Complex, Expensive, and Difficult to Commission might describe your experience with Data Center Fuel Systems. But a clean efficient design can help you minimize the pain.
Designs for Tier 1 thru Tier 4 reliability are examined. Also designs with large generator sub-base tanks are broken down.
Earthsafe fuel transfer modules and controls fit together into a broad range of smart connected systems for data centers. Day Tanks, Filter-Polishers, Duplex Fuel Pumps, Fill Stations, and Master Fuel Controllers work together seamlessly.
Introduction
Fuel systems for data centers are characterized by generally large loads and run time durations
requiring substantial quantities of fuel on the site. The systems are designed with standard
components but with redundancy to avoid single points of failure. The redundancy requires
monitoring of component status and auto-switch to alternate components when failure is
indicated. These monitoring and auto-switch functions require advanced PLC control systems.
The systems are also highly monitored by BMS systems.
Tier Design
People often speak of Tier Design to explain the level of redundancy and reliability in a data
center facility. These Tiers are simply described as follows:
- Tier 1: Single flow and power path without redundancy. Manual bypass of components
- allows for operator over-ride.
- Tier 2: Single flow and power path with dual components.
- Tier 3: Dual flow and power paths with one active. Dual components such that one can
- be maintained while the other is active.
- Tier 4: Dual flow and power paths with dual active. Dual components such that one
- can be maintained while the other is active.
Fuel System Elements
The fuel system is designed to safely store fuel and transfer it to the generators when needed.
The combustible nature of diesel fuel means that the bulk fuel storage is often separated from
the generators and the buildings. However large generator sub-base tanks are sometimes used
with packaged generator enclosures.
Standard Fuel System Elements will include:
- Storage Tanks: To safely store fuel for required generator run time
- M200 Duplex Pumps: To move fuel from storage tanks to point of use
- M300 Filtration Unit: To filter dirt and water from fuel during long term storage.
- M400 Tank Fill Station: To receive fuel from delivery trucks and transfer to tanks.
- M500 Day Tank Units: To store limited fuel quantities adjacent to generators.
