ENGINEER’S EDGE – September 2011
Fuel Flow Equals Data Flow
Fuel Supply Reliability for Data-Intensive Applications
By Dan Barbersek, Generac
Designing a standby power system for a data-intensive application requires not only the right generator for the load requirements but also the most reliable fuel available. Ultimately, it is the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) that determines fuel reliability in any application. Understanding fuel reliability issues for standby power will allow you to work with the AHJ to select the right standby power system for the application.
Diesel fuel has been the traditional choice for standby power because its high thermal efficiency typically results in a lower cost per kilowatt in most applications. On-site fuel storage also ensures reliability. However, issues of fuel storage, contamination and breakdown can impact system reliability.
Gaseous fuels are being considered more often for standby applications because they avoid the fuel storage issues of diesel. The gaseous fuel infrastructure in most areas is generally reliable in an emergency, as well. However, local utilities can shut off the natural gas supply, especially during seismic activity, raising questions of reliability.
Bi-fuel generators, which simultaneously burn both diesel and natural gas, effectively capitalize on the benefits of both diesel fuel and gaseous fuel while minimizing drawbacks that affect reliability. They offer the extended run times of natural gas, but can run on 100% diesel fuel if necessary. The amount of diesel fuel stored on site is significantly reduced, as well, because natural gas is the primary fuel. Other benefits include:
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Lower emissions
- Reduced capital costs.
For more detailed information on the reliability of different fuel sources for standby generator applications please download the complete white paper from Generac.
National Power Corporation Introduces new Eaton Advanced Monitored and Managed ePDUs
Eaton is proud to introduce the newest addition to our ePDU family, Advanced Monitored and Managed ePDUs. These 14 units are unique to the market and provide power monitoring and control at the individual outlet level. With single phase and three phase models available, kVA ratings up to 17.3 and 400V models available, these ePDUs are perfect for SMB, blade server or large data center applications.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Power monitoring and control at the outlet level
- Next generation LCD graphical display
- Integrated with Eaton management software
- High accuracy monitoring
- Cisco EnergyWise compliant
SMB and Networking Closets
- Single-phase 20/30A solution with L6-20P and L6-30P input plugs
- Provides 4-5 kW of power to the rack enclosure
- The 20A version features a detachable power cord with standard C20 input
- 120V cords available for 20A version
Enterprise Data Centers
- Three phase 20/30A solutions
- 400V power configurations available – reducing cost of electrical distribution and transformer loss
- Supports high-consumption applications requiring 11-17 kW of power in racks
High Density and Blade Servers
- Three phase 50/60-amp solution with CS8365 and IEC60309 60A Delta input plugs
- Support dense environments requiring 15-17 kW of power in the rack
- 200-400V output
Surge Protection… Why Thor Systems?
Thor Systems, manufacturer of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs), was founded on the dedication of exceeding the expectations of our customers and all of our business partners. Our five senior staff members have 117 years’ cumulative experience in the power quality/surge protection industry and are pleased to support technical questions and specific applications, including site visits for power quality problem evaluation. Thor Systems’ commitment is evident in all facets of our business from delivering product value, high performance/full surge rated designs to providing the correct power quality solution for specific applications.
Design Philosophy:
- Applying a small number of large block TpMOVs (34 mm square/50kA with “Fail Safe Design”):
- 100 times pulse life vs. 18 to 20mm dia. MOVs used in arrays by a number of competitors
- Prevents cascading failures which can result in increased voltage let-through levels
- Hybrid design utilizing SADs, TpMOVs, and FILTER CAPACITORS for optimum surge protection:
- Silicon Avalanche Diodes (SADs): Non-linear diverting element/speed of turn-on/low clamping levels
- Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistors (TpMOVs): High energy handling capacity
- FILTER CAPS: EMI/RFI noise suppression reducing data errors, lockups, and reboots
- Modular Designs Offered – Series TSr Products
- Field replaceable, upgradable modules
- 50 through 300kA per mode (all modes protected)
- Applications: Service Entrance, Main Distribution, and where protected equipment criticality is a vital consideration
- Non-modular Designs Offered – Series TSn Products
- Compact, non-field replaceable modules
- 50 through 150kA per mode (all modes protected)
- Applications: Lower ampacity Distribution, Sub distribution, and Branch Panels
Providing Solutions
- Coordinated surge protection provides ability to dissipate transient/surge energy from external (20%) and internal (80%) sources.
- Surge protection matched to the facility’s electrical environment using a 3G Site Shield Risk Assessment Spreadsheet (utilizing seven factors of susceptibility for each specific application to assure proper sizing vs. risk).
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