Backup Power Generators for Data Centers

Are you looking for a powerful backup generator for your data center?

The ever-growing demand for cloud-based services in the past few years has led to rapid demand for data centers. Research suggests that the market size for data center generators globally was $6.7 billion in 2019 and that it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027.

A data center houses different servers and other data storage facilities. A crucial aspect of a business’s IT network, the data center is the main powerhouse that needs to be continually running.

When it comes to the types of data centers, there are several based on their applications. While some are strictly dedicated to big organizations, others are purely for smaller browser-based businesses.

In general, data centers can house the following systems:

• Backup power maintenance controls
• Server room cooling units
• Redundant data connections and communications
• HVAC and security controls

Ensuring uninterrupted normal power to data centers all the time is critical for day-to-day operations.

A Data Center

Backup generators are the devices used to ensure that data center components have uninterrupted power maintenance 100℅ of the time, especially when the main source of power is interrupted due to power outages due to blackouts, inclement weather, utility grid failures, etc.

As per IFC data as well as industry experts, emergency generator sets power serve over 20-30 million unique sites with a phenomenal potential to produce the power equivalent of 700-1,000 coal-fired power stations.

To that end, this post aims to explore the need for robust backup generators for data center power output, along with the factors to consider when selecting generators.

Why Data Centers Need Backup Power Generators

Data centers play an important role in building an organization’s infrastructure. Since they house important data and systems central to business operations, even a simple power outage can negatively impact operations, thus causing system downtime or loss of data.

A backup power generator is, in fact, one of the most important components of a data center redundancy plan. There are multiple reasons why backup generator sets play an important role in maintaining high reliability.

A data center backup generator

Among these are the following:

• Help ensure that data centers keep uptime and avoid any kind of data loss
• Offer a backup power source whenever there are sudden power outages
• Help ensure that data centers meet all the necessary compliance regulations
• Protect the infrastructure when there is a surge in power that could damage data center equipment

Overall, high-quality backup power generators for data centers play a key role in minimizing the risk of downtime and ensuring that operations continue even in the event of a sudden power outage.

Functions of Backup Generators in Data Centers

The main function of backup generator sets is to provide power in the event of a power outage or interruption of main power. Typically, data center power output components do not tolerate power spikes easily due to switching from normal to emergency power supply.

When these components (emergency generator, utility power, switchgear, automatic transfer switch, or UPS) lose power even for a second, a total restart of operations is required. This could lead to downtimes, system failures, startup issues, or loss of in-process information.

Most data centers operate in one of these two modes:

• Normal operation – Operating from different supplied utilities
• Emergency operation – Operating mainly from standby generators. For emergency operations, data centers are equipped with redundant cooling systems

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Backup Generator for Your Data Center

When choosing a backup generator for a data center, several factors need to be taken into consideration. Among these are the key components of the generator, size, and fuel efficiency. We will discuss these factors in detail below.

1.Type of Fuel

Fuel type for the generator is an important consideration as it makes a great difference in the overall cost and effectiveness of your backup generator.

Most backup generator systems for data centers are powered by diesel, natural gas, or propane. Further, you also need to consider costs, as diesel or natural gas-powered generators vary in price depending on their size.

Diesel power generator sets

2.Size

When choosing the size of the backup generator, make sure to consider factors like critical load and consistent power supply.

You also need to ensure that the emergency lighting, communications, and alarm systems work in the best condition in the event of power failure.

Therefore, the backup emergency generator power you pick should generally be sized at 1.5 times the nominal UPS capacity for transformerless UPS systems.

3.The Kind of Power the Generator Can Handle

When choosing a backup power generator, you need to pay attention to the type of power your generator can handle. The generator you pick should be able to power your equipment in case of sudden outages or when the grid goes down.

Apart from this, you also need to take into account the peak usage when deciding how big or small your backup generator has to be.

4.Costs

Costing and budget is a critical element to consider when making the choice of power generator sets for your data center. Though you may want an ultra-powerful backup generator, it may not work if you can’t afford it. However, most companies do provide payment plans for people in this situation.

Make sure to compare and contrast pricing to determine the best choice for your circumstances.

5.Generator Controls

Another important consideration when getting a backup generator for reliable power solutions is generator controls. They help control which equipment and systems receive priority when being powered by the backup generator.

Further, these generator controls also help ensure that only the main components receive power in the event of a power outage so that all essential operations can continue.

6.Fuel Storage

Natural gas generators usually do not need to store fuel as they are mostly connected to the main gas pipeline. The natural gas generators will be able to run and function if there are no problems with the utility service.

Diesel generators, on the contrary, need a tank attached to the base of the unit. A smaller tank in the generator will require fuel at regular intervals to ensure uninterrupted power supply and will need extra diesel fuel reserves for emergencies.

In Conclusion

When it comes to running and maintaining a data center, using natural gas or diesel generator sets to provide backup power in the event of outages or similar emergencies plays an important role.

To make the process of backup power generator installation easier for the data center industry, we have discussed the key considerations and important factors you need to keep in mind when beginning the process.

Leveraging a powerful backup generator like the Low Hours Stewart & Stevenson 1400kW Diesel Generator or Tested Good Used MTU 12V4000 Diesel Generators through Swift Equipment in the event of total power loss will not only keep your data center operations running smoothly but also keep your data protected and offer peace of mind for everyone using these facilities.

FAQs about backup power generator

What is a data center?

A data center is a facility used to house different systems, computers, and associated components. It generally includes backup power supplies, environmental controls, security devices, telecommunications, and storage systems for reliable power solutions.

What is the primary function of a data center?

The primary function of a data center is to locate computers, storage, and other networking devices safely and securely. Besides, it also provides the power needed to maintain these devices.

What is a UPS?

UPS is commercial-grade uninterruptible power supply that offers battery backup power in the event of a power failure for a certain period of time. UPS supplies power to either systematically shut down the systems before hard failure or to get power restored.

What is a backup generator?

A backup generator is a device that is used to provide uninterrupted power to any mission-critical demand within the data center in the event of a power outage or failure.

What is conditioned power?

Conditioned power means that the electrical service given to the data center area is either provisioned through one or more uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and is further supported by standby diesel generators.