EATON AMA
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@nadnerB our founder...Joseph Eaton
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@gjacobse said:
Using a UPS is a short term option. In some cases services need to be maintained longer -
Are there best practices for deploying a UPS with a generator?
When designing with a backup solution, compatibility between a UPS and Generator is usually one of the biggest issues. It can be complex and confusing.
If the generator isn't sized large enough, it may not be able to hold voltage and frequency within input tolerances when the UPS comes online. The UPS will view the generator as an unstable power source and never come off of battery. The UPS will have a set input voltage and frequency window; if you go outside the window the UPS will go on battery. You can get into a vicious cycle of going on and off of battery until your UPS crashes and your IT load are dropped.
Several reasons why the generator would be an issue:
ā¢ The generator is like a car engine. As it maintains RPMs, it maintains frequency. When the UPS transfers from battery to generator power, the engine may slow down a bit. You can compare this to driving a stick shift while stopped at a red light headed uphill. When you dump the clutch, if you aren't giving it enough gas (or if you are driving a pinto) the RPMs are going to drop down.
ā¢ Just like in the automotive world, the bigger the engine (generator here) the more it can handle the dumping of the clutch as the UPS comes off of battery. Bigger (aside from your budget number) is better
ā¢ Natural Gas is usually the least combustible fuel out there, and generators that run off of NG are slow to respond and may need to be sized larger than propane counterparts. Diesel is best, but usually predominant in the world of 50kW and larger, but it may present a lot more budget and maintenance issues if you don't have a maintenance program or run them weekly, etc.
ā¢ When looking at smaller generators (30kW and below) look at the governor. Electronic governors are quick to respond, mechanical governors are not and may add headaches.
The features of the UPS can also impact you configuration. Most single phase UPS products (20kVA and below) will come back online all at once. Larger three phase UPS products will have "current walk-in" and will slowly transition from battery anywhere from 5-60 seconds. As for sizing solutions with generators under 30kVA for single phase UPS applications, I usually lean on the err of caution being a manufacturer. We recommend the same if you are responsible as the decision maker.
ā¢ Generator should be sized 2 times the total load (UPS, A/C, an everything else) for NG and mechanical governor
ā¢ 1.5 times the load will work if you have a new generator, Propane or Diesel and an electronic governor.
ā¢ Any mix from the above puts you somewhere in the middle of 1.5 to 2 times. -
The beauty of this forum is that all the good stuff we glean from this will live on in perpetuity, to be searched and referenced... which is a good thing; if we get too many more questions running, I'll need to come back in order to properly digest all the information!
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@JColeKen said:
@nadnerB A long time ago...in a far away galaxy...
soooo..... your neighbours cat was called Eaton...? Cool!
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@nadnerB yes, we have Eaton feet on the ground in those areas!
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@nadnerB said:
What is your representation like in the Australia/New Zealand region?
- Do you have an office or just minions that sell stuff (Channel partners?)
We have a full network of channel partners in ANZ and our main office is in Sydney (complete with product management, sales, tech support, etc.). We work with them on a regular basis. http://powerquality.eaton.com/australia/Default.asp?CX=22 Our website is global though you may need to choose your country first.
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Someone said most of the Eaton people on the forum are from NC.
Are you all Panthers fans, and if so, what do you think of this season so far?
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@nadnerB Pretty much a cat....we do have offices and a local support in Australia.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@DustinB3403 said:
Is EATON going to be at next years MangoCon? Curious to see what you might bring and be able to demo.
That's a great idea! Inquiring minds want to know.
We'll need the pricing and info so we can make that determination.
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What about environmental monitoring? How do you incorporate that?
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@BRRABill said:
Someone said most of the Eaton people on the forum are from NC.
Are you all Panthers fans, and if so, what do you think of this season so far?
Go Chiefs!!
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I wanted to let the community know that we have a pretty great UPS selector out. (Also has replacement batteries @nadnerB) Check it out, we'd love to get your feedback. http://upsselector.eaton.com/
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@nadnerB - Joseph Eaton started making truck axles and founded our company in 1911!
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@mdecamp said:
@BRRABill said:
Someone said most of the Eaton people on the forum are from NC.
Are you all Panthers fans, and if so, what do you think of this season so far?
Go Chiefs!!
Sadly I am a dolphins fan
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@IRJ the Dolphins also make me cry...
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My wife is a Chiefs fan, so I'll give him a little leeway there.
Plus I've been to Arrowhead, and the fans are great. Unlike the fans my home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field.
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@mdecamp said:
@gjacobse said:
Using a UPS is a short term option. In some cases services need to be maintained longer -
Are there best practices for deploying a UPS with a generator?
When designing with a backup solution, compatibility between a UPS and Generator is usually one of the biggest issues. It can be complex and confusing.
If the generator isn't sized large enough, it may not be able to hold voltage and frequency within input tolerances when the UPS comes online. The UPS will view the generator as an unstable power source and never come off of battery. The UPS will have a set input voltage and frequency window; if you go outside the window the UPS will go on battery. You can get into a vicious cycle of going on and off of battery until your UPS crashes and your IT load are dropped.
Several reasons why the generator would be an issue:
ā¢ The generator is like a car engine. As it maintains RPMs, it maintains frequency. When the UPS transfers from battery to generator power, the engine may slow down a bit. You can compare this to driving a stick shift while stopped at a red light headed uphill. When you dump the clutch, if you aren't giving it enough gas (or if you are driving a pinto) the RPMs are going to drop down.
ā¢ Just like in the automotive world, the bigger the engine (generator here) the more it can handle the dumping of the clutch as the UPS comes off of battery. Bigger (aside from your budget number) is better
ā¢ Natural Gas is usually the least combustible fuel out there, and generators that run off of NG are slow to respond and may need to be sized larger than propane counterparts. Diesel is best, but usually predominant in the world of 50kW and larger, but it may present a lot more budget and maintenance issues if you don't have a maintenance program or run them weekly, etc.
ā¢ When looking at smaller generators (30kW and below) look at the governor. Electronic governors are quick to respond, mechanical governors are not and may add headaches.
The features of the UPS can also impact you configuration. Most single phase UPS products (20kVA and below) will come back online all at once. Larger three phase UPS products will have "current walk-in" and will slowly transition from battery anywhere from 5-60 seconds. As for sizing solutions with generators under 30kVA for single phase UPS applications, I usually lean on the err of caution being a manufacturer. We recommend the same if you are responsible as the decision maker.
ā¢ Generator should be sized 2 times the total load (UPS, A/C, an everything else) for NG and mechanical governor
ā¢ 1.5 times the load will work if you have a new generator, Propane or Diesel and an electronic governor.
ā¢ Any mix from the above puts you somewhere in the middle of 1.5 to 2 times.This was an amazing explanation and answered a few of my questions. Thank you.
