Diesel Generators design and performance

Diesel generators specialist and leading independent UK diesel generator manufacturer, YorPower, assembles and supply's generators from 1.0kVA to 3000kVA. Our diesel generators in the mid to larger sizes have been designed and developed with the ability to handle large single step-load demands, with short recovery times, to ensure optimum generator performance. From the very small to the very large our Diesel generators deliver first class performance and reliability underpinned by the YorPower Warranty.

Our pedigree and capability to design diesel generator power systems that have mass appeal all over the world, for domestic applications in 1 Phase and 3 Phase industrial and commercial projects, both at 50 and 60hZ stretches nearly 30 years. We also supply used generators for customers who have a more economical budget, ideal for emergency generator applications and/or one off seasonal requirements.

Core Values

Our generators should always be something people are pleased with and feel good about. Our culture is defined by British grit, tradition, determination and innovation; in essence to go the extra mile. For us, these traits are all equal and complement each other and form a unity. The combination of tradition, innovation and a range of fascinating products is also reflected in our staff measures and the agreements we have with our employees.

Innovation

Available direct from the factory, YorPower diesel generators are built to exacting standards and without compromise. In the UK and around the world we have a reputation for producing high quality, fuel efficient generators that keep noise levels to a minimum and deliver excellent performance. At the heart of what we do here at YorPower and aspire...

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Diesel Generators design and performance

Diesel generators specialist and leading independent UK diesel generator manufacturer, YorPower, assembles and supply's generators from 1.0kVA to 3000kVA. Our diesel generators in the mid to larger sizes have been designed and developed with the ability to handle large single step-load demands, with short recovery times, to ensure optimum generator performance. From the very small to the very large our Diesel generators deliver first class performance and reliability underpinned by the YorPower Warranty.

Our pedigree and capability to design diesel generator power systems that have mass appeal all over the world, for domestic applications in 1 Phase and 3 Phase industrial and commercial projects, both at 50 and 60hZ stretches nearly 30 years. We also supply used generators for customers who have a more economical budget, ideal for emergency generator applications and/or one off seasonal requirements.

Core Values

Our generators should always be something people are pleased with and feel good about. Our culture is defined by British grit, tradition, determination and innovation; in essence to go the extra mile. For us, these traits are all equal and complement each other and form a unity. The combination of tradition, innovation and a range of fascinating products is also reflected in our staff measures and the agreements we have with our employees.

Innovation

Available direct from the factory, YorPower diesel generators are built to exacting standards and without compromise. In the UK and around the world we have a reputation for producing high quality, fuel efficient generators that keep noise levels to a minimum and deliver excellent performance. At the heart of what we do here at YorPower and aspire to be as a business is a desire to innovate. If we can design and produce more efficient machines that are lighter, quieter, use less fuel and are more reliable, we will continue to grow and expand our business. Recent innovations include fully reportable remote monitoring devices installed on diesel generator control panels allowing diagnostic reports to be conducted off-site. New mobile and portable generator kits allowing heavy diesel generators to be moved more easily when on site. Start on demand generator systems which reduce fuel usage as engines only run when the demand requires it.

YorPower Brand

At YorPower we aim to please customers by delivering the right solution for each individual. Our success we believe has been largely as result of always wanting to exceed our customers’ expectations; we don’t always but we do try! The YorPower brand is recognised in many countries around the world and at its core it underlines and represents our values. A British company proud of its roots and heritage delivering first class products all over the world offering great service and value.

Location

A diesel generator manufactured by YorPower can be bought on most continents of the world. With Headquarters in the UK and bases in Kenya, Mexico, Bangladesh, Australia, Ghana, Nigeria and dealers in many other countries, YorPower operates on a global scale. We have diesel generators holding facilities in key strategic locations and we are always keen to hear from people and businesses who want to become YorPower distributors at home and abroad. If you want to be a dealer we would be delighted to hear from you.

Diesel generator applications in the UK

In the UK, YorPower serves and provides diesel generators to all major market sectors, including:

Industrial and Manufacturing

Mining and Agriculture

Data Centre and Telecoms

Private and Domestic

Business and Commercial

Hospitals, Police Head Quarters and Universities.

Our generators range from small single phase 3.5kVA silent generators, right the way through to larger industrial three phase containerised gensets up to 3mVA, all with tried and tested high quality matched engine and alternator combinations. The majority of our own build generators comprise a Perkins engine with a Leroy Somer alternator, however, we do manufacture gensets using Cummins/Stamford as an alternative, as well as MTU/Newage if required..

