Different Types of Diesel Generator Enclosure: How to Choose?

Diesel generator sets can provide prime or backup power for recreational, commercial or industrial applications. When installed outdoor, these generators need enclosures to protect themselves from potentially destructive elements, like adverse weather. There are many types of generator enclosures available. Let’s look at these different types of enclosures and learn how to select the right one for your business.

What is a diesel generator enclosure?

A diesel generator enclosure is a protective barrier surrounding the generator. It can guarantee the security and protection of an outdoor generator against potentially destructive elements, such as bad weather, theft and vandalism. In addition to weather protection and safety, sound reduction is also the main function of generator enclosures.

What are the different types of enclosures for diesel genset?

Diesel generator enclosures come in various shapes and sizes, from large industrial enclosures to weatherproof smaller models. Based on their primary function, these enclosures can be grouped into three types: weather-protective enclosures, sound-attenuating enclosures and walk-in enclosures.

Weather-protective enclosures

Due to limited space inside the building or other reasons, diesel generator sets, especially industrial gensets, are often moved outdoors. The outdoor generators are exposed to the elements, such as rain, wind, snow and sunlight, which can cause damage to the equipment. Weather-protective enclosures can withstand bad weather conditions and protect generator sets from strong winds, snow, rain, and storms. They are designed to provide protection to the generator set and its components and not specifically designed to reduce operational noise levels.

Some enclosures can protect from extreme cold and heat or can be completely waterproof. The degree of weather protection required by your generator will always depend on the geography and the climate where the generator will be installed.

Sound-attenuated enclosures

Open-type diesel generators, especially the large ones, make a lot of noise, which can be distracting and unacceptable in many places sensitive to noise, such as residential areas and healthcare facilities. A sound-attenuated enclosure is designed to reduce noise emissions that emanate from all sources to meet strict noise ordinances. If you need a quiet running diesel generator, consider investing in a sound-attenuated enclosure for noise reduction. The degree of noise reduction is largely dependent on cost. The standard sound attenuation of most generator manufacturers usually reduces noise below 77dBA, which addresses a high percentage of noise sensitive areas. 

Walk-in enclosures

Walk-in enclosures include both the functions of weather-protective enclosures and sound-attenuating enclosures. They are designed to provide weatherproofing, soundproofing, and also fireproofing. Generally, these enclosures are custom-built, making it easier for manufacturers to design one that fits your needs. For instance, the enclosure can be built with wheels by the manufacturer if you need the enclosure to be portable. 

As the name suggested, a walk-in enclosure allows people to walk in. The enclosure will have enough space for workers to enter and work on the equipment and access key generator set components. This type of enclosure may also offer space for fuel storage as well.

How to choose the optimal diesel generator enclosure?

When you are purchasing a diesel generator set, it’s important to choose the right type of enclosure for your generator. Generally, the type you choose will depend on the environment where the generator will be placed. If it’s outdoor, you need to consider the different weather conditions that the unit will be exposed to and whether the noise produced by the generator will disrupt people around. For complete protection, you can also consider walk-in enclosures, which make maintenance and troubleshooting easier.

In addition to the above, you also need to consider ventilation and temperature control of the generator enclosure. The enclosure should have good ventilation and include an advanced radiator along with fans to control the engine and generator operating temps. This is important for health and safety.

Enclosure materials are also a key consideration. Sheet metal, powder coating the metal and aluminum are the most common used materials. If you live in an area with high humidity, or near the coast, then aluminum is a better option. Additionally, also consider the space you have. The enclosure should also be expandable. When configuring the enclosure, ensure all of these needs can be met.

Contact Dingbo Power to select the right diesel generator

Dingbo Power is a professional diesel generator manufacturer, which integrates the design, supply, commissioning and maintenance of diesel generator set. We provide fully custom enclosure solutions to protect your diesel generator. Whatever your power generation requirements, we will provide you with a complete solution.

Our generator enclosures can be constructed in a variety of styles and materials dependent on type of installation site, and ambient conditions likely to be encountered, while maintaining long-term structural integrity and pleasing aesthetics. If your diesel generator needs to be installed in high temperature or other extreme environmental conditions, contact us and we can help you choose the optimal enclosure to protect your from destructive elements.