In the late summer of 2003, in a span of six weeks, massive power blackouts in major cities of United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Italy forced millions of people to cope without electricity. In what seemed like an instant, streetlights, elevators, trains, air conditioners and dozens of other vital systems stopped working. Normal life was disrupted for just about everyone in the affected areas -- except for those with On-Site Generation! 

Yes, Liberty was on with her torch glowing throughout the outage thanks to an On-Site Generator. And with her, the New York City Hall, the Verizon Wireless System, and the air traffic control systems and runway lighting of the three international airports continued normal operations. In fact, in the modernized Newark Airport, On-Site Generators provided uninterrupted power to the entire terminals throughout the outage. At Kennedy and La Guardia, airline workers resorted to using flashlights to manually write new airline tickets.

Notwithstanding the leading theories trying to explain what happened, the signs are that the United States and other leading economies are ripe for more blackouts. So, this is a timely occasion to plan in advance and install new stand-by plants or replace or expand the existing ones. As illustrated in article “Feasibility Study for Three On-Site Generators for Large Industrial Complex” (see Articles), Enerconsult has recently performed surveys and studies to add medium size and large reciprocating units at major industrial sites in the U.S. Midwest.

Enerconsult can also provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the installation of small, medium, and large Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSSs). These engine-driven power generators are the most common of all On-Site Generators, and are generally the least expensive to purchase. Using diesel oil or natural gas reciprocating engines, these units are available as small as 3 kW and as large as 2500 kW. Enerconsult has recent experience in the preparation of Technical Specifications, Plans and Drawings for the additions of these generators to existing installations with a minimum of interference with ongoing operations. The proposal shown in article “Addressing Practical Issues During Installation of 2000 kW On-Site Generator at Large Industrial Site” (see Articles) illustrates the studies that are typical to achieve the installation of the gensets, switchgear, power cables, duct banks and control and protective equipment.  The article “Measures to Correct Deficient Electric Supply to Pumping Stations” (see Articles) describes the problems derived from a deficient distribution system that could be strengthen with the provision of properly sized On-Site Generators.

In addition to securing continuity of service, On-Site Generation is a very desirable alternative route that offer other major advantages such as peak-shaving to reduce demand charges, economic supplies to remote areas (construction sites, oil fields and mines), and Distributed Generation and Combined Heat Power. On-Site Generation of electricity with natural gas-fired systems is becoming the best choice due to the great savings that can be derived from reclaiming wasted heat from CHP systems (see Distributed Generation and Combined Heat and Power).

If you need further information, contact us directly to info@enerconsult.net or Tel. 773-401-6261.