Full national UK coverage for large and small generators, UPS support, hire and maintenance is carried out by our sister company, Power Plant Services, which includes a 24/7 emergency call out service and next day delivery of generator components.

Diesel generator applications worldwide

YorPower provides diesel generators worldwide and operates on four continents with bases in Mexico, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Bangladesh and the UK. Markets and regions vary and demand for generators with a particular brand of engine quite often determines whether a sale proceeds or not. YorPower has an in depth knowledge and understanding of what the optimum genset combination is for most applications.

YorPower offer a full Warranty as standard on all standby generators, and maintain support for customers with a help desk, which is available 5 days a week. If you have a particular generator requirement, large or small, we would be delighted to work with you.

Standby diesel generators

Standby diesel generators from YorPower are provided to businesses and domestic dwellings in the UK and, where backup power is needed all over the world. The ever increasing demand on mains power networks means an alternative supply is essential in order for businesses to function without interruption. In developing countries where networks are not capable of delivering increased demand, standby generators are typically used as the primary source of power for homes as well as for commercial applications. Diesel and petrol is cheap in many of these countries and so running a generator is an economical way to get power. Why generators and not something more efficient or less damaging to the environment? The answer is wholly financial; a standby generator is the cheapest capital purchase by some distance and will provide quick, available power where and when needed. It is simple maths. Compared to solar or other non fossil fuel alternatives, generator power, using diesel is by far and away the most cost effective and efficient way to deliver a source of electricity. Diesel generator efficiency. Budgeting and investing capital expenditure on standby power equipment for disaster recovery in developed countries makes good sense. However, when using generators as the sole or primary source of power in established economies as an alternative to mains electricity, costs are high. Comparison to mains power does not stand up to scrutiny and running diesel generators over their life time is, it cannot be argued, significantly more expensive. For example in the UK, if over 10 years your electricity bill was say £10,000, the cost of buying and running a generator over the same period would probably be more like £50,000! Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can be an effective way of maximising the total energy produced, but still fall some way short. Environmentally, generators are a long way from ticking the 'green box', but until grid supplies worldwide are beefed up and can cope with current and future power demand or a genuinely viable green alternative presents itself, a standby diesel generator will be will remain the first choice for backup power.

Environmentalists, like it or not can do very little about the predicted spiralling increase in the number of generators predicted over the next 3 years even in the developed world. To underline this, last year Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City and other parts of the State. The storm occurred on October 25th 2012; domestic generator demand was so great immediately following the event that people had to wait until April 2013 before they could get their emergency cover in place. In the US, regulations governing C02 emissions is as high as anywhere in the world, ironic when considering the average US citizen consumes 6 times more power than its nearest rival. On the flip side, Americans typically install gas generators as the preferred choice for their domestic standby power, which whilst significantly more expensive in terms of capital outlay than diesel, are far cleaner and produce much lower emissions.

In summary, the lack of alternative to standby diesel generators for backup and emergency power mean they will be around for some time to come. YorPower will continue to assemble and endeavour to provide the highest quality generators to the UK market, Europe and beyond, but, we are very much aware that the more efficient we can make our generators, whether they are powered by diesel, gas or alternative fuels, the more positive impact we have on the environment.

Diesel Generator Guide: YorPower can manufacture and supply diesel generators from 6kVA-3375kVA (most sizes are available from factory stock) for industrial and domestic applications in its standard Perkins powered product range, and, up to 3375kVA for bespoke requirements at LV, MV and HV. Standby Generators can be supplied open (without a canopy/enclosure), in mass produced close-fitting weather and soundproof canopies or can be 'upfitted' into specially designed ISO containers. In extreme circumstances when little or no noise levels are permitted, usually in residential areas, YorPower can supply 'super silent' low noise-level gensets which can reduce noise pressure levels to as low as 55dBA @1m. A major requirement for developing countries where power is needed in remote locations, is reliable, dependable and 'on tap' electricity. This can be fulfilled by the installation of a fully self contained 1 megawatt (1250kVA) Powerbox. The YorPower Powerbox is fully capable of synching in parallel with up to 15 other generators creating a substantial 'power hub'. In conjunction with local partners in Africa and The Middle East, YorPower has supplied several mini power stations, in Nigeria, Ghana and Iraq. Voltage can stepped up by suitably rated transformers or HV lternators can be fitted to provide 11kV.

