During Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Other Disasters, Diesel-Powered Backup Generators Keep Nuclear Power Plants, Hospitals and Other Critical Services Up and Running

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Within seconds after Tuesday's massive earthquake led to the shutdown of the North Anna nuclear power plant, three backup diesel generators went to work and provided power to the electrical and reactor cooling systems. ("Power restored to nuclear plant after quake" – CNN)

This week, as Hurricane Irene begins her move up the East Coast, hospitals, law enforcement and local and state emergency responders throughout the Eastern United States are preparing their backup diesel generators for the impacts of the storm surge, including the loss of grid power due to debris from high winds and flooding.

"This week's earthquake and hurricane, along with the massive floods and deadly tornados this spring, reflect the devastation that natural disasters can bring and the importance of the emergency backup power supplied to critical services by diesel generators," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

"Emergency diesel generators support a wide variety of public safety services before, during and after catastrophic events. Emergency operations centers, hospitals, water pumps, most fire and rescue vehicles and heavy construction equipment also rely on diesel power."

Diesel Generators Are Usually the Only Power Generation Source That Meets Federal & State Requirements of 10-Second Start-Up & Electrical Load-Carrying Capacity

"Diesel is the unique technology of choice for emergency generators because of its self-contained fuel supply, reliability, durability, and its ability to handle heavy electrical loads," Schaeffer said.

Diesel-powered generators have proven to be the most reliable, durable, and economical source of emergency power.  In almost all instances, diesel generators are the only source of power generation that meets federal and state requirements of 10-second start-up and electrical load-carrying capacity.

"From the Operating Room to the Nuclear Cooling System, Every Second Counts When Grid Power Fails"

"When the lights go off, diesel-powered backup generators go to work. From the operating room to the nuclear cooling system, every second counts when grid power fails.  That's why diesel is a reliable partner in virtually every hospital, nuclear power plant and communications system across the country.  No other energy source provides full-strength backup power within seconds of a failure by the primary electricity grid.

"Diesel-powered generators can and do save lives," Schaeffer said.

Natural Disasters Create Havoc for Agencies Trying To Supply Police, Fire and Medical Response

The diesel-powered generators range from about the size of automobile engines to trailer-mounted commercial central air-conditioning units.  The generators can supply enough electricity to operate a municipal water plant, to provide refrigeration to a food processing facility, to power a 911 communications system, or operate all the life support systems at a major hospital.

Generators are also vital to a variety of commercial customers - especially those in food storage and processing, manufacturing, aviation and aerospace.

Interruptions of electric power – even for a short duration – create situations that could imperil public health and safety.  Blackouts create havoc for municipal agencies trying to supply police, fire and medical response, and water and sewage services, as well as private businesses.

In addition, the following diesel generator manufacturers can provide technical information and resources:

• Caterpillar Inc.
• Cummins Inc.
• MTU Detroit Diesel (Tognum America)

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems.  For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Contact:
Steve Hansen
shansen@dieselforum.org
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=100525

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum

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