Health care facilities managers must consider a number of factors when it comes to installing and using emergency power generators. When hospitals cannot maintain power, they place the lives of patients, employees and visitors at risk. Loss of communication is another concern, as is loss of key data. In addition, the impact of major weather events has shined a spotlight on a complex situation.

Moreover, as the health care industry moves to a hub-and-spoke model to provide more localized care, there is an increasing need for backup power at off-site facilities, thus ensuring that critical procedures are not interrupted in the event of a utility outage.

Government regulations are in place to make sure that off-site facilities have emergency power-generation equipment available, be it on a smaller scale. Ambulatory surgery centers are required by local and state codes to have emergency power. The same National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 standards apply to these locations as for a Level I trauma center. Emergency power must be available within 10 seconds to Life Safety and Critical Branch loads if a utility failure occurs. These same standards apply to some limited care and long-term care facilities.

Location, location, location

Generators, switchgear and fuel systems should only be installed in hospital locations where they are protected from inclement weather, floods, earthquakes and fire, according to Chisholm. This requirement rules out most basement and rooftop placements. Also, administrators must decide what services they are required to provide per agreements with other hospitals, state and local municipalities and for how long, in the case of an extended utility outage.

This could dictate the type of fueling system options (natural gas, diesel or a combination of both) and tight compliance with EPA Tier 4 regulations on the latest diesel engine designs. Contrary to popular belief, the newer natural gas- and propane-powered sets can be used on selected projects in several states.

Hospitals typically require multiple generators because of their size and the importance of power to overall operations. As a result, paralleling switchgear is important to meet their sequence of operation. Switchgear — tailored to specific needs — provides hospitals with the ability to control power for their existing load while ensuring that they’re covered for unforeseen events.

A key paragraph in NFPA 110 requires that hospitals restore power to essential life safety loads in 10 seconds or less.

Most technological advances in generator engine and alternator design during the past 10 years involve controls. The monitoring and controlling features of generators have allowed operators to understand and do much more with their units. The controllers also have increased the capability of onboard paralleling features to reduce the need for expensive switchgear.

The latest generator-set controllers from Kohler Power Systems are robust, intuitive and easy to use. They offer generator-set controllers to parallel and load manage different types of fuel systems. For example, paralleling a 500-kilowatt (kW) diesel generator with a 200-kW natural gas generator is a relatively simple process. Customers also have the ability to add different size generator sets to expand their system as their facilities grow.

There is more demand from hospitals for integrated emergency power systems from a single supplier — everything from the generator set to the paralleling switchgear/controls/automatic transfer switch to the uninterruptible power supply. There is also more interest in natural gas solutions for load management and cogeneration, which leverages waste heat from the generator-set package for facility heating or the production of chilled water.

More dual-fuel generator units, which run on diesel fuel and natural gas, are being used in hospitals. The big attraction of this technology is extended run times. The health care facility is able to enjoy the benefits that an endless fuel supply of natural gas brings without exposure to disruption that a utility connection brings. This approach also gives facilities managers the ability to maintain a smaller amount of on-site diesel fuel.

Dual-fuel sets actually can double the time a hospital stays on emergency power, experts agree. Also, if a natural gas connection is shut off, the generator can still run on full diesel, which makes for a win-win situation.

For more information, contact South Shore Generator.

Source: hfmmagazine.com

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities Need Low Maintenance Units

Diesel generators require constant care. With engine requirements for low-sulfur diesel fuel, the fuel now needs to be re-conditioned every 12-16 months to ensure stability and ease of flow. This fuel requirement, along with the maintenance of the exhaust after treatment system, requires an experienced facility manager to handle this process. If you do not have this person on staff, you would need to turn to a third-party provider for the service, which will add cost. It will also require the rental of a backup generator during servicing when not using a MPS solution.

To reduce the maintenance burden, many short and long-term care facilities are turning to natural gas generators, as they need little maintenance. They are also eco-friendly with fewer emissions and a smaller carbon foot print.

For more information on industrial generators, contact South Shore Generator in Wareham, MA.

