Yes, when it is specified for the kinds of disturbance the local grid produces. Grid instability reaches factories in three main forms: extended outages, short interruptions and voltage dips, and supply that fluctuates or reaches its capacity at peak times. MPMC, a Shanghai-based manufacturer of diesel generator sets and battery energy storage, recommends a containerised or silent diesel generator set with automatic changeover as the foundation, combined with battery storage or grid-parallel control where the disturbances call for it.

Three Kinds of Grid Disturbance, Three Responses

Extended Outages: Automatic Start and Fast Load Pick-Up

When the grid goes down for hours, DSE or DEIF controllers start the generator set and transfer the load automatically. One-step load acceptance in line with ISO 8528-5 restores critical production quickly, and steady-state frequency stability within ±0.25% with voltage regulation within ±1% protects variable-speed drives and PLCs. Engine block preheaters keep engines ready for an immediate start, and built-in tanks of 6, 8, 12 or 24 hours, with external options, set the autonomy. Plants running several shifts can parallel two or more units for N+1 redundancy, so one set can be serviced while the others stand ready.

Short Interruptions and Dips: Battery Ride-Through

Brief interruptions and voltage dips are best handled by battery storage. MPMC's HBD-A systems integrate with generator sets to provide UPS-level millisecond response, carrying sensitive processes through the event while the generator set starts for longer disturbances. On-grid and off-grid switching is supported on every model, with seamless switching available as an option. HBD-A units from 125 kW to 1,125 kW use LFP 314Ah cells rated for 8,000 cycles at 90% depth of discharge, and between disturbances the same battery can shave peaks to reduce demand charges.

Fluctuating Supply: Running in Parallel With the Grid

Where the grid is present and stretched at peak times, generator sets can run in parallel with the mains. At a 4.2 MW factory power expansion in the UAE, MPMC's MTU 16V4000G63 generator sets with Stamford PI734G alternators operate in parallel with the grid for peak shaving and backup, using DSE8620 controllers, an ABB 3,200 A air circuit breaker and 50°C radiators driven by electric motors.

Table 1. Matching the solution to the grid disturbance

MTU 16V4000G63 engine on an MPMC generator set for the 4.2 MW factory power expansion in the UAE.

Specifying the Generator Set for a Factory

Start with the critical production loads and the largest motor starts; MPMC's engineers check starting currents and step loads during design so the selected set accepts each load block smoothly. If the set will run daily for peak shaving, specify on its prime rating. Silent SR2 units with noise reduction of up to 35 dB(A) suit smaller plants, while containerised SC units serve larger sites, with engines from Perkins, Cummins, MTU, Baudouin, Scania and other partners.

Table 2. MPMC options for factory backup power

MPMC HBD-A Series HBD-125-260 battery energy storage system, a ride-through partner for factory generator sets.

Every MPMC generator set is load-tested from 0% to 110% in a CNAS-accredited test centre before shipment, carries a 1-year or 1,000-hour warranty and is supported through its engine and alternator manufacturers' global service networks. HBD-A systems carry a 5-year product warranty and a 10-year battery performance warranty.

Generator sets are built at MPMC's Haimen smart factory with NDT inspection of every chassis and C3 to C5 anti-corrosion coating, and MPMC's products have been delivered to more than 120 countries and territories. Each project includes design consultation, product customisation, logistics and commissioning support.

Planning Factory Backup With MPMC

• Record how often outages, dips and fluctuations occur

• Identify critical loads and the largest motor starts

• Decide between standby, prime and grid-parallel duty

• Size HBD-A storage for ride-through if processes are sensitive

• Contact MPMC at sales@mpmc-china.com or WhatsApp +86 150 0085 4420 for a factory backup proposal