When it comes to your business, you want to ensure it is always running smoothly, and the most critical component for operations is power! In the event of a utility outage or during extended periods of low quality or unpredictable power, a generator can provide the backup power you need for your facility to continue to operate safely, or in some scenarios, a backup generator is legally required by the Canadian Standards Association. There are many types of generators out there. How do you know which to choose?

When comparing different power generation systems for your business, there are many factors to consider - from its size and fuel type to the installation and maintenance process. Custom Power Generation is your trusted partner when choosing a power generator. We are proud distributors of Blue Star Power Systems and 2G Energy CHP systems, and we can provide tailored on-site solutions for your business. So contact us today, and let's discuss how we can help.

Here are some useful guidelines to help you with this project:

Determine Your Power Generation Requirements

Looking at the different options available, you will notice that there are plenty of sizes to choose from when purchasing a generator set. It's crucial to select an efficient generator that provides enough power to ensure your facility can run continuously and/or safely. The last thing you would want is a generator that lets you down during an emergency.

Estimating your power needs is a difficult task. Often miscalculated, undersized power generators simply can not serve your business needs, while a generator set that is grossly oversized will prevent ongoing maintenance challenges. When sizing a generator, we recommend you consult a professional to review your current infrastructure sizing, power consumption, peak loads and potential growth plans.

Define Your Facility Conditions

When choosing a generator system, you need to consider your facility's conditions. Therefore, we advise you on discussing the following questions with a professional who can give you some guidance about the right power generator for your company:

Will the power generator be used for prime, standby, combined heat and power or peak shaving?
Does your company require a portable or stationary generator?
Do your company's power needs require a single-phase or three-phase generator?
Will the generator set be located inside or outside? If outside, what type of enclosure is desired?
What will be its source of fuel?

These specifics would certainly give you a direction when looking for a power generation solution for your business. But what else do you need to consider in order to make sure you have made the right decision?

What Type of Fuel Should You Choose for the Power Generation System?

Based on your company's location and local regulations, there are several options to choose from. Generally speaking, a power generation system uses diesel, natural gas, or LPG as fuel, but there are some specifics for each option available.

First off, you would need to think about the conditions in which the power generator would need to work. For example, in an environment that is very cold with typical sub-zero temperatures, a diesel-fueled power generator is a better option since it is not susceptible to freezing when adequate protective measures are taken. If running your genset continuously, a natural gas-fuelled package may make more sense to reduce the handling of large, consistent quantities of diesel fuel.

Other factors to keep in mind are the supply and the fuel cost. There are some locations where it would be much harder to get a specific type of fuel consistently. Therefore, it is important to make an informed decision if you will use the generator as a primary source of power.

At Custom Power Generation, we provide a wide range of diesel, natural gas, hydrogen and bi-fuelled packages for your business. Our experts can help you choose the right system for you! We have offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto and can service anywhere in Canada. Contact us today, and we'd love to chat.

Where Should a Power Generator Be Installed?

When deciding on which power generator to buy, it is essential to consider its location on your property. For example, if you plan to install the generator inside, you should follow the local requirements and best practices, considering your operational processes and employees' safety.

It would be best to install the generator somewhere where it could be easily refuelled and accessed for maintenance. Therefore, basement and roof installation are not ideal since there are difficulties when accessing the generator for repair or maintenance services.

If the intent is to locate the generating set outside, enclosure design must be considered. Do you have any local sound requirements that must be met, or do you want to be able to walk into your genset shelter to monitor and service the equipment? Are there specific features that are required to meet local code compliance (CSA-282)?

The Importance of Working with a Trusted Manufacturer

Whether used as a primary or a backup source of power, a generator should always turn on when you need it to. This is why it is crucial to work with a trusted manufacturer when choosing a generator set for your business. Apart from being an investment, a generator must be reliable and efficient to serve your company's needs. At Custom Power Generation, we understand that a generator is so much more than just an ordinary purchase for any business. We strive to provide the best products and services for our customers, and we are ready to help your company make a step forward towards a more predictable and stable performance.

Custom Power Generation is Now Serving Toronto, Ontario!

Custom Power Generation prides itself in the design and supply of power generation systems and solutions across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and now serving Toronto, Ontario!

Offering best-in-class cogeneration systems for natural & biogas in the 50-2,500 kW range and the most innovative solutions to Toronto'sindustrial, commercial, healthcare and energy sectors. You can also count on our 24/7 parts and service experts to be there when you need them the most. Get in touch with our Toronto Ontario team today!

Sources:

https://www.wpowerproducts.com/news/choosing-the-right-industrial-generator/

https://www.startupinspire.com/blog/6-tips-for-buying-the-right-industrial-generator

https://guide.directindustry.com/choosing-the-right-generator-set/

https://www.generatorsource.com/Articles/Other-Information/Renting-vs-Buying-A-Generator.aspx

https://custompower.ca/products-services/power-generation-equipment-sales.html