Genset Enclosures 101

Gensets are critical equipment that provide backup and emergency backup power in a range of situations. In some cases, such as remote military installations or disaster zones, they may be the only source of power available. This means that the enclosures that house them need to have several features that ensure they’re able to maintain rated levels of performance and are more resistant to wear over time. 

Genset enclosures are the protective housing for generators that serve several functions, including:

• Safety: This is two-way, i.e., genset enclosures protect the equipment inside from the elements outside and protect operators or other people outside from potential hazards created by the generators’ normal operation or malfunction.

• Noise reduction: One of the most important features of modern genset enclosures is their capacity to limit the quite significant noise created by the equipment in operation. This is key not just for improving the conditions of anybody who has to work near a genset but also for passing regulatory requirements.

• Transport and accessibility: Well-engineered genset enclosures can improve transport and installation times. This means that the integrated enclosure and genset can be shipped to destinations requiring immediate power and be ready for operation the minute they arrive. This mobility makes them ideal for applications where rapid deployment is essential, such as in disaster relief efforts, mobile healthcare units, and field communications.

In this blog, we’ll look closer at the various features of genset enclosures and how they achieve their specifications.

Genset Enclosures and Weather Resistance

The weather resistance of genset enclosures is naturally of more importance in situations where the equipment is situated outside, which is relatively common due to the exhaust fumes, noise creation, and closer proximity to fuel tanks. Weather-resistant genset enclosures are built with rust and corrosion in mind and use metals such as stainless steel or aluminum, which may be further powder-coated to increase protection against possible salt or chemical corrosion.

The ingress of moisture, dirt/dust, and rodents are considerable hazards for genset operation so genset enclosures have various built-in features to address these. Gasket-sealed doors and tight seams prevent the entry of water from rain or splashes. Angled louvers and air outlets with rain hoods and filters prevent the build-up of moisture through condensation cycles. These features and good sealing should also prevent the entry of wind-blown dirt or leaves. Mesh screens and other rodent barriers can keep out any creature that might look to nest within the enclosure. 

In extreme climates, genset enclosures can also be outfitted with thermal insulation or active heating and cooling systems to maintain optimal internal operating temperatures and protect sensitive components from freezing or overheating. These added layers of environmental defense ensure consistent, long-term performance.

Genset Enclosures & Sound Attenuation

One of the major negative impacts of gensets is the very loud noise they create when in operation, with industrial generators outputting up to 125dB (A). This can require wearing protective equipment while working around them and create planning issues in urban or residential areas. Genset enclosures can minimize the sound emissions of working generators in several ways. 

The primary means is by integrating acoustic insulation into the structure of the genset enclosure. This includes cladding the interior walls with sound-absorbing materials such as high-density foam or mineral wool panels. Attaching exhaust silencers or mufflers can also dampen the sound from one of the biggest sources on the equipment.

It is possible to also incorporate design features, such as sound baffling, where materials or the design of a space dissipates the sound energy before it leaves the genset enclosure. There are varying levels of sound attenuation achievable, with the highest grade capable of reducing sound output to around 70d(B)A.

This not only helps meet local sound ordinances and safety regulations but also creates a more habitable environment for workers and communities that may be located near where gensets are operating continuously.

Genset Enclosures & Being Mission-Ready

Whether deployed in static locations as critical emergency backup power, such as in hospitals, water plants, or data centers, or as part of emergency response to natural disasters or to power remote military bases, genset enclosures can help ensure that the equipment is ready to provide power quickly and reliably. 

Purpose-built genset enclosures help achieve this by integrating functionality into the enclosure itself. This includes wiring, fuel tanks, connection points, and control panels so operators don’t have to waste time installing or setting up the genset; they can immediately connect the load needed and get it running. Compact and easily transportable genset enclosures are also much easier to work around, with planners capable of knowing and clearing space for a specific area, ready for a truck or helicopter to drop it on location.

Additional features such as remote monitoring, tamper-proof equipment, and easy-access designs can make the genset more secure, easier to maintain, give it greater functionality, or allow remote operation without on-site specialists. With growing reliance on fast, autonomous energy deployment, these mission-ready designs are becoming a standard requirement across many industries.

Conclusion

Modern genset enclosures are much more than a simple cover for generator equipment. Along with keeping the genset equipment safe from environmental hazards, integrated features also improve safety and reduce noise pollution caused by the genset in operation. Specifically, engineered genset enclosures are also capable of being highly transportable and ready for use directly upon arrival, which can be lifesaving in disaster zones or remote areas. 

At Enercon, we have decades of experience with gensets and genset enclosures and can provide bespoke engineering to meet our customer’s needs. We can also provide our own designed genset enclosures such as our Mobile Power Generation Products (MPG) which are designed to provide easily transportable and highly functional power in austere environments. To find out more or to see how Enercon can help you with your next project, contact us today.