Data Centre Fuel Systems

Fuel Tank Size

One of the first considerations is the size of the tank(s), as this will determine the length of time that the generator will provide power in the event of a power outage.

Getting this decision wrong may have serious repercussions (i.e. over a Bank Holiday).

The base tanks sits below the generator.

This is especially useful when space is at a premium. Many generators are supplied with an integral base tank with no choice as to its capacity.

An auxiliary fuel tank gives extra space when needed. This will increase the capacity to suit your site requirements. Another point to bear in mind is that smaller fuel tanks will require topping up on a more regular basis. We would always suggest at least a 72 hour fuel tank, fully fuelled will provide resilience for a data centre.

Data Centre Systems Fuel Costs

Power Continuity generators are powered by red diesel. Due to the volatile nature of fuel prices, it is advisable to get quotes as near as possible to the required delivery date to ensure an accurate and firm price. Fuel is delivered in various formats. Either via tanker or barrels. Bulk tanker deliveries are the most cost-effective option, as the price per litre will be considerably less than fuel delivered in barrels. This highlights the need to choose a larger fuel storage system if fuel costs are a key issue for your organisation. However, barrels are useful if a small tank is installed. The driver will likely top up your tank as part of the delivery service. The bigger the tank, the better fuel cost per litre. Like McDonald’s, always go large, as far your budget allows.

Maintaining Fuel Quality

You may think that fuel stored in a sealed tank would be free from contaminants, but this is certainly not the case. Water can find its way into the tank and mix with the fuel. It can cause the inside of the tank to rust, and rust particles will then fall into the fuel. As well as this, it will encourage the growth of microbes, known as ‘diesel bug’.
All of these contaminants will have an adverse effect on the generator, decreasing its efficiency and increasing service and maintenance costs. Fuel testing will identify any or all of the above issues. Cases of severe contamination will require a thorough cleaning process for both the fuel and the storage tank. A scheduled ‘fuel polishing’ programme helps prevent this problem. Certainly, this will keep the fuel in good condition and prolong the life of the generator’s filters and other vital components. Power Continuity installs fuel filtration systems that continuously clean your fuel (fitted new or retro fitted). Eliminate the risk. Your generator is only as good as the fuel.

Security

These target generator fuel tanks and barrels. The expense of replacing the fuel, as well as repairing damage to the generator and/or fuel system can be costly. To help prevent fuel theft, security options might include the installation of security fencing or a walled enclosure, CCTV, security lighting and an alarm system. Always padlock it!

Monitoring

Weekly OFF load testing is important. Even if a generator is sat for several months without any requirement to provide emergency power, regular testing will ensure reliability in the event of an emergency. As a result, weekly testing will, of course, gradually drain the fuel tank(s). Therefore, fuel level monitoring should be part of the weekly test. Also test the generator every 4 weeks ON load and let it run for an hour holding up the building load. There is no better regime than to test weekly and monthly. Keep a written record. Before planning any data centre power infrastructure, call Power Continuity for free advice.