– Joanna Styczen, Technical Writing Director, iMiller PR, posts the following on behalf of EEC:
Modern Data Center Design
We’ve been paralleling generators within data centers for quite some time now, but not without complications. With high complexity, costly installation and upkeep, it comes as a relief to know that today, we have other options. A new paralleled generator system known as modular integration is not only affordable and simple, it also provides a highly flexible and reliable solution that can scale with ease.
Innovation is the name of the game within the industry, and mission-critical facilities are no stranger to that fact. The antiquated practices of traditional paralleled generator systems are no longer the optimal choice. Once the only available system, operators and designers were forced into a corner, accepting highly complex and costly solutions. However, utilizing an integrated design makes those obstacles and issues a thing of the past through digital paralleling.
Knowledge is power, and gaining a deeper understanding of integration within paralleled generators can help your team determine the best solution for your facility’s functionality. So, what is the difference between integrated and traditional paralleling systems? To answer that question, we must analyze four major functions of generators, including synchronization, load sharing, protection and point of synchronization.
Traditionally, paralleled generator systems have been forced to rely on third-party components to drive and regulate controls to establish synchronization. By contrast, with the new innovation that is integrated paralleling, controls are onboard digitally, eliminating the need for additional equipment by keeping all functions within the generator itself. Additionally, load sharing is a critical element to consider. It’s vital to ensure all generators are functioning at an equal capacity and that no single machine has become the “motor”, pulling load from the other. Integrated systems relieve the previous requirement of complex cables in favor of flexible digital load sharing.
Similar to synchronization controls, traditional paralleling setups required third-party influence when it came to reverse power, voltage and over current protection. Integrated paralleling has solved this issue of complexity by providing these components within the generator itself. By integrating these features directly into the equipment, lower capital costs and increased simplicity can be easily achieved.
Finally, as generators achieve synchronization, they require a connection to the emergency bus, or point of synchronization. Traditional gear relies on outside motorized breakers, whereas integrated generators utilize switches or motorized breakers located onboard, conserving precious data center space and providing the flexibility necessary for future growth and innovative design.
Integrated paralleled generator systems are designed to provide the most bang for your buck, offering incredible benefits such as simplified design, single source supply, shortened installation lead time, conservation of space and ease of expansion – all at a very affordable cost. With this knowledge in hand, it’s time to decide if an integrated approach is right for you.
Learn more about modular generator and integrated paralleling systems from this comprehensive article by Electronic Environments Corporation (EEC)’s Director, Chris Avery, found here.
