Determining the KVA Generator Requirement for a Data Center Setup

When setting up a data center or a similar environment requiring multiple computers and air conditioning units, it is crucial to determine the appropriate KVA (kilovolt-ampere) generator rating to ensure reliable and efficient power supply. In this article, we will walk through the process of calculating the required KVA generator size for 20 computers and 2 two-ton air conditioners (ACs).

Calculating the Power Consumption

To determine the necessary generator capacity, we need to calculate the total power consumption of both the computers and the air conditioners.

Step 1: Calculate the Power Consumption of the Computers

Assuming an average power consumption of 300 watts per computer, the calculation is as follows:

Power consumption of 20 computers 20 computers × 300 watts/computer 6000 watts

Step 2: Calculate the Power Consumption of the Air Conditioners

A two-ton air conditioner typically consumes approximately 2000 watts or 2 kilowatts (kW) per ton. Therefore, for 2 two-ton air conditioners:

Total power for 2 two-ton ACs 2 tons × 2000 watts/ton × 2 8000 watts

Step 3: Calculate the Total Power Consumption

The combined total power consumption for all devices is:

Total power consumption Power of computers Power of ACs 6000 watts 8000 watts 14000 watts

Step 4: Convert Watts to KVA

To convert watts to KVA, we use the following formula:

KVA watts / (1000 × power factor)

Assuming a power factor of 0.8 (which is typical for commercial equipment), the calculation is as follows:

KVA 14000 watts / (1000 × 0.8) 17.5 KVA

Conclusion

You will need a generator with a minimum rating of 18 KVA to safely power 20 computers and 2 two-ton air conditioners, considering the power factor. It is often advisable to choose a generator with a slightly higher capacity to account for any potential surges in power demand. Therefore, a 20 KVA generator would be a good choice.

Additional Considerations

AC Power Consumption: It is common to assume about 3.5 kW per ton for HVAC load. Given that you have two two-ton AC units, the total HVAC load would be:

Total HVAC load 2 tons × 3.5 kW/ton 7 kW

Considering a range of 500-1000 watts per computer, the total computer load can vary based on configuration. For an average setup, a 30 kW generator would be sufficient, providing ample room for growth if needed.

Modern Computers: Modern computers typically consume around 0.4-0.6 KVA for an average desktop, and 0.2-0.5 KVA for laptops. High-power gaming systems can consume much more. Therefore, the calculation should take into account the potential variations in power consumption.

By carefully calculating the power demands and choosing a generator with the appropriate capacity, you can ensure reliable and efficient operation of your data center or similar setup.