YorPower Technical Support and Information

In this section of the Diesel Generator Guide, we set-out some of the key technical criteria we consider when advising our customers.

As an independent supplier YorPower can provide diesel generators with engines from the following manufacturers:

New Diesel Generator Guide Prime powered kVA ratings

• Perkins 10kVA to 2000kVA
• Cummins 750kVA to 3375kVA
• MTU 700kVA to 3000kVA
• Mitsubishi 5kVA to 40kVA
• Kubota 8kVA to 20kVA
• John Deere 30kVA to 275kVA
• Volvo 200kVA to 635kVA
• Honda 3.5kVA to 7.5kVA

We use three main alternator manufacturers: Newage Stamford (Cummins Generator Technologies), Leroy Somer and Mecc Alte.

Digital Control Panels are typically based on Deep Sea Electronic control systems.

Generator Sizing

By international convention, all generators are nominally sized by their kVA standby rating at standard environmental conditions of:

• 27C Site temperature
• 154.2 metres above sea level
• 60% Relative Humidity

An increase in any of these values will lead to a de-rating of the nominal generator rating and will typically necessitate an increase in the engine size and sometimes an increase in alternator. We always ensure that our generators are sized in accordance with site conditions. We also advise whether the rating is prime, standby or continuous.

We supply generators at 1500 RPM / 50 Hz or 1800 RPM /60Hz. Our entire range is available in three phase from 10KVA. Single phase diesel generators are available starting at 3.5kVA up to 60kVA

Housing

Diesel Generators need to be housed in a plant room where a tailor made environment can ensure optimum running conditions are met or generators can be housed their own purpose built canopy or container, again in an environment that ensures optimum performance.

For generators to be installed in plant rooms we can advise on all aspects of the room requirements, and supply all peripheral equipment, including:

• Intake of air and hot air removal
• Exhaust ducting and silencing
• Weather proof and sound attenuated louvers
• Cable sizing
• Control cable requirement
• Fuel piping single or double skinned
• Fuel tanks internal, external, single skinned or bunded
• Physical sizing of all of the above

For generators that need to be located or are specified for outdoors, we can supply weatherproof enclosures as necessary, including:

• Close fitting canopies
• Drop-over canopies
• ISO rated Containers

We can manage all of this to any noise levels stipulated by our clients. Typically dBA requirements vary between a low noise pressure level of 65dBA (where noise reduction is critical) and 80dBA where low noise level reduction is required but the demand for minimal noise is not as critical. There is a significant increase in price for diesel generator requirements where noise pressure levels are specified less than 80dBA at 1m. Most of the acoustically canopied generators that we supply at YorPower are between 78dBA and 80dBA at 1m which meet European legislative and recommended guidelines.

Control Systems

YorPower offer a full range of generator control systems including:

• Key start for basic on and off prime power requirements
• Auto/remote start for standby and emergency applications
• Generator synchronisation for load share with other generators
• Mains synchronisation for precise load requirements and/or export to the National Grid Mains supply via G59 mains relay protection
• Fuel transfer systems for managing the critical fuel supply to generators
• Remote Monitoring for monitoring all alarms, fault signals, fuel system, generator running modes all from any number of Desk Top PC or mobile devices. The same information can be integrated in the BMS (Building Management System)

YorPower can also supply bespoke control systems for most requirements.

Options

Diesel Generators can be supplied with numerous options. This can often be confusing when comparing offers from various suppliers. At YorPower we always specify what additional items have been included in our offer and where possible itemise each ancillary item separately and whether they are essential or optional.

Some of the more typical options include but not restricted to:

• Battery charger for standby applications (we always recommend this)
• Water heater to assist cold weather starting useful in cold climates and deserts where temperatures can drop considerably at night, again we always recommend this for UK customers.
• Transfer panels manual, automatic or dual mutual control
• Anti-condensation heater for warm weather conditions
• Tropical Radiator for use in heated conditions, more commonly specified on larger generators (1000kVA and above) for the UK and Export.
• Lube Oil Top up where the generator will run for more than 12 hours at any onetime to prevent engine failure/seizure.
• Spark Arrestors where generators are required on oil and gas installations or on refineries, any form of spark carries enormous risk. Spark arrestors are fitted to exhaust/silencer stacks.

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