Generator
enclosures can be grouped into three types, often categorized by their primary
function:
Weather-protective
enclosures – enclosures can be designed to be completely
waterproof.
Sound-attenuating enclosures – specifically designed to keep areas
quiet.
Walk-in enclosures – allow for more room and space to manage and maintain
the system than may be possible indoors.
Weather-Protective
Enclosures
Numerous
options exist for generator enclosures. Metal enclosures are a common option,
but they often lack a few key benefits of weather-protective enclosures. For
example, while a traditional metal enclosure can offer protection from the rain
and wind, it doesn’t offer any protection from changing temperatures. They
offer some airflow and ventilation, but not enough to offer extensive
protection for some diesel generators. Weather-protective enclosures can offer
this, due to their tight design.
While steel
or aluminum can work in some situations, they should always be weatherproof in
their design to ensure complete protection of the generator. A comprehensive
design should minimize all risks to the generator set.
Sound-Attenuating
Enclosures
Soundproofing
enclosures is nearly always necessary. Sound-attenuating enclosures are
required in areas where outdoor generator use is limited unless noise reduction
is built into the enclosure. These enclosures are a bit larger and can cost a
bit more than a basic weatherproofed system, but they allow for reduced
acoustics overall.
This type of
housing works to reduce the noise significantly, though not all will reduce the
sound completely. To accomplish this, the enclosure tends to be taller and
longer in overall size to allow for added insulation within the walls of the
housing. They often feature a muffler on the inside of the enclosure. Many
designs also extend beyond the radiator and feature baffles that help to
further reduce the noise production of the system.
Walk-In
Enclosures
Best practice
for any generator set is to follow the manufacturer recommendations. Having an
enclosure that provides complete protection for the generator set, including
noise and weather protection, along with being fireproof, takes creating a
customized option. Walk-in enclosures can be the best fit in these
applications.
Walk-in
enclosures are often designed to provide for all of these benefits – they are
weatherproof, soundproof, fireproof, and fully insulated to be quiet. Because
they are custom built, they can be designed to fit the specifications of any
make and model of generator, including all backup generator models and
routinely used systems. At the very least, the generator set enclosure should
be designed for the specific class and type of system.
Other
Enclosure Design Considerations
When planning
for an enclosure, there are other key aspects of the design to take into
consideration. The housing selected should provide the highest level of
protection possible, but it also has to meet with all manufacturer requirements
along with any federal, state, or local regulations. Consider the following
aspects of enclosure design.
Ventilation
& Temperature
All
generators require good ventilation and temperature control. Without this, the
generator could create a health hazard. Temperature is also important.
Generators can only maintain the power output they are rated for if the
temperature flowing through the enclosure is maintained and never exceeds the
cooling system ambient temp rating. Proper flow-through ventilation allows the
generator set to maintain the optimum operating temperature range.
In most
situations the housing should include an advanced radiator along with fans to
control the engine and generator operating temps even when the outdoor
environment is less than ideal. It’s important to ensure intake and outflow of
air is never obstructed.
Space
When planning
for the housing unit, it’s essential to consider the entire system and how it
will be used. This should include for service and maintenance needs based on
the manufacturer’s requirements. The enclosure should also be expandable. Over
time, the location’s power needs may change, requiring the use of a new
generator. In other cases, a standby generator may be added at a later date.
When configuring the enclosure, ensure all of these needs can be met.
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