So you have a battery backup system for your critical facility that you’re actively monitoring. That’s a great start in your data center management plan, but the battery system can only sustain your data center for a limited amount of time. In the case of an extended power outage, an industrial generator is your best friend.
Before Buying a Generator
There are a few important considerations when shopping for generators. First, think about your power requirements. Take your power needs and multiply that number by two. That’s the output delivery you should be shopping for.
Next, how long do you want your generator to run? That amount of time is determined by fuel tank size. If you need it to run for two weeks between refuelings, you will be looking at different models than if you can refuel every week.
Other factors may include noise level, fuel type, and cost, depending on your business type, size, and location. There are a variety of options to fit every need. Some of our favorite industrial generators are made by Cat, Cummins, and Generac.
Industrial Generator Reporting and Monitoring
Once you have your generator in place, it’s important to continually monitor them to make sure they are always ready to kick in when needed. You can easily monitor your generators with internal and cloud-based systems, such as offerings by Vertiv Environet, CLabs, or RLE.
These systems monitor for problems and provide an alert if something happens. They allow you to keep an eye on the health of your system remotely. They can also provide industrial generator reporting that is required by some industries, such as healthcare.
You also want to be sure you’re monitoring for fuel leaks, which can quickly cause widespread damage if not addressed right away. We really like RLE’s WiNG wireless leak detection solution for this need.
Here’s a real-life example of why monitoring is so important. Earlier this year, Children’s Hospital New Orleans ran on six generators after Hurricane Ida, and they needed to be fueled every six days. For the hospital, monitoring these generators was a matter of life and death.
Whether you’re in healthcare or another industry, monitoring your generators can mean the difference between uptime and downtime.
Planning for Industrial Generator Maintenance
Of course, regular maintenance is very important in keeping your generators in working order. Just as regular auto maintenance prevents bigger problems with your vehicle, your generators need filter and belt inspection, oil changes, parts replacement and so on keep them in perfect working order.
If you don’t have the capability to service your own generators, PTI can help. As your turnkey data center partner, PTI can advise on who to call for generator maintenance and service.
There is a lot to consider when selecting an industrial generator, and PTI is here for you. We are ready to help you evaluate the needs of your data center and make the right choice. Contact us today to get started.
