Optimizing Data Center Operations with Diesel Generator Technology 

According to the Uptime Institute’s 2023 Global Data Center Survey, over 60% of outages to data centers cost more than $100k, and many cost over $1 million. 

One of the powerful solutions is the use of their advanced generator systems to ensure reliable energy from the grid does not fail. Designed with critical load and risk of downtime in mind, these solutions bring energy efficiency and are just one important component of modern-day data center systems.

In this article, we will discuss how the technologies operate, list the main benefits of the solutions, and consider how they will impact data center performance.

In this guide, you’re going to learn:

• Why Data Centers Can’t Survive Without Backup Power
• The Diesel Generator Advantage for Mission-Critical Operations
• Essential Features That Keep Your Systems Running
• Smart Maintenance Strategies for Maximum Reliability
• Future-Proofing Your Power Infrastructure

Why Data Centers Can’t Survive Without Backup Power

54% of severe data center outages cost organizations over $100,000 to repair. Nearly 1 in 6 outages cost more than $1 million.

Think about that…

These figures are alarming because even a brief failure of the primary power source can lead to catastrophic consequences for operations. Servers immediately power down, critical applications cease to function, and data in process? Poof. It’s gone.

After a power loss, data center equipment will require a system reboot which means:

• Longer system crashes as processes restart
• Potential hardware damage from surges
• Corrupted or permanently deleted data
• Frustrated customers
• Diminished reputation
• Financial damages

Power outages are the number one cause of data center failures, resulting in over 50% of all major incidents.

Don’t freak out just yet…

The Diesel Generator Advantage for Mission-Critical Operations

Did you know that…

Not all backup power solutions are created equal. It sounds like semantics. However, when mission-critical data center operations are at risk, the gap between adequate and exceptional backup power becomes unmistakably clear.

Diesel generators are quickly becoming the go-to standard for data center backup power. Why? We’ll get into that, but first, you need to understand that a data center is not your average residential or small commercial building.

In the business of big time IT operations, it’s all about dependability. Below, you can see why you should choose them.

Lightning-Fast Response Time

Data centers are environments where even a 5-minute power outage can trigger massive disruption and severe operational consequences. However, with a quality diesel backup generator, you can cut power loss times down to 10-15 seconds, seamlessly bridging the gap until the main source of power comes back online.

Quick enough to prevent most system crashes, right?

Superior Load-Carrying Capacity

We just talked about how IT operations consume huge amounts of power. We’re talking hundreds of megawatts for large facilities. Diesel generators are designed to manage these massive electrical demands effortlessly and maintain reliable performance under heavy loads.

Reliable Fuel Storage

Natural gas systems are largely reliant on pipeline infrastructure, which means:

• Concerns over external supply disruptions
• Fuel must be refilled regularly.
• Difficult to predict how long you can last during an outage

Diesel generators store fuel on-site, so you can relax knowing:

• Diesel generator fuel is always available when needed.
• Stored fuel can last for months (or more)

• Predict how long you can run on backup power

Proven Track Record

Diesel technology has been around and improved for decades. Due to Tier 4 emission standards, today’s diesel generators are much cleaner while remaining exceptionally dependable and highly efficient.

Pretty good, huh?

Essential Features That Keep Your Systems Running

I want to give you a little insider tip on what separates good backup power from great backup power. Let’s get into the details, shall we?

The best data center diesel generators are packed with features that most people don’t think about until it’s too late. These crucial features guarantee your systems remain operational even under the harshest conditions.

Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)

There’s no one waiting around to manually turn on the generator at 3 AM when the power goes out. Fortunately, an ATS can instantly transfer your facility to generator power the moment a grid outage is detected.

Power back on? System seamlessly switches back and turns the generator off.

Remote Monitoring Capabilities

If you’ve got a smart system, you can check on all your vital statistics from the comfort of your smartphone:

• Current load levels
• Fuel consumption
• Engine temp/performance
• Maintenance schedules and alerts

Advanced Control Systems

Intelligent control systems manage power distribution, ensuring critical servers and cooling systems receive priority, while less essential systems are powered afterward.

Sound Attenuation

You may not think about it, but nobody likes a noisy generator. Quality units come with soundproofing enclosures that keep noise levels under control in even urban environments.

Smart Maintenance Strategies for Maximum Reliability

And here’s where most facilities drop the ball.

Install a great generator system, and then forget about it until something goes wrong.

Avoid being that facility. Regular maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential to ensure your backup power system works flawlessly when needed most.

Weekly Exercise Runs

Run the generator for at least an hour a week. It keeps all the components in good working order and ensures your fuel stays fresh.

Monthly Load Testing

Idle the system, but apply some real load to it. This will reveal potential problems before they become failures.

Fuel Quality Management

Diesel fuel degrades over time. Test quality regularly and add fuel stabilizers to extend storage life.

Professional Inspections

Qualified technicians can spot issues you may miss and do preventive maintenance during quarterly inspections.

The Real-World Impact

There’s one thing that’ll help you understand the real value of this information.

A large cloud provider recently had a power outage in one of their facilities. However, their diesel backup generators kicked on automatically and kept thousands of servers online while crews restored grid power.

The entire outage lasted 6 hours. Without those generators, the cost would have been crippling. Not to mention the customer goodwill they would have lost in the process.

That’s the difference between having backup power and having reliable backup power.

Future-Proofing Your Power Infrastructure

The data center industry is not going to stand still, and neither can your backup power solution.

Here’s what’s coming:

Alternative Fuel Options

While diesel remains the standard, newer options like HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and renewable diesel are emerging. Cleaner-burning alternatives which can run in most diesel generators with little modification.

Hybrid Systems

Some facilities are mixing diesel generators with battery systems and even hydrogen fuel cells for maximum backup power reliability.

Smarter Integration

Next-gen control systems will better integrate backup power with renewable sources and grid-scale battery storage.

Making the Right Choice For Your Facility

Selecting the right diesel generator system isn’t just about how much power it can put out though that’s obviously a consideration.

You need to assess:

• Facility power requirements
• Local environmental regulations
• Fuel storage capacity
• Integration with existing systems
• Long-term maintenance costs

It may seem like a significant investment, but compare that to the cost of one major outage.

Summing Things Up

The one fundamental truth of data center operations is that the power has to keep on flowing.

Diesel generator technology is the reliable and proven backup power source that modern data centers require. With proper choice, setup, and upkeep, diesel generators ensure confidence, knowing your vital operations will keep running under any circumstances.

The question is not if you need backup power, but whether you are putting the right system in place that will work when the time comes. Don’t delay until the next power failure reveals weaknesses in your backup plan. Take action now to keep data center operations resilient.

Your customers, reputation, and bank account will thank you.

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