FAQs - Power Generation
Power generation information including electricity generation, transmission and distribution and the use of standby power generators.
Prime power refers to the use of a generator for continuous operation where there may be no mains power supply available or the mains power supply acts as a source of back-up power to the generator should it run out of fuel. Standby power generators are used for back-up power when the mains power supply fails and in a server room or data centre or other critical application, will provide a temporary source of power for an uninterruptible power supply.
A well maintained generating set with a sufficiently charged battery, should be up to full power within 10-15 seconds of start-up, at which point the load can be fully supported. When used with an uninterruptible power supply, the UPS system will wait for the generated power source to stabilise before acceptance. When the mains power supply is restored and stable, the generator should power down.
This is a recommended practice for generators within critical power installations where a complete power failure is instigated to ensure the generator starts and can support its load within the required start-up and transfer time.
An AMF panel is installed as part of the electrical circuit to monitor and control the start-up and power-down of a generator. More advanced AMF panels provide local and remote IP interfaces for monitoring and control over a network.