The selection of a standby generator for a data center is fundamentally constrained by the availability, reliability, and cost of its fuel source. A data center's geographical location dictates the feasibility of different fuel options. For instance, urban locations may have access to reliable natural gas pipelines, making gas generators an attractive option due to lower emissions and no need for large on-site fuel storage. Conversely, remote sites may lack gas infrastructure, making diesel, which can be transported and stored on-site, the only viable choice. Therefore, fuel availability is a primary factor that dictates the generator technology selected to ensure uninterrupted power.

B. False: This is incorrect. Fuel availability is a critical logistical and operational constraint. Ignoring it would compromise the data center's ability to maintain uptime during a power failure, defeating the purpose of a standby generator.

1. Uptime Institute. (2018). Data Center Site Infrastructure Tier Standard: Topology. Section 7.3.2, "Engine-Generator Fuel System," details the requirements for on-site fuel storage and reliable delivery contracts. These requirements inherently make the availability and type of fuel a foundational element in the design and selection of the generator system to meet Tier certification levels.

2. ASHRAE TC 9.9. (2021). Data Center Power Equipment Thermal Guidelines and Best Practices. In discussions on site selection and infrastructure reliability (Chapter 2), the guide emphasizes the importance of utility infrastructure, including the availability of fuel sources like natural gas or the logistics for diesel delivery, as a critical consideration for backup power systems.

3. Geng, H. (Ed.). (2014). Data Center Handbook. John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 11, "Electrical Power Systems," Section 11.4.2, "Generator Set Selection," explicitly lists "fuel type and availability" as one of the primary criteria for selecting a generator set for a data center, alongside capacity, voltage, and load type. (This text is widely used in university engineering programs and professional training). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118937563