generator

Netherlands-based rental power firm Bredenoord says it will produce an extra 30 of its ESaver mobile hybrid generator systems and put them on the market through its rental programme.

The move comes after a successful test run of the systems in partnership with contractor Dura Vermeer, which piloted 10 of the ESavers.

The 15kVA, 3ph, 400V Esaver system comprises a battery pack that recharges via solar cells, in conjunction with a diesel generator. At peak power demand times or when the battery charge is low, the generator engine switches to full capacity. The system can be combined with power generators with varying capacities, Bredenoord said.

In late 2013 Bredenoord and Dura Vermeer completed a pilot project that used 10 400V ESaver systems in combination with a 15kVA generator for construction and infrastructure projects. The companies reported that initial estimates of 40% fuel savings had been exceeded and that 70% savings are possible under certain conditions.

"The online ESaverclient portal provides clients with continuous site monitoring of their fuel savings and emission reductions”, said Margien Storm van Leeuwen, new business and marketing manager at Bredenoord. “We analyse this data and thus, together with the client, we can ensure the best possible use in each specific situation. [This] results in considerable savings, and has been an important motivation in further expanding production”.

Bredenoord general manager Jaap Fluit said, “We are heading for a society in which we will be more careful in our use of natural resource and emission. In practice the ESaver proves perfectly well that trustworthiness, certainty and sustainability can be combined with optimal cost-effectiveness. In particular by making existing technologies more sustainable we create a win-win situation. Fuel-savings by means of using our current machinery."

Cummins has supplied two standalone generators to Sri Lanka’s Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to cover power outages at the growing airport.

The project contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, installed two 939kVA Cummins Power Generation C1000 D5 generator sets at the country's newest airport.

Noise reduction was an essential consideration because the generators had to be situated in the cargo unit within the airport. The generators were soundproofed to 70 decibels at one metre to manage the noise levels.

Cummins Power Generation has launched a website specifically focused on product and technical information to support the needs of its data centre customers.

In a statement, Cummins said the launch of http://cumminsdatapower.com reflected the need for information in one of the biggest growth segments in the world today – backup power for data centres.

Brent Ness, Global Data Centre Segment Leader for Cummins Power Generation, said: “We continually hear from data centre customers and from consulting engineers around the world that they want fast, easy access to information directly related to data centre product offerings,” said

“This website not only contains product information, it also includes technical bulletins, white papers and other information relevant to the application, operation and maintenance of the complete backup power system in data centres.” 

An energy efficient heating system offering efficiency savings of up to 20% could be key in the transition to low-carbon energy systems in Europe. This is according to a report commissioned by SSE (UK energy generators and distributors) and Dimplex (a global heating solutions firm).

The smart electric thermal storage (SETS) system works by storing up renewably produced energy when production is high but demand is low. The report indicated SETS could provide up to 54GW of additional flexible storage capacity across Europe by 2050, enabling renewable electricity to be stored when demand is low and used to heat homes when needed.

The system, first brought to the market by SEE and Dimplex in a product called Quantum, is intended to replace out-dated night storage heaters with something more efficient and with better room temperature control as well as being designed for smart grid integration.

The report found that if all 27 EU countries replaced storage heaters with SETS, savings of 7.4TWh of electricity and three mega-tons of CO₂ could be made each year. If used in all electrically heated homes as much as 148GW could be provided by 2050.

Stuart Mackenzie, Managing Director of Dimplex, added: “Quantum offers consumers with electric storage heaters the opportunity to reduce their running costs by up to 27%. It’s also a Green Deal approved measure, so the capital cost outlay can be substantially reduced.”

Chinese portable power company Powerocks has an ever growing range of mobile phone power boosting accessories. The high capacity portable batteries provide additional power for mobile and tablet devices that are compatible with USB ports.

The lithium-ion batteries can be charged form a mains power supply and then provide several re-charges for smart phones and tablet devices. The slim-line design of iPhones and the like mean the battery cannot be swapped with a spare, it must be recharged, resulting in companies coming up with novel ways to help users re-charge when travelling or away from mains charging.

The range includes the Stone series of portable batteries that offer between 5800mAh and 7800mAh capacity, which provide an additional three times power for devices; The Magicstick is the size of an AA cell and offers 2600mAH power on the go for phone devices. 

The ultimate in portable battery is built into the phone cover. The interestingly named Cheese Crystal is a protective case for the iPhone4 that has an 1800mAH lithium-ion battery incorporated in it to double potential battery life.

When charged, Powerocks range can power up to two devices, dependant on model, two or three times. The designs are complimentary to Apple style and show these chargers can be sleek and elegant but still pack a lot of power.