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  

Use of clean diesel for your generator

Diesel Generators are robust and very much dependable when maintained properly. Enough has been said about maintenance of a diesel generators. The maintenance programs primarily suggest timely replacement of Lube oil, Coolant, Filters, Gaskets and other worn out parts. These are important, but diesel fuel management is also equally important.

Diesel does not have an unlimited shelf life. Over time it starts to deteriorate. The older generation of diesel engines could run on pretty much anything. With the advancement in diesel technology the chances of failure due to poor diesel quality increased. Modern diesel engines operate at a much higher injection pressure compared to the older generation engines. At very high pressure even a microscopic particle will case accelerated wear and tear to the fuel injection components.

If stored under normal conditions, diesel will have 6 to 12 months of useful life. As the fuel gets older it will be contaminated mainly by three reasons:

1. Water condensation

2. Bacterial growth

3. Solid particulates

The diesel fuel naturally attracts water and it is the biggest enemy of diesel. The water particles present in the diesel will cause corrosion of metallic parts of the fuel system. Contaminated diesel can be supplied by the diesel supplier, condensation could be collected from the air inside the storage tank or rainwater can enter the diesel tank through vent holes. The microbes feed on the hydrocarbons of diesel. The water works as a catalyst allowing the microbial growth. It forms a sludge in the diesel. The sludge can get sucked into the engine and choke the Fuel Filters and damage the Injectors. Solid dirt particles can be present in the diesel from poorly sealed air vents or rusty walls of the fuel tank. These particles will block the Fuel Filter and damage the Injectors.  

The nozzle openings of the Fuel Injectors are extremely precise. They deliver precisely measured quantity of fuel in a well-defined spray pattern. A smallest dirt particle can pose serious threat to these high precision modern Fuel Injectors. Electronically controlled engines will have more precision engineered fuel system components compared to mechanical engines. Dirt particles in the fuel may cause very costly damage. 

There are simple ways to prevent these problems.

• Always use genuine Fuel Filters prescribed by the engine manufacturer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule of the filters.
• Regularly drain water from Water Separator.
• Buy diesel from reputed suppliers.
• Always keep the fuel tank full to prevent water condensation from the trapped air.
• If you are not using the Generator for long time, do consider the shelf life of the diesel.
• Clean the Fuel Tank once a year. Do not allow any rust formation on the tank.

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

SUPER SHIELD - A complete Peace of Mind solution.

Every diesel generator needs maintenance, irrespective of the brand it belongs to. Therefore, while choosing a brand for your generator see that it offers both superior quality and great after sales support.

When you choose a Mahindra Powerol generator you are actually investing in robust design, excellent workmanship and the country’s best after-sales support.

The industry standard of a generator warranty is 2 years. What happens after the warranty? Your generator will continue to run for years after the warranty is over. You will run the generator with your own responsibility or you will go for an AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract). But the conventional AMC comes with many conditions and complexities. It also requires your active involvement in the process.

Mahindra Powerol brings a path breaking, first of its kind in the industry, service package SUPER SHIELD. A complete PEACE OF MIND for 5 years. What we are offering is not a 5 year extended warranty, it is much more than that. This is an offer which can only be executed when a brand has enough confidence in their product and services.

Mahindra Powerol welcomes you to the world of SUPER SHIELD.

Benefits of the SUPER SHIELD package at a glance:

•      Manufacturer-backed complete protection to your Generator for 5 years or 6000 hours.
•      Fixed operating cost and least cost of ownership.
•      No additional cost for preventive maintenance services (including parts and labour).
•      Protection from price fluctuation for 5 years.
•      No additional cost of repair in the unlikely event of a breakdown.
•      Assurance of a back-up Generator if a break down takes more than 48 hours to repair.
•     54 point service checks during preventive maintenance every 3 months.
•     Service by company trained technicians using genuine parts only.
•     Available for Generator ratings of 82.5, 100, 125, 160, 180, 200, 250 & 320 KVA. 

SUPER SHIELD is a very robust yet simple offer, it takes care of everything. The customers only need to take care of the diesel filling. We will maintain the Battery for 2 years for zero additional cost after that customer needs to pay for the repair and replacement of the Battery.

Purchasing Generator is a long term investment. A smaller one-time investment in SUPER SHIELD protects your investment and gives you a complete PEACE OF MIND!!!

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

What is kVA and how is it calculated?

We all know that power ratings are shown in different forms. We are familiar with ‘Watts’, ‘Kilowatts’, ‘Amps’, ‘Volts’. However, outside the diesel generator industry not many are fully aware of the definition of kVA. and how it is calculated. A Kilowatt (kW) is a more popular term as that is how electrical equipment is usually rated.

Actual power vs Apparent power. 

To put it in a nutshell, the difference between Kilowatts and kVA is the difference between actual power and apparent power. 

kVA describes the total amount of power being used - in a 100% efficient system kW and kVA will be the same. In practice, however, electrical systems are not 100% efficient, hence not all of the system’s apparent power is being converted. 