Source: generac.com

Everyone knows that when hospitals are not functioning due to an outage, they place the lives of patients, staff members, and visitors at risk. What administrators and facility managers often do not realize is that during a time of crisis, a lit hospital is like a beacon to residents. Many visitors won’t leave and many community members flood in, looking for shelter, assistance, food, and water.

If your hospital backup generators are only sized to supply your most critical functions, you will likely have issues handling this crowd of people. Elevators may not be operating, hallways may not be lit, and your cafeteria may not be able to serve food. Your generators need to be able to provide the power to support all of your community, not just your patients and staff.

In addition, recent trends also show the health care industry is moving to a hub-and-spoke model to provide more localized care. This means ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care facilities, and hospice centers may require healthcare backup power to ensure critical procedures are not interrupted in the event of a utility outage, as well as maintain patient safety and comfort.

While healthcare facilities do not need to be Tier 4 compliant for engines, many utilities require compliance to obtain access to their generation. The issue for hospitals is the extra maintenance requirements that are associated with Tier 4 engines, including the emissions systems.

Healthcare Requirements Go Beyond NEC and NFPA

It is well known that hospitals and many other healthcare facilities must adhere to National Electric Code (NEC) 700 and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 standards, meaning emergency power must be available within 10 seconds to life safety and critical branch loads if a utility failure occurs.

What is not as well known is that over time, healthcare facilities often open new wings or add new state-of-the-art equipment to better serve patients. It becomes unclear what systems are linked to the generators, and performing routine load bank exercises do not provide this vital information. While it may seem unsettling, the best test is to kill power to the building and determine which loads are actually connected to the backup system. It is better to do this before an actual emergency occurs, so staff members have time to react and correct any issues or add generators, if needed.

In addition, administrators, facility managers, and specifiers may need to meet state and municipal codes for the location of generators and minimum generator runtime standards. For example, emergency generators need to be protected from floods, earthquakes, and fire, so those requirements typically rule out most basement and rooftop placements.

While diesel has been the traditional fuel choice, many healthcare facilities are now using natural gas or bi-fuel generators, upon approval of the AHJ, to meet runtime requirements during times of crisis.

Two Natural Solutions

Bi-Fuel is a great option for healthcare facilities because it provides the best of both worlds. You meet the on-site fuel requirements of NEC 700 and NFPA 110 because you have a diesel storage tank, but obtain the benefits of longer runtimes as the generator transitions to natural gas under load. South Shore Generator offers fully integrated solutions that are the only EPA-compliant generators straight from the factory in both the 500 kW and 600 kW nodes. These units can also be paralleled to create even larger kW requirements.

Natural gas generators are also being specified for many healthcare facilities, as the permitting requirements are easier. In addition, more AHJ’s are now considering the natural gas pipeline network to be an acceptable on-site fuel storage, as this strong underground network is rarely impacted by weather or other crisis events, allowing you to meet code requirements related to having a reliable fuel source.

Another advantage is that there is less maintenance associated with natural gas generators.

Integrated Paralleling Offers Even More Options

Generac’s innovative Modular Power System (MPS) can provide the needed large kWs for hospitals along with the benefits of redundancy, scalability, and safety, through integrated paralleling.

While it rarely happens, should your single large kW backup generator fail in an emergency, lives are at risk. With Generac’s MPS, you have at least one other backup/emergency generator operating to ensure critical operations continue. This means the kW requirements of the smallest genset in the paralleled system is sized appropriately to meet those needs.

You can also combine generators using a variety of fuels such as diesel and natural gas. This not only gives you the benefits of genset redundancy, but now you have fuel redundancy as well.

This approach does not require dedicated switchgear sections. Future expansion generators simply tie directly to the generator bus. Because the paralleling is already built into our generators, the MPS system fundamentally has greater flexibility for growth, requires less electrical room space, and reduces initial capital cost.

Whether it be multiple generators in parallel, or a large single engine generator, We have the product solution to meet your requirements.

