Today, schools and universities are more dependent upon technology than ever before. They use to avoid a range of devices and systems dependent upon an uninterrupted power supply.
But what if the primary power grid fails? Are you looking up the backup power requirements for schools and universities?
That’s completely understandable. The duration of power outages in the U.S. has doubled over the last five years, from three hours to over eight hours.
Despite the progress made on the policy, it may take a significant amount of time before an uninterrupted power supply becomes a reality, especially for schools and universities.
So, if Plan A fails, it is always advisable to have a Plan B or a backup. This is where backup power or generators for schools and universities can help ensure that the power supply never stops.
In this blog, we explore why a backup commercial generator is an important investment for schools and universities and how educational facilities can go about procuring high-quality power generators that are energy efficient and cost-effective.
Table of Contents
Increasing Incidents of Power Outrages
Man checking the distribution board during a power outage
In November 2022, 11 states in the U.S. experienced a power outage. A report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates a growing number of power outages according due to weather-related events.
These include hurricanes, fires, flooding, storms resulting in ice, rain, snow and wind, and tornadoes. For instance, in 2021, 72% of power outages were caused by weather-related events, as compared to just 51% in 2013.
However, power outages can also occur in power grid conditions, which are UN-optimized and have experienced significant variants. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pledged to invest $ 20 million in upgrading the power grid.
However, these changes may take time to impact all schools and universities. Early investments in generators for universities and schools can prevent disruption of educational and co-curricular engagement.
How a Power Outage Disrupts School Activity
A high school in the U.S. was recently in the news because it experienced a power outage during its graduation ceremony. With no access to backup generators, the school decided to continue with the graduation ceremony using emergency lighting from cell phones.
This is just one example of how power outages can disrupt school and university events.
Though the efforts of the school are commendable, it is not a sustainable solution. Schools and universities can greatly benefit by investing in backup power.
The stakes get much higher as power outages disrupt events and activities at universities.
Benefits of Generators for Schools, Universities
Here’s a snapshot of the key advantages of backup power.
Say Goodbye to The Class Disruptions
Recent power outages due to the aftereffects of a storm led to the closure of several schools in the bay area. Disruption of classes is a common outcome for educational institutions that do not have access to backup power.
Unfortunately, most schools and universities do not have the resources to shift to remote education. By investing in backup power, educational universities can provide a long-term sustainable solution to allowing classes to continue during any power outage.
Computer Networks Can Continue to Functions
Over the last five years, schools and universities have become increasingly dependent upon technology to drive various outcomes. Everyone, from learners and teachers to the school admin, leverages computer networks, data centers, and online software to run their activities.
There’s a significant risk of losing unsaved data during a power outage. Computer networks are also at risk of being hacked during their downtime.
The presence of emergency power industrial generators ensures that computer networks will not be down due to a power outage.
Never Lose Research and Experiment Findings
Several educational facilities, especially universities, conduct a significant amount of research on campuses. They receive grants to conduct accurate research.
The research process is dependent upon power resources. Universities also run incubators for promising startups, which are constantly innovating.
A power failure can lead to the loss of research and experiment findings. Having adequate power backup ensures that the data from research remains safe and that important intelligence is not compromised.
No Break-Downs of Support Infrastructure
College and university campuses have a significant amount of support instructors, which they need to function optimally. With the presence of a power backup, the support infrastructure will function efficiently and experience less wear and tear.
Here is some example of key support infrastructure used by schools and universities:
- Security systems
- Emergency lighting
- Refrigeration systems for cafeterias.
- Cooling and heating systems
- Communication systems
- Electronic door systems
Safety Concerns
Safety is a top priority for schools and universities. However, power outages can compromise safety on campuses.
For instance, if a fire breaks out during a power outage, the presence of a power backup will ensure that critical fire suppression equipment is functional.
It also ensures that security systems, electronic door systems, fire alarms, and other types of equipment connected to safety will stay fully functional should the utility power fails.
Installing Backup Power on A Budget
Image source (Used Cummins 250kW Gas Generator)
Budgetary constraints are a common challenge for schools and universities. One way to cut down on costs is to purchase a reliable second-hand generator.
You can go for diesel generators or generators that are powered by natural gas.
For instance, second-hand generators running on natural gas, such as the Caterpillar G3306TA Gas Generator or Cummins 250kW Gas Generator, are produced by the best brands in the business.
Conclusion
Installing backup generators for schools and universities gives institutions much more control over their activities and schedules. The use of emergency generators is a sustainable solution that offers safety, predictability, and optimization for institutions.
Building a network of generators for universities and schools empowers institutions to stay focused on their mission – delivering high-quality education to learners.
It is advisable to partner with a seasoned generator power supplier such as Swift Equipment Solutions, which understands the complex and unique needs of schools and universities. As specialists, we have in-depth knowledge of various compliance guidelines for the safe and effective use of generators.
Contact us today to learn more.
FAQs
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What is backup power?
Backup power refers to a device that functions as an independent source of electrical supply.
Power backup ensures that the device kicks into action when the main power grid is no longer able to supply power. It activates immediately, resulting in an uninterruptable power supply.
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Why do schools and universities require it?
Generators for schools and universities have become a necessity today. The power demands of educational facilities have increased significantly over the last few years.
They need to power a large number of devices, from computer networks and electronic teaching equipment to security systems, fire alarms, heating systems, and air-conditioning.
When the power fails, superior backup power can support the institution’s needs until the primary power grid kicks in.
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How much power backup do educational facilities require?
The amount of power backup completely depends upon the requirements of the institute.
For instance, a private residential school with students living on campus would require a more powerful backup generator than a day school with limited facilities.
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How does investment in power backup help schools and universities?
There are several reasons why educational facilities must invest in power backup. The occurrence of power outages has increased over the last few years, especially due to weather-related events.
Schools and universities also have several events, such as convocations, sports days, and inter-collegiate events, to name a few, which demand interrupted power supply.
Having a standby generator ensures a 24/7 power supply 365 days a year. Installing emergency power industrial generators is especially beneficial during long-drawn power outages. It also protects important research conducted as an outcome of college and university experiments to stay uncompromised.
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How to reduce expenditure on back power due to power outages?
One of the most effective ways is to do an energy audit to understand how power is being consumed. Educational facilities can then invest in power-saving solutions to reduce consumption.
Another approach is to invest in energy-efficient and cost-efficient emergency power industrial generators. Make sure to purchase backup power devices from a credible manufacturer.
You can also consider purchasing a used standby power generator running on natural gas or diesel, which are in mint condition, to bring down the cost.
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Which is a credible company selling power backup units?
Backup generators for educational facilities are quite different from backup power requirements of individual homes. Make sure to purchase a powerful and reliable generator from a maker of industrial generators such as Swift Equipment.
Such companies offer high-quality backup generators which are resilient and effective.
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