Engineering backup generators for mission-critical availability and resilience
Achieving uptime targets in high-density data centers requires power system redundancy and robust equipment designed for mission-critical operation.
Ensuring the reliability of backup power systems — and the energy resilience of the data center at large — is essential. Many data centers are equipped with diesel backup power generators to maintain continuous operation during grid failures, fluctuations or high-intensity demands.
The resilience of a data center’s backup power system depends on the resilience of its components. Reliable fuel delivery and precise fluid control are essential to keep facility operations running during unexpected utility disruptions.
Backup generators
Pair of diesel backup generators of emergency power supply.
Designing resilient backup power systems for data centers includes engineering diesel fuel transfer systems that safely and efficiently move fuel from outdoor bulk storage tanks to the gensets in on-site utility rooms.
Valves located within the plumbing architecture near the tanks help determine the level of control a data center has over the fuel supply moving through these lines. These valves are closed or open based on fuel needs and are also part of the diesel polishing system, controlling the flow of fuel through the filtration system required to remove impurities from it after long-term storage.
Optimizing diesel fuel transfer processes:
- Enhances safety
- Builds redundancy
- Ensures optimum fuel supply
- Improves energy resilience
- Maintains consistent operations
Primary challenges and design considerations when selecting these valves:
- 100% uptime requirement
- Diesel fuel impurities
- Maintenance requirements
- Code compliance with agency approvals
- Valve speed and resilience
- Bubble-tight shutoff with no seat leakage
- Redundant configuration, such as a double block system for redundant closing
- Safety integrity level (SIL) rating
- Ease of integration into the skid or fuel train
- Modularity and standardization across builds
Recommended components for diesel fuel transfer systems:
The ASCO Series 210, also known as the 8210, comprises a range of economical, high-flow, general-purpose solenoid valves suitable for use in systems handling liquids, corrosive substances, and air/inert gases.
ASCO™ Series 210 2-way solenoid valve
With a wide range of pressure ratings, sizes, and resilient materials, ASCO Series 210 2-way solenoid valves provide long service life and low internal leakage. Engineered for high-flow capacity and continuous-duty operation, these ultra-reliable valves deliver precise control of fuel to keep emergency generators fully operational.
- High-flow capacity for rapid fuel and air delivery
- Resilient seating for tight shutoff and leak prevention
- Versatile configurations for liquid, gas and corrosive media
- Robust brass and stainless construction for demanding environments
- Comprehensive agency approvals and conformance to standards
Key Specifications
Actuation: Solenoid
Body Material: Brass, Stainless Steel
Pipe / Port Size: 1/2″ to 2 1/2″
Port Type: NPTF, G (ISO 228/1)
Flow: From 1.3 to 39 Kv, 1.5 to 45 Cv
Supported Media: Air, Inert Gas, Water, Light Oil, Fuel Gas, LP-Gas, Natural Gas
ASCO Series 290E Motorized Angle Body Piston Valve
Electrically actuated angle-body piston valves designed for high flow and reliability are also ideal, as backup fuel systems primarily use electric rather than pneumatic technology. An electrically actuated valve is easier to integrate within the system rather than having to incorporate air lines for pneumatics.
- Heavy-duty flow performance
- Unaffected by contaminated media
- High reliability over millions of cycles
Key Specifications
Actuation: ON/OFF and Proportional
Body Material: 316L Stainless Steel and Bronze
Pipe / Port Size: ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1¼”, 1 ½”
Operating Pressure: 58 to 232 psig (depending on valve size)
Supported Media: Air, Water, Steam, Fuel Oil
Pressure Port Connections: Threaded (NPT, G, Rc)
Voltage: 24VDC (48W in motion, 1W while holding)
Minimizing risk with dependable safety shutoff
In an emergency, it’s critical to immediately stop the flow of fuel to the engine. Safety shutoff valves located near generator engines in data center utility rooms perform this function, quickly shutting off the fuel supply when necessary.
Primary challenges and design considerations when selecting these valves:
- Low or high pressure depending on fuel type
- Media temperature
- Operational reliability
- Valve speed
- Bubble-tight shut off with no seat leakage
- Media type
- Safety redundancy
- Fire and safety code requirements
- UL, FM and CSA compliance
- Biodiesel implications
Recommended components for safety shutoff by fuel type:
Diesel fuel/fuel oil/biodiesel – ASCO Series 266 oil shutoff valve
Natural gas – ASCO Series 214 and Series 215 high-flow gas shutoff solenoid valves
The ASCO 266-S series is a range of solenoid valves specifically designed for the on/off control of heating oil in commercial and industrial burners.
ASCO Series 266-S solenoid valves are engineered for the reliable on-off control of diesel, fuel oil and biodiesel powered systems. With 2-way and 3-way configurations and a range of port sizes and flow options available, these valves provide the flexibility OEMs need to design precise fuel management for mission-critical backup power systems.
- Precise fuel oil control for rapid emergency generator activation
- Versatile media compatibility for light or heavy oils
- Tested and certified for up to 100% biodiesel
- Robust brass construction for durable performance in demanding environments
- A range of configurations, flow coefficients and port sizes provide design flexibility
Key Specifications
Actuation: Solenoid
Pipe / Port Size: 1/2″; 3/8 “; 3/4 ”
Port Type: NPTF
Flow: From 0.1 Cv to 6.0 Cv
Engineered with lightweight aluminum bodies for high-flow, low-pressure gas delivery, ASCO Series 214 and 215 gas
shutoff solenoid valves deliver tight sealing and dependable operation.
Engineered with lightweight aluminum bodies for high-flow, low-pressure gas delivery, ASCO Series 214 and 215 gas shutoff solenoid valves deliver tight sealing and dependable operation while supporting more efficient equipment designs. These valves deliver reliable on-off control and simplify installation with modular flange designs that support double-solenoid configurations. Their unique double-disc design with over travel provides redundant sealing for leak-tight shutoff on pilot or main gas lines for greater safety redundancy.
- Low pressure drop and extremely high flow capacity in a compact design
- Resilient seating construction for tight shut off and leak prevention
- Fully certified by UL, CSA and FM as a safety shutoff valve
- Optional testing and position-verification features support commissioning, diagnostics and integration with equipment safety controls
- Broad flow and size range for design flexibility in diverse equipment platforms and capacities
ASCO 214 Specifications
Pipe / Port Size: 1/4″ to 3″
Port Type: NPT
Flow: From 4.4 Cv to 103 Cv (3.7 Kv to 88 Kv)
Supported Media: Air, Inert Gas, Liquid Propane Gas, Natural Gas
ASCO™ 215 Specifications
Pipe / Port Size: 3/8″ to 3″
Port Type: NPT
Flow: From 3.4 Cv to 130 Cv (2.9 Kv to 110 Kv)
Supported Media: Air, Inert Gas, Natural Gas, Oxygen Vacuum
Partner for data center backup power resilience
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