What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

Published on: 02 December 2019 Last Updated on: 22 February 2020

One fact of industrial production is that without power, nothing gets done. Machinery doesn’t move, computers don’t work and orders aren’t processed and workers are idle. So it is obvious that a reliable, constant source of power is available to industry at all times. When it comes to deciding how that gets done, each company needs to start by asking what are their specific power requirements and how permanent it needs to be and what are the solutions available to meet those needs, usually by employing a specialized power company, such as APR Energy Power Solutions.

While many permanent industrial facilities in America can count on public power grid infrastructure available in populated areas, more remote areas need to look at self-generating solutions to provide them with the energy they need to operate. So, assuming public power isn’t available, the first question that needs to be asked is how permanent is the operation going to be.

An industrial facility electric requirement can be categorized as:

1. Temporary (or interim) and emergency power

Shorter-term projects can be done remotely and require a mobile solution to be in place to get the job done. Except for the emergency power situation (which would occur immediately to handle the power needs for the duration of the incident), interim power usually takes from 30 to 90 days to design and setup. This solution can be in place and used for a couple of months to many years into the future.

This could include providing emergency power, temporary bridging power when a power plant is being repaired or a new one is being constructed, distributed electrical generation, etc. It can also operate at many different levels of generating support. Whether it only provides power during peak demand, as just standby power source, or being solely for the base-load prime supplier of power for the facility, suppliers of these systems can give that added flexibility to the total needs of their customers.

Depending on the size of the operation, the equipment supplier can employ:

Diesel, natural gas, or turbine generators and fuel tanks if required.
UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) Systems. With UPS Batteries and Battery Cabinets
Power Distribution Units
Cooling units
Automatic Transfer Switches
Load Banks

2. Long-term power

Generally, when permanent power plant facilities are being built, a longer-term temporary generating solution needs to be employed. This usually takes many years for a plant to be built, so the long term temporary design has to do the job that the permanent plant will do.

This longer-term solution requires more specific planning to meet the demands of a larger operating facility. However, more permanence means that lower-cost sources of fuel can be added into the program such as natural gas, liquid natural gas, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol, kerosene, and naphtha. this is usually accomplished by using a turbine generator. These not only offer fuel flexibility but can run more efficiently and with a smaller carbon footprint.

Usually, these facilities are supplied by the power company vendor and the equipment ownership is retained by that company. This means that the generating system can remain for many years, but will remain a straight business expense and not a capital investment to the company, simplifying the accounting process considerably.

3. Permanent Industrial power

Permanent generating installations are required by many industries when they aren’t planned to remove the equipment. Industries such as utilities, heavy industry, EPC companies, mining, oil and gas operations, and military organizations require ongoing power generation.

As with the long-term solution, this more permanent industrial placement can take advantage of the latest and most efficient power equipment and control room technologies. The use of direct fuel pipelines to power the generators can be built for permanent reliability as well. But still, have the flexibility of using alternative fuels if necessary.

So industrial organizations have many questions to answer before deciding how they will be supplied with ongoing power to run their business. Working with the power companies that are experts in this area is the best place to start. Careful planning and research at this point are critical for its future operational success.

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7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought. Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues. The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator: Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you. 1. Power Requirements: Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs? When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information. If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you. On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated. In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate. For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system. 2. Fuel Type: While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you. Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element. Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city 3. Installation: Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source. However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work. However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems. 4. Placement: Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible. The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically. Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding. Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements. Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation. Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism. Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors. Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure. 5. Options: Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units. 6. Maintenance: Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn't thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage. Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty. 7. Warranty: The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee. Read Also: Advantages Of Using A Portable Solar Generator How To Maintain Your Garden Railings? Winter Is Going! A Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist To Get You Ready For Spring Featured Image: generatorpalace.com

