What Kinds of Generator Enclosures Do You Know

Generator enclosures can be grouped into three types, often categorized by their primary function:

Weather-protective enclosures – enclosures can be designed to be completely waterproof.Sound-attenuating enclosures – specifically designed to keep areas quiet.Walk-in enclosures – allow for more room and space to manage and maintain the system than may be possible indoors.

Weather-Protective Enclosures

Numerous options exist for generator enclosures. Metal enclosures are a common option, but they often lack a few key benefits of weather-protective enclosures. For example, while a traditional metal enclosure can offer protection from the rain and wind, it doesn’t offer any protection from changing temperatures. They offer some airflow and ventilation, but not enough to offer extensive protection for some diesel generators. Weather-protective enclosures can offer this, due to their tight design.

While steel or aluminum can work in some situations, they should always be weatherproof in their design to ensure complete protection of the generator. A comprehensive design should minimize all risks to the generator set.

Sound-Attenuating Enclosures

Soundproofing enclosures is nearly always necessary. Sound-attenuating enclosures are required in areas where outdoor generator use is limited unless noise reduction is built into the enclosure. These enclosures are a bit larger and can cost a bit more than a basic weatherproofed system, but they allow for reduced acoustics overall.

This type of housing works to reduce the noise significantly, though not all will reduce the sound completely. To accomplish this, the enclosure tends to be taller and longer in overall size to allow for added insulation within the walls of the housing. They often feature a muffler on the inside of the enclosure. Many designs also extend beyond the radiator and feature baffles that help to further reduce the noise production of the system.

Walk-In Enclosures

Best practice for any generator set is to follow the manufacturer recommendations. Having an enclosure that provides complete protection for the generator set, including noise and weather protection, along with being fireproof, takes creating a customized option. Walk-in enclosures can be the best fit in these applications.

Walk-in enclosures are often designed to provide for all of these benefits – they are weatherproof, soundproof, fireproof, and fully insulated to be quiet. Because they are custom built, they can be designed to fit the specifications of any make and model of generator, including all backup generator models and routinely used systems. At the very least, the generator set enclosure should be designed for the specific class and type of system.

Other Enclosure Design Considerations

When planning for an enclosure, there are other key aspects of the design to take into consideration. The housing selected should provide the highest level of protection possible, but it also has to meet with all manufacturer requirements along with any federal, state, or local regulations. Consider the following aspects of enclosure design.

Ventilation & Temperature

All generators require good ventilation and temperature control. Without this, the generator could create a health hazard. Temperature is also important. Generators can only maintain the power output they are rated for if the temperature flowing through the enclosure is maintained and never exceeds the cooling system ambient temp rating. Proper flow-through ventilation allows the generator set to maintain the optimum operating temperature range.

In most situations the housing should include an advanced radiator along with fans to control the engine and generator operating temps even when the outdoor environment is less than ideal. It’s important to ensure intake and outflow of air is never obstructed.

Space

When planning for the housing unit, it's essential to consider the entire system and how it will be used. This should include for service and maintenance needs based on the manufacturer’s requirements. The enclosure should also be expandable. Over time, the location’s power needs may change, requiring the use of a new generator. In other cases, a standby generator may be added at a later date. When configuring the enclosure, ensure all of these needs can be met.

Guangxi Dingbo Power Equipment Manufacturing Co.,Ltd has focused on high quality diesel generators for more than 15 years, can supply soundproof generators etc. if you are interested and have purchase plan, please contact us by email dingbo@dieselgeneratortech.com.