Uptime Institute’ Accredited Tier Designer Technical Paper Series: Engine-Generator Ratings August 2017Abstract This technical paper focuses on the requirement and use of an engine-generator solution for on-site power in the context of Uptime Institute's Tier Standard: Topology. It provides additional detail and clarification regarding the Tier consequences of engine generators and their ratings. Tier Requirements and On-Site Energy Production ‘The core premise, as set forth in the Tier Standard: Topology, is thal the only reliable source of power for a data center is the on-site energy production. Typically, on-site energy production is provided by an engine-generator plant. On-site energy production can be accomplished in many ways, such as diesel or fuel cell technology, if a unit has the requisite performance capability as documented by the manufacturer, it can meet the applicable Tier Standarc. This paper focuses on engine generators due to the nuances of the specific ratings associated with the technology and their impact on Tier compliance. Although the purchase of power from the local utility is an economic alternative, there are no considerations of utlily power that affect the owner's target Tier objective, Instead, for Tier lll (Concurrently Maintainable) and Tier lV (Fault Tolerant) functionality objectives, the Tier Standard: Topology states Engine generators for Tier lil and IV sites shall not have a limitation on consecutive hours of operation when loaded to'N' demand. Engine generators that have a limit on consecutive hours of operation at N demand are appropriate for Tier | ar ‘There are two key aspects of this requirement: + Disruptions to the utility power are not considered a failure, but an anticipated operational condition for which the site must be prepared; and + ATier Ill or IV engine-generator system, along with its power paths and other supporting elements, shall meet the Concurrently Maintainable and/or Fault Tolerant performance confirmation tests while they are carrying the site on engine-generator power ‘There are two scenarios of operation that result in the engine-generator plant being required for an extended period (weeks to months}: + The loss of the local utility due to malfunctions within the utility system—resulting in extended outages; + _ In'some designs or operational profiles, the catastrophic malfunction of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system or isolation of the UPS for replacement or heavy maintenance. ‘The latter requires running the engine-generator plant to ensure that the most reliable and stable power is being delivered to the T critical environment. If the local utility s used during a time the UPS is unavailable, then any perturbation or loss of the utility will impact the computer room operation and potentially result in an outage Uptime institute field experience and Network member data shows that the availability and reliability of the infrastructure is paramount to achieving the organization's business objectives, ie, itis mission imperative for the data center. Accordinaly, engine generators must have no runtime limitations at N units, Engine Generator Ratings | August 2017 1Standby units—allowed to run for limited durations at constrained capacities—do not afford the data center ‘owner the capability to run ‘the engine-generator plant at capacity for extended periods ‘to support operations during critical events Engine Generator Ratings Engine generators and their ratings are governed by I Standardization (IS0)® Standard 8528-1. This standard covers Reciprocating Internal Combustion (RIC) engines, alterna ent (AC) generators, and associated systems. The three principal ratings as defined in the standard are Emergency Standby Power, Prime Power, and Continuous Power. Emergency Standby Power: The maximum power for which an engine-generator is capable of delivering for up to 200 hours per year. The allowable average power output over a 24-hour run period is 70% of the standby rating unless otherwise agreed to by the RIC manufacturer. “Prime Power: The maximum power for which an engine-generator is capable of delivering continuously with a variable load for an unlimited number of hours, The allowable average power output over a 24-hour run period is 70% of the prime rating unless otherwise agreed to by the RIC manufacturer.” "Continuous Power: The maximum power for which an engine- generator is capable of delivering continuously for a constant load for an unlimited number of hours. In practice, when applying these definitions and the requirement for no runtime limitations at N demand, standby-rated units (as defined) with limited run hours do not comply with Tier Ill and IV. Standby units—allowed to run for limited durations at constrained capacities—do not afford the data center owner the capability to run the engine-generator plant at capacity for extended periods to support operations. during critical events, and therefore do not meet Tier Ill or Tier IV requiremer Some manufacturers allow only up to 500 hours of capacity operation per year for certain units. However, a standby-rated unit can comply with Tier Ill and Tier IV requirements if there is proper manufacturer documentation that establishes the unlimited run hour capacity of the unit at the site conditions Engine Generator Ratings | August 2017 2Prime-rated units, per their definition, have more robustness than standby units. Many manufacturers offer the same unit with both standby and prime ratings. However, to comply with the no runtime limitations at N-load requirement, these de-rated to 70% of their prime (nameplate) rating, Note, however, that some manufacturers will offer a derating of more or less than 70% of the prime rating, Itis important to work with the manufacturer and obtain commitments in Itis important to work with writing of the specific allowance for runtimes and capacities. Continuous is the peer ey only rating that complies with the requirement without any derating ‘obtain commitments in writing of the specific, In summary, only continuous ratings, de-rated prime ratings, or standby ratings allowance for runtimes and with no runtime limitations qualify for the Tier Ill or IV requirement for engine generators, Eros Ceo Tier Ill boa ecm ecu anyup to ‘Any. upto Capable of CCopabie of Cee rnameplaterating | nameplaterating | supporting supporting RUSORYTSEEMEE <0 suppor design | tosupportcesign | cesign load for | design load for rot load load Uunlimtes hours | unimized hours atste conditions | at ste conditions Ces ullnamepiate capacity (Option 7: 70% of nameplate capaciy Option 2: Larger capac than Option 1 No adsiional requirement for hours of | with manufacture letter ion imitations ‘Can be used for Te and Tier IV with manufacture letter, Tier Certification ceapacty dependent on manufacturer iter fore COESTTEEE TOM Adciional deraing may be required due to ste condiions (eg. ambient ry temperatures, 'evaton)—consult manufacturer requrements, “Table 1: Tee Regurements Summary-~Enoine Generators Engine Generator Ratings | August 2017 3Modifications ATO Technical Paper Series: Engine-Generator Ratings, Version B. All Updates specific to this version are effective August, 2017. Related Publication Tier Standard: Topology Accredited Tier Designer Technical Paper Series Further information can be found at www uptimeinstitute com. About Uptime Institute Uptime Institute is an unbiased advisory organization focused on improving the performance, efficiency, and reliability of business critical infrastructure through innovation, collaboration, and independent certifications. Uptime institute serves all stakeholders responsible for IT service availability through industry leading standards, education, peer-to-peer networking, consulting, and award programs delivered to enterprise organizations and third-party operators, manufacturers, and providers. Uptime Institute is recognized globally for the creation and administration of the Tier Standards & Certifications for Data Center Design, Construction, and Operational Sustainability along with its Management & Operations reviews, FORCSS® methodology, and Efficient IT Stamp of Approval. Visit www.uptimeinstitute.com for more information. pte neti vision of The 451 Grup. aescng technology industry anaiye and cat company. Unie nai has offoslocaionsin the. Maxie, afi Svan UK. Span, UAE, Russa, fawan Shgapore, end Malaya (©7017 Uptme stu, LLC Allright resewed 170808.N.01 €