Generator Control Panel

When you have invested in an asset that is the backup power generator, you also have to invest a little time and effort to ensure that it is performing to the best of its capability. This task is made easier thanks to highly efficient control panels that most generators of this generation are equipped with. They are engineered with a range of monitoring options - starting with auto start and auto stop to the critical “Emergency Shut Off” switch. 

The control panel is linked to several sensors in the generator to keep you updated with all the important information you need. This can include intelligence on system efficiency, voltage, running hours, alarms and display warnings. The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) works with the control panel to start the generator the moment power outage is sensed. 

It is important to fully understand and use the control panel to get the maximum bang for your buck. The control panel can protect the generator from low oil pressure, high temperatures coolant fluctuations and dangerous engine speed variants. The control panel can also shield the alternator from circuit break failure and system overloads. Advanced upgrade able panels can even customize automation requirements and alerts and fine tune the intelligence delivered. 

It is vital to consider the levels of control and quality and quantity of information required before choosing the right generator for the application. Critical applications will demand advanced control panel functions and precision automation. If the generator is meant for limited use and is meant for less intensive applications, a less advanced control panel will do the job. Basic information on voltage, amperage, warning lights and alarms are standard features even in simple panels. 

As mentioned earlier the kind of control panel you need will depend on the criticality of the generator’s usage. 

To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com  or call us at 1800-419-1999  

SMART CONSUMER - 10 THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE BUYING A GENERATOR

1.WHAT IS YOUR POWER REQUIREMENT?

Calculating the power requirement and then determining the suitable rating of generator you need is called as Generator Sizing. This is the most important factor to consider before you decide to buy a generator.

The determining factor for generator sizing can be answered by considering the followings:

§  In the event of a power outage, should the generator run the entire building or just emergency loads? 

§  What will be the peak demands during summer months?

§  If you have Motors, Compressors etc, what will be your starting load?

After you have considered the above, you need to identify your electrical equipment (electrical load) and sum up their power requirements. This process is also called as Load Calculation. There are many free ‘Load Calculators’ available on the internet. You may take help from a certified electrician. If you are not sure, take help from our sales representatives, they will be happy to help – it is FREE for you!!

2. WHERE WILL YOU PLACE THE GENSET?

The genset should be located where it is accessible for maintenance and repair, and high enough to keep the generator safe if there is water logging during monsoon. There should be enough air flow to let the generator breath properly.

Factors like minimum distance from residential buildings, silence zone near hospitals, fire hazards etc. should be considered. Compliance with local guidelines is a must.

 3. WHICH TYPE OF FUEL ARE YOU GOING TO USE?

The most common fuel types for generators in India are Natural Gas and Diesel. Cost can be a factor when choosing between a diesel or natural gas generator. 

In case of natural gas, the availability of the fuel source is important. 

Local government regulations may dictate which fuel types are available to your area.

4. WHO WILL BE INSTALLING YOUR GENSET?

Only a competent, experienced and certified authority should do the installation.You may choose the right agency through your trusted referrals.

We have trained technicians to do this job. You may contact our representatives for more information, they will be happy to help you.

5. HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR THE FOUNDATION?

Before the generator arrives at your premises, a cement concrete foundation of adequate size should be made ready. An inadequate foundation may lead to excessive vibration resulting in poor performance of your generator.

Only a competent and experienced authority should make the foundation for your generator.You can consult our representatives for any support and guidance, they will be happy to help you.

6. WHAT TYPE OF ENCLOSURE TO CHOOSE?

Most generator manufacturer’s make generators with a standard sound attenuated enclosure (which reduces the sound level). The sound level will be around 74 db (to meet standard CPCB compliance).

Some area may have a regulation of minimum allowed decibel level. For example, places near hospitals, VIP zones, silent zone, airports etc. The target sound level will determine what type of generator enclosure you need to consider.

We also offer Super Silent (54 db) variants of generators to suite your needs.

7. WHO WILL DO THE MAINTENANCE?

A Diesel Generator or a Gas Generator needs maintenance. Unlike a car, generators are often neglected. To ensure that the generator runs during a power failure when you need it the most, proper maintenance routine should be followed. 

Every genset manufacturer will recommend a maintenance schedule and it must be done.

Most of the modern generators are electronically controlled. Maintenance is not restricted to only Oil, Coolant and Filter change. A maintenance DIY for these generators is not a good idea.

It is best to have a maintenance contract with the manufacturer.

8. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF THE TRANSFER SWITCH?

Do you need a Transfer Switch?

If you want to power just one AC and few lights you may use a power cord connecting the generator and the appliances. For small generators powering small loads this is a common scenario, you do not need a Transfer Switch in such cases. 

When you have larger loads and your loads are connected to an existing power panel then you will need a Transfer Switch. The Transfer switch is the link between the power panel and the generator.

Will you use the generator only for emergency loads or for every load you have. This will determine the ampere rating and design of the Transfer Switch. You can choose a manual Transfer Switch or an Automatic Transfer Switch (costs more).