In theory, one kVA is equal to 1,000-volt amps. Whereas, a volt is for measurement of electrical pressure, an amp is a way of electrical current measurement. A term called apparent power (the absolute value of complex power, S) is equal to the product of the volts and amps.

Power Factor.

A diesel genset is engineered with a power factor of 0.8. With this information, it is easy to convert kVA to kW - as the efficiency level of the electrical system in question is known. Electrical efficiency is expressed as a power factor in between 0 & 1 - and the closer the power factor is to 1, the higher the efficiency of kVA converted into actual kilowatts. 

Calculation of kW to kVA: -

Apparent power (kVA) x power factor (pf) = actual power (kW)

e.g. 100 kVA x 0.8 = 80 kW

The formula for converting kW into kVA is:

Actual power (kW) / power factor (pf) = apparent power (kVA)

1 ton = 200 BTU/minute

1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour

1 ton = 3.517 kilowatts

Mahindra Powerol deals in high kVA gensets that are extremely fuel efficient and robust.

To know more about our products and the industries we cater to visit our website at: - www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at 1800-419-1999

SMART CUSTOMER: Why do you need a back-up generator

Running a business takes a lot of efforts. You have sacrificed the golden years of your youth in establishing your business. You have earned respect in the society and today you stand tall as a successful business leader. You are still hungry for more and want to take your business to the newer heights of success. Your business is well prepared against all odds and growing continuously. 

But often we see many business owners don’t prepare for power cuts and never consider having a backup generator. Are you fine watching your business operations come to a halt due to a power outage and wait until power is restored? Your customers may go away because you are not operating. 

Imagine there is a power outage due to a violent act of nature and power supply network is broken, it can only be restored after a couple of days. All your business activities will come to a standstill and you can do nothing about it. You will need a generator for backup power.

If your business is data sensitive or needs to access live data continuously a continuous power supply is a must. A backup power arrangement is a must for you.

If you are from the manufacturing industry, a power outage means loss of productivity. You cannot afford a loss in production. You need backup power.  

Preparing for a power outage is straightforward when you have power industry professionals like Mahindra Powerol at your service. All you need to do is take permission from your local electricity board authorities. We will help you to determine what size of back-up generator and what fuel (Diesel or Natural Gas) will be suitable for your business. You may also refer our blog 10 Things to remember before buying a generator.

Usually, people keep the generators away from public view, at the basement, backyard or rooftop. But Mahindra Powerol offers gensets with attractive Coral Orange colour with a unique trapezoidal design which can be flaunted proudly and can be installed in the prime location which will catch maximum eyeballs. 

Having a backup generator is like having insurance. We genuinely hope that there is never a situation where you must use a generator, but it is important to have the assurance of an uninterrupted power supply in the event of a power outage.

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

The Global Diesel Genset Market

How large is the global market for diesel gensets? According to a recent report it’s as large as $17.35 billion. And huge as this market already is, it is only expected to grow.

The largest markets are Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa followed by North, South and Central America. It can be said that the reasons for demand include low initial prices, increasing power demand and an inadequate grid network. 

The challenges faced by the market include increasingly stringent emission norms, discovery of shale gas reserves and use of substitutes. The top players in the international market are Rolls Royce, Caterpillar, Cummins and others. In India, Mahindra has built a solid reputation in this sector.

A.    Expected Growth: 

The global diesel generators market is expected to grow to an aggregate market value of $115.1 billion in the period 2018-2022. The factors driving this rise are healthy industrial growth, rapid urbanization and increase in per capita income. The rise in disposable income has also spiked the need for power backup devices. 

The other reasons for the surge in demand include power deficits, advanced technology, and ready diesel availability. Diesel generators are by far the most preferred power backup - In 2017, more than 80% of the global generators market were diesel generators. 

B. Top countries according to demand:

In 2022, China is expected to be leading the way in terms of market volume for diesel generators - followed by US and India. China’s share is estimated to be 19.50% in 2022. The main reasons for this are that China’s grid has not yet reached quite a few of the rural areas. The Chinese government is also promoting economic growth which will positively affect the market. 

C.   Sectors with high demand for diesel generators: 

The commercial sector accounted for 39.8% of the diesel gensets market share in 2014. This was followed by the Hospitality sector. Natural disasters like hurricanes boost the demand in coastal areas. The Telecom, IT and retail sectors are also witnessing a surge in demand.  

D.    Demand according to power: 

In 2014, low power gensets with an output power of 0-350 kVA accounted for 49% of the global diesel generator market. 

The demand for High-power gensets is expected to rise and diesel-fueled high power gensets are cheaper than natural gas-fueled gensets, in terms of operating costs. 

To conclude, as you can see from the above facts, the market for diesel generators is huge and the prospects for sustained growth are very high indeed. 

