Diesel Generators Blog

A Team of Experts providing SIMPLY RELIABLE POWER

We are specialist and have sold and supported over 50,000 generators in more than 38 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, powering from remote sites in The Amazon, to cell phone towers at 6,000 meters above sea level in the Andes.

Our Headquarter in Miramar, South Florida, USA has been serving all the region with a highly effective bilingual Staff (English/Spanish). You can always contact us by phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., where we are committed to answer your questions in a timely and effective manner.

It’s certainly possible to provide good service from a corporate office hundreds or thousands of miles away from your customers, but it’s just not as good as being there, closer to our customers, more in-tune with their specific needs, better able to provide direct and timely support.

Our technicians, in fact, are happier rolling up their sleeves and tackling a problem head on in some remote place where you need power than they are troubleshooting by long distance.

That means our advice and information aren’t mere theory, they’re the result of encountering – and solving – ever-changing real world, real time challenges in the field. Our knowledge and solutions come from specialists who “live” the manual every day. With that philosophy in mind, we have local presence in Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Peru and Authorized Service Centers (ASC) throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In sum, our commitment to being “in country, on the ground” backs up our promise of providing you with Simply Reliable Power when and where you need it.

For more information, visit: www.SRPAmericas.com

Connect with us @SRPAmericas.com and join the conversation #SimplyReliablePower

FG Wilson: a Generator for every and any Project.

At Simply Reliable Power we have over 25 years selling and supporting FG Wilson generator sets that have been installed in more than 38 countries, in Latin America and the Caribbean, in home and businesses just like yours.

Each one of them see extensive research and development testing in modern world-class facilities and all are built to designs which have been tried and tested in the toughest of environments. From 6.8 to over 2,500 kVA, FG Wilson o ers one of the widest ranges of diesel-fuelled generator sets, built in modern facilities in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

You’ll nd our generator sets installed in many of the world’s most iconic buildings, in hospitals, banks, airports, data centres, factories, construction sites, hotels, o ces and telecommunications networks, quietly guaranteeing that they are never without electric power.

The most important things we’ve learned in that time are that every project has its own individual needs and that working through a project means not just building the metal but also building relationships and understanding people who work with generator sets.

And once you start using our generator sets on-site, you’ll see that they are robust, highly corrosion resistant, fully weather resistant and allow easy access for maintenance.

For more information visit: www.SRPAmericas.com

Connect with us @SRPAmericas and join the conversation #SimplyReliablePower

FG Wilson Polymer Acoustic Enclosure Generators Range

Extremely durable and robust, the highly corrosion and impact resistant FG Wilson enclosures are designed to withstand rough handling common on many construction sites. In the video we show you some of the details that makes this beautiful genset a work of art.

For more information and quotes visit: www.srpamericas.com/fgwilsongenerators/

The innovative, compact design of the 6.8 – 25 kVA CAE enclosure range ensures optimum performance in the harshest of environments. The two-component polymer enclosure structure (hood and base), delivers superior durability with optimal access for ease of installation and maintenance servicing.

Durable and Robust Construction

• Constructed from the compound polymer dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)
• Corrosion proof enclosure with unrivalled impact and heat resistantance (–40°C to +120°C)
• Corrosion resistant modular air handing units
• Base frame extends beyond enclosure protecting against handling damage
• Black finish stainless steel locks and hinges
• Zinc plated / stainless steel fasteners

Security and Safety

• Control panel viewing window in lockable enclosure hood
• Emergency stop push button mounted on enclosure exterior below control panel
• Cooling fan and battery charging alternator fully guarded
• Fuel fill and battery can only be reached via lockable access hood
• Exhaust silencing system totally enclosed for operator safety

 Excellent Service and Maintenance Access

• Lift up enclosure hood providing virtually a 360° view of the generator set
• Gas struts hold the hood of the enclosure in place during inspection or maintenance service
• Radiator fill via removable, flush mounted access cap fitted with compression seal
• Coolant drain piped to baseframe, exterior to the enclosure

Transportability

• Tested and certified single point lifting facility
• Drag points on baseframe facilitating handling from both sides
• Optional base feet to aid forklift handling

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Plantas Electricas FG Wilson: Manual de Operaciones Y Mantenimiento

Como Distribuidores Autorizados FG Wilson para America Latina y el Caribe desde 1991, ponemos a su disposición el Manual de Operaciones y Mantenimiento de las Plantas Eléctricas FG Wilson, diseñado como guía a la hora de arrancar, detener y hacer funcionar el grupo electrógeno.

Fuente: Manual de Operaciones y Mantenimiento de FG Wilson. 

