Generating sets are essential equipment for ensuring power supply in critical situations or when there is no access to the grid. From hospitals to industrial facilities, these systems are essential to avoid business interruptions, protect equipment and ensure safety.
In this guide we explain what a generator set is, the main types of generator sets, and the sectors where they play a key role.
What is a generator set?
A genset is an autonomous machine capable of generating electric power by means of a heat engine that drives an alternator. It uses fuels such as diesel, gasoline, gas or hybrid technologies to produce electricity.
This equipment is key in sectors where continuity of supply is critical, such as hospitals, data centers, energy infrastructures or remote industrial facilities. They are also used in events, temporary constructions or areas where the power grid is not available.
Advantages of installing a generator set
Having a generator set provides multiple operational benefits:
- Continuity of service in the event of network outages
- Protection of critical equipment
- Reduction of economic losses
- Adaptability to multiple environments
- Long-term savings in sectors where energy is vital
Why is a generator set important in professional environments?
In hospitals, data centers, petrochemical or power plants, it is essential that, in case of failure, continuity of supply is ensured. In engineering works or constructions in isolated locations, it is common that the conventional supply does not arrive and that a generator set is required as the main power source.
Choosing the right type of genset is therefore vital to avoid economic losses, protect critical processes and ensure safety.
Classification of generating sets: all types according to their application and features
Generating sets can be classified according to multiple technical and functional variables. Below, we explain in detail the most important types of generating sets according to six key criteria:
1. Depending on the type of engine or fuel
- Diesel generator sets: Power up to 4000 kVA. Ideal for hospitals, industries, data or energy centers. High reliability and efficiency.
- Hybrid gensets: Combine engines with batteries or solar energy. More sustainable and efficient.
- Gasoline or gas generator sets: Up to 5 kVA. Useful for small works or isolated houses.
2. According to the type of sound insulation
- Soundproof: With noise-reducing protective casing. Useful in urban areas, events or outdoors.
- Open: Without acoustic insulation, they are placed in technical rooms or industrial enclosures.
3. According to the type of starter
- Manual: For low power equipment. Uncommon nowadays.
- Automatic: Detects network failures and starts up autonomously. Ideal for critical installations.
4. According to mobility
- Fixed: Permanent installation. Used in hospitals, industries, power plants.
- Mobile or portable: For events, emergencies, temporary constructions.
5. According to the energetic function
- Main supply: Main source of continuous power. Requires greater resistance and autonomy.
- Auxiliary or emergency supply: Activated in case of power cuts. Used in sectors where power failure is not an option.
6. Other technical classifications
- Generator voltage: Mostly three-phase, for efficiency and stability.
- ISO-8528-1 classification:
- Emergency Standby Power (ESP)
- Auxiliary Power (PRP)
- Main Power (COP)
- Continuous Power (LTP)
Electramolins’ range of generator sets
In Electramolins we divide our catalog into three main ranges according to the application and needs of each project:
GlobalGen: general-purpose versatility
The GlobalGen line is ideal for common applications requiring reliable stand-alone power. It is suitable for public works, industries, farms or medium-sized facilities.
Industrial: high performance for intensive use
Industrial is perfect for continuous or emergency professional use in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, civil engineering or large enclosures. High efficiency, durability and customization capabilities.
TopGen: maximum technology and customized solutions
The TopGen range is designed for technically demanding projects. It allows full integration with management systems, superior acoustic insulation, remote control, and customized functions. Applicable to data centers, Oil & Gas, critical infrastructures or hospitals.
Main sectors requiring generating sets
Below, we highlight the sectors where generating sets are essential and how Electramolins responds with adapted solutions:
1. Hospitals
A hospital cannot afford a power outage. Life support equipment, operating rooms, ICU and critical systems need constant power. At Electramolins we design generator sets for hospitals with redundancy, automatic start and low noise level.
2. Oil & Gas and petrochemical
Oil platforms, refineries or chemical plants require certified, resistant and with advanced safety measures generator sets. Electramolins offers solutions for these industrial sectors.
3. Data centers
The loss of electricity in a data center can mean the loss of millions of data. That is why Electramolins manufactures generator sets for data centers with minimum start-up time, UPS integration and Tier III and IV standards.
4. Energy sector
In solar parks, wind farms or hybrid plants, Electramolins generator sets specific to the energy sector act as support or auxiliary source for critical operations or during maintenance phases.
How to choose the right generator set
Choosing the right generator set depends mainly on the power required, the type of use (emergency or continuous) and the environment where it will be installed. It is essential to accurately calculate the total electrical load, adding up the equipment that will operate simultaneously and applying a safety margin. It must also be taken into account whether the unit will operate as the main power source or only as a backup in the event of a power failure, as this will condition both the robustness of the motor and the autonomy capacity of the equipment. In sectors such as hospitals, data centers or critical industrial facilities, it is recommended to opt for automatic, soundproofed models with immediate start-up capacity.
Other key factors when choosing a generator set are the type of fuel (diesel, hybrid, gasoline or gas), the need for mobility (fixed or portable), the level of soundproofing, the possibility of integration with control systems (BMS or SCADA), and compliance with specific regulations such as ISO 8528-1 or ATEX requirements in hazardous environments.
Having a generator set manufacturer like Electramolins, with extensive experience in customized solutions for demanding sectors, is a guarantee of performance, safety and specialized technical support.