9. WHAT TYPE ACCESSORY YOU NEED

You may need some special features which does not come as a standard fitment with the generators.We offer Remote Monitoring System and Battery Charger as optional fitment.To run the generators in extreme cold weather you may need a Cold Starting arrangement.

We also provide fully customized solutions. For details, please get in touch with our representatives, they will be happy to help you.

NOTE: Powerol generator do not need additional cold starting kit. Our generators are engineered to run for every weather condition within India.

10.  WARRANTY AND ANY ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

The standard warranty for generator systems typically ranges from two to five years.

It’s a good idea to understand the warranty duration and coverage of your generator and ask for upgrade costs if you prefer an increased coverage.

We offer special maintenance packages to suit your needs.To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at 1800-419-1999 

Reasons You Need a Backup Diesel Generator

Energy infrastructures across the world are under stress and this could lead to a sudden and unexpected power outage. While scheduled load shedding can be prepared for, the unexpected outages can delay production and even lead to massive losses. 

Here are some reasons your business will need a backup generator. 

           A) Secure information and data: -

               Consistent power supply is mandatory if you need sensitive data. Since diesel generators typically switch on within ten seconds of a power outage, a backup generator can save millions of man hours and money. 

      B)  Consistent power for productivity: -

                  In today’s scenario, no business can survive without power. Even an outage for a couple of hours can have devastating consequences. A back-up genset ensures that your operations are not disrupted in the case of power failures. 

          C) Damage to equipment: -

         Power interruptions can damage expensive equipment. A back-up system protects your assets and will save you replacement and maintenance costs in the long run. 

          D)  Easy to operate: -

                     Diesel gensets are comparatively easy to operate and trained personnel can keep them effective and productive. 

           E)  Natural Disasters: -

                 In case of a natural disaster, power supply is first affected. A backup generator will keep your unit running till regular power supply is restored. 

          F) Load Shedding: -

                   In certain areas, regular power cuts make it difficult for businesses to function efficiently. A diesel genset will ensure supply during hours of outage. 

          G) Availability of diesel: -

             Since diesel is not very expensive and easily available, diesel gensets are usually the best bet as backup power systems. 

   Mahindra Powerol deals in robust and fuel-efficient diesel and gas gensets ranging from 5kVA to 625 kVA. To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at 1800-419-1999

Importance of Diesel Generators in Small Scale Industries !!!!

Owing to establishment of new industries, infrastructure development, and evolving business environment, continuous power has become one of the main challenges today.

There is widespread lack of grid connectivity and infrastructure growth in far-flung areas, growing electricity demand-supply gap, strong commercial growth along with power deficits in various parts of the country. Also, the number of telecom towers has risen tremendously. Due to all these reasons, DG sets have gained prominence in the small scale industries segment in India.

Points to consider:

Uninterrupted power supply

The main problem for small scale industries in the country is that in spite of their best efforts, power disturbances do arise. While some issues may be the outcome of problems within the industry, most are due to events that are outside and thus are beyond the control of the facility manager. Faulty distribution system, voltage sags, voltage spikes, blackouts and brownouts in the utility can all cause interruption in service.

A dg set can be of much help in such scenarios.

Small scale industries worst hit by erratic power supply

The power situation in the country has left various industries immobilized. In Bengaluru, scheduled power cuts for housing consumers has been started. At the same time, commercial and industrial consumers are bearing the brunt of unreliable power supply.

Micro and small industries are majorly affected. Processing industries like plastic, foundry and rubber, are the worst hit. When plastic is molded, it has to be melted. When power supply goes off, it turns hard again and the whole procedure has to take place one more time. Textile industry has also been overtly affected, as is the case with other continuous processing industries.

Regions with most demand for DG sets

High power deficits as well as rapid development and industrialization in southern part of the country like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad has meant that they have the highest demand for diesel generators. The auto component and manufacturing industries in Tamil Nadu, IT industry in Karnataka, pharmaceutical and bio-technology businesses in Andhra Pradesh and service sector and general engineering in Puducherry and Kerala are among the major markets for dg sets in this region.

The western region has the second highest position in the diesel generator market in India as it houses the largest number of industries, including automobile, iron and steel, chemical and petrochemical, textiles, jewellery, pharmaceuticals and cement. Maharashtra and Gujarat constitute of the maximum share in driving dg set growth in western part of India. Even though the power deficit situation in the western region is decreasing with every passing year, the demand for diesel generators remain constant, because they are a reliable source of backup power.

The manufacturing sector is projected to fuel growth in demand for dg sets due to the flourishing auto component industry. By the end of 2016, India is also being projected to become the second largest steel producer in the world. This industry demands continuous power supply for machining, running processing units, resin molding, welding, pressing, and assembling.

Easy to install and to operate, easily available in the market and low space requirements make dg sets the most preferred choice.

