In short. A complete solution is more than a generator. It combines sources, conditioning, distribution, controls, protection, testing and service. This guide walks from a requirement to the pieces you need, and shows where to read more for each.
Start with your requirement
| Requirement | Solution elements | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Keep a building or plant running through utility outages | Standby generator, ATS, fuel, testing | standby architecture |
| No break for IT or controls | Online UPS, batteries, bypass, generator behind | UPS architecture |
| Survive equipment failure and maintenance | N+1 or 2N sources and distribution | redundancy |
| Large or multiple generators | Paralleling switchgear, load sharing, dispatch | multi-generator plants |
| Reduce fuel, peaks or generator size | DG plus BESS hybrid | hybrid |
| Run as an island or microgrid | Grid-forming source, controller, protection | microgrid |
| Poor supply voltage quality | Stabiliser, conditioner, filters | power quality |
| Temporary or urgent power | Rental generators, ATS, cables, fuel | rental power |
| Emission or operating restrictions | RECD, dual fuel, replacement, hybrid | emissions and transition |
| Old equipment upgrade | Retrofit, controls, switchgear, studies | brownfield modernisation |
Elements of a complete solution
- Requirement and risk: loads, tolerance, duration, compliance.
- Sizing and architecture: capacity, redundancy, topology. See generator sizing.
- Distribution and protection: switchgear, cables, studies. See protection and switchgear.
- Control and automation: transfer, paralleling, shedding. See power control.
- Installation and commissioning: civil, mechanical, electrical, testing. See commissioning.
- Operation and maintenance: preventive maintenance, spares, monitoring. See annual maintenance contracts.
- Verification: integrated testing and acceptance. See design review and acceptance.
Questions to bring to a first discussion
- Which loads matter most, and how long can they be off?
- How long might an outage last?
- What are the site, space, noise and emissions limits?
- What exists today: generators, switchgear, UPS?
- What are your budget and timeline?
- Who will operate and maintain it?
Worked illustration of the path
A warehouse with cold storage needs 24-hour backup. Cold-room compressors tolerate minutes; the controls and IT need no break. The path: classification, a generator sized for compressors and controls with motor-starting check, an online UPS for IT and controls, an ATS, a fuel tank for 24 hours with a supplier, staged restart, preventive maintenance and an annual on-load test. Each element comes from a different page above, but they fit together.
Requirement to solution
| Requirement | Solution architecture | Where to read |
|---|---|---|
| Backup for a building, minutes of outage acceptable | Standby generator with ATS | standby architecture |
| No interruption for critical loads | UPS plus generator | UPS architecture |
| Generator failure tolerated | N+1 generators with paralleling | multi-DG plant |
| Any single path failure tolerated | 2N or A/B distribution | A/B distribution |
| Generator efficiency and peak support | DG plus BESS | hybrid critical power |
| Extended independent operation | Microgrid with fuel autonomy | microgrid architecture |
| Temporary or interim power | Rental generators | rental power |
| Old system, cannot shut down | Staged modernisation | brownfield modernisation |
Five questions that fix the answer
- What does an hour of outage cost?
- Which loads tolerate which interruptions?
- How long must the site run without the grid?
- Can it be maintained without an outage?
- Who runs it, and how well trained are they?
The simplest architecture that meets the stated target, proven by test, is the best architecture. Send your requirement through the application engineering enquiry for an engineer’s view.
Common mistakes
- Buying equipment before defining the requirement.
- Forgetting operation and maintenance.
- No integrated test.
What to send us
Send your requirement in a few lines, with loads and site details. Send your application details.
Questions engineers ask
Where do I start if I only know I need backup?
List what must stay on and for how long. That is the first input to any design.
Do I need studies before buying a generator?
At least a load and sizing review. Larger or more complex sites need studies too.
Can one supplier deliver everything?
Many projects use one lead partner for coordination. Confirm scope and responsibilities.
How do I keep the solution working over time?
Maintenance, testing, monitoring and review when loads change.
This guide gives general principles. Solutions are confirmed after a site review.