Control Panels/Acoustic Enclosure

What is a control panel?

A control panel is an electrical device consisting of a flat insulated surface that contains switches and dials and meters for monitoring and controlling the operation of a genset.

Which are the various types of panels available?

A standard Genset is usually supplied with a manual control panel. In this case, the engine is started from its own control panel and after the rated speed and voltage have been attained the switch in the manual panel is put on to connect the Genset to the load.

For special applications various other panels can be made to order and some of these are as follows:

• AMF application: In these panels, the mains/ Electricity Board supply is monitored and in case of failure the Genset will start automatically and the load will be transferred to the Genset. When the Mains supply is restored, the load will be transferred back and the Genest will be shut down after a short cooling down period.

  AMF panels can be relay operated or PLC operated and options of auto start, auto changeover, no break change over etc. are also available.

• Synchronizing panels: In some cases it may be necessary to run two or more Gensets in synchronism with each other. This may be required due to various reasons like high start-up loads, major variations in load during peak / non-peak hours, limitation in capacity of gensets etc. For these kinds of applications, synchronizing panels can be provided. These can be simple or very sophisticated viz. fully automatic depending on customer needs.

What is an acoustic enclosure? Why does a Genset need one?

An acoustic enclosure is also referred to as canopy, silent canopy, or sound attenuating enclosure. It works to reduce the sound produced by a Genset. Even though today's gensets have engines that are exceptionally quiet, acoustic enclosures are a legal requirement to keep noise under check. In India, the norms are laid down by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). Due to the increasing emphasis on pollution of various kinds affecting citizens it has become mandatory for all new Genset installations to be provided with Acoustic Enclosure.

In addition acoustic enclosures also function as weatherproof enclosures, protecting the Genset from the elements. This is important as many gensets are located or installed in the open.