Choosing a Genset

Do I need a genset for stand-by or prime power?

Organisations and residences may need a generator for one of the following reasons:
Grid-based electricity or mains electricity is not available
Power from the mains supply is not enough to meet power needs
Protection is needed against the possibility of periodic or sustained loss of mains power
How do I estimate my power requirement?
If you need a generator, it is essential to determine your power requirements correctly. Here, we provide
some steps to assist you in estimating your power needs. Please keep in mind that this method only helps
you in arriving at an approximate estimate. Engage the services of a qualified electrician to determine
your power needs.
Steps To Determine Generator Requirements
Do you want the generator to operate part or all of your office or home?
Identify the appliances and/or tools the generator will need to power.
Determine the wattage for each appliance and tool you plan to use frequently. Total the wattage
for appliances and tools you frequently use.
Identify motor and pump requirements.
Calculate and total the wattage for the motors and pumps frequently used. Always use starting
watts, not running watts, when determining the correct electrical load requirements.
Total the wattage of the appliances, tools, the motors and pumps. Keep in mind that if you
coordinate your power usage wisely you do not have to operate everything all at once.
Therefore, for emergency use you dont necessarily need to size the generator to operate
everything simultaneously.
Convert watts into kilowatts by dividing the watts estimated in step 6 to determine the generator
size required. Please note that it is suggested, although not absolutely necessary, to size the
generator 20-25% over the size you determine your needs to be. This will allow room for future
growth. For example, if you determine that you will need a 15 kW generator then it is advisable
to purchase an 18 kW generator to accommodate future expansion.
How do I find out what size generator I need?
A load study is essential to arrive at the rating of the generator you need. The reason is that your need will
vary depending on what you need to power, location of installation and whether it is needed to run
continuously or only when there is a power outage.
What is a load study?
A load study is an exercise conducted to estimate correctly the generator you will need.
How do I do a load study?
Assessing load correctly calls for expertise and experience. Hence, it is important that you engage the
services of a reliable backup power solution provider. To ensure that your load is correctly assessed, you
can contact your nearest Genlite Dealer. They will visit you to inventory and assess the power use of your
equipment, completing a power generator load study to determine the most economical, reliable and
efficient solution for your business.
What are the reasons for choosing a diesel Genset?

Diesel generators are recommended, with the following considerations in mind:

1. Longevity diesel generators can function for hours on end, before they need a major
service
2. Lower fuel costs as compared to other fuels, measured in terms of fuel consumption
per kilowatt (kW) produced
3. Lower maintenance costs - diesel engines are more rugged and reliable
Todays modern diesels are quiet and normally require less maintenance than comparably sized gas
units. Fuel costs per kW produced with diesels is normally thirty to fifty percent less than gas units.
What is the difference between an air-cooled and water-cooled genset?
As the name indicates, the primary difference is the cooling mechanism. Air-cooled generators take in
cold air to prevent the generator from overheating. In the case of water-cooled generators, the user will
need to fill in water, which is used to prevent the generator from overheating.
The more electricity you need a genset to generate, the more complicated the generator. Thus, at higher
ratings, gensets need a liquid coolant. In such instances, water-cooled gensets are the most common.

Installing a Genset
What are the important considerations when installing a genset?
You need to consider the following when you plan to install a generator:
Location - Where do you want to place the generator set? Locate it in a place with adequate access and
lighting for service and maintenance purposes. Generators can be located inside or outside your
premises.
Mounting - Generators must be mounted on a level base. If necessary, use anti-vibration mounts.
Ventilation and Cooling Make sure that your generator will have enough ventilation. This will help to
keep the generator cool and to remove excess fumes and heat produced through engine combustion.
Who installs the generator?
The dealer who sells your genset will take complete responsibility for installing and commissioning your
genset.

Maintaining a Genset
Is it easy to maintain a genset?
Gensets are built tough. Diesel gensets are the most rugged and reliable. They are built for continuous
operation, over long periods of time, over years.
Users just need to ensure that they follow the maintenance instructions provided by their solution
provider. For some basic maintenance and troubleshooting information, click here.

Acoustic Enclosures for Gensets

What is an acoustic enclosure? Why does a genset need one?
An acoustic enclosure is also referred to as canopy, silent canopy, or sound attenuating enclosure. As the
different names indicate, an acoustic enclosure works to reduce the sound produced by a genset. Even
though todays gensets have engines that are exceptionally quiet, acoustic enclosures are a legal

requirement to keep noise under check. In India, the norms are laid down by the CPCB (Central Pollution
Control Board).
In addition to reducing noise and keeping it below the legal limit, acoustic enclosures also function as
weatherproof enclosures, protecting the genset from the elements. This is important as many gensets are
located or installed in the open.

Control Panels for Gensets

What is a control panel?
A control panel is an electrical device consisting of a flat insulated surface that contains switches and
dials and meters for monitoring and controlling the operation of a genset.
What are the kinds of control panels?
Control panels are of two kinds Standard Control Panel and AMF Control Panel.
What are the advantages in choosing an AMF control panel?
An Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) Control Panel automates the functions of a control panel, making the
switch between mains and backup power smooth.