Power System Design Checklist: Five Common Design Concerns

POWER SYSTEM DESIGN CHECKLIST
FIVE COMMON DESIGN CONCERNS

Todays power systems are more complex than ever before. These systems must carefully
control a multitude of performance characteristics under more and more stringent operating
conditions including such things as ultra-low emissions, fuel and system efficiency, greater
power density, alternative fuel shifts and complex paralleling requirements. Although no
two projects are identical, our discussions with engineering consultants have identified five
common design concerns related to power systems design.
This checklist is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to
system design, but rather a starting point to help set the system
parameters for your particular project. We strongly encourage you
to contact your Cat
dealer for more detailed planning assistance.
DESIGN CONCERN #1: CORRECT POWER SIZING

Critical load characteristics can change dramatically based on the load profile, interaction of loads, power-up
sequence and recharge UPS rates, some of which can inadvertently get set aside in sizing. Correct power
sizing is critical unnecessarily over- or under-powering the load can negatively impact system performance
and waste money.
What are the load profiles for this project
(steady state and peak)?
What are the key variables on load for this project
(load segregation, timing, thermal considerations, etc.)?
How do you plan to distribute the load?
How will recharge rates or in-rush currents impact
this project?
How will UPS in-rush currents or recharge rates impact
this project?
Is voltage classification a consideration for this project
(low vs. medium voltage)?
Are configurable options or predefined concepts
(pod, critical bus) required for this project?
Do you have access to a sizing program that shows
systems in parallel and determines voltage and
sequencing options when different loads are applied?
Have UPS harmonic effects been taken into consideration
(IGBT vs. SCR)?
Have UPS design efficiencies been taken into consideration
(double conversion vs. line interactive)?
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS DESIGN COMMENTS
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS (NOTES)
DESIGN CONCERN #2: MEETING PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS

Many projects are made more challenging by physical design constraints, such as space, heat load, airflow,
and wiring various elements or locations. Anticipating these constraints keeps the project on time and on
budget, and can help your clients accommodate future expansion.
Will this project utilize computer-grade real estate, normally
reserved for other revenue producing business activities?
Does the building exist, or will your firm design it?
Where will the power system be housed?
Are there any obstructions nearby that need to be considered
in the design?
Do you anticipate unique physical or space limitations?
Does the project require any special considerations
for temperature?
Does the project require any special considerations
for future expansion?
Will thermal requirements be part of this project?
What is the value per square foot of floor space required
for this project?
DESIGN CONCERN #3: MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

While some clients choose to reduce emissions to demonstrate environmental awareness, other
forward-thinking companies know that minimal increases in efficiency can also result in big savings
in operation costs.
Does this project have any predetermined emissions goals?
Does this project have any concerns related to battery storage
or disposal?
Does your client/project have a green policy?
Is this project part of a green facility?
Does your client have any special safety requirements?
Does the project require any special considerations for noise?
Are there any state or local regulations restricting exhaust emissions?
Does the local utility provide credits for efficiency?
Does the project require any special consideration for local
or local and remote fuel source?
Is LEED certification being considered?
DESIGN CONCERN #4: MEETING RELIABILITY REQUIREMENTS

At the heart of any power system is the need to maintain performance and minimize the risk of downtime.
Reliable backup power is a critical component of any system. In fact, 7x24 now calls backup power systems
the most unpredictable wildcard in mission critical applications.
What are your clients tier requirements for this project?
What is at risk for your client (data, materials, service, etc.) ?
What is your clients sensitivity about cost vs. redundancy?
How does this sensitivity affect the design of the power
backup system?
What are your configuration preferences for this project?
Are there any specific thermal requirements?
Is there anything out of the ordinary that could affect
reliability or your design approach?
DESIGN CONCERN #5: COMMUNICATION AND INTEGRATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The future of onsite power generation will require a more sophisticated level of control in order to meet
increasingly stringent emissions and performance requirements. This will come from optimizing the
system design and the interaction of components.
What components will be required for this project?
Are the components currently available as a system?
Have the components been designed from the
different manufacturers to work together?
Are there performance advantages to using same
brand components?
Is a site building management system (BMS) part
of the project?
Are there any special or required reporting documents
for this system?
Is there a need for 7x24 site monitoring? Will monitoring
be remote or on-site?
Are there cost advantages to using same brand components?
Are warranties provided for all components?
Are the warranties consistent in scope and duration?
Rely on Caterpillar
for complete power system design, specification, installation and service.

Visit www.cat-electricpower.com to locate a Cat
dealer near you.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, Caterpillar Yellow and the POWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate
and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
2008 Caterpillar Inc. All rights reserved.

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POWER SYSTEM DESIGN CHECKLIST

FIVE COMMON DESIGN CONCERNS

dealer for more detailed planning assistance.

DESIGN CONCERN #1: CORRECT POWER SIZING

DESIGN CONCERN #2: MEETING PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS

DESIGN CONCERN #3: MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

DESIGN CONCERN #4: MEETING RELIABILITY REQUIREMENTS

DESIGN CONCERN #5: COMMUNICATION AND INTEGRATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS

for complete power system design, specification, installation and service.

dealer near you.

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