For the best and compact dg sets visit www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at our toll free number 1-800-419-1999.

Importance of Diesel Generators in Real Estate Segment !!!

It can be tricky to find a primary source of power when you are building new property. Sad is the fact that not all buildings will have an ability to be run on solar power. In an ideal world, instead of burning away all our precious fuels, we’d rely on solar energy for all our power related needs. But, this won’t always be the case. So, if you are building in an area where solar energy is sparse and you may be looking out for an alternative source of power, look no further than a diesel generator.

Below, let us give you a few pointers that highlight the importance of diesel generators in real estate:- 

1.       Power backup for commercial buildings

Is your commercial space or facility prepared to face emergency situations? What will be the scenario if a major storm would hit your area with a sweeping power failure and it caused a total loss of power? If your area is anything like most others across the country, it is possibly ill-equipped to face a sustained power outage. So, now is when you should assess the commercial facilities and govern the situation by ensuring access to emergency DG sets in case of a massive blackout.

2.       They work in sync with your existing systems

Are you working with real estate that already has a primary source of power? A diesel generator would be the best back up you can opt for. They work excellently with already existing systems for optimal output and great efficiency. Let it become a part of your systems and be in sync with the workings. In this way, you can choose to only switch the diesel generator on when your mains power (grid power) goes off.

3.       DG set will complement your solar-based systems

DG sets will make a great difference if your existing systems are solar-based. So instead of being solely reliant on solar power, you will be able to complement it with a diesel generator when you need it most.

4.       May be not the most environmentally sound, but an inevitability

Generators do eat away at our planet’s natural resources to some extent. But, real estate giants cannot entirely steer clear of them. Most of the times, DG sets are just an inevitability. So, you may sometimes need to grasp the nettle and look to save the environment when modifying, building, or renovating any property.

Mahindra Powerol’s new range of diesel generators are intended and designed to meet the patrons’ requirements in terms of performance, strength, serviceability, space, safety, and unparalleled aesthetics armed with topnotch post-sales support.

Visit www.mahindrapowerol.com for more information.

The Diesel Generator: Running India!

What keeps India running? Well, we would love to say a million other things but in literal terms it is this small, sometimes large diesel chugging, weaved between nuts and bolts  kind of machine that runs houses, small set ups and business in our country.

A massive grid failure would lead any nation crippled. But the amount of preparedness seen in India (Thanks to the unreliability of the power grids) would usually make an otherwise blacked out time, well, unnoticeable.  Hospitals, houses, shop and establishments have equipped themselves for a power downtime, even if it means for 8 straight hours.

Entire industries and neighbourhood’s rely on diesel power, including India’s massive call center and outsourcing campuses, private apartment buildings and small shops. Even the most utilitarian things, like the telecom towers that help power India’s much-vaunted mobile phone revolution, are often powered by diesel.

So why is it critical to have your home/establishment powered up with generators?

For e.g. In a hospital, you would need generators to keep your dialysis machine running. Or powering the massive outsourcing belts to give non-stop service to their international clients. There is a high possibility that the apps that you are enjoying on your phone right now is thanks to a diesel generator powered telecom tower. 

Tell us the times when you don’t want to left with no power in the comments section below. And don’t forget to check out our gensets on www.mahindrapowerol.com  

How does a generator work?

Remember the age old joke. A professor asked an engineering student. How does a generator start? The student replies, “Drrrrrrrrrrr”. We still trip on this one. This is a blog for those who want to know how the ‘Drrrrrrrrr’ happens. Read on.

Fundamentally, a diesel generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. What it does it is converts the energy from motion into power. So basically, it is important to understand that a generator does not actually ‘create’ electrical energy. It uses the mechanical energy supplied to it to create a movement of electric charges in the wire of its windings through an external electric circuit. This flow of electric charges is now called electric current constitutes the output supplied by the generator.

The generator of today works on the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. Faraday discovered by moving an electrical conductor in a magnetic field creates electric charges to flow, thus generating electric current.

The main components of an electric generator are

Engine
The engine is the source of the input mechanical energy to the generator.

Alternator
The alternator produces the electrical output from the mechanical input supplied by the engine.

Fuel System
The fuel system keeps the generator operational (move the engine).

Voltage Regulator
This component regulates the output voltage of the generator.

Cooling & Exhaust Systems
Continuous usage of the generator causes components to heat up. It is essential to have a cooling and ventilation system to cool the heat down. Exhaust fumes emitted by a generator contain highly toxic chemicals that need to be properly managed. Hence, it is essential to install an efficient exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases. 

Lubricating System
Since the generator comprises moving parts in its engine, it requires lubrication to ensure durability and smooth operations for a long period of time.

Battery Charger
The start function of a generator is battery-operated. The battery charger keeps the generator battery charged by supplying it with a precise ‘float’ voltage.

Now that you know how the generator functions, check out some really cool ones at www.mahindrapowerol.com