For further guidance or information on diesel/gas gensets visit our website at www.mahindrapowerol.com/ or call us at 1-800-419-1999

Reference: - https://www.power-technology.com/comment/global-diesel-generators-market-reach-value-115-11bn-coming-years/

SMART CONSUMER - Choosing the right Power cable for your Genset

All of us enjoy electrical appliances, be it domestic or commercial. But we tend to forget that there is an underlying network of cables supporting the entire system. High technology is involved in the making these cables, which makes them withstand tough conditions for years.

We strongly believe that basic knowledge about the cables are a must for them who own a genset. Choosing the manufacturer recommended Power Cable for your genset is important. To save a few bucks we are often tempted to use cheaper options which may lead to many issues like the ones discussed below.

Undersized cable will generate excessive heat which may melt the protective cover of the cable leading to hazards like fire or electric shock.

In case there is a short circuit, an undersized cable will not withstand the fault current. The cable may melt, burn or even cause severe damage to connected equipment even before any tripping mechanism may work.

Powerol recommends the use of 3.5 Core Armoured Power Cable for three phase and 2 Core Armoured Power Cable for single phase gensets.

Let us understand what this actually is:

3.5 Core cables will have 3 stranded wires for R, Y, B Phases, with diameter X and one stranded wire for Neutral with diameter X/2.

A 2 Core cable will have one Phase wire and one Neutral wire of same diameter.

3.5 Core Cable

2 Core Cable

Construction of 3.5 Core and 2 Core Armoured Cable:-

Weather Proof Coating : Withstands every weather condition.

Steel Armour : Provides the mechanical and tensile strength to withstand toughest conditions.

Extra Insulation : Under the steel insulation this extra insulation lies.

Core Insulation : Prevents short circuit. Insulation material should be XLPE if underground cable is used.

Stranded Conductor : These are the current carrying conductors.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT POWER CABLE

Overheating due to usage of undersized cables and loose thumbing causes most of the electrical failures. Choosing the right size and type of Power Cable is a critical technical decision. Consider every possible factors before making a purchase decision.

The size of Power Cables (generally referred in Sq.mm) primarily depends on the Ampere rating of the Genset. Copper is a better conductor compared to Aluminium, they are the best material to be considered. For the same amount current lesser diameter of Copper cable can be used compared to Aluminium cable. Downside of using a Copper Cable is they are heavier and costlier than the Aluminium Cables.

While laying the cable try to keep the bends minimum and avoid sharp bends.

Avoid joints, use a continuous cable. In case a joint is unavoidable the work must be done by a qualified person. Incorrect joint will lead to expensive failure in future.

Use right size of thimbles and proper crimping to make a proper terminal connection.

For proper terminal connection the contact area must be adequate.

Improper termination will lead to local heat generation. Which will lead to failure.

Avoid Point connection arising out of improper position. Gaps between leads and terminals, in such cases the Nuts or Bolts will carry the load current. Normally they are made of Mild Steel and are not designed to carry high current.

Do consult an authorized person before purchasing the Power Cable. Powerol has a highly competent team of genset installation specialist. You may contact them for any guidance.

There are large variety of Power Cable types to suit different kind of operation. Including all of them in this blog will make it little overwhelming for the reader. If you are interested to know more about Power Cables, do let us know in the comments section, we will be happy to help you.

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

SMART CONSUMER - Understanding The Earth, Neutral and Phase Points

When you call an electrician what does he check? How does he identify faults in your electricity supply lines? Do you have clear understanding of the Phase, Neutral and Earth points in the sockets of your house?

Well, we are not trying to teach you Electrical Engineering. As a consumer, it is smart to be aware of the electricity distribution from Power Plant to your house. It is also important to understand the Phase – Neutral – Earth points and what is their importance. 

Let us first understand the basic of domestic electricity supply chain.

Domestic electricity supply can be broadly divided into three categories:

       1. Generation

       2. Transmission

       3. Distribution

GENERATION: Generation happens in big power plants (Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear, Solar, Wind etc)

TRANSMISSION: Generated power is stepped up for ease of transmission. Power is transmitted via DELTA connection, (a Delta connections needs only 3 wires R-Y-B).

DISTRIBUTION: From the transmission lines the power is stepped down through local transformers and from the local transformer connection is distributed to individual houses. 

From the local transformers power is distributed to different houses as STAR connection which is having 4 wires. Three Phase wires and one Neutral wire. The Neutral point in the transformer is connected to the ground.

For domestic connections, the Neutral point is common, and any one phase (R, Y or B) is given as line to individual houses.

Understanding the Socket

According to electricity rules, the left point will be Neutral (N) and the right point will be Phase (P). The Earthing (E) point will be at the top. The earthing is used for safety purpose.

Point P should always have power, this can be checked by a Tester. The N point has no power in it, it cannot be checked with a Tester. To check the N point, a test lamp should be used.

What is the difference between Earth and Neutral?

Neutral is connected to the Neutral point of your local distribution transformer.

The Earth point is unique, made for your house only.

Why Earthing is important?

If earthing is not done, there will be chances of electrical shock in case there is some fault in the circuit.

No risk of electric shock if Earthing is done even if there is a fault in the circuit.

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