Just What Tend To Be The Options When It Comes To EPSS Upgrades?
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by: articlenic
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Word Count: 511
Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2011 Time: 3:37 AM
Emergency situation power supply system (EPSS) updates can improve a facility's unexpected emergency energy system in a variety of respects, from reduced cost of generator operations to enhanced system manageability. Sometimes, updates tend to be spurred by brand new codes and polices, while in others, establishments pursue the financial advantages of EPSS upgrades. The types of upgrades obtainable with an emergency situation power service are numerous. In the following paragraphs, we look at several updates that can possess a significant monetary effect on the businesses which employ them.
Transfer Switch Update
A transfer switch changes a facility from utility electricity to generator power whenever the first becomes unavailable. Available in manual and automatic models, automatic switches are the favored option for large facilities. They are available in two types: make prior to break switches, which link a facility to electrical generator supply before removing it from utility supply, and break prior to make switches, that link it to electrical generator supply shortly before removing it from utility supply.
Depending on a facility's emergency power needs, upgrading from a manual switch to an automated one, or from a make before break switch to break before make one, could impact its services throughout a power outage. For instance, a medical center or information center could experience serious financial damages if they lose electrical power. Almost every facility understands the significance of transfer switch maintenance, but transfer switch replacement could be essential as well.
Fuel Technology Upgrade
For facilities that have diesel generators, the price of fueling them could be significant. But with the implementation of a Bi-Fuel system, which replaces up to 70% of diesel fuel with natural gas with an energy equivalent basis, the price of fueling an electrical generator can decrease significantly. Furthermore, a Bi-Fuel system can dramatically extend generator run-time, an excellent benefit for facilities that need constant electricity.
Reduced Emissions
For facilities which are subject to hazardous air pollutant (HAP) regulations, reducing generator emissions via EPSS upgrades is a step toward reducing emissions taxes. Facilities can reduce their generator emissions by retrofitting a filter or emissions device on the generator's engine exhaust stream, upgrades that can be performed by an emergency power service. Because gas burns cleaner than diesel, implementing a Bi-Fuel system may also reduce generator emissions.
Circuit Breaker Upgrade
To improve the arc resistance of circuit breakers which use old insulator technology (e.g. oil vaporization), many facilities implement vacuum circuit breakers. Vacuum circuit breakers have minimal arcing because there is nothing to ionize besides the contact material. Well suited for use within medium-voltage switchgear to 35,000 volts, vacuum circuit breakers can play a vital role in protecting EPSS components from electrical problems.
ECS Upgrade
The greater manageable an EPSS becomes, the less facility managers depend on 3rd party experts to resolve system issues. By implementing an electronic control system (ECS) with a digital control panel, facility managers can monitor an EPSS and perform troubleshooting by accessing data provided about the user interface. ECS upgrades allow companies to save money by decreasing their service calls to 3rd party experts.
About the Author
While preparing to write this article, I learned a lot about generator services and automatic transfer switch service at PrimePower.com.
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