Generators

With regular maintenance, generators used as a form of back-up data centre power provision, can be an efficient and reliable form of onsite emergency power generation.

The main difference in types of generator is the size of the system, the fuel tank and whether diesel, bio-diesel or natural gas is used.

There are also diesel rotary UPS systems which combine the generator and the UPS into one unit. An alternator provides the power to the data centre and this is normally driven by the mains supply. In the event of power failure, a large flywheel keeps the alternator rotating while the diesel engine starts. Once the engine is running, a clutch engages and the alternator is driven by the engine.