Downtime is an enemy of the construction site, industrial facilities, and heavy-duty operations. What comes to the rescue when the power goes out (or rather, is not available in the first place?) Nearly always-the proper generator installation. Some of the governing factors behind what your eventual decision is going to be included convenience, adherence to environmental regulations and the individual needs of your site. Before we commentate on what kind of generator works best for your premises, it is important to consider other key factors.
The screw compressor has far outstripped other tools, working away quietly in the background. They are used to compressing air and remove it as a continuous stream of pressurized air that is non-pulsating, where two helical interlocked screws traps the air. Big words aside, the function it serves is incredibly important-compressed air has more than one use. On construction sites, it operates drills, sanders, hammers, grinders, painting rigging and many others. It is also the initiating power behind fire suppression, as a backup generator engine, HVAC, and water mist.
Rotary screw compressors are largely preferred because of their reliability in continuous operations. They are more efficient than their piston counterparts- they cause less of a din, and they have fewer moving parts which means that they require less maintenance and cause fewer interruptions. Compressor manufacturing companies use state-of-the-art screw compressors largely because they save up to 35 percent energy over and above legacy models using smart VSD (Variable Speed Drive) technology.
As such, when you are running an operation that takes advantage of industrial level air tools, automation procedures, pre-start demands on generators or turbines, then an investment in a high-performance screw compressor is not an option, it is a requirement.
And now to the big boy consideration at your premises-the diesel generator. Designed to last a long time, they are currently the most popular fixtures, especially in sectors with field workers, due to their ability to withstand tough wear and tear. Diesel generators apply a compression ignition mechanism in the act of turning diesel fuel into electrical energy. Some of the advantages of diesel generators include that they are fuel efficient when running for long durations, can handle high power loads, and are foremost in delivering high-output requirements as compared to gasoline or natural gas alternatives.
Such generators are suitable in remote construction sites, mining areas, oil and gas fields, and even in case of emergencies such as in hospitals and the like where a power outage may have disastrous consequences. The improvements in torque and fuel density in diesel engines causes them to adapt well in activities that require constant power.
However, there is a catch-you may need to take into account the licensing and taxation required on these generators given environmental considerations. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which are controlled stringently in many parts of the world, are found in the diesel exhaust. This means that the cost of the generator may be driven up by green taxes, or your premises may have to pay a fee or fine for not complying with environmental regulations.
Another consideration is the high need for maintenance. Without periodic inspections, you can experience engine clogging and wet-stacking or contaminated fuel. All is not lost, however- to meet with EPA Tier 4 and Euro Stage V compliances, some diesel generator manufacturers are currently incorporating the installation of highly sophisticated emission control systems such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
These can be simply described as generators that convert mechanical energy into electricity- which is the textbook definition of generator, but here we mean a generator that uses clean sources, usually battery banks, solar panels, or grid-connected systems.
Electric generators are becoming the rage for several reasons-they are less polluting, make much less noise, and need less regular service because of a simpler mechanism of operation. These are the benefits that render them suitable to urban workstations, indoor applications, and those settings, where there is a need for control of noise and air pollution. Diesel generators on the other hand are most suited to high load, out around the clock, rugged outdoor or remote locations.
To decide between the two, it all depends on whether what you need is more endurance and muscle-in which case, go diesel, or silence and sustainability- go electric.
With respect to type of fuel, diesel generators require on-site fueling and on-site fuel storage supply-electric generators can use grid or renewable energy. Nonetheless, diesel generator sets offer a vastly higher amount of raw power generation and longevity of runtime than electric systems, unless the latter is used with a large battery bank or a hybrid power system. The diesel systems involve issues of increased maintenance, as it involves regular inspection into the quality of fuels and the condition of the engine. The electric, more so solar based, provide significantly lower operational noise and servicing requirements.
You should keep in mind that the advancements in clean energy technologies and battery technologies means that electric generators are a more futuristic investment.
