600/347V Diesel backup generator test with load transfer at high school

[@raygale4198]

Nice unit I used to work for MTU in Australia when they were still called Detroit Diesel Allison. Looking at the amount of coke built up on the exhaust outlet that engine doesn't see much load at all. The machines I used to look after we would connect an external resistor load bank to them once every year of two and give them a solid hour or more at full name plate load. This not only proves the cooling system it gets the exhaust and flues fully warm and burns out any fuel or oil residue in the flue before it turns into what looks like creosote.

[@neilrudolph1908]

Nice looking unit, and good job explaining the system operation. Cool to see a 347/600 v system; very few 600 v systems in the US (480 v here). One clarification about air flow: gensets use "pusher" fans, so the engine's radiator fan is pushing the hot air out, and fresh air is being drawn in the other louver.

[@davidperry4013]

I'm an MEP engineer and have been fascinated with fire alarm systems, backup power, chilled water systems, digital twins, VRF systems, and VAV terminal units. It's ideal to size a generator to power everything in the building to keep normal school activity flowing during a power outage and have a UPS battery backup for life safety. However, that is not always the case as and it's expensive and often unnecessary. For small buildings such as a coffee shop, you only need the internal battery backup for the lights, exit signs, and fire alarm system to meet safety requirements.

[@suchcone]

Great video! At my old workplace, they gave us a tour of the systems though sadly didn't run them like you did here. What they did have was a room full of batteries, which would supply AC for the few seconds between loss of main power and the generator starting. It was crazy to see shelves of batteries and thinking how they can run a huge office block with no interruption.

[@joekc1nko644]

thats cool, nice to see someone else also invloved in maintiaring thier highschool, im a seior and i do the chrome books and some internet/phones for our 175 students

[@GaryBeltz]

What kind of maintenance do Chromebooks need I think they update themselves automatically.

[@DozIT]

@@GaryBeltz minor repairs/replacements and assignment/reassignment, administration of whatever the Google equivalent to 'group policy' is my guess. Someone needs to manage that!

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

I think the difference is that in a real power outage, there would be a 5 second interruption while the generator starts, whereas in this test, the relay switch time is not long enough for electronics to briefly lose power. I noticed my desktop computer would only quit 1-2 seconds after a power failure.

[@smasherdokcer]

Finally, I know why the generators in a nearby mall where I live don't turn them off after the electrical grid is back.

[@henrydoesstuff213]

6:02 😂 the way you moved 😂😂😂😂

[@louiejonesponation]

They have a diesel generator in a supermarket right across from my school. You know when it's about to go off when you here the emergency bells go off.

[@AdrianScalco]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS! i did it at my school i have 2000kva cat v12

[@nics-systems-electric]

Seems pretty large for a School what voltage is that at

[@AdrianScalco]

@@nics-systems-electric 930V I think. a video is going come out but i dont kown when i dont think school will allow me to ill see

[@thestihladdict1743]

​@@AdrianScalcoscrew em upload it anyways 😂

[@GaryBeltz]

@@AdrianScalco Do it covertly

[@bradwilmot5066]

I assume the air intake is the plenum attached directly to the radiator with the recirc damper on the side and the one in the wall is exhaust... must get pretty warm in that room when the genny is running... surprised there isn't a fan on that exhaust damper...

[@nics-systems-electric]

Yes that's correct I assume the air pulled in from the radiator fan I guess is enough to push warm air out of the room through the open air exhaust damper

[@nma851]

You’re just like me and have to have everything just so! Love it 😉😉 Thats an excellent trait and a lot of people find it humorous about folks who take their careers and passions seriously but not us! Keep it up there sir and would love to pick your brain sometime!! Take it easy and have a great start to your soon to be weekend 😉🤗

[@nics-systems-electric]

Thanks man appreciate it

[@Niko_851]

@@nics-systems-electric you bet❤! It is evident you take (in your case) NFC and in my case NFPA quite seriously and we have to. Lives depend on it. Im a mechanical engineer for HVAC and these wonderful smoke and heat detectors became more predominant in my engineering so I had to learn the FA side of things. Just a side note 😉😉 I certainly prefer to hear a professional person who knows their stuff than some novice any day!!! BTW - your garage setup - OMGG - it is not humourous you get to have all the toys I am jealous hands down sir!

