Continuous Operation
Continuous Operation | Generators | Electrical | Newport
When Newport businesses and facilities need absolute confidence that the lights, data centers, and life-safety systems will stay on, they turn to HEP’s continuous operation solutions—reliable, high-output generators engineered for the coast’s demanding conditions. From hospitals safeguarding critical care to marinas protecting refrigerated catch, our units sense outages in milliseconds and transition seamlessly, keeping your operations humming while the grid recovers.
What sets HEP apart isn’t just the robust build of our generators, but the local expertise that surrounds them. Certified Newport technicians handle everything from load assessments and custom integration to 24/7 monitoring, scheduled maintenance, and rapid-response repairs. With transparent warranties and remote performance analytics, you gain the peace of mind that comes only from power you never have to think about—no matter what the weather brings.
FAQs
What is a continuous-operation generator and how does it differ from a standby generator?
A continuous-operation (prime-power) generator is engineered to run 24/7 at a consistent load for an indefinite period of time. It is the primary source of electricity rather than a short-term backup. Internal components—such as the engine block, alternator windings, cooling, and lubrication systems—are built for higher duty cycles and stricter thermal tolerances than those found in standard standby units that only operate during utility outages.
Why might a Newport-based facility need a continuous-duty generator?
Newport’s maritime industries, research laboratories, healthcare facilities, data centers, and hospitality venues often require uninterrupted electricity to prevent safety hazards, data loss, or financial downtime. Coastal storms and an aging grid can amplify the risk of extended outages. Installing a continuous-duty generator ensures mission-critical operations continue even if utility power is unstable or unavailable.
What fuel options are available for continuous-operation generators, and how long can they run?
Prime-power generators are commonly fueled by diesel, natural gas, or bi-fuel configurations. • Diesel offers high power density and is easy to store on-site, with run times limited only by fuel-tank capacity and delivery logistics. • Natural gas units connect to Newport’s gas utility lines, providing virtually unlimited runtime as long as the gas supply remains intact. • Bi-fuel systems start on diesel and transition to gas for extended operation, combining reliability with lower emissions and operating costs.
How often do continuous-duty generators require maintenance?
Because they run constantly, preventive maintenance is more frequent than with standby sets. Typical schedules include daily visual inspections, weekly fluid-level checks, monthly full system inspections, and comprehensive servicing every 250–500 operating hours (about every 10–20 days of run time). Our Newport service team performs oil and filter changes, coolant testing, fuel-system cleaning, load-bank testing, and predictive diagnostics to maximize uptime.
Are there noise or emissions regulations in Newport that affect generator installation?
Yes. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) imposes limits on NOx, CO, and particulate emissions. Newport also enforces local ordinances restricting sound levels—generally 55–65 dB(A) at the property line during daytime and lower at night. We provide EPA Tier 4-compliant engines, acoustic enclosures, hospital-grade mufflers, and strategic site layout to meet or exceed all regulatory requirements.
What factors influence the overall cost and installation timeline of a continuous-operation generator system?
Key cost drivers include generator size (kW), fuel type, emission after-treatment, switchgear complexity, site preparation, and permitting. Turnkey projects in Newport typically range from 8 to 16 weeks: • 2–4 weeks for engineering and permitting • 1–2 weeks for site civil work and concrete pads • 1–2 weeks for equipment delivery • 2–4 weeks for electrical/mechanical installation, commissioning, and load acceptance testing. Early consultation and pre-approved design plans can shorten timelines and avoid costly revisions.