For more information on industrial generators, contact South Shore Generator in Wareham, MA.

generac.com

For more than 50 years, Kohler has provided backup power to every branch of federal, state and local governments. We understand your specialized backup power requirements. That’s why we provide you with dedicated account managers who live and breathe government operations, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Plus, we offer total system integration which means everything works together — generators, transfer switches, switchgear and controls. It’s all engineered and tested to meet the highest government requirements and the following codes and standards:

• EPA emissions certification
• IBC seismic certification
• NFPA 110
• UL 2200
• California OSHPD

Trusted Solutions for Federal, State and Local Government

Most of the time COTS solutions can meet your challenges, but there are situations that call for custom power solutions. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you assess and meet your needs with:

Power Solutions

• Fully customizable offerings
• Complete power systems solutions
• Natural gas/LP-fueled models to 1000 kW
• 3 kW - 4000 kW range of diesel-fueled generators
• Stationary, Mobile, Marine and Portable
• Easy-to-use, highly programmable controls
• State-of-the-art technologies
• Remote and local enterprise monitoring
• Program management, logistics and installations

GSA Advantage

Kohler participates in the purchasing schedules that make procurement of government solutions fast, easy and effective. Plus KOHLER® power systems can be purchased under the GSA Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program. So why wait? Take advantage of the benefits today.

• GSA 56 Contract #GS-07F-019DA
• DUNS: 12-158-7513
• Cage Code: 67271
• Business Code: Large
• NAICS Code: 335312,335313
• FSC Classes: 5920,6110,6115,6125,6130,6135

Proven Collaboration with a Trusted Partner

We support systems integrators with design, installation, start-up, and warranty through a network of Kohler distributors and small business set-aside channel partners. Our products and services support projects including:

• New generator and switchgear installations
• Retrofitting existing facilities
• Custom integration for special program requirements
• Custom COTS - supporting your specific requirements
• Teaming and subcontracting arrangements

For more information on back up power generators, contact South Shore Generator in Wareham, MA.

kohlerpower.com

Water Treatment is Evolving Quickly. Industrial Generators Help You Stay Ahead.

The demand for safe water is growing rapidly. And as water consumption doubles globally every 20 years, individuals and municipalities are more focused than ever on using this resource wisely and efficiently. That concern and new technologies are driving a rapid evolution in the reclamation and reuse of wastewater.

Computers now control water-processing and delivery systems, and sophisticated digital water meters and data analysis can improve operations and reduce costs. Yet those innovations and increasing regulations have put even more pressure on facilities to have reliable backup power systems.

Assessing Facility Needs

KOHLER provides the custom, scalable solutions you need to keep pumps and other key equipment running – so you can avoid potential consumer safety issues and prevent flooding and discharge of untreated wastewater. We assess key needs including:

• Power usage
• Motor starting
• Codes and standards
• And that’s just the beginning.

Power Considerations

Backup power can keep your facilities running during an outage or offset the power supply needed during peak usage. It must start quickly and reliably, as any interruption in the process can be problematic. That’s why Total System Integration is essential. It means your generators, transfer switches, paralleling switchgear and controllers are all designed to work together.

We know you have a lot to consider. That’s why we make it easy. Contact South Shore Generator in Wareham, MA.

KOHLER

Hospitality has Gone High Tech. Back Up Systems Have Too.

Not long ago, hospitality needs were simpler: nice room, clean sheets, more towels. Today expectations are much different, and they’re driving a huge need for next-generation backup power.

Whether traveling for business or leisure, hospitality guests expect fast, reliable Wi-Fi, digital reservation systems, mobile check-in, mobile concierge services and more. Add the emergence of new all-in-one entertainment complexes, and hospitality has become a whole new world.

Assessing Facility Needs

KOHLER provides the reliable backup power systems you need to ensure unforgettable experiences—and earn the positive reviews your business depends on. We assess key needs including:

• Safety
• Continued operations
• Emissions
• Noise containment

Power Considerations

Every hospitality facility needs to be ready to run without utility power in the case of severe weather, weakness in the grid or even construction accidents.

