Generator Selection Considerations Concept

Name: Generator Selection Considerations Concept
Rating: 3.3 (6 reviews)

Learn to Select Reliable Generator Systems for Industrial, Commercial, and Critical Applications.

Created byDanny Hiew

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand the Importance of On-Site Generators – Learn why generators are essential for reliability, code compliance, and economic considerations.
Select the Right Generator Power Rating – Identify generator rating types (ESP, PRP, LTP, COP, DCC) and apply industry standards like ISO 8528-1.
Analyze Location Considerations – Evaluate indoor and outdoor placement, fuel storage, cooling, ventilation, and access for maintenance.
Size Generators for Various Loads – Determine generator capacity based on electrical load impact, UPS systems, motor loads, fire pumps, and medical equipment.
Design Electrical Systems for Generators – Understand LV/MV/HV configurations, paralleling options, reliability, and system protection strategies.
Implement Power Transfer & Distribution – Learn about automatic transfer switches (ATS), load sequencing, and utility-paralleled generators.
Manage Environmental & Site-Specific Factors – Address coastal, cold-weather, seismic, and high-altitude considerations for generator installations.
Ensure Compliance & Safety – Apply NEC, IEC, and other regulatory requirements for grounding, selective coordination, and fault current protection.
Optimize Generator Performance & Efficiency – Understand load flow, power factor considerations, peak shaving, and energy efficiency strategies.

Course content

6 sections • 117 lectures • 14h 20m total length

Meeting Building Code Requirements 48:38
Economic Considerations5:33
Meeting Specific Load Requirements11:56

Types of Ratings to Consider When Specifying a Generator Set6:44
Industry Standard Ratings (ISO-8528-12005)3:13
ESP Emergency Standby Power13:56
PRP Prime Rated Power13:34
LTP Limited-Time Power4:37
COP Continuous Operating Power7:38
Generator Set Rating Example4:56
Data Center Continuous (DCC) Rating6:13
Identify the data center continuous rating (DCC) as the maximum generator power deliverable continuously for unlimited hours, designed for data centers with constant or dynamic loads.
Generator Overload Capability6:00
Power Factor and Generator Set Ratings14:25

Introduction: Location Considerations4:13
(Indoor & Outdoor) Generator Mounting Considerations 10:34
(Indoor & Outdoor) Location of Distribution Switchboard and Transfer Switches3:20
(Indoor & Outdoor) Branch Circuits for Generator Locations1:06
(Indoor & Outdoor) Fuel & Coolant Containment for Generator Locations4:08
(Indoor & Outdoor) Access & Workspace for Major Maintenance5:15
(Indoor & Outdoor) Access for Load Bank Testing4:01
Outdoor Location Considerations Noise Management3:11
Outdoor Location Considerations Weather Protection2:53
Outdoor Location Considerations: Cold Weather Operation Considerations7:23
Outdoor Location Considerations Coastal Region Considerations3:51
Outdoor Location Considerations: Service Access for Major Repairs & Overhauls4:04
Outdoor Location Considerations: Security Fences & Sight Barriers3:57
Outdoor Location Considerations: Grounding Requirements4:07
Outdoor Location Considerations Lightning Protection3:16
Indoor Location Considerations: Dedicated Generator Room4:08
Indoor Location Considerations: Fire Rating of Room Construction4:04
Indoor Location Considerations: Working Space4:01
Indoor Location Considerations: Type of Cooling System4:47
Indoor Location Considerations Ventilation Considerations3:09
Indoor Generator Location Considerations: Engine Exhaust3:31
Indoor Generator Location Considerations: Fuel Storage and Piping4:33
Indoor Generator Location Considerations: Temporary Load Bank Connection5:07
Indoor Generator Location Considerations: Accessibility5:18
Rooftop Installations Considerations4:17
Coastal Environment Considerations3:53
Arid/Dusty Climates Considerations5:35
Altitude Considerations5:17

Overview of Electrical Load Impact on Generator Sizing7:05
Mandated vs. Optional Applications5:26
Code-Mandated Applications5:30
Optional Standby Systems5:09
Prime and Continuous Duty Generators6:54
Load Running and Starting Requirements4:44
Load Step Sequencing5:57
Lighting Loads3:45
Air Conditioning Loads5:10
Motor Loads: Low- and High-Inertia Loads7:40
Motor Loads Over 50 HP13:40
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Loads11:24
Battery Charger Loads2:04
Medical Imaging Equipment (X-ray, CAT Scan, MRI)2:48
Fire Pump Applications3:55
Regenerative Power in Generator Applications8:13
Power Factor Considerations9:05
Single-Phase Loads and Load Balance on Three-Phase Generator Sets13:03