Aqui reproducimos la Descripción General, pero los invitamos a visitar: www.SRPAmericas.com donde encontrara el Manual en su totalidad con todos los detalles relacionados con la Operación y Mantenimiento de su Planta Eléctrica.

De igual manera, nuestro equipo de profesionales y aliados comerciales en los 38 países donde estamos presentes, tienen la experiencia y disposición para asesorarle y guiarle en todo lo relacionado con su generador.

Las Plantas Eléctricas FG Wilson han sido diseñadas como una unidad autónoma para proporcionar un excelente rendimiento y habilidad.

Cada grupo electrógeno lleva una placa de datos normalmente fijada en la carcasa del alternador o del panel. Esta placa contiene la información necesaria para identificar el grupo electrógeno y sus características de operación. Esta información incluye, pero no está limitada a, el número de modelo, el número de serie, las características de salida tales como voltaje, fase y frecuencia, régimen de salida en kVA y kW y tipo de clasificación nominal (base de la clasificación). Los números de modelo y serie identifican particularmente al grupo electrógeno.

El motor diésel que acciona el grupo electrógeno ha sido seleccionado por su habilidad y por el hecho de que se ha diseñado específicamente para accionar grupos electrógenos. El motor es del tipo industrial de gran rendimiento de 4 tiempos e ignición por compresión, dotado de todos los accesorios que le proporcionan un suministro de potencia confiable.

El sistema eléctrico del motor es de 12 o de 24 voltios CC, dependiendo del tamaño del grupo.

El sistema de refrigeración del motor consta de un radiador, un ventilador de gran capacidad y un termostato. El alternador tiene su propio ventilador interior para enfriar sus propios componentes internos.

La energía eléctrica de salida se produce por medio de un alternador acoplado con precisión a la salida del grupo electrógeno.

El motor y el alternador están acoplados y montados sobre un bastidor de acero de gran resistencia. El bastidor incorpora un depósito de combustible integrado o de polietileno excepto para los grupos más grandes (aproximadamente 1.000 kVA y superiores).

El grupo electrógeno está dotado de unos aisladores de vibración diseñados para reducir las vibraciones transmitidas por el motor a los cimientos sobre los que está instalado el grupo electrógeno. Estos aisladores están colocados entre la base del motor/ alternador y el bastidor. Como alternativa para los modelos con motorización 4008, 4012 y 4016, el conjunto motor/alternador está rígidamente montado sobre el bastidor y los aisladores de vibración se suministran por separado para colocarlos entre el bastidor y los cimientos.

Un silenciador de escape se suministra por separado para su posterior instalación en el grupo electrógeno. El silenciador y el sistema de escape reducen la emisión de ruidos producidos por el motor, conduciendo los gases de escape hacia salidas que no produzcan peligro.

Se puede instalar uno de los diferentes tipos de paneles y sistemas de control para controlar el funcionamiento y salida del grupo y para protegerlo contra posibles fallos en el funcionamiento. La Sección 5 del manual proporciona información detallada de estos sistemas y ayuda a identficar qué sistema de control está instalado en el grupo electrógeno.

Para proteger el alternador, se instala un interruptor automático de salida adecuado para el modelo y régimen de salida del grupo electrógeno. Este interruptor va montado en una caja de acero.

El Manual de Operaciones y Mantenimiento de las Plantas Eléctricas FG Wilson lo encontrara en: www.srpamericas.com/fgwilsongenerators

Conectese con nosotros @SRPAmericas#SimplyReliablePower

 

AVTRON Load Banks: a continuous and accurate means for load testing.

Load bank control and instrumentation systems have developed significantly over recent years

As power systems and load bank applications continue to develop and standards evolve, the use of modern load control has become paramount.

Load bank specialists such as Avtron (brand of ASCO power technologies) can provide the equipment and control to meet international test requirements and Simply Reliable Power carry an extensive inventory in its warehouse located in Miramar, Florida.

Here below you'll find some of the control systems (source: ASCO white paper)

Manual Switch Control

When load banks were first developed manual switches were the primary control method due to simple operation. 

Microprocessor Electronic Control

Market leading microprocessor-based control systems have been developed to improve load testing and provide a number of features developed to be in line with modern power systems. Many load banks have an embedded module that provides the ability to utilise various control types to meet demands.

Remote Control

The option to control load banks remotely opens a number of load testing opportunities. Remote control allows the operator to be at the supply-on-test when load is changed, vital in ensuring efficient operation. 

No Pre-Calculations

Many gen-set maintenance programs require load testing to percentages of name plate ratings. Digital load bank controls allow the operator to specify supply-on-test details with pre-detected voltage and frequency, from this all the percentage loads are calculated for the operator saving time and reducing error.

Instrumentation and Real Time Data

Clear and concise digital instrumentation is vital in load bank operation. Correct power, frequency and voltage displays ensure the supply-on-test is tested correctly. 

