genset

Swedish engine maker Scania has launched a small range of gensets primarily aimed at prime power applications for the mining and construction industries.

Scania Gensets are available in two versions, open or  closed canopy, ranging from 50 Hz 250-600 kVA and 60 Hz 280-665 kVA and powered by Scania 9.3 litre/5 cylinder or 12.7 litre/6 cylinder diesel engines. Scania Gensets will add a third engine to the range, a 15.6 litre/V8 with a power capacity of 800 kVA at 1800 rpm in 60 Hz later this year.

Unveiling the new product line at Middle East Electricity in Dubai on 17 February, Scania said the gensets will be packaged by Northern Ireland’s AJ Power with alternators provided by Mecc Alte and Cummins (Stamford). Cautious about brand reputation, Scania said potential distributors will be required to meet strict ‘Market Prepared’ regulations.

Robert Sobocki, Senior Vice Preident of Scania Engines told Critical Power Online: “Many of our mining and construction industry engine customers told us that they wanted a complete solution, so this has been driven by market demand.

“We are targeting all regions with the exception of North and South America. We see particularly strong demand in Southeast Asia.” Sobocki added Scania had already supplied a number of complete genset packages to Myanmar.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has ordered Southern California Edison (SCE) to procure at least 50 MW of energy storage capacity as part of a plan to supply as much as 1,800 MW of electrical capacity in the area.

The requirement is the first of its kind for a utility in the state, according to Janice Lin, executive director of the California Energy Storage Alliance.

Under the CPUC's decision, energy storage resources must be considered "along with preferred resources" including energy efficiency, demand response and distributed generation, consistent with the clean energy resource procurement priorities embodied in California's Energy Action Plan.

Lin said: "This landmark decision represents a major breakthrough for energy storage market development in California and nationwide, and  provides a much needed market signal that energy storage will be considered as a key asset class to help California address its long term local reliability needs." 

Schneider Electric now offers energy management solutions that highlight IT devices and plug load energy use online allowing it to be visible and, thus, controllable. Called EnergySTEP@Work, the system uses Cisco EnergyWise Technology to reduce wasted energy from applications such as PCs, printers, IP phones, task lighting and wireless access points.

Energy usage becomes controllable with Schneider’s StruxureWare software applications, which can manage other systems in a building such as the lighting, heating and ventilation systems.

“Today’s workplace is changing and more employees are bringing in their own devices to the office to connect to the network. Schneider Electric’s EnergySTEP@Work offers customers the ability to monitor and control those smaller plug loads that, when added together, can account for upwards of 40% of a building’s energy consumption,” said Barry Coflan, Senior Vice President, Schneider Electric, Buildings Business Offer Management.

While these devices often go unnoticed, the new software makes them visible and monitors usage in relation to the building’s wider energy usage.

Spanish genset manufacturer Himoinsa has launched its 500kW power generator in a 10-foot container, named Power Cube, in Europe. 

Originally designed for and launched in the North American market, Himoinsa has adapted Power Cube for the European market. In a statement, the company said its size and shape is suitable for with projects with reduced space availability where 20 feet containers cannot be used.

The Power Cube has an electric fan which allows reduction of acoustic emissions and, therefore, the use of the unit in residential areas and events. It is often in these scenarios where high power is required, there is little space available, and low noise generation is required. In addition, self-sufficiency is ensured by rapid external fuel inlets.

The set is prepared to be synchronised and give extra power in ISO sizes of 20 feet for 1000 kW, 30 feet for 1500 kW, 40 feet for 2000 kW etc.

Crestchic has formed a partnership with Technical Solutions to supply loadbanks to the growing Russian market.

Technical Solutions will exclusively supply Crestchic AC Resistive and Reactive (inductive) loadbanks, as well as DC and MV loadbanks, containerised transformers and associated control equipment, systems and software. Paul Brickman, sales and marketing manager at Crestchic, explained: “We worked with the team on various pilot projects last year that were extremely successful – around a dozen machines have been ordered in the last six months, which is phenomenal.

“As the Russian market continues to expand in the oil and gas, shipbuilding and power generation sectors, and particularly as we see the growth of data centres, it is crucial that we meet demand via a local point of contact. Formalising our relationship means that we can offer viable solutions delivered through a permanent local team to our existing and potential customers in Russia.” 

Alexander Rodikov, general director at Technical Solutions, added: “We have seen a marked increase in demand for loadbanks in the Russian market since starting work with Crestchic in late 2011. Being named as an official partner in Russia will give us the freedom to capitalise on what is a very exciting period of growth in the market.”