Location of Diesel Gen Set

[dithomas]

Does anyone have experience with the placement of a standby diesel gen set concerning how far away to keep the genset from a nursing care residence using through the wall heat pumps in each room.

I am concerned about exhaust fumes from the proposed 300 KW genset being picked up by the hvac units.

 

[alehman]

The important thing is to keep the exhaust stack high enough that the exhaust dissipates upwards and doesn't get circulated by wind currents near the building. Engines can be adjusted to minimze smoke at the cost of acceleration and transient response performance, but there will always be some emissions.

I would also be concerned about noise and odor from the diesel fuel (if the tank is near the generator set). You also need to check building codes for clearance requirements. I would guess the through-the-wall heat pumps would be considered an 'opening' by most codes.

 

[amorrison]

I would get recommendations from your local gov't authorities/inspectors.
They are going to have to approve it in the end anyways

 

[rob46]

Please consider the belly tank, if any, as a fuel storage. See California ( or Uniform) Fire Code for the required separation of the tank from buildings.

 

[mc5w]

A genset of this size needs a local fuel tank so that the engine's fuel pump does not have to work very hard. The local tank a.k.a. "day" tank is refilled automatically or manually from the main tank using a transfer pump and auxiliary fuel filter. You also need an overflow line from the local tank back to the main tank in case the transfer pump stays on too long.

Best bet is to make refueling automatic using an exposionproof float switch in the local tank. You also need an alarm float switch for the local tank in case the transfer pump fails and you need to activate some type of altenate pump such as a hand cranked pump.

Both tanks need to be vented far enough away from electrical devices to prevent fire hazard.

You should consider connecting the genset exhaust to the same height smokestack that you would use for an oil furnace for space heat. I do not know how much horizontal space you have on the property but if horizontal space is at a premium that is your best bet.

 

[dithomas]

Thanks for all of the comments.

I will soon have a site meeting with the genset supplier, electrical contractor, local utility, and the owner to discuss this issue of genset placement.