All manufacturers publish maintenance schedules divided by a table.
Standby emergency power generation systems should perform at least two maintenance services per year. Examples listed below:
Generator Load Test – The generator is loaded for a period of time using an external load bank tester.
Generator Performance Assurance Test – The generator is put under load for a period of time using facilities.
Analysis of fluids – lubrication, coolant and fuel analysis is done by the laboratory.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when performing generator maintenance, inspection, and testing.
Layup status
When an emergency generator is taken out of service for a period of time, it goes into storage. Some of the basic steps for putting a generator in storage can include the following:
Disconnect the generator batteries.
Drain the fuel system and drain the fuel filters.
Drain the coolant and drain the coolant filters.
Cover all intake and exhaust ports.
Disconnect all electrical connections of the generator.
Visiting periods of diesel generators
Time period: daily (during operation)
1- Checking and visiting the diesel generator during operation and making sure that there is no abnormal noise and vibration
2- Checking, visiting and controlling the cooling system of the generator coil
3- Inspection and control of diesel engine cooling system
4- Checking and visiting the radiator water temperature and ensuring that it does not increase from the allowed value according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations
5- Check and visit the diesel generator exhaust temperature and ensure that it does not increase from the maximum allowed value according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
6- Checking, visiting, controlling and recording the vibration of all the different and determined parts of the diesel generator and ensuring that they do not increase from the allowed values according to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
7- Checking and controlling the output voltage and current of the diesel generator (all phases) and ensuring that the values are balanced
8- Checking and controlling the generator excitation voltage and current and ensuring that the values are normal (commensurate with the diesel generator load)
9- Checking and controlling the active and reactive power of the diesel generator and ensuring that they do not increase from the allowed values (according to the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer)
10- Checking, controlling and visiting the frequency of the generator and ensuring that it does not increase or decrease from the allowed values
11- Checking, controlling and inspecting the power factor of the generator and ensuring that the power factor does not become negative (capacitive effect) in different stages of diesel generator productivity.
12- Checking, visiting and making sure that the damper in front of the diesel generator radiator is open
Time period: weekly
1- Checking and inspecting the diesel engine oil and ensuring that the quantity and quality of the engine oil are appropriate (according to the operating hours and technical instructions of the manufacturer)
2- Checking and inspecting the radiator water and its connections and ensuring that the radiator water level is sufficient and that there is no leakage in the connections.
3- Inspecting and visiting the diesel fuel tank and making sure that they are full and that there is no leakage in the relevant connections.
4- Checking, controlling and inspecting the non-clogging of the radiator surface of the diesel engine and cleaning the radiator surface with a blower or industrial air (if needed)
5- Checking, controlling and inspecting the absence of oil leakage in different parts of the diesel engine
6- Cleaning all diesel generator surfaces with a blower or industrial air, cleaning cloth, hair brush and ensuring the absence of any pollution.
7- Turn on and start the diesel generator at least twice a week and each time for 20 minutes and control and visit the different parts of the diesel generator and ensure the correct operation of all parts.
8- Visiting and checking the oil pump of the diesel generator engine and ensuring its correct operation
9- Visiting, controlling and checking the condition of the generator batteries and making sure their condition is appropriate
Time period: monthly
1- Measuring the resistance of the diesel generator stator winding by means of a 1000 V megger and according to the relevant technical instructions
2- Controlling and visiting the electrical connections of the diesel generator power cable connection box and ensuring that they are tight
3- Controlling, visiting and inspecting the connection point of power cables to diesel generator power busbars and making sure that there is no discoloration, cracks, breaks and burns.
4- Controlling and visiting the state of lubrication of the bearings and their re-greasing (if needed and according to the manufacturer’s instructions)
5- Controlling, visiting and checking the plastic damping (seismic) between the base and the foundation of the diesel generator and ensuring that they are healthy.
6- Checking and visiting the air and oil filters and replacing them (if needed and according to the manufacturer’s instructions)