We know there's a lot to consider. That’s why we make it easy. Contact South Shore Generator today and we'll take care of you every step of the way.

kohlerpower.com

Big data has changed the world. We generate 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily—data that businesses, governments and people depend on. Further fueled by mobile devices and data-on-demand business, there are ever-growing demands on service levels in data centers around the world. Cloud computing and the Internet of Things are driving 12 percent growth per year in the data center market. The expectations for peak performance and uninterruptible power have never been higher.

The data center market itself is changing too. Data centers are moving closer to their customers, colocating and adopting multitenant architecture more than ever before. Many are becoming smaller and more scalable. Tax and energy incentives are common, aimed at attracting data center investment while improving the operational efficiency of these critical facilities.

Managaing Energy Use and Costs

Data centers consume vast amounts of energy to keep online businesses running at maximum capacity around-the-clock. To avoid wasting much of the electricity pulled off the grid and to improve operational costs, data centers are being designed and built with higher levels of efficiency, measured in PUE (power usage effectiveness). Today, data center owners want more sustainable ways to power their facilities and lessen their carbon footprints. Assessing your center’s needs and designing a power system that’s modular and scalable will help you optimize uptime and availability, cut energy use and provide significant savings.

Assessing Facility Needs

A data center’s electrical power supply can be provided by several different circuits and supplemented by energy storage systems and generators. To provide a “No-Break” power supply (uninterruptible power with zero service interruptions), two independent power sources provide redundancy and risk reduction, rather than depend on a single source of inbound power.

Power Supply

Redundancy is an essential design feature built into a data center to provide a double layer of security. To prevent interruptions to the power supply, all components, including the emergency systems, are installed in duplicate with multiple generator sets.

Security

There is an essential need for protecting both the data center’s physical security and its cyber security. Redundant backup power is a critical component of a secure data center—and a requirement for recognition as a Tier IV data center.

Physical Environment

Maintaining precise, stable air conditioning and optimal control of environmental dust are two more factors creating larger loads and more dependence on backup generators.

Fire Prevention

Fires must be prevented, extinguished or controlled. An ultrasophisticated detection system that ensures maximum containment must be maintained on an uninterruptible power supply.

Power Considerations

Scalability

A larger-than-necessary power system that caters to possible unknowns will increase costs and diminish efficiency. The industry is seeing a shift to scalable data centers that start small and scale up to meet increased demands. This trend is even more evident in colocated and multitenant facilities that make up the majority of new data center construction. Colocating (sharing data center space but not servers) or multitenanting (sharing servers) helps businesses achieve cost savings and efficiency.

Secure, robust data storage requires a dependable and scalable power system—one that’s capable of delivering uninterruptible power and meeting demanding service requirements.

Uptime and Reliability

Designing power systems that meet the requirement for the highest levels of uptime, such as the Uptime Institute’s Tier IV standard, requires expert attention to system architecture and equipment redundancy. Getting the right combination of uninterrupted power supply and generator sets is crucial to meet tier classifications.

Modular Data Centers

The modular data center achieved by installing and enclosing two or more generators outdoors versus building oversized generators indoors is becoming more prevalent. Each generator set provides power to specific servers. “Swing” generators come online to provide backup power if one fails, offering an option to other paralleling equipment.

Edge Data Centers

The building of smaller data centers closer to users (those on the “edge” of large metropolitan markets) is becoming more common due to network latency, which limits the maximum rate that information can be transmitted. Edge data centers provide quick-and-agile response, faster access to data and an improved experience for businesses and people that are “always on.”

Redundancy

Redundancy is an essential design feature built into a data center to provide a layer of security, known as N+1 or 2N redundancy, with essential components duplicated in the event that one component fails. While a facility might install a single large generator to meet its power needs, paralleling two or more generators with paralleling switchgear offers practical benefits and advantages over a single-generator system.

Performance

Our reliable power systems play a major role in helping data centers prevent unnecessary financial loss and security breaches in the event of a power outage. The generator provides backup power within seconds of a break in the normal power supply. Generator sets should start providing backup power within seconds of a break in utility power supply, and transfer switches should provide seamless automatic switching between the electrical power from the utility and the backup power system.

