Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Generators for Data Centers

Data centers are critical infrastructures, and any downtime can lead to significant revenue loss, decreased productivity, and damage to an organization’s reputation. To ensure uninterrupted operations, high-quality backup generators are essential during power outages. This article explores the key factors data center operators should consider when selecting a reliable backup power system.

1. Type of Generator System

When selecting a generator, physical, operational, and geographical factors must be evaluated, including:

• Location of the Data Center: Proximity to utility power sources and potential environmental hazards.
• Generator Placement: Ensuring proper installation and accessibility for maintenance.
• Load Requirements: Determining both essential and optional loads that the generator must support.
• Electrical Layout: Designing a suitable electrical configuration for seamless integration.

Typically, data centers require at least one diesel or gas backup generator to maintain operations during large-scale power outages. It’s advisable to have a minimum of two generators to provide redundancy, with systems designed for automatic load transfer during outages.

2. Fuel Supply and Autonomy

A backup system must be equipped with a fuel tank to ensure autonomy during extended outages. Designing for several days of operational independence is recommended, with the potential for weeks based on historical data of the area. The fuel source significantly affects the generator’s performance; hence, it should be readily available and sustainable.

3. Certification and Compliance

Equipment certification and emissions standards are vital for ensuring reliability. Look for recognized quality marks from entities such as:

• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
• European Union (EU)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Compliance with technical standards (e.g., ISO 8528, NFPA 110) is crucial for quality, safety, and risk mitigation.

4. Generator Type: Prime, Standby, or Continuous

Understanding the type of power services available in the data center’s location is essential. The choice between prime, standby, or continuous generators will depend on the nature of power outages expected in that region. For instance:

• Standby Generators are designed for infrequent use and should not exceed 200 hours of operation per year.
• Continuous Generators are suitable for stable loads and may be required in areas with unreliable grid power.

5. Sizing the Generator

The scale of the backup power system must align with the data center’s specific requirements. This includes consideration for:

• Load Types: Electrical and mechanical loads must be properly calculated.
• Future Growth: Anticipating potential increases in power demands.
• Safety Margins: Designing systems that can handle unexpected spikes in load.

Oversizing the generator by 10-20% can provide additional reliability during energy crises.

6. Operational Conditions and Requirements

When determining the necessary equipment, operators should consider:

• Number of Circuits: Essential versus optional loads.
• Load Characteristics: Expected usage patterns and load types.
• Budget: Financial constraints and potential costs associated with installation and maintenance.

7. Uptime Institute Classification

Data centers are classified into tiers (Tier I to Tier IV) based on their ability to maintain continuous power supply and backup systems. The chosen generator’s configuration must align with these standards, ensuring the data center can meet its operational requirements.

8. Engine and Generator Quality

The generator’s engine is critical for performance. It should feature electronic speed control for quick response during outages. It’s essential to consider environmental factors such as temperature and elevation when selecting engine size.

9. Control Systems

The generator control unit plays a vital role in monitoring and managing operations. Advanced systems can detect outages and initiate startup commands, integrating seamlessly with building management systems for remote monitoring and control.

10. Fuel Options

Diesel remains the preferred fuel for critical facilities due to its availability, storage ease, and longevity. However, natural gas and dual-fuel generators are gaining popularity for their extended runtime capabilities during emergencies. Renewable options, like biodiesel, are also increasingly considered to meet environmental goals.

Choosing the right generator for a data center is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including generator type, fuel supply, compliance, and operational needs. By evaluating these elements, data center operators can ensure reliable backup power, safeguarding against downtime and maintaining operational integrity. At OWELL Generators, we specialize in providing high-quality power solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of data centers, ensuring seamless operations during critical situations.

For more information about our generator solutions, please visit OWELL Generators.