Airports depend on backup generators to supply electricity when power from the grid is unavailable due to severe weather conditions or catastrophic events. If airport generators fail, it can affect the facility’s operations in a variety of ways:
- Passengers can’t check in or purchase tickets at kiosks.
- Baggage carousels will not function properly.
- The lack of lighting will make it difficult for passengers to navigate through the terminals.
- Amenities such as food and shopping will be unavailable because employees won’t be able to execute transactions.
- Air trams won’t be able to transport passengers to and from parking lots and hotels.
- Elevators and moving walkways will not function.
- Hotels on or adjacent to the property may be unable to provide adequate service to guests.
To complicate matters, airports continue to increase in size and complexity. Consequently, they require more generators to meet their evolving power requirements. Designers of airport infrastructures must ensure they have a sufficient number of generators — and that they choose equipment compatible with the facility’s electrical systems.
Considerations for Airport Backup Generators
The key to knowing how to prevent power failure at airports is having the right generator solutions for your specific needs. As you browse our extensive selection, explore these factors to help you choose the option that will benefit you the most.
Generator Use Cases
Consider how your generator will be used most often and potential alternatives it may need to supplement. Will your generator be used in multiple areas? You’ll need to make sure it is portable — though keep in mind that portable generators are often smaller and less powerful than stationary ones.
Will you be using it regularly or as a standby in case of an emergency? Emergency power generators are more rugged. With the proper service and maintenance, they’re designed to start up in an instant any time you need them. This is due to adhering to NFPA 110 code and other regulations that require emergency generators to function within specific scenarios and guidelines. You can talk to one of Woodstock Power’s professionals if you’re unsure which styles are suited to your intended uses.
Power Requirements
Calculate what equipment is essential and how much power it has to deliver for complete airport functionality. Take a look at your current energy usage statements to see your average daily, weekly and monthly use patterns. Also, pay special attention to peak times, like weekends and holidays, to see which generators will be able to meet your needs and whether you’ll need one or a few generators to keep you operational in any situation. Also take into account what type of equipment you will be running and not only the power requirements, but the startup usage that is required to effectively operate the specific piece of equipment. Woodstock Power Company has professionals that can help you calculate your power needs to find a generator that meetings your power requirements.
Fuel Preferences
We feature used diesel generators that are ideally suited for airport operating environments. While diesel fuel is typically more expensive than natural gas, diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and cost less to maintain — your long-term operating costs should be much lower. Plus, portable options are an excellent choice for emergencies and malfunctions on the tarmac and runway. They’re also less likely to ignite, which is a crucial safety benefit at a crowded airport facility.
All of our diesel generators have been expertly reconditioned and undergo rigorous testing, ensuring their long-lasting performance and reliability — you can purchase them with total confidence. Opt for one of our used models and save up to 70% of what you would pay when buying brand-new equipment.
Space Restrictions
Even on the sprawling campus of an airport, your space is limited. As you explore your options, be sure to note the dimensions of each generator so you can think about where you’ll be able to fit it. It’s also important to note that some generators are optimized for indoor or outdoor use. If the only space you have is an old storage closet or outside in the parking lot, make sure you’re looking at options suitable for that area.
Another option to combat space concerns is to use parallel generators. Parallel generators involve using two or more smaller, portable generators instead of a large one. Together, they can offer the same power levels but have more flexibility. Furthermore, they offer redundancy — if one of them goes out, the other can pick up the slack until repairs are complete.
Airport Generators From Woodstock Power
Take a moment to review our current selection of new and used industrial generators for airports. Feel free to contact us online for additional product and pricing information.
