Making generators more efficient

AGGREKO HAS BEEN improving its technology and services to help clients begin the transition to a greener future. Some of these solutions are practical ways to increase energy efficiency and performance, while others represent more permanent ways of lowering impact on the environment. These can include potential fuel, CO2 and local emissions savings across sites by making certain switches.

Right sizing

Often, generators are oversized on a construction site to cope with motor starts, pump starts, and in general start-up currents. This is because the actual load is not known, or because a safety net or error tolerance has been added to cope for any unknowns. As a result, hired equipment is usually running at less than 30% load, which means it is being inefficient.

However, if we design solutions where the equipment is running at 70% load or above regularly, then significant savings in fuel, carbon and local emissions can be made. Aggreko uses flywheel technology and the right battery hybrid technology that can cope with startup currents and minimise the runtime of the generator. In larger packages, batteries can also be utilised in spinning reserve to minimise run hours and offer emissions savings. The company’s entire fleet incorporates smart metering, enabling consultation on sizing requirements. Utilising telemetry capability can also refine capacity to give optimum performance.

Load on demand solution

These power solutions replace a large, constantly operating generator with a group of smaller generators that can power up or down automatically, according to onsite demand. For instance, if a site requires a total peak output of 1500 kVA, it is possible to use three smaller 500 kVA generators together to achieve this output when the site is operating at full capacity. When the demand for power fluctuates and this reduces to lower than 500 kVA, two of the generators can power down when not required. This also means harmful emissions are reduced as well as noise pollution.

Greener technology

Aggreko’s range of hybrid packages models have a battery system paired with a generator, meaning fuel is only used when it’s needed most. During non-peak hours or at night, the generator turns off and the battery system provides 12 hours of power at 4 KW – ideal for welfare structures, lights and security systems. They are also fully automated and require minimal maintenance and can provide up to 75% in fuel savings as well lower emissions.

Aggreko also provides PV panels, which feature a single-axis tracking system to maximise energy production, while enabling a more stable and predictable yield curve. They can be mounted on frames and connected to cabin loads in the same connection in order to provide power to the cabins. They closely track the sun as it moves across the sky and this increases the amount of energy delivered by 10%-20% without exceeding the maximum PV power penetration, saving more fuel without compromising system stability. Aggreko solar power is part of a hybrid system offering and integrates seamlessly with thermal and battery storage solutions.