End-to-End Management

From planning the design and selecting the equipment to testing and commissioning, we’re focused on delivering reliable, custom-designed power systems tailored to your specifications. Agile manufacturing, rigorous testing and careful commissioning assure you of a solution that fits your business—and your budget.

Customized Solutions

Your power system is customized, built and tested by a dedicated team of experienced applications engineers. They’ve designed power systems for hundreds of data centers and combine industry experience with Kohler’s agile manufacturing process to deliver your purpose-built solution.

For more information on generators for data and financial institutions, contact South Shore Generator.

Source: kohler.com

High-Tech Care Requires Reliable Power

Health care is changing rapidly, and hospital and clinic staff are working hard to improve patient outcomes while simultaneously controlling costs. It’s not a simple task, and it’s one that’s brought even more high-tech solutions to medical facilities.

With health information exchanges, data analytics and increased patient connectivity part of everyday operations, health care facilities need reliable power they can count on. And that’s on top of the fact that power can be a life-sustaining necessity for patients.

Assessing Facility Needs

KOHLER provides the custom, scalable solutions you need to keep patients safe and protect your data as well. We assess key needs including:

• Power usage
• Security
• Codes and standards

Power Considerations

Designing power systems that meet requirements for the highest levels of uptime requires expert attention to system architecture and equipment redundancy. Total System Integration – which means your generators, transfer switches, paralleling switchgear and controllers are all designed to work together – is essential for powering equipment that can help keep patients alive and data secure.

We know you have a lot to consider. That’s why we make it easy. Contact South Shore Generator in Wareham, MA today and experience the Kohler difference.

Source: kohler.com

There’s no business more important than providing health and patient care. In southwestern Michigan, the Community Hospital of Watervliet serves more than a dozen communities. As one of the primary hospitals in this area, it is responsible for offering routine and emergency health care around the clock, 365 days a year.

The hospital employs approximately 350 people and offers a broad array of inpatient and outpatient services. The four-story building, constructed in 1979, includes approximately 65 beds for patients, as well as an emergency room, surgical suite, critical care unit, birthing center, radiology lab, and rehabilitation center. A ground level heliport is located near the emergency room for critical care patients needing helicopter transport.

To ensure that their facility will have full power in the event of a utility outage, the hospital’s board of directors invested in a 750 kW Gemini® Twin Pack genset from Generac Power Systems. This diesel-powered unit is actually two 375 kW generators in one enclosure, designed to operate in parallel. This dual genset arrangement provides built-in redundancy and twice the reliability of a traditional single engine generator, since each genset backs up the other. If one is undergoing maintenance or doesn’t operate for some reason, the second genset will provide coverage of the load up to 375 kW, which is sufficient for all of the hospital’s critical load, as well as most of its operations.

The system was installed by a local electrical contractor with experience in connecting standby power equipment. They coordinated the connection work with the local utility and integrated the generator with the hospital’s uninterrupted power supply (UPS) battery system.

Once the new genset was in place, it wasn’t long before it was called into service. “We actually ran the entire hospital on the generator for more than three hours while the utility changed transformers in our area,” Don Englehardt says. “The system has also worked well during a few short outages we’ve had since it was installed.”

For every hospital, backup power is imperative, ensuring that emergency and life safety systems will remain fully operational anytime utility power is lost. But a reliable and redundant backup system also provides tremendous peace of mind to hospital administrators and facility managers.

“In the event of a major outage, we’re fully prepared,” Englehardt notes. “With the fuel we have on-site, the generators can operate for the better part of a week without interruption, powering the entire hospital. This system gives us much more flexibility than the one it replaced. Our administrative team and the hospital’s board of directors were visionary in initiating the purchase of this equipment for the well-being of our patients and staff.”

For more information on industrial power for community hospitals and health care centers, contact South Shore Generator.

Source: generac.com

To protect their employees and expansive data center, the University of Utah turned to Generac Industrial Power for a backup power solution that could safeguard their infrastructure, fit in a limited space and meet their strict budgeting needs.

Watch the video below.

For more information on industrial back up power for education, contact South Shore Generator.

Source: generac.com