Frequency inverters

Generators – the power you need when you need it

From building sites to camping sites, hospitals to data centers, generators provide electrical power. They can also save lives. They are backup sources that convert fuel to electricity. Their uses are many, and they are necessary where utility electricity is unavailable, or where you only need a temporary power supply for backup.

There are several different types of generators to provide for specific needs. For instance, standby electrical generators that are permanently installed and used to immediately provide electricity to critical loads during temporary interruptions of the utility power supply. Hospitals, communications service installations, data processing centers, sewage pumping stations, and many other important facilities are equipped with standby power generators.

Some standby power generators can automatically detect the loss of grid power, start the motor, run using fuel from a natural gas line, detect when grid power is restored, and then turn itself off with no human interaction.

Privately owned generators are especially popular in areas where grid power is not dependable or unavailable. Trailer-mounted generators can be towed to disaster areas where grid power has been temporarily disrupted.

What to consider about gensets

Here are four factors to consider when looking for a power backup system for your manufacturing site, healthcare facility, office or server park.

How much power do you need?

Power and your budget define your type of generator. Take into account peak power consumption and the amperage of your local power supply when you calculate your needs.

Where should you put your generator?

The best place is close to the fuel supply. A basement is not a good idea in areas prone to flooding, and you need to stress test roofs to make sure they hold the weight of the generator. Maybe place the generator away from the main building where it can be easily accessed for service and maintenance?

What service and maintenance agreements can a provider offer?

Choose a genset supplier who offers installation, service and maintenance. Look at solutions such as ours that offer predictive maintenance data.

Are there any local regulations?

Some countries have different regulations regarding noise and fuel pollution. Knowing that enables you to choose the type of fuel option and whether to buy an open or enclosed generator.

What is a standard display solution?

A standard display solution, also known as an HMI (human-machine interface), is the user interface that connects an operator to the controller for an industrial or technical system. Standard displays translate data from industrial control systems into visual representations of the systems. On the HMI, an operator can see schematics of the systems and interact with different parts of a process e.g., turn switches and pumps on or off, raise or lower temperatures, etc.

Standard displays offer customers a readily available solution out of the box. Standard displays come with predefined screen sizes, mounting options, operating system, programming software, etc. The end of life is fully determined by the manufacturer, but best in class manufacturers offer almost seamless migration from earlier series to newer ones.

The interaction between operator and machine happens most often directly on the touch screen of the displays, but are in some cases combined with keypads, function keys or external keyboards. Standard displays are usually able to communicate directly with a variety of programmable logic controllers (PLC) and other industrial controllers, and additional cloud connectivity is an increasing trend for newer displays. Standard HMIs are most often offered as off-the-shelf products, however with several additional options and some possibilities for customization.

What is a customized display solution?

A customized display solution is very similar to a standard HMI display (human-machine interface) by being the user interface that connects an operator or user to the controller for an industrial, commercial or technical system. Customized display solutions differ from standard HMIs by being specifically tailored for an exact application and a customer in terms of the specific components e.g., the display itself, the required touch sensor, interface board, the SCB, the firmware and software, the enclosure, etc. to match the exact customer needs.

Developing a custom display solution is an advantage as well as a challenge since the customer, in collaboration with the manufacturer, need to make deliberate decisions on many levels to obtain the required product quality, user experience and cost. Choosing a display solution is a commitment, and when handled skillfully by both parties can create an extremely perfected solution providing the required look and feel for an application. The challenge can be drastically minimized when choosing to work with an experienced manufacturer.

Like HMIs, customized display panels translate data from control systems into visual representations of the systems. On the display, an operator can see information from the systems and interact with different parts of it. The interaction between operator and machine happens most often directly on the touch screen of the display, but are in some cases combined with keypads, function keys or external keyboards.

What is data communication?

Data communication means transmitting data from one point to another. There are many ways of doing this, from copper and fibre-optic cables to wireless and cloud connectivity. Within each of these methods there are different components and protocols, and different ways of packaging data.

Data communication components include routers, network switches and remote access devices. Beijer Electronics, along with Korenix, embeds robust data communication into its design philosophy, ensuring customers have access to best-in-class solutions. Data help companies to make decisions based on facts, rather than based on gut feelings, opinions, and emotions. And in mission-critical businesses a reliable availability of solid data is key.

Commercial data communication solutions exist everywhere in applications such as home computing and smart household devices. Here, components are simple and available off-the-shelf, allowing for mass production and ease of use. Industrial data communication takes this concept and embeds it into tougher environments where applications are more complex, and the stakes can be a lot higher. These data communication devices often differ significantly from their commercial counterparts.

Our world-leading IP-based communication products include managed and unmanaged Ethernet switches with PoE, wireless LAN access points, cellular routers and gateways and solutions for remote access. All made to endure industrial settings, and work in the harshest environments.