hjelpestrøm

Hjelpestrøm, often translated as "emergency power" or "auxiliary power," refers to a backup electrical system designed to provide continuous power during outages of the primary power source. These systems are crucial for maintaining essential functions in various settings, including hospitals, data centers, telecommunications facilities, and critical infrastructure.

The primary components of a hjelpestrøm system typically include a standby generator, an automatic transfer switch (ATS), and a battery bank. The generator, often powered by diesel, natural gas, or propane, serves as the main source of backup electricity. The ATS is responsible for detecting a primary power failure and automatically initiating the generator's startup sequence and transferring the electrical load from the main source to the backup source. Battery banks are frequently used to provide immediate power for a short duration until the generator can stabilize and take over the full load, or they can serve as the sole source of power for very critical, low-power systems for extended periods.

The purpose of hjelpestrøm is to prevent disruption to operations, protect sensitive equipment from damage caused by power fluctuations, and ensure safety. In medical facilities, for instance, it guarantees the continuous operation of life-support systems. For data centers, it prevents data loss and service interruptions. The design and capacity of a hjelpestrøm system are tailored to the specific needs and criticality of the facility it serves, with load calculations determining the required power output and runtime. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to ensure the reliability and readiness of these vital backup power solutions.