Synchronous Load Changes

Synchronous load changes ensure correct load is selected before it is applied. This provides a real-life simulation of a generators reaction load step changes.

Graphical Displays

Customisable graphs within load bank control systems show selected voltages, power and frequency. The real time display provides the operator with a graph that shows peaks, troughs and voltage recovery times when load is changed.

Automatic Testing

Load control provides a means of testing power automatically. Automatic testing has the advantage of allowing the exact same test parameters to be used repeatedly.

Data Capture

Data capture provides a means of proving load test results for verification of new machinery and as part of maintenance program. If a generator or other power source fails during a load test, the exact moment it failed can be traced back to a specific time, date, voltage, frequency and power. This will allow the operator to understand the reasons behind the failure and rectify with an adequate solution.

Voltage Correction

Today, most test and commissioning engineers will often be working with different supply voltages and frequencies. One day they may need to apply 500kW at 400V, 50Hz and the next they may want the same load bank to apply 500kW at 480V, 60Hz. This requires the load control system to be able to correct for different supply voltages.

Load Correction

Market leading load controls use both closed loop load control along with stored load history to compensate for voltage changes and ensure the correct load step is applied.

Testing to Pre-Determined Standards

Depending on the location and application of the load test, local rules and regulations will apply to ensure testing is done correctly. Many load bank control systems will allow testing to customised standards and best practices such as ISO8528 (G1, G2 and G3) and NFPA.

Networking

Modern load banks are capable of networking multiple units together. Networking load banks provides enhanced flexibility for load testing.

Variable Power Factor Testing

The majority of AC alternators today have a 100% data plate kVA rating at 0.8p.f. lagging but in certain cases, (marine applications), 0.7p.f. is the norm.

Resistive and Reactive, (inductive or capacitive), load banks fitted with a modern microprocessor based control system, are capable of varying power factor testing, (lagging/leading respectively). Applying any combination, (from 0 to 1p.f.) of resistive and reactive load is possible within the capability of the load bank and or supply on test.

Modbus Integration, Building Management Systems (BMS), SCADA

Many industrial facilities and factories utilise BMS control systems to allow communication via Modbus from a central control room to machines and systems. Generating sets are all able to be controlled via Modbus and modern load banks are no exception. Load banks can be seamlessly integrated into existing control systems.

Site Load Correction

Gen-sets may run for long periods at less than 40% of the rated capacity. By running at reduced load, the engines do not reach optimal operating temperature to burn o excess carbon in the system, a process called ‘wet stacking’. Load banks can apply
load to the gen-set to make it reach those higher operating temperatures and keep it in prime condition. Site load correction directly facilitates the communication between a generator and the load bank and is able to apply load according to percentage load of a gen-set. Thresholds of when and how much load is applied can be configured by the operator.

 

Perkins: over 80 years of world-class engines.

 

At Simply Reliable Power, we carry $1M of Perkins Engines in inventory, to support the over 50,000 generators it has sold over the years.

Perkins Stafford manufacturing facility in UK.

For over 80 years Perkins have worked with generator set manufacturers to bring light, warmth, protection and of course peace of mind to thousands of people. Perhaps you need an engine to operate in a harsh environment or under strenuous conditions. Maybe it will only ever be used in an emergency. But whether running every day or once a year, you can count on Perkins Engines for innovative, efficient and reliable solutions whatever your application.

Stafford manufacturing facility produces a range of dependable diesel engines up to 2,500 kVA and the 4000 Series gas engine with powers up to 1000 kWe, to meet the exacting needs of electric power customers.

At www.SRPAmericas.com we have the following Perkins Engines: 

Perkins 400 Series 

Perkins 1100 Series 

Perkins 2000 Series

Perkins 4000 Series  

And we also carry Perkins Remanufactured engines that offer the same as new performance, quality and are manufactured with recycled components.

EXCHANGE PROGRAM.

Simply Reliable Power offers an exchange program where we receive your used engine and you can save around 15 to 20% of the cost of new engine. 

PERKINS REMANUFACTURED engines are a great alternative to overhauls as they save time, and give you the same as new performance, quality and a new engine warranty. 

For more information, visit: www.srpamericas.com/perkins-engines/

Connect with us @SRPAmericas and join the conversation #SimplyReliablePower

Right Person + Right Part + Right Tools = a generator that won’t fail when you need it.

That's what we believe! 

At Simply Reliable Power we’ve built our reputation for dependability on a simple, effective formula:

Right Person + Right Part + Right Tools = a generator that won’t fail when you need it.

Right Person

Who’s the right person? A factory-trained professional who knows gensets inside and out.

