bi-fueled emergency power generators more prevalent. These models can burn a combination of diesel and natural gas. This combination produces less toxic exhaust bi-products than units designed to only operate on diesel. The fuel must be properly balanced as electricity is supplied from a set load. Environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations affect the balance; however, the use of microprocessor control technology assists with fuel regulation during operation. The ignition temperature of natural gas is too high, meaning the unit will need diesel to complete startup processes. Gas is supplied after startup is completed, thus reducing the amount of diesel needed for continued operation. Bi-fuel system advantages include minimized fuel storage, having an onsite source, reduced operational expenses, and lower emissions.
A bi-fuel or diesel-only unit is best when you are purchasing the unit for emergency purposes. Less critical backup systems can be powered with natural gas or propane. Prime Power is capable of supplying generator services in Atlanta, GA for each fuel type. Our technicians can recommend the best option based on NEC guidelines and your particular load requirements. Call today to schedule an initial evaluation with one of our experienced technicians.
