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Preventing UPS and

Generator Compatibilty Problems

By Paul Schlattman and Robert W. Weber Power & Communication

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UPS and generator compatibility is not a new issue. However, with the
increased use of UPS systems, often added to existing generator systems,
the challenge persists. UPS input filters are used to maintain the input current
distortion of UPS modules to a specified low value. Because these filters are
sized based on the load, they can cause the upstream electrical system to
see excess capacitance and leading power factor, when operating only at
partial load. To solve this problem, UPS manufacturers either switch the
filters in and out of use at certain pre-defined load limits or use an active filter
that adjusts the filtering according to the load. The voltage regulator of the
generator system can lose control of the system voltage when presented with
a leading power factor, not allowing the generator to pick up the UPS load.

Make sure to obtain the generator's reactive capability curve. This shows its
capability to both produce and absorb power. Comparing this with information
obtained from the UPS manufacturer on the amount of KVAR units (a
measure of reactive power) produced by the UPS module at differing load
conditions will help spot any potential compatibility problems. QUICK SIGN-UP 

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Compatibility between the UPS and its load is also critical. UPS loads due to
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unity power factor (a power factor of 1) and in some cases leading power
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Many UPS modules, especially the older legacy type, are not designed to All fields are required.

support higher power factor loads and must be de-rated accordingly because  SIGN UP
more of the KVA units capacity must be used to support the load. Newer
UPS designs are more compatible with and are rated to support leading
RECENT
power factor loads with little or no de-rating due to their output filter design
and controls. Often this problem is not apparent up front because the initial What's Next in Mass Notification
Systems?
loads on the UPS are a small percentage of the full load rating so the system
fire and life safety
is naturally de-rated. However, as the loads increase and become closer to
the full load, this problem becomes more evident. How To Manage Emergency
Power in Healthcare Facilities

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Standby Power Tough Data Center Decisions:

Colocation or Cloud?
Engine generators continue to be the preferred means of supplying standby Snow and Ice: Taking the Sting
power for durations longer than can be supported by the UPS. Many current Out of Winter’s Worst

projects involving trading floors, command centers or office power upgrades

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occur in existing buildings, making the addition of engine generators
ADA Building Automation
challenging. Many of these issues are not directly electrical in nature but Design & Construction Ceilings, Furniture & Walls
Doors & Hardware Doors & Hardware
more mechanical.
Emergency Preparedness Elevators
Energy Efficiency Equipment Rental & Tools
For example, louver location and air supply are crucial to an emergency Facilities Management Fire Safety/Protection
Green Flooring
generatorÕs success. A generator requires a certain amount of air for both Grounds Management HVAC
IAQ Lighting
combustion and cooling. If the louvers are too small, the generator may have
Maintenance & Paints & Coatings
to be de-rated, or worse, may overheat when operating at design day Operations Plumbing & Restrooms
Material Handling Power & Communication
temperatures. (Make sure to always test the generator at least once at full Outsourcing Roofing
load on a near design temperature day to make sure air requirements are Security
Software
met and the generator will not overheat).

Ideally, inlet louvers should be placed behind the generators and the air
drawn across the engine and exhausted out through the radiator. The
exhaust louver should not be located adjacent to the inlet louvers or hot
exhaust air could be short circuited into the inlet louvers. Some general rules
of thumb include: The effective open area for the radiator exhaust should be
roughly equal to the radiator area. The effective open area of the inlet to the
room should be 1.5 times the radiator area. Another solution is to provide
remote radiators for the heat rejection of the engine thus reducing the
amount of required ventilation air.

Sound attenuation is also another important design factor. The sound level
originating from an engine generator can be in the range of 95 dB. Many
cities, states and industrial parks have their own sound emission
requirements, often between 55 and 65 dB at the property line. Meeting
these sound requirements may demand the use of sound baffles and high-
attenuated mufflers.

Whether the project involves a new or existing building, the decision that has
to be made is where to place the generator Ñ indoors or outdoors. If located
indoors, the issues of inlet air, exhaust combustion, and fuel storage should
be addressed. Often these become constraints that make it more feasible for
the engine generator to be mounted outdoors. When mounted outdoors,
however, the engine generator is enclosed in a sound-attenuated enclosure
that may be subject to extreme weather conditions. Ice and snow can inhibit
access to this enclosure, making testing and maintenance more difficult.

As the demand for power reliability continues to spread from industry to

industry, creating a reliable, efficient, scalable and compatible infrastructure
of UPS, generator and switchgear systems will be crucial. Avoiding the many
pitfalls that can accompany these designs will be even more so.

Paul Schlattman is vice president and Robert W. Weber, PE, is senior vice
president and director of electrical engineering for the mission critical facility
group, Environmental Systems Design, Inc. in Chicago.

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