reservegeneratoren

Reservegeneratoren are backup power systems comprising an internal combustion engine connected to an electrical generator, used to supply electricity when the primary grid fails. They are installed to protect critical loads in hospitals, data centers, industrial facilities, and telecom networks, as well as in remote locations or at events.

Most reservegeneratoren run on diesel, natural gas, or propane, and are configured as standby, prime, or continuous units. Standby units switch on automatically when power is lost and supply essential loads through an automatic transfer switch. Prime units can operate for extended periods with varying loads, while continuous units run at a steady load as long as fuel is available. Multiple units can be paralleled for higher capacity or redundancy.

Key components include the engine, generator, fuel system, control system, cooling and exhaust systems, and switchgear. Controls monitor voltage and frequency, with automatic starting and remote monitoring options. Maintenance and testing—oil and filter changes, coolant checks, fuel quality, and load testing—are essential for reliability.

Standards and safety: electrical codes require proper ventilation, exhaust handling, fire protection, and safe fuel storage. International and national standards for standby generation include NFPA 110, NFPA 70, and ISO 8528, with regional variations such as UL 2200 in North America.

Operational considerations: proper sizing based on critical load, regular exercise and service, and contingency planning contribute to system resilience by reducing downtime and protecting equipment during outages.