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Specifying Outdoor Enclosures
3/19/2019 12:00:00 AM
Most large industrial and commercial applications have unique needs requiring custom specifications. In this brochure, we will limit the scope of our discussion to the outdoor generator enclosures. There are several factors that would determine the right type of enclosure that would fit the specific needs of a customer. Some contractors and engineers may prefer indoor generator installation that are shielded from the environment, however, that option is not always available which drives the generator installation outdoors in a purpose designed enclosure.
For the outdoor applications that require a generator set to be installed in an enclosure, the overall cost and ease of installation will depend on the location of the system. With several choices for enclosures for your generator, selecting the right one can be a daunting task.
“There are many things to consider while selecting the right enclosure that best fit the customer’s needs,” said Muhammad Armaghan, product manager, Generac Industrial Power. “Some of the most important parameters to consider include space availability, local sound attenuation requirements and local weather requirements.” He said several types of enclosures exist so customers can have complete customization for their application.
The first thing Armaghan said needs to be considered is space availability. Knowing the space where the generator is located will help determine the size and type of enclosure. A walk-in enclosure is a great option if you have the space. It often includes sound attenuation, as well as space for power switching and monitoring equipment, lighting, fuel tanks and other equipment. They can also accommodate insulating and heating capability. Local inspection officials may treat walk-in enclosures as a building.
“A person can easily walk around inside the walk-in type enclosure,” said Armaghan. “This type of enclosure is easily serviceable, but this type of enclosure can be expensive and can take up a lot of space.” If space is limited, this type of enclosure may not be best for your project.
Another parameter to consider is local weather conditions. Weather-protective enclosures protect the gen-set from the elements. They do not retain heat or hold temperatures above ambient in cold weather or provide cooling beyond the ventilation and airflow offered by incorporated louvers or perforated panels. Sound attenuation is minimal and access panels or doors are required for maintenance and inspections.
“The advantage of a weather protected enclosure is that it keeps the generator safe from weather elements like sunlight, rain, snow, high winds and so on,” said Armaghan. He said generators with factory, weatherproofed enclosures are specifically engineered for outdoor performance and Generac or another manufacturer has already tested and proven the reliability of the enclosure and unit. The enclosure is designed to minimize sound and vibration, while maximizing airflow.
While it is true that extreme weather can conceivably approach from any direction, for most of the country it tends to follow regular patterns. “Not only does a properly designed physical barrier around the generator set provide extra protection against the weather elements,” said Armaghan. “But in most instances it also provides sound attenuation. Placing a natural or physical barrier such as a hillside between typical weather patterns and the generator can help prevent interruption before the gen-set is able to respond to the facility’s needs.”
Before making the purchase, Armaghan said another parameter to consider is the local requirements. For instance if the generator is installed close to a hospital, senior assisted living facility or a residential area, the generator cannot exceed a certain sound decibel emission level. Sound-attenuating enclosures are specified when noise reduction is needed to meet local ordinances. These enclosures are generally larger and more costly than strictly weather-protective enclosures due to the design features required to reduce generator set noise.
“A noise cancelling enclosure provides additional damping of the sound emitted by the generator while in running condition,” said Armaghan. While local codes and zoning laws often require nominal noise reduction strategies, end users are currently driving the demand for quieter gen-set installations. The cost to do so is generally quite low, and manufacturers have made the job easier by making engines that run quieter and with less vibration.
Noise zoning ordinances typically set noise limits based on what can be measured at the property line. Since sound diminishes as the square of the distance from the source, simply increasing the distance from the property line may be enough to meet local regulations. Municipal codes should be reviewed and assessed to make sure that their requirements are achievable. A common requirement is an upper limit of 70 dB during the day. The noise floor due to human activity (traffic, etc.) can easily bring the ambient conditions above 55 to 60 db during the daytime. Certain activities such as yard work will exceed such ordinances on a regular basis.
With standby and backup power generators there is no one size fits all solution. For outdoor applications, the key factors to consider are available space, weather patterns and sound considerations. There are pros and cons to outdoor generator placements with many factors needing to be taken into account. Federal, state and local codes must also be considered. The best solution is your local generator distributor. “Generac’s local industrial dealers are the experts when it comes to providing a completed generator installation, start up and serviceability solution,” said Armaghan. “Our experienced dealership network can provide a complete generation solution starting from selecting the right size, fuel type, enclosure type and installation location.”
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