Typical Low Voltage System Configurations 7:10
Paralleling Generators3:14
Single Set Power Transfer Scheme7:30
Serving Multiple Buildings with a Single Generator System3:04
MV or HV Generator Systems5:17
The Synchronizing of Generators5:15
Synchroscope in Generator Synchronization5:45
Active Power Sharing in an Infinite System9:18
Active Power Sharing in Parallel Generator Operation22:31
Reactive Power (kVAr) Sharing in Parallel Generators10:50
Interconnection of Generator Neutrals11:03
Simple MV/HV Generator Scheme for Prime Power Installation5:41
HV/MV Scheme for Large Installations6:48
Using an LV Generator in an MV Application8:20
Single vs. Parallel Generators5:47
Reliability in Paralleling Generators for Critical Applications4:53
Performance Benefits of Paralleling Generators6:14
Cost Considerations Single vs. Paralleled Generators6:10
Generator and Room Size Single vs. Paralleled Generators5:52
Efficiency A Key Factor in Parallel Generators Operation3:38
Load Considerations Single vs Parallel Generators17:06
Assess load size, cost, and reliability to decide between single and parallel generators; single units suit small loads, while parallel systems handle higher or variable demands.
Risks Associated with Parallel Operation of Generator Sets5:32
No-Break Changeover Between Utility and Generator Power7:05
Generators for Peak Shaving & Peaking Duty4:47
Protection for Utility-Paralleled Generators15:57
Key Considerations for Parallel Generator Set Isolation11:09
Maximum Available Fault Current (Imafc) in Paralleling System10:36
Load Flow Analysis4:27
Anti-Islanding Protection8:00
Power Distribution4:44
Selecting a Distribution System8:25
Example Power Generation in Large Industrial System7:38
Electrical Connections - Vibration Isolation5:42
Design electrical connections for vibration isolation generators by using flexible leads and conduits to absorb movement, accommodate load changes, and prevent insulation damage and premature failure.
Generators in Seismic Areas4:16
Control Wiring for Generators6:03
Accessory Branch Circuits for Generators4:26
AC Power Conductors for Generators12:09
Voltage Drop in AC Circuits5:36
Generator System Grounding18:30
Explore three phase four wire generator grounding, covering neutral grounding, impedance and high resistance grounding, and the roles of equipment grounding and bonding in fault protection.
Selective Coordination17:26
Discover selective coordination, where faults are cleared by the nearest overcurrent device to protect critical loads in hospitals and data centers while reducing nuisance tripping.
Considerations for Sizing a Main-Line Generator Circuit Breaker7:15
Considerations for Starting Single-Phase Motors on a Generator4:46
NEMA Code Letters & Motor Starting Characteristics3:44
Starting Power Factor for Motors3:15
Generator Sizing Considerations for UPS Loads14:06
Procedure for Sizing a Generator for a Static UPS Load6:06
Fault Current14:11
Analyze how transmission and distribution impedances, transformer leakage reactance, and upstream network limits shape present and future fault current, with sub transient, transient, and synchronous components guiding protection coordination.
Short-Circuit Current Calculation Procedure9:44
Example of short-circuit calculations19:41

Objective of Protective Relaying System5:58
Stator Winding Faults9:57
Earth-Fault Protection Using Single Relay11:55
Generator Earth-Fault Protection10:50
Principle of Restricted Earth-Fault Protection4:45
Earth-fault protection for single base-load generator installations.3:52
Earth-Fault Schemes for Multi-Source Systems4:42
Earth-Fault Schemes for Both Parallel and Non-Parallel Modes5:11
Earth-Fault Schemes for Standby-to-Mains Generator Supply 5:08

Requirements

Basic Electrical Knowledge – Understanding of electrical circuits, power distribution, and load calculations.
Familiarity with Power Systems – Basic knowledge of power generation, transmission, and distribution concepts.
Understanding of Generator Basics – Awareness of generator components, operation, and applications.
Experience with Load Calculations – Ability to analyze power demand, load types, and generator sizing factors.
Awareness of Safety Practices – Familiarity with electrical safety, grounding, and protection principles.
Basic Control & Automation Knowledge – Understanding of ATS, paralleling, and generator control systems.

Description

Hello Everyone,

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the essential principles behind selecting, sizing, and installing, reliable generator systems for various industrial, commercial, and critical applications. It covers the core concepts necessary for ensuring efficient and dependable power generation, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Learners will explore key topics such as the reasons for having on-site generators, including meeting building code requirements and specific load demands. They will delve into generator power ratings, understanding the differences between Emergency Standby Power (ESP), Prime Rated Power (PRP), Limited-Time Power (LTP), and Continuous Operating Power (COP), with a focus on industry standards like ISO 8528-1.

The course also addresses critical location considerations for both indoor and outdoor installations, covering factors like ventilation, fuel storage, cooling systems, noise management, and weather protection. Additionally, students will learn how to size generators based on electrical load impact, including UPS systems, motor loads, lighting, and medical equipment.

In terms of system design, the course covers power distribution, paralleling generator sets, and ensuring seamless transfer between utility and generator power. The course also provides insights into compliance with safety standards and regulations, ensuring the continued reliability and efficiency of generator systems in any application.

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers & Designers – Design generator systems for industrial, commercial, and critical facilities, including MV/HV applications and distribution.
Facility Managers & Operators – Manage power infrastructure, ensure compliance, reliability, and efficiency in data centers, hospitals, and industrial sites.
Consulting & Design Engineers – Specify generators for projects, evaluate sizing, power distribution, system reliability, and compliance with industry standards
Contractors & Technicians – Handle generator setup, commissioning, control wiring, grounding, troubleshooting, and scheduled maintenance tasks.
Data Center & IT Specialists – Manage power reliability, generator sizing for UPS loads, IT infrastructure, and backup power strategies in data centers.
Utility & Power System Engineers – Work with grid-connected generators, peak shaving, fault current analysis, anti-islanding protection, and system coordination
Regulatory & Compliance Officers – Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety, seismic, environmental regulations, and industry standards like ISO 8528

Generator Selection Considerations Concept

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Reasons for Having On Site Generator3 lectures • 1hr 6min

Generator Power Ratings​10 lectures • 1hr 21min

Location Considerations​28 lectures • 2hr 3min

Electrical Load Impact on Generator Sizing18 lectures • 2hr 2min

Electrical Design49 lectures • 6hr 47min

Generator Protection9 lectures • 1hr 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: