Question 1

What is the cost of a generator?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on the size and brand of generator required. If you give us more details on what you need to power, we’ll be able to send you a quote for the most suitable generator.

Question 2

Why are some generator brands more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Usually because they are built using higher quality components and therefore have a better standing in the market, are well known and trusted and have wider consumer appeal than those less well known. Sometimes the warranty is for a longer period.

Question 3

Should I buy a petrol generator or a diesel generator? What is the difference?

Accepted Answer

A petrol generator will normally be smaller, will typically be used for prime power applications and not for standby or backup, a petrol generator will frequently be portable and can be moved from place to place easily. A diesel generator will be more economical on fuel, they can be used for prime power and backup power, and they can be portable (for the hire sector) but are frequently part of a fixed installation.

Question 4

How noisy are generators?

Accepted Answer

Noisy! Petrol frame generators can be quite noisy, Petrol inverter (Suitcase generators) are relatively quiet, diesel generators can be sound attenuated so that noise levels are reduced, however an open frame skid diesel generator will be noisy. If you require a silent generator please let us know and we can recommend a suitable generator for you.

Question 5

How do I work out what size backup generator I need?

Accepted Answer

1) Establish the maximum power you intend to support in kW’s
2) Will I need to backup every appliance or just the lights?
3) How long will I intend the generator to run for?

If you are not sure, send a list of what you want to power and a generator specialist, like YorPower who will size the generator for you. If you are still not certain and do not want to write a long list, call us and tell us whether you want the generator for home backup, business backup, temporary power, or something else and we will help you.  The more information you can provide the closer we can match your needs and ensure the right size of generator for you.

Question 6

Why should I buy a used generator?

Accepted Answer

When preparing your company for an unexpected event, like a power outage, most businesses often underestimate how useful a fully installed automatic generator would be to assist in maintaining normal operations, let alone how effective a used generator could be.

There are numerous reasons why many businesses do not purchase a standby generator. The majority relate to cost of purchase. The common belief is that emergency standby generators can only be purchased from new and are expensive. People are unaware that high quality used generators can be obtained at typically 50% of the price of new. Many used generators on the market have spent most of their lives in backup applications where they have only ever been run for maintenance purposes.

Other reasons include:
•	Lower capital outlay – typically half the cost of new
•	Lead time – availability of used generators usually means you can buy and install much quicker than buying new, lead times are usually 60% faster than for a new generator.
•	As a used generator has already been ‘run in’ it should work straight off the bat.
•	Better construction – more often than not an older used generator will be constructed of heavier steel and will be more robust

Question 7

Are there any regulations which govern diesel emissions?

Accepted Answer

The straight answer is yes. Diesel generators, specifically for the new, rental and hire sectors, are governed by regulations. If running a generator for Prime power for more than 50 hours per annum, you will have to notify to the governing authority that you are running a diesel engine which falls into the category of MCPD (Medium Combustion Machinery Directive)

Question 8

Could I be accidentally breaking the law due to current regulations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is fair to say the legislation that deals with diesel generator engine emissions, specifically related to the Diesel Genset Industry is complex, hard to interpret and is fundamentally ahead of engine availability/technology; that is until very recently. This is borne out by various changes sought by industry lobbying groups to delay part(s) of the restrictions on use.

If you're unsure, please contact us and we can advise.

Question 9

What is a specified generator?

Accepted Answer

An individual generator or group of generators if:
1) On the same site
2) Operated by the same operator
3) For the same purpose (generating electricity)

If you have more than one generator on your site, aggregate your generators into a specified generator, this requires just one permit.
How is your generator affected by MCPD regulation?
Firstly, note that your generator can be affected by both MCPD and specified generator guidelines and the permit you will require will depend on this.

Please get in contact with our sales team who would be happy to guide you on the matter.

Question 10

What type of permit do I need?

Accepted Answer

Three types of specified generator environmental permit:
1) Standard Rules Permit (low risk)
2) Simple Bespoke Permit (low risk)
3) Complex Bespoke Permit

If unsure contact enquiries@environmentagency.gov.uk

Question 11

What else can the user do to mitigate emissions and comply with the legislation?

Accepted Answer

Fuel quality has changed greatly over the years thereby increasing power output and decreasing its adverse effects on after treatment devices. Manufacturers continue to look at alternative fuels, innovative fuel systems, and new control strategies to improve the overall efficiency of an engine. Biodiesel has been around for some years, however it has more recently become a viable option.
It is a fuel comprised of methyl/ethyl ester-based oxygenates of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, and typically cooking oils. These fuels are commonly known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters or FAME. Biofuel / Biodiesel properties are not dissimilar to that of diesel fuel, as opposed to gasoline or gaseous fuels, and so are capable of being used in compression ignition engines such as the diesel engine.
Due to certain challenges associated with the fuel (Fuel quality, oxidation stability, contamination, microbe growth, etc), engine manufacturers in the past have been sceptical over the use of 100 percent biodiesel (B100). Blends of biodiesel with regular diesel are therefore widely used for prime and continuous applications, with B5 and B20 being highly popular in the market depending on complexity of the engine and the application. The number alongside the letter ‘B’ indicates the percentage of biodiesel in the blend. B5 would have 5 percent biodiesel, B20 would have 20 percent etc. The very latest biodiesel which is commercially available emits lower N0X and S02 than EU Stage V rated engines.

Question 12

Can the use of a special exhaust silencer trap the pollutants and comply with the directive?

Accepted Answer

Exhaust and silencer after-treatment reduce emissions by a significant margin. Optimising engine design and fuel systems help a great deal and after-treatment strategies can be seen as an interim step whilst advancement in engine technology catches up. This level of emission control is what the stage IV regulations and other local regulations aims to achieve. The following methods have already gained practical levels of commercialization in various applications:
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): This is a very effective method for curbing NOx emissions and is basically aqueous urea injection into the exhaust stream passing over a suitable catalyst.
SCR can reduce NOx up to 98 percent. Systems consist of an SCR catalyst, urea injection system, urea tank, pump and a control system.
Diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC): DOC is a flow through device that consists of a canister containing a honeycomb-like structure or substrate. The substrate has a large surface area that is coated with an active catalyst layer. DOC is capable of achieving over 95 percent reduction in CO and HC. More specifically, DOCs utilize palladium and platinum catalysts to reduce the particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbon based soluble organic fraction (SOF), and carbon monoxide content of diesel exhaust by simple oxidation.
Diesel particulate filter - Particulate matter is the most visible form of pollutant coming out of an exhaust. It is the main constituent of black smoke or soot which has led to the massive reduction of diesel engines on a non-commercial basis. DPF’s or particulate matter (PM) traps are designed to physically capture PM from the exhaust stream. They can either be simple mechanical filters requiring frequent replacement, or they can be catalytic filters that provide periodic or continuous oxidation (regeneration) of the trapped particulates into CO2. PM traps with continuous regeneration have already reached a high level of product placement in the field and are employed on stationary diesel engines in areas with strict PM emissions regulations. Ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel is needed to prevent contamination of the conversion catalysts. However, filtration efficiencies up to 90 percent have been demonstrated.

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