Someone who knows how to precision-fit every part on your genset to keep it performing at maximum efficiency year after year. Someone who can troubleshoot any problem and have you up and running in no time. But he’s also someone who knows service is as much about pro-active, preventative assistance as it is about fixing problems.

Our experts are courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. They also speak your language. English or Spanish, yes, but we’re also fluent in the “languages” of geography, climate and other unique environmental challenges you face when trying to optimize your genset’s performance.

Whether you’re operating in thin-air at 5,000 meters, providing power in a tropical rainforest, or near a beach where the salty air is working 24/7 to corrode your genset, we have both the theoretical knowledge and “in the field” experience to help – and we’re ready to put it to work for you.

Whatever your challenges, whatever your needs, our experts are just a phone call or a click away.

 

Right Part

An important part of our commitment to our customers is to support them with best in class after sale service, offering parts and services that guarantee a non-stop operations of our generators sets. That's why for each brand we carry in our warehouse, we have the genuine part in inventory and ready to ship.

 

Right Tool

Here we're talking not only about all the accessories we offer to fulfill all your power needs but Service and Training too, so you'll have a complete experience that will help you keep your generator performing at 100%.

The training we provide is an essential part of what sets Simply Reliable Power apart from our competitors.

Our training facility contains new technology, genset control panels, and generators in both a training room and practical skills setting.  We often bring in our partners to receive essential training. Our fully equipped team is extremely knowledgeable and will make sure you know everything you need to about operating and maintaining your generator.

In truth, we don’t expect you to share our passion – we just want you to benefit from it, not only when you get your beautiful machine but for the entire life of your genset. That’s where “how we train our specialists” comes in. If our team is anything less than passionate about our gensets, they won’t know them as well as they should, and they won’t care enough to keep them running the way they should run. So when specialists-in-training come from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America to learn more at our Regional Training Center in South Florida, we’re working not only to develop their practical knowledge of our gensets, but to stir their passion for these excellent machines. Classes, led by our factory-trained instructors, run the gamut from “Generator Basics” to sophisticated engine repair, to learning about synchronizing two or more machines to provide a specific load.

Through ongoing training sessions, our service network become expert troubleshooters, learn to meet specific challenges of their home countries and continually upgrade their level of knowledge. Truth is, you probably won’t see our specialists in action too often. That’s because our gensets are easy to operate, smooth running and reliable. Still, it’s good to know that specialists with a passion for your machine have got your back when you need help.

For more information visit: www.SRPAmericas.com

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Diesel Fuel & Maintenance: what it means for your Generator

There’s nothing worse than going to the expense of buying a generator set, then just when you need electric power, it won’t start. General care and maintenance go a long way to help, but sometimes it’s the things which are easiest to solve which cause problems like fuel quality.

Diesel fuel starts to degrade almost from the moment it’s refined and has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months at most.

During that time, it’s pumped through pipelines, transported and stored and then pumped into your fuel tank. All through this time, natural deterioration, build-up of condensation and opportunities for external contamination can all contribute to decline in fuel quality. Eventually this can cause the build-up in particulates in the fuel which will block or damage filters, fuel pumps and injectors.

But that’s not the full story: during its lifetime, like any other organic liquid, diesel fuel starts to deteriorate, usually after about 100 days. The fuel begins to break down, fall out of solution, cluster up and drop to the bottom of the tank as a dark sludge. The fuel goes
dark, smells bad and makes engines smoke. This is because some of the clusters can be small enough to pass through ltration and into the combustion chamber: the outer edges of the cluster get burned there but the rest goes out of the exhaust as unburned fuel. As these clusters grow, they reduce the ow of fuel by clogging lters and eventually injectors will be ruined. Over time you’ll see a loss of power, smoke from exhausts and a bad smell of unburnt fuel. The less often you run your diesel engine, the more quickly these problems can arise.

The good news is there are some very simple steps you can take to prevent problems.

Always ensure that you fit genuine filters as specified in your operator manual. It’s tempting to use lower cost filters which fit or to let routine maintenance slip to save money but in the longer term, this is only going to cause problems. Don’t wait until you see a problem before you think about changing the filters.

Be careful that you buy fuel from reputable suppliers and that the tanker which delivered your fuel isn’t containing diesel one day and something else the next.

Keep your tank full of fuel.

This prevents condensation from forming which is the number one cause of algae growth within the fuel tank.

If you don’t run your generator set regularly, remember the shelf life of the diesel in the tank. If you own a generator set from FG Wilson, you’ll always have expert help. At Simply Reliable Power we can support and advise you on all the best practices for fuel system maintenance so that your generator set has a long and productive life.

For more information about FG Wilson Genuine Parts, visit: www.srpamericas.com/parts

Source: FGW Q3 Power On Customer Newsletter

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