Introduction
The growth of industries such as banking, telecommunications, healthcare, mining, and construction has created a critical need for generators as backup power systems. These units not only guarantee continuity in sensitive operations but can also serve as a primary power source in remote areas without access to the commercial grid, while helping to reduce energy costs.
Objective
This article explains in a simple and conceptual way the basic operation of generators, their components, standards, sizing parameters, and the economic impact of not implementing them—especially in critical sectors.
Operation and Main Components
A generator transforms thermal energy (diesel) into mechanical and then electrical energy through an engine and alternator. Its main components include:
Engine: gasoline or diesel (diesel is the most common due to efficiency).
Regulation system: keeps speed and frequency constant.
Engine electrical system: starter motor, batteries, and alarms.
Cooling system: by air, water, or oil.
Alternator: produces electrical power.
Fuel tank and base frame: usually ensures at least 8 hours of autonomy.
Soundproof canopy and silencer: to comply with acoustic regulations.
Control and protection system: manages and safeguards operation.
Additional accessories: fuel transfer pumps, preheaters, or excitation systems (PMG, AREP).
International Standards
Generators must comply with technical standards that guarantee safety, efficiency, and reliability:
ISO 8528-1:2018: defines power classifications (STP, LTP, PRP, COP).
ISO 3046-1:2002: performance, fuel consumption, and testing of engines.
IEC 60034-1 and IEC 60034-5: classification of rotating electrical machines and IP protection ratings.
UNE-EN ISO 3744:2011: measurement of noise power levels.
Power Sizing
When selecting a generator, the following must be considered:
Load classification: resistive, inductive, capacitive, or mixed.
Adjustment by load type: inductive loads often require additional excitation systems; resistive loads require careful sensitivity on engine regulation.
Derating: environmental factors (altitude, temperature, and humidity) significantly affect performance and power output.
Example: at 2500 meters above sea level and 30°C, a 185 kVA generator may lose up to 20% of its rated capacity.
Economic Impact of Power Outages
The lack of backup systems can result in million-dollar losses across critical sectors:
Hospitals: risk in operating rooms and vital services.
Manufacturing industries: machinery damage and production stoppages.
Data centers: loss of critical information and service collapse.
Telecommunications: outages can cost up to $260,000 per hour.
Real-world cases:
Delta Airlines (2019): over $150 million in losses.
British Airways (2017): a 12-hour blackout caused nearly $200 million in damages.
Automatic Transfer Switches
ATS (Automatic Transfer Switches) play a key role in backup applications by transferring the load from the commercial grid to the generator without interruption. The most modern versions use switch-disconnector technology, ensuring continuous power supply and operator safety through three operating modes: automatic, remote, and manual.
Conclusions
Generators are essential for guaranteeing continuous power in critical sectors.
Proper selection depends on environmental conditions, load type, and compliance with international standards.
Economic losses from outages are significant but preventable with adequate implementation.
Modern automatic transfer switches enhance reliability and system safety.
👉 In summary: investing in generators not only ensures operational continuity in critical environments but also prevents million-dollar losses and provides energy resilience across multiple industries.
