Data centres switching from diesel generators to natural gas

One of the most important things for data centres is to ensure they stay online. Any downtime can cause serious issues, including service interruptions and data loss. However, you can’t plan for everything and mains supplies can be interrupted. That means backup power is vital just in case. There is a lot to think about here though, including the cost, impact on the environment, and noise. As a top provider of natural gas silencers and other solutions, we can help.

Diesel generators

Like many other industries, typically data centres choose diesel backup generators. They are reliable, but can lead to issues. Most importantly, there are concerns about the noise and emissions they generate. They can have a significant impact on nearby areas, including wildlife and homes.

Crucially, there are tighter regulations now in many areas, especially in the UK. This means businesses need to be more careful with emissions and noise. So, it is important to see what other options and solutions are available.

Natural gas generators

One thing to consider is a switch to natural gas generators. While they still burn fossil fuels and release harmful emissions, they are much quieter and cleaner. There are also a number of ways to improve their performance to help the environment.

A key thing to look at is using natural gas silencers. They can help to reduce the amount of noise the generators create. It can reduce the impact on the environment and local people. This is especially important in areas where there are several data centres in close proximity as the accumulation of noise can be very dangerous.

As well as silencers, it’s common practice to use catalytic converters with natural gas generators. They work exactly like the ones on vehicles, capturing dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides. This dramatically reduces the volume of harmful emissions.

Overall, natural gas generators are cleaner, more flexible, and can offer several other benefits. Crucially, they mean you don’t need tanks on site to store diesel or have concerns about refuelling. Additionally, they work in all kinds of weather, including sub zero temperatures.

Do you need natural gas silencers?

Noise is one of the most serious industrial by-products. It can cause significant damage, harming people and the environment. Therefore, businesses need to think carefully about it and must comply with regulations. Every industry needs to meet the necessary standards, including data centres.

If you have problems with noise and want some expert help, you should speak to Ventx. We design bespoke solutions to maximise performance for our clients. Notably, you can rely on us to deliver silencers for new facilities or provide retrofitting.