How Generators Can Help Construction Site Productivity?

Construction projects often have pre-determined schedules which are set during the bidding and planning stages of the project. Once construction has started, the contractor is responsible for any delays and cost overruns. One of the ways contractors can ensure they complete projects safely and on time is by using generators.

While the primary use of the electricity generated may be to power equipment and tools, this is not the only reason for construction crews to have portable power sources. Power generators can be used to power large lighting systems for indoor and outdoor projects that require work at night or underground. Not only does this help to complete projects on time, but it also allows workers to see where they are walking so they don't accidentally bump into equipment or trip over objects.

If the project involves working underground or in an area without proper ventilation, generators can be used to pump breathable air into the work area and exhaust non-fresh air and exhaust fumes. If the site is located in a wet or unheated area, generators can be used to power dehumidifiers and electric space heaters to ensure the comfort and safety of staff. By using generators, you can increase the productivity of your project and help reduce the potential risk of workers' compensation claims.

Buying a single generator in parallel

If your power needs are large enough, you may be wondering whether it is better to use a single large diesel generator or to share the load between two or more smaller generators. For example, you could install three 400 kW generators instead of a 1200 kW generator. This is called parallelism and it may be a good option in the right circumstances. The reasons for this are as follows.

#1. Greater flexibility. Your reason for buying a generator is likely to be the extra reliability, which is a hedge against power interruptions that cause business operations to slow down or stop. With multiple generators, you don't have to worry about whether you have to shut one down for maintenance. You simply transfer the burden to someone else and get on with the job.

With only one generator, if it has to stop, you have to stop too.

#2. Can be more cost effective. Obviously, the economics can vary considerably depending on the brand, the new or old generator, the price in your geographical location, etc. But all things being equal, once you break down to a specific generator size, it is more economical to connect in parallel than to use a single unit. Specifically, once you consider the size of petrol or diesel engines that are mass produced for use in cars, these engines are more difficult to obtain and therefore more expensive. The cost of an engine is more than half the cost of a generator.

The threshold for a diesel engine is 600kW, while the threshold for a gas engine is 150kW.

#3. Can be more practical. Depending on your physical space, it may be easier to install two or three parallel generators in one room than one oversized unit. In larger commercial generators, a smaller capacity may mean a difference of 25 square feet or more per unit.

#4. Easier on generators. Load sharing between two or more generators can extend the life of each generator and avoid the risk of overloading individual units. For continuous use, loads of up to 80% of generator capacity are ideal.

To find out more about how generators can help you with your construction project, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.