If you’re reading this blog, you are seriously considering an investment in some back-up power for your industrial property. How do you choose the right generator for your property and its electrical needs? This is Reactive Generator’s advice for making this important decision. Once you have a better idea, feel free to reach out to us and we can take care of all installation and the follow-up generator servicing in Brisbane you’ll need. It’s good that you’re doing your research because the worst-case scenario is dealing with an accident or potential damage to your equipment because you bought the wrong model. Otherwise, you might make a purchase that is more expensive than it needs to be for your specific needs.
Large stationary diesel generators usually operate on 3-phase power. Unlike single phase which only needs one wire on smaller properties like residential properties, 3-phase operates have three wires which essentially means extra loads can be added. This makes 3-phase generators well-suited to jobs that require delivery of larger power loads like those on industrial properties for industry operations. 3-phase generators may need more regular generator servicing in Brisbane
Prime vs Standby power
Prime power for industrial projects that are in remote environments are a whole different ball game and require professional expertise. Prime power solutions are best for cases in Queensland where there isn’t immediate access to main power. This can be the case more often with remote mining sites. Standby power however refers to the supply of emergency power for a limited period, such as during outages or electrical faults in your existing power system. These are a few examples where both primary and standby power is needed for industrial properties:
- Mining and other remote sites that require prime power
- Standby power for data sites and big high-rise offices
- Farms and agricultural properties
- Supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centres
- Large event occurrences
- Government buildings or events
- Office or factory premises that cannot afford the discontinuation of operation
- Emergency backup power in high-rise buildings and apartment complexes
I need a primary source of power for my industrial property
Many of the above-mentioned electrical needs are based on the fact that the generator will work as a back-up source only. There are some questions you should ask before investing in one. If you are considering investing in a generator because you want to use it as a primary source of electricity for a large-scale project, then this will require that you call a specialist in. You might be exploring your off-grid power supply options for your industrial park because it’s too far from overhead or underground power lines. This is exactly what Reactive Generators specializes in and we consider ourselves industry leaders. We’ve got new generators and second-hand ones. We can help you explore your options and design a specialized power solutions plan for you. We cater specifically to commercial and industrial clients of all sizes.
Call us now on (07) 3710 8218 and we promise you service and supply of safe, reliable, and high-quality generator servicing in Brisbane. We have a range of other power solution services and can cater to customers across Queensland.
What size generator do I need?
Industrial generators are designed to provide power capacity anywhere from 50 kilowatts to over 3 Megawatts of power. The rule of thumb amongst professional electricians is that more capacity is better than less because installing one that is too small will cause you more problems than you had before installation. However, we advise that you do your research about the size of generator you need by calling multiple service providers to compare your options because using an industrial generator that is far larger than needed for your job site can cause damage to the generator and the equipment connected to it.
Three tips for estimating the correct sizing of your generator
It might seem like a lot of work for the size and operation usage of an industrial property but do the following:
- Create a list of all the electrical items the generator will need to power
- Calculate all the starting & running wattage capacity needed
- Narrow down a time & frequency schedule needed for the generator to power all the site equipment
- Use Reactive Generators’ calculator after you’ve got all the figures summed up
Choosing a fuel type
There are different fuel types for industrial generators. Gasoline powered industrial generators are coming across Australia but they’re not the best option for every environment. Some climates are better for diesel use and storage. Diesel is more resistant to cold temperatures and won’t freeze. You also need to choose a generator fuel option that has an excess of supply in your area. Choose the one that has multiple refill spots near your industrial operation. Considering these possibilities will help you choose the best fuel option because it’ll be up to you to keep supplying it.
Benefits of a diesel generator:
Diesel generators are more efficient and that means they require much less maintenance than petrol. They use less fuel which will mean lower costs over time. Diesel is also less dangerous than petrol so it’s safer to use.
Benefits of petrol generators:
There are a wider range of petrol generators on the market and petrol models cost much less to buy. Petrol also contributes less to pollution than diesel does because it produces fewer emissions.
Petrol is best for short-term, intermittent use because you’re less likely to enjoy the cost-saving benefits of diesel. High-use and heavy industry situations should use diesel because it’s the harder working fuel option for an industrial generator and it provides long-term efficiencies.
Other important factors you should consider
Running your generator will be easy but it comes with certain expenses that you’ll have to keep in mind. Australia has many diverse landscapes and climates, so you have to consider (and ask a qualified electrician) about how the location of your industrial property can heavily influence everything about your generator. This will include the size, fuel type and maintenance requirements. Call us now on 07 3710 8212 or email us here to find out more information.
