Backup Generators for Cryptocurrency Mining
When dealing with mining cryptocurrency, there is a vast array of server systems and network components all working together to solve complex computational math problems. These customized, high-powered servers solve math problems via a 64-digit hexadecimal number called a hash. The mining rigs used in crypto mining produce an output efficiency known as a hash rate and are measured by hashes per second.
Hashrates are then categorized by quantity starting with kilos, megas, gigas, teras, petas, and exas, when defined are:
- 1 kH/s is 1,000 hashes per second
- 1 MH/s is 1,000,000 hashes per second
- 1 GH/s is 1,000,000,000 hashes per second
- 1 TH/s is 1,000,000,000,000 hashes per second
- 1 PH/s is 1,000,000,000,000,000 hashes per second
- 1 EH/s is 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 hashes per second
With your systems making this many calculations per second, it means that mining for cryptocurrency requires massive amounts of power and custom-made, sophisticated mining rigs. There’s another catch when it comes to mining cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin. The difficulty level of the calculations required are adjusted every 2016 blocks, which equates to roughly 2 weeks with the end goal of keeping mining rates constant. While this means that you may need to compete with other miners to find the right solution first, this also means that you may need to constantly upgrade or scale your mining operations, thus increasing the required amount of energy.
Equipment for Mining Cryptocurrency
While there are many premade solutions that are available off the shelf, many more advanced mining rigs are complex computers that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Each mining unit also consumes a large amount of power. While meeting power needs may be one thing, there are other considerations to keep in mind. While each mining rig is running and putting out hash rates, they’re also producing a lot of heat. Similar to servers in data centers, cooling is a priority to ensure that these units do not overheat.
While the initial setup for these mining rigs are pretty standard, as they are configured to allow for cool air to pass through, they are also adequately spaced and cabled to enable maximum efficiency and to benefit from the cooling systems.
While there are air cooling units that keep the servers cool by keeping the room at a required ambient air temperature, you also need to consider humidifiers that remove damaging water particles from the air to prevent damage caused by high humidity in the atmosphere.
It is also important to setup environmental monitors throughout the room to prompt the cooling system and humidifier controllers to run in automatic operation. This helps regulate the environmental condition autonomously.
Role of Backup Generators in Cryptocurrency Mining
Like data centers, these cryptocurrency mining facilities require consistent, reliable power and lots of it. Many of these cryptocurrency mining centers have adopted backup power solutions similar to data centers and some miners have begun operating in redundant data centers via colocation.
When looking for a data center colocation, miners often look for redundancy. Data centers are divided by tier in ascending order, which are standards in the data center business. The higher the tier, the less downtime the data center facility will experience in a calendar year – meaning that your mining rigs will be working with less operational downtime.
More information on data centers and tier levels can be found here: Backup Generators for Data Centers
If you own or operate your own data center facility, but looking for a backup power solution, then a commercial generator may be the solution.
Commercial generators in both diesel and natural gas configurations are robust backup power solutions provide constant reliable power to continue day to day business operations in the event of a power loss.
Keep in mind that there are many factors and considerations to take into account before buying a generator.
Generator Size & Power Requirements
For starters, you cannot randomly select a generator and set up delivery & installation services. You must gather information about your power needs and research which generator would best fit those needs.
Estimate your power requirements by assessing what needs to be powered by the generator in the event of a power outage. There are many resources available for calculating estimates of generator sizes and power requirements, but we always advise that you confirm with an expert for consultation on generator sizing and power requirements.
You also have the option of working directly with a generator dealer. There are many dealers out in the market that specialize in new, used, and rental generators that will not only be able to assist you with a generator size consultation but can also make generator recommendations and look for solutions within your budget or needs. You can even have some dealers handle the transportation and installation of your generator for you.
Generator Type
The two most popular commercial generator choices used for standby applications are diesel and natural gas generators. These generators are categorized by the type of fuel that they use. Both generators have their own benefits and downsides, which we’ll briefly cover below.
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are one of the most commonly installed generators in the market for emergency backup power and standby generator selections. Diesel generators are versatile and can be used across various industries, applications, and require less overall maintenance intervals. The drawback to diesel generators is that their maximum operating runtime is restricted by the capacity of their fuel tank. If you choose to install a commercial diesel generator for your business or facility, be sure to work out a plan to replenish your diesel fuel supply. Keep in mind that if the plan includes having diesel fuel delivered to your location, it may prove difficult if there is inclement weather or natural disasters that may impede the fuel truck. It’s also plausible to prepare in advance by securing external diesel fuel tanks that can be stored on-site in the event of an emergency to replenish the generator’s fuel supply.
Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas generators are a popular generator choice, especially in urban environments. Natural gas generators generally produce less noise, the fuel burns cleaner than their diesel counterparts, and can be connected directly to the local gas line, removing the need of fuel storage. The downsides to natural gas generators include more frequent maintenance is required with natural gas generators and if utility companies are forced to shut off the gas supply due to a natural disaster, the generator will be rendered virtually inoperable. While this makes natural gas generators seem like a poor choice, there may be options to install a conversion kit on the natural gas generator, so that it can run off of liquid petroleum gas (LPG for short or known simply as propane). Propane gas is relatively easy to acquire and equally easy to refuel & replenish.
Additional Considerations
There are number additional items to consider before moving forward with installing a backup commercial generator, which we will cover briefly.
Generator Selection
When choosing a commercial generator for your business or facility, you may look into buying a generator that meets your needs at the current moment, but it could be beneficial to think ahead and consider any increases in power requirements as your business continues to grow and scale.
Generator Cost
When considering a generator, don’t base your decision solely on the price tag. Be sure to consider costs down the road. Commercial generators require regular service, maintenance, and testing to ensure that it is always ready and in good, running condition to provide power in the event of a power outage.
Fuel Costs
Fuel costs should also play a factor in your generator selection process. Fuel prices are constantly fluctuating, so it’s difficult to determine the costs of fuel.
Autonomy
When installing a commercial generator as a backup power solution, consider investing in an automatic transfer switch (ATS for short). An automatic transfer switch prompts the generator kick in after it detects that power from the main grid has been lost. Once power from the main grid is restored, the generator will then be prompted to shut off.
Without an ATS, a staff member will need to be on-site to manually flip the switch on the generator controls to run the generator in the event of a power outage and must also manually turn off the generator once power is restored.
If you’re looking for more information on backing up your cryptocurrency mining facility or looking to purchase a generator, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
610-658-3242
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