Generator room air intake and exhaust requirements

Do generators need ventilation?

Here are some facts and considerations you should know: Generators require ample amounts of air to cool and support the engine combustion process by expelling heat generated during operation. While proper ventilation factors in considerations of air movement; it directly impacts the effectiveness of heat removal from within the room.

Why should a generator room be ventilated?

Proper ventilation of the generator room is necessary to support the engine combustion process, reject the parasitic heat generated during operation (engine heat, alternator heat, etc.), and purge odors and fumes.

How to design a generator room?

When designing a generator room, the design should take into account the additional cooling air if a load bank is unit mounted. Air intake louvers are needed to ventilate the generator room. These louvers should be sized to accommodate the amount of combustion air needed by the engine, the amount of cooling air that flows to the radiator, and any other necessary air for room ventilation.

Does a generator intake need cool air?

It is important to note that cooling air is needed for more than just the engine; the generator intake also requires cool clean air. The most effective way to do this is to provide a ventilation air source low to the ground at the rear of the package.

Where should exhaust air be sourced for a generator?

For generators with remote radiators, it is recommended that the exhaust air should be sourced as high as possible and directly above the generator sets. Significant bypass of ventilation airflow directly into the discharge airflow will lead to reduction in cooling effectiveness and elevated temperatures within the room.

Why do generators need airflow?

Engines require air to create combustion in the cylinders, so proper airflow is mandatory for the success of generators. Aim for either an upward flow of air around engines or flow from the back of the engine to the front for optimum efficiency. Air Cleanliness: Ventilation helps to remove harmful fumes and foul odors from any enclosed spaces.