Follow These Simple Steps to Compare Electricity Rates Online

You may ask – “Why to bother comparing electricity rates?” Well, the majority of power supply companies in Australia are known for price differentiation. They have different prices for different customers. The rates also change with location. There are many reasons for such situations including: Electricity demand Cost of fuel Maintenance and operating cost of power companies Government regulations, etc. Hence, it is vital to compare the rates before you opt for one company. However, if you have not done so before, there is a high chance you are already paying high prices. Well, worry not as various websites have got you covered! Those dedicated websites can help you compare the electricity rates and plans of various companies across the continent and avail the best deal on offer. How to compare? The process to compare electricity pricing plans differs from websites. However, there are a few simple steps that are generally applicable. Note that, you can also compare gas plans as well. The steps include: Select the type of energy you are looking for: electricity, gas, or both. Enter your postcode. Select the type of property you own – house or business. If house, you may have to provide the number of residents. For example, 1 person, 2 to 3 people, 4 to 5 people, or more than 5 people. Provide some other information. Like, whether you have a smart meter, solar panels, etc. Select the electricity distributor in your area. Select the electricity provider in your area. Enter your recent electricity bill. You can skip this step though. In case you want to provide, you will have to input additional information like peak/off-peak rates, controlled load, etc. After you have entered all the information, hit the respective button to proceed. In the next page, you will get to compare electricity rates and plans of various power companies in your area. What to look for? Look for the following when you compare electricity plans: 1. Late payment fee: The charge you incur if you fail to pay the bill within the due date. 2. Payment processing fee: Some companies charge you a processing fee for each payment. They can also charge you an additional amount for payments made using a credit card. 3. Paper billing fee: You have to pay a fee for having a hard copy of your bill delivered to your home. 4. Tariff charge type: Electricity suppliers have either of the following: Single tariff – Fixed charges up to a particular limit (kWh). Charges increase after crossing this limit. Time of use tariff – Charges differ with time. Companies may have different charges for weekdays and weekends. Weekends may not have off-peak charges, unlike that of weekdays’. 5. Solar feed-in: If you have solar panels installed, you can get subsidies on your bills. Although low, solar feed-in charges can help you save some. 6. Green power: The amount of green power that you can opt for differs with companies. Generally, it ranges from 25 to 100%. So, easily compare electricity rates from these websites, and you might be able to save a considerable amount on your next bill. Read Also: How To Save More Money? Portable Generators: 5 Ways To Keep Them Clean And Running

Why Do Some Solar Power Systems Include A Battery?

