Page 3 - Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Source: Uninterruptible Power Supplies and Standby Power Systems

Chapter
1

Standby Power Generating Sets

Introduction

This chapter briefly discusses where and why the need for standby gener-
ation arises and describes the systems that are included in a normal
standby power generating set. Most standby generating sets are diesel
engine driven and this book concentrates on such sets. A small number of
sets above about 500 kW may be driven by gas turbines and the section
titled “The Power Unit” includes an introduction to gas turbines. They are
mentioned elsewhere in the text but their use and characteristics are not
described in such detail as are the use and characteristics of diesel engines.

The Need for Standby Generation
The need for standby generation arises if the consequences of a failure or
disruption of the normal supply are not acceptable. The types of installa-
tion in which the need arises seem to be limitless. There are basically four
reasons for installing standby generation: safety, security, financial loss,
and data loss.

Safety Where there is a risk to life or health such as in air traffic con-
trol, aviation ground lighting, medical equipment in hospitals, nuclear
installations, oil refineries
Security against vandalism, espionage, or attack Area lighting, com-
munication systems, military installations, etc.
Data loss Situations in which the loss of data may be catastrophic
and irretrievable such as data processing and long-term laboratory
type of testing or experiment
Financial loss Critical industrial processes, large financial institu-
tions, etc.

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