On Sat, Sep 15, 2001 at 08:56:10PM -0700, Sean Donelan wrote:
But I would like to point out, no one regularly runs their generators for 48+ hours as part of a normal test. In addition, most standby generators are fitted only for "limited" duration runs. You should expect problems during any extended run of a generator plant. I'm a bit surprised that 25 Broadway and 32 Old Slip are the only ones we've heard about.
I think "limited" here is a bit misleading. Most of these engines are continuous duity rated, which means within the bounds of maintenance items (oil changes, gasket changes, and other routine maintenance) they can run non-stop. Most gensets are essentially the same components that power diesel-electric locomotives that routinely run for weeks at a time without shutdown. Here in ice storm country every few years power is out for 3-4 days in some areas after bad storms. Generators routinely run for 3-4 days and cause no concern over their condition, other than to move up routine maintenance due to the additional run time. I suspect dust is going to be the largest problem for all generators in the area. It will reduce radiator effectiveness, wear on exteral parts (fans and the like), clog air and oil cleaners. Again, these devices are made for some fairly harsh enviornments so 48 hours is no concern, I would think expecting 2 weeks of reliable power if they are attended to even in these conditions is reasonable. That said, generators should always be at least N+1, as they are large, complex mechanical devices. -- Leo Bicknell - bicknell@ufp.org Systems Engineer - Internetworking Engineer - CCIE 3440 Read TMBG List - tmbg-list-request@tmbg.org, www.tmbg.org