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Case Study: Delivering a 400kW Generator With Voltage Conversion for Dairy Operations in Texas

Industry: Agriculture and dairy production 
Service region: Central Texas 
Generator supplied: Caterpillar industrial diesel generator 
Capacity: 400kW 
Fuel type: Diesel 
Voltage: Converted to 120/208V 
Housing: Sound-attenuated enclosure 
Application: Standby backup power for dairy facility operations 
Outcome: Delivered and reconfigured a generator to match site-specific electrical requirements and operational needs 

The Challenge 

A dairy operation in Central Texas required a standby generator solution that aligned with both capacity requirements and existing electrical infrastructure. 

While the selected generator platform provided the appropriate output for the facility, the site operated on a 120/208V electrical system, requiring voltage conversion and electrical modifications prior to deployment. The generator also needed to be tested at the final operating voltage to ensure compatibility and performance before installation. 

The project required careful coordination to ensure the generator arrived properly configured and ready for integration. 

Why It Mattered 

Dairy operations depend on continuous power to support milking systems, refrigeration, ventilation, water supply, and animal care. Even brief power interruptions can impact production schedules and animal welfare. 

For this facility, it was critical that the backup generator: 

  • Delivered sufficient capacity for essential dairy systems 
  • Matched the site’s 120/208V electrical requirements 
  • Was tested and verified prior to delivery 
  • Operated reliably in an agricultural environment 

Accurate voltage configuration and validation were essential to minimizing installation risk. 

The Generator Source Solution 

Generator Source supplied a 400kW Caterpillar industrial diesel generator and completed a voltage conversion to align with the facility’s 120/208V electrical system. 

The scope of work included installing an appropriately sized circuit breaker, configuring onboard disconnects, reprogramming controls as required, and performing load bank testing at the final operating voltage to confirm performance under load. 

By completing the conversion and testing prior to delivery, Generator Source ensured the generator was ready for installation upon arrival. 

Execution and Testing 

Execution focused on precision and verification. 

Voltage conversion work was completed in advance, followed by load bank testing at 208 volts to validate performance. Freight logistics were then coordinated to deliver the sound-attenuated generator to the site in Central Texas in alignment with facility planning. 

Clear communication throughout the process helped keep electrical work, testing, and delivery aligned. 

Results 

The dairy operation secured a 400kW standby generator configured specifically for its electrical and operational requirements. 

The outcome delivered: 

  • Backup power aligned with site voltage and capacity needs 
  • Verified performance through load bank testing 
  • Reduced installation risk by addressing configuration requirements in advance 

The generator now supports reliable power continuity for essential dairy operations. 

Ongoing Considerations 

For dairy and agricultural facilities, Generator Source recommends routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and periodic testing to ensure backup power systems remain ready when needed. 

These practices help protect animal welfare, production schedules, and long-term reliability. 

Summary

Generator Source supports agricultural operations with generator solutions that go beyond equipment supply. Through voltage conversion, testing, and coordinated delivery, our team helps ensure backup power systems integrate cleanly and perform reliably when power interruptions occur.