Canopied or Open-Type Generator?

In a diesel generator the engine, alternator and control panel are the same whichever enclosure you choose; what changes is the housing around them. The enclosure decides where the set can be installed, how much noise it makes around it, how maintenance is done and whether extra building work is needed.

The two enclosure types in brief

Open-type generator: engine, alternator, radiator and control panel are mounted on a common base frame. The set is uncovered and has no protection against rain, dust or impact. It is designed for a closed generator room or another sheltered area.

Canopied (silent) generator: the same set is inside a steel canopy lined with sound insulation, with lockable doors. The canopy guides the air inlet and outlet and houses the silencer and the exhaust outlet. It can be installed directly outdoors.

At high outputs there is a third option, the containerised generator. In our range, canopied or open-type versions are offered up to 1,100 kVA, and containerised or open-type versions above 1,100 kVA.

Side-by-side comparison

Criterion	Canopied (silent)	Open type
Installation site	Outdoors, roof, car park, yard	Generator room, closed and sheltered area
Noise	Reduced by canopy insulation and internal silencer	Depends on the insulation of the room
Weather protection	Provided by the canopy	Provided by the building or room
Unauthorised access	Lockable doors	Door and lock of the room
Ventilation and exhaust	Solved inside the canopy	Designed separately for the room
Maintenance access	Through the doors; space limited by the canopy	Free working space around the set
Footprint	The canopy dimensions	Set plus maintenance clearances in the room
Relocation	Easy to move	Suited to fixed installation

The data table further down shows what the canopy adds in size and weight for three models from our own data sheets.

When is a canopied set the right choice?

• There is no generator room, or building one would need extra construction, ventilation ducts and an exhaust line.
• There is a noise limit, as in residential areas, hospitals, hotels and offices. To read the noise value correctly, see choosing a silent generator.
• The set will stand in the open, on a construction site, farm, telecom station or car park.
• It may be moved later. If it is moved often, consider a trailer-mounted generator.

When is an open-type set the right choice?

• A suitable generator room exists, with ventilation, exhaust line and concrete plinth ready. See generator room and installation.
• Maintenance access comes first: free working space on all four sides makes servicing and overhauls easier.
• High output and fixed installation: large sets usually go into dedicated rooms or containers.
• The project needs its own enclosure, designed later around the set.

Common mistakes

• Installing an open set outdoors under a simple roof. The control panel and alternator windings suffer from moisture.
• Not calculating room ventilation. Radiator air and engine heat must leave the room, otherwise the set stops on high temperature or loses power.
• Placing a canopied set against a wall. Without clearance at the air inlet and outlet, hot air is drawn back in, and the doors cannot be opened for maintenance.
• Comparing only the purchase price. The open set uses less material, but the room, its insulation, ventilation and exhaust are part of the total investment.

Next step

All our canopied and open-type sets are built at our facility in Tuzla, Istanbul and load-tested before shipment. For canopy construction see generator canopies. Tell us the installation site and the power you need, and we will prepare a written offer with the right enclosure: contact us.