[@kevinjbakertribe]

Always a good plan to do an occasional full power fail test, where the power to the building just gets pulled. That is where you find the things that aren't powered from a ups/the generator that should be!!!

[@nics-systems-electric]

Yes we definitely find things like that during power outages

[@bobl78]

I recommend running it for longer.. the one I`am responsible for I run 30-60min 1-2 times a month. only then can you determine if it runs good and has no leaks etc. Also diesel ages pretty quickly and should be burned withing a year or so

[@nics-systems-electric]

Gets load bank tested once a year at 100% load for two hours

[@Casonplayz]

I believe my schools generator is located near the track/outside area but idk I just know in certain areas of my school you can see something that looks similar to a generator

[@odorouswo1f]

Why does the fire panel need to know if the generator is on?

[@GaryBeltz]

Supervisory it doesn't generally call the FD the monitoring company may get an alert but generally if they do anything they would call the company and make sure everything was ok. The backup batteries on fire alarm systems are only meant to give you a day of standby time so it's probably just so that it knows the AC power was lost but the generator took over.

[@nics-systems-electric]

FA Monitors the generator if it's running as that isn't a normal condition where otherwise the fire alarm system would just show AC like normal even though it isn't normal because the power is out it also monitors the generator for any trouble condition like low fuel high temperature low temperature etc.

[@TechOne7671]

@@nics-systems-electricmaybe the gen running input disables or adjusts the detection threshold setting if the devices to prevent false alarms from smoke and heat when the machine is running. Example, rapid rise in air temp when the machine runs. Last thing you want during a power outage is the fire alarm shutting the place down for some smoke from paint burning off the exhaust.

[@nics-systems-electric]

@@TechOne7671 i'm not sure if that is implemented in buildings it very well could be I've never seen it myself it isn't in this one as there is no fire alarm devices in the generator room other than high temperature sprinkler heads

[@brianmohammed1790]

hey nick cool video and have more videos to come

[@b43xoit]

It sucks cooling air directly from outside?

[@nics-systems-electric]

Yes it does

[@RDC_Autosports]

MTU is what i have for my house and shop 100kw 450A 240v 😎👍

[@IanGSully]

Is this generator's engine identical to the one the Katolight Generator's engine at that elementary school that burnt down?

[@nics-systems-electric]

As for the entire generator they are different but the engines are similar they are both John Deere four-cylinder diesels 4.5 L both turbo charged but the one in this video at my school is a newer model with I believe some newer emissions standards the elementary school has a John Deere 40451TF150 verse the one at my school the high school is a John Deere JD4045HF280

[@IanGSully]

@@nics-systems-electric Either way, they both sound freaking awesome. Love the sound of those generators!

[@GaryBeltz]

Surprised that thing only needs a 12V battery from my understand usually Diesel engines need 24V batteries to start. Where is the battery located?

[@nics-systems-electric]

The battery is shown in the video in a couple spots I guess the in-line 4 doesn't take much to turn over

[@GaryBeltz]

@@nics-systems-electric my apologies I am visually impaired I try to pause videos when I want to read something or look closer at something but for some reason I didn’t notice the battery

[@nics-systems-electric]

@@GaryBeltz no problem at all

[@RS-ls7mm]

Pretty rich high school. I never saw one of these in any school.

[@nics-systems-electric]

Nothing to do with the schools operating budget it's been there since day one from the design build in the long run it saves money plus it needs to be there to run the life safety systems especially for this building that's meant to be a shelter in emergencies and disasters

[@RS-ls7mm]

@@nics-systems-electric Are you in some high rise? Otherwise I don't see the need. When the power went out, we just went outside since, you know, windows. The ancient civil defense requirements disappeared 50 years ago. So I don't know what you are protecting against.

[@nics-systems-electric]

@@RS-ls7mm it's needed for all the life safety systems to keep emergency lighting on keep fire alarm system powered supply power to smoke control system all things that have to stay on or you cannot legally have the building occupied

[@GaryBeltz]

What Generators have you seen @RS-ls7mm?

