Commissioning an emergency power system is a complex task. Find out the top considerations before commissioning an emergency power system.
High-performance buildings have an inherent need for emergency power systems to protect important business assets. Unexpected disasters can disrupt the power supply of these buildings, and they need an alternative power source to continue operations.
This is why commissioning an emergency power system for a building can be a tricky process. You have to ensure that the backup mechanism provides support to equipment loads through uninterruptible power supplies, generators, or battery-storage systems.
However, to find a sustainable solution, experts have to evaluate various factors. In this article, we discuss the top considerations before commissioning an emergency power system.
Assemble a Design Team
These systems can be extremely costly, so they must cater to the needs of the organization. Therefore, you need to assemble a team of trusted consultants who have experience in installing and planning for emergency power systems. It is important for all major stakeholders to be involved in the project from the start.
Evaluate the Building, Outline Design Requirements
After gathering a team of professionals, you must evaluate the building and determine how its features can affect the design of the emergency power system. You should consider all factors, including the total levels of the building, its location, and the power consumption of equipment critical for the business’s operation.
Moreover, the team should also consider the lighting, electrical distribution, HVAC systems, and pumps before finalizing the size of the emergency power system.
Determine the Size of Your Emergency Power System
After considering all key factors of the building design, you have to determine what size would be the most optimal to support the building’s operations. However, these requirements are not limited to the KW/KVA power capability but also the physical requirements of the emergency power system.
Your team will have to review the existing MEP systems to gain better insight into the energy requirements of critical systems in the building. Therefore, you have to take into account HVAC systems, lighting, water heaters, and UPS systems for enabling 24/7 electrical functionality. Also, make sure to account for additional air conditioning which may be needed to offset the heat which is dissipated from the backup power equipment itself.
Choose the Appropriate Fuel Source
Another important consideration before finalizing new system is determining which fuel source would be the most appropriate. Experts would need to consider all available fuel resources, the location of the building, fuel price, and the estimated size of the emergency system.
For instance, small emergency generators can utilize natural gas more efficiently, whereas larger generator systems need diesel to perform as required. Your choice can also have an effect on how much fuel you can stockpile for real emergencies.
Commissioning an ideal emergency power system is not an easy job and requires thorough research and knowledge from professionals. This is why you need a team of experts to identify critical aspects of your emergency power system design.
Contact us to ensure that your business never suffers from any interruption. We are ready to answer all your questions!