In a world that’s increasingly connected and digital, data centers have to provide 24/7 availability. To realize this goal, they need energy supplies that are absolutely dependable. If there is any disturbance in the main power supply, the stand-by genset has to react fast, ramp up in just a few seconds and supply the clean, reliable power that will keep the center operating.
The key to securing the shortest possible ramp-up is to select the right excitation system. ABB Data center generators feature PMG (permanent magnet generator) excitation to deliver sufficient excitation power at power-up, combined with a fast-acting digital AVR (automatic voltage regulator) for precise voltage control.
To ensure 100% uptime and high reliability, ABB Data center generators have form wound windings and vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) in both the stator and rotor. The VPI system enhances the ability of the windings to withstand vibrations, as well as mechanical and electrical stresses – factors that have a major impact on generator reliability.
Minimizing harmonics for higher quality power
Harmonics affect the overall quality of power supplies. The harmonic content of electricity produced by a generator system can be reduced by adjusting the winding pitch. ABB Data center generators are supplied with 5/6 winding pitch as standard in order to reduce the 5th and 7th harmonics, which are the most significant. The 5/6 winding pitch also increases the overall efficiency of the generator, enabling smaller sizes and therefore reduced genset footprints. For applications where the neutral point is directly earthed, ABB can supply Data center generators with 2/3 winding pitch.
ABB Data center generators provide high quality power. 
ABB Data center generators are supplied with 5/6 winding pitch as standard in order to reduce the 5th and 7th harmonics.
“These generators are designed for data center operations,” says Markku Väinämö, ABB’s global product manager of generators. “They meet the specifications issued by certification bodies like the Uptime Institute and TLC. They cover a wide range of Power Factors (PFs), and they support non-linear loads and have a high block-load capability. The reactance levels are selected to meet the best starting-kVA (skVA) requirements. And we make them compact and easy to install by building in the exciter and PMG, and integrating the AVR and terminal boxes.”
“ABB also complies with the European Union Code of Conduct for Data Centers. This Code promotes the cost effective reduction of energy consumption without hampering the mission-critical function of data centers.”
ABB supplies both standardized and optimized generators for data centers. The standardized offering (type NMG generators) is available with outputs in the 1375–2750 kVA range (rated electrical power 1100–2200 kWe). Voltages are 10500-11000 V with current ratings in the range 75.6-151.2 A. The insulation class is H and temperature rise class H or F. For optimized, custom-fit designs, ABB can work with selected genset manufacturers – or even end customers – to achieve the best solution.
Choice of duty types
The standard duty type for ABB Data center generators is ISO stand-by, which covers 200 operational hours per year. Continuous Data Center power (CDCp) is available as an option for data centers that are connected to a national grid or other reliable main power source. CDCp ratings are applicable for TIER levels I to IV as defined by the Uptime Institute. This rating provides unlimited operational hours per year, has no limitation on average power, and includes 110% overloadability for one hour in every 12-hour period.
As with all ABB products, Data center generators are backed by the global ABB service network, which means fast access to spares, repairs and replacements, helping data center operators to minimize their downtime and reduce their cost of ownership.