[@eprn1n2]

Power goes out, send the kids home. Not much learning is going on there anyway.

[@davidmoore8943]

How did have a load if you didn't do a load bank test?

[@nics-systems-electric]

The transfer switches put the load on generator instead of utility

[@westallgaeuereisenbahnen]

I work for MTU in Germany, never saw a small engine like that, what type is it, and is it prehaeted? Another question, how come that you have access to all these rooms with security equipment? Are you the housekeeper, or service man for the genset? And why on earth does a school need emergency power? Never heard of that before...German schools are dark when power is gone and children go home 😁

[@nics-systems-electric]

Not sure of the particular model I do believe I show it in other videos however. I am a electrical apprentice working with school district electrical department and we do testing of the generators.

[@taylorsutherland6973]

1200 amps at 600v...must be a big building. I like to always spec a 120/208 service. No transformers.

[@nics-systems-electric]

The higher voltage service is preferred for the larger equipment such as elevators HVAC and smoke control system as well as parking lot lighting can all be run off a smaller sized conductor and less Voltage Drop

[@ComeOnComputers]

How many KW it is

[@Lol_Huntingsong]

Bros school has a turbo technically bc it can run of this

[@-Ronnie69-]

Try 3 phase 240v 200a per phase

[@-Ronnie69-]

My dad's farm has one and when it's repaired I'm gonna ask if I can start the generator and switch her over but arc flash is a bitch and it's an old ass system witch hasn't needed manual switching in yours and has no auto switching

[@Corwin09-ji8sx]

5:51 Is it just me or does the generator sound like a car engine starting?

[@nics-systems-electric]

Well it is an in-line 4 diesel there are cars that have 4 cylinder diesels

[@Corwin09-ji8sx]

That is cool.

[@KevlarYT]

that has turbo on it lol

[@nics-systems-electric]

Yeah most modern diesels do make them more efficient to get more power out of a smaller engine

[@bentheguru4986]

No heater on genny, cold engine straight to speed and then load.... Sound proofing not real effective going by amount of noise in hallway. Exhaust pipe outside should be directed up and taken to roof. Enclosed hush-kitted genny would be better move. Stop is deafening or eating the school kids. Air filter on the thing is small and loose. Tetsing and explanation best done by qualified persons rtather than a school student, not picking on the youngster but it's clear he not fluent.

[@nics-systems-electric]

You need more information before commenting. There is a block heater of course. It's an emergency generator it doesn't have to be quiet. And for your information I am an apprentice electrician you don't need a diesel technician just to start a generator. And it is completely normal for a emergency generator to go straight to full speed and then wait four seconds before load transfer.

[@bentheguru4986]

@@nics-systems-electric Education is key kiddo, your own commentry, you called it your school indicating you either worked there or a student, your words bucko. No mention of a block heater, "assumed to be one there of course" Assumption is the mother os all F-ups. The low temp showing on display after it had already been running at load suggests it isn't doing much. Noise, yeah, still a noisy tractor motor and door could have been a solid, saound suppression door. Starting the genny and being a diesel tech: considering there are few already here commenting, take a bit of humble pie and listen rather than opening your trap. Again in your own talking, you indicated a big lack of confidence (also back to giving impression of being a student) and understanding in what you were doing. Took you several goes to figure out you need to hold buttons for 3-5 seconds to activate. Also took you a bit to figure out the ATS panels are not tied and need activation seperately. As for going from cold start to full load, any decent genny and control system will have the genny warm and will start, bring up speed over time then will take load after ALL parameters are happy.

[@nics-systems-electric]

@@bentheguru4986 just because something wasn't talked about doesn't mean it's not there. Maybe you should go by your own advice and not open your trap if you don't know what you were talking about. You have made it clear you don't know the full story which of course you wouldn't through a short KZbin video. basing others knowledge off of age and the length of time a button was pressed...

[@bentheguru4986]

@@nics-systems-electric LOL, thanbks for the laugh kiddo. when you have another 20-30 years under ya belt, let us know.

[@nics-systems-electric]

@@bentheguru4986 alrighty buds