Backup power supply generators power data centers or other critical environments in the event of a utility outage. If a backup generator is not present, all critical and non-critical systems will cease to operate – resulting in unplanned downtime. In an unprotected environment, all critical equipment eventually will experience a hard shut-down.
Not only do you risk significant damage but hours of productivity are lost to reboot cycles. If you do not have a backup power supply at your facility, and you experience a loss of utility power for longer than your UPS batteries can last, your data center will crash.
Even after utility power resumes, it could take days, even weeks, before all systems again are operational. The amount of data lost due to the outage can be substantial, even if you have periodic system backups.
Generator Basics
The purpose of a backup power supply is to ensure power is available when utility power is interrupted. In the event of a utility power outage, the UPS batteries will take the critical electrical load for the few seconds required to start the emergency generator. UPS batteries are not a long-term (more than a few minutes) solution to a power outage. However, they provide a vital bridge between the grid and an enterprise’s backup generators.
Generators can provide reliable power for hours or for days. However, if your operation relies on a single generator and it fails, the batteries in the UPS system will not be able to handle the critical electrical load for a long period of time. This will result in costly downtime. For that reason, DP Air recommends dual redundant generators for critical systems, if possible.
Generator Fuel System Maintenance
Every company knows the importance of uptime and how detrimental downtime is to their bottom line. That is why you take precautions against costly downtime by installing a generator at your site.
However, you might not be aware that generators, too, require regular preventive maintenance. Generators must be started and tested at regular intervals. Fresh fuel must be provided. The fuel in diesel-powered generators can become unstable and cause generator failure at a crucial time. Did you know that living organisms can thrive in your diesel fuel tank? These organisms can clog fuel filters and cause generator failure. DP Air is proud to offer Fuel Testing and Filtration Services in Arizona.
Contact DP Air today to learn more about your backup power supply, generator power options and preventive maintenance programs.