When you go to purchase a solar power system, you will find a variety of options. Some will include a battery. Others will not. The battery can either be a battery that stores the energy of the sun, one that stores the power of the wind, or a combination of the two. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that provides more storage capacity without taking up more space than lead-acid batteries. These types of batteries are useful for off-grid power stations. They have high charging and discharging efficiencies and long service life. However, lithium batteries do have their limitations. These include the potential to catch fire. Furthermore, the battery's lifespan depends on how deep it is charged. This is known as the Depth of Discharge or DoD. Most lithium solar batteries have a DoD of about 95%. While this means that the battery can be safely used for more than ninety percent of its total capacity, it also means that the battery will need to be recharged every so often. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Depending on how many batteries you want to purchase, it can cost from $5,000 to $15,000. To make up for the higher cost, there are federal tax credits available. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifetime. Lead-acid batteries have a short lifespan, usually around five years. On the other hand, lithium batteries can last for twenty years or more. A properly installed lithium ion solar battery will have a very low risk of thermal runaway. The round-trip efficiency is another characteristic of a lithium-ion battery. It is the difference between how much energy is used to charge the battery and how much is left when the battery is fully charged. Generally, lithium batteries have a round-trip efficiency of between 90 and 95 percent. Some lithium solar batteries require three stages of charging. The first stage charges the battery until it is about 90 percent full. This is done by using a voltage regulator charge controller. At this point, the battery begins to drain the amperage. The second stage of charging is where the battery is charged for a short period of time until the amperage is nearly full. If you use a store charger, this will increase the discharge rate. Because of the sensitivity of the battery to temperature, it is advisable to choose a battery that is designed for cold or warm weather conditions. Lithium-ion batteries are generally more forgiving than lead-acid batteries. However, they may still need to be replaced in the future. Therefore, it is important to look for a company that has an excellent track record of customer satisfaction. Another important consideration is the warranty. Ideally, you should be able to buy the battery with a warranty that guarantees the specific capacity of the battery. The warranty should also state how many cycles and years of good performance it can provide. Choosing the right battery for your solar panel system is dependent on many factors. You will need to consider the frequency of discharging, the amount of available space, and the installation method. DC Coupling DC coupling in solar power systems is the process by which electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is routed directly into the batteries of an energy storage system. This can help reduce the overall Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and provide increased energy independence. In addition, it eliminates the need for a second inverter or additional controls. One of the main benefits of using a DC-coupled system is that it is more efficient. With an AC-coupled system, each DC output of a PV module must be converted to AC, resulting in efficiency losses. When the dc output of the PV modules is directly tied to the battery of an Energy Storage System, it is possible to maximize the amount of solar-generated electricity fed into the grid. While an AC-coupled system can be a viable option for some applications, a DC-coupled system is preferred for most projects. The reason is simple. These systems are easier to install and operate. They are also slightly more efficient than their AC counterparts. For this reason, they are considered the best choice for new solar+ storage installations. There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding between an AC and DC-coupled solar system. The specifics of a particular project will play a big role in this decision. However, one important factor is interconnection costs. Using the same inverter to charge and discharge your battery system can decrease the cost of the installation. Also, co-locating your assets will reduce the cost of land acquisition and permit applications. Another benefit of adding a battery bank to your PV system is that it can allow you to take advantage of tax credits. As a result, you can end up with a completely self-sufficient home. You will be able to store excess energy for use during periods of inclement weather or in the evening when the solar panels are no longer producing. DC coupling is a promising development in the field of energy storage. It is a newer system architecture that can increase the efficiency of an Energy Storage System. Unlike the AC counterpart, a DC-coupled system has direct current wiring. This allows for faster, simpler installation. Furthermore, the systems can be expanded. Inverters used in DC-coupled systems are usually smaller than those used in AC-coupled systems. Because of this, DC-coupled systems may be more suitable for residential or small commercial applications. Those that are more than 6kW will require multiple strings of solar panels. If you need more than a few kilowatts of energy, you will need to invest in MPPT solar charge controllers. As more utilities and solar developers begin to develop DC-coupled solar+storage solutions, the industry is expected to become more mainstream. The technology has the potential to lower the cost of implementing solar+ storage projects and will make the energy storage market more competitive. Hybrid Systems Hybrid solar power systems offer a number of benefits over traditional solar systems. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to store energy in your own home. This is especially beneficial when the weather is cloudy or when the sun isn't shining. Hybrid power systems can work alone, but they also work when connected to the grid. They allow you to store extra electricity in your battery and then return it to the grid at peak hours for high-value credits. The most efficient hybrid system will use a basic inverter that controls the flow of power into the battery. Another major benefit of a hybrid system is its capability to store and provide power in case of an outage. While a traditional grid system does not have the battery backup capacity to keep your lights and appliances running during a power outage, a hybrid power system can do just that. There are a number of components that go into making a hybrid system. These include batteries, an inverter, a combiner box, and a solar panel. Each of these items can be used to improve the efficiency of your system, which translates into lower costs and a longer lifespan. A hybrid solar system is especially appealing to consumers in areas that are prone to losing power for long periods of time. These systems can be a great way to cut down on your energy costs and help protect your house from future rate hikes. Also, a hybrid power system can be more environmentally friendly than a system fueled by fossil fuels. Most hybrid systems will use lithium-ion batteries as the main source of energy. Lithium-ion batteries are capable of holding more energy and have more capacities than lead-acid or other types of batteries. While a hybrid system may be a bit more expensive than a purely on-grid system, it is still much cheaper than an off-grid system. In addition, some utilities do not have retail rates for solar electricity. Even with a small solar array, you can save up to two-thirds of your electric bill. Another big advantage of a hybrid system is the fact that you will get credit for the amount of electricity you produce. Some utilities have net metering policies, which allow you to buy back excess energy from the grid for a higher rate than you pay for the actual electricity. Depending on your area, you may be eligible for a federal rebate. For example, the Federal Investment Tax Credit is available through 2022, which will allow you to reduce the cost of your solar power installation by up to 30%. Moreover, in 2022 or 2023, the federal tax credit for solar power projects will be extended, which will further decrease the price of a hybrid system. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path? – A Detailed Guide Best Paying Jobs In Energy Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

An industrial facility electric requirement can be categorized as:

1. Temporary (or interim) and emergency power

2. Long-term power

3. Permanent Industrial power

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

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What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

An industrial facility electric requirement can be categorized as:

1. Temporary (or interim) and emergency power

2. Long-term power

3. Permanent Industrial power

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Popular

Follow Us

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