Generator Sets in Renewable
INTRODUCTION
When designing a power generation system based on renewable energy, it’s necessary to consider the need to count on an efficient supplementary power source such as the one provided by a generator set.
A power generation system must not only be as clean and ecological as possible, it must also be reliable, robust, efficient, effective and capable of safe operation, for both people and equipment alike. All of this makes owning a generator set, whether for permanent or backup operation, essential.
It’s necessary to consider the need to count on an efficient supplementary power source.
WHY ARE GENERATOR SETS NECESSARY IN THIS KIND OF APPLICATIONS?
Generator sets are crucial in a renewable power installation, and the two main reasons why are the following:
1- The nature of renewable power generation systems
Due to the “arbitrary” nature of renewable energy sources, they’re only available at certain times and in particular quantities. That is, they can’t be considered a continuous, on demand power source. Power generation systems based on renewables usually use an electronic power converter as an interface between the power source system (solar, wind, tidal…).
Generally, when these units are designed, the interface systems are created to connect to an already existing “master” network. Renewable systems inject power upon the reference voltage and frequency of a “master” network but, if a breakdown causes this network to fail, these systems stop operating, they’re not capable of managing the network as masters, and their power availability doesn’t allow this either.
When the renewable power generation system is located in an isolated or weak electrical network, the use of generator sets becomes vital in order to guarantee a stable and reliable power supply. That is because the generator set is capable of generating a “master” electrical network, defining the network’s voltage and current.
If renewable power is available, the generator set reduces the power injected, reducing its consumption. If ever the renewable sources aren’t available, the genset will also supply more power until it has completely covered the supply requirements.
For this kind of applications, usually in order to guarantee supply, it’s necessary to use more than one generator set, operating in parallel or independently. At the same time, maintenance works can be carried out on one of the generator sets while the others remain available.
If more power efficiency is desired, it’s recommended to turn to generator sets with thermal utilization. These generator sets are part of a cogeneration system where the heat produced (mainly from the exhaust gas outlet) is taken advantage of. In this sense, there are even regeneration systems in which, as well as heat, cold is also achieved for the advantage of the installation in parallel to the renewable power sources, with the generator set as the heart of reliability and sturdiness of the system.
2- Need for a backup system
Like many systems or installations, renewable power generation systems, if ever the mains stops working, must stop safely and protect people as well as themselves if necessary.
When the mains supply fails, the generation system – whether that be a wind turbine, solar panels or another system – stops working. Even though they have solar or wind power, they can’t process it if there isn’t an electrical network. In this case, no matter the existing problems in the network, a wind turbine has to be able to stop in a safe manner and, in the event of adverse climate conditions, it must know how to protect itself. For example, when high winds arise, a wind turbine must be able to face the wind and place its blades aerodynamically. This way, there’s a low resistance against the wind, the rotor doesn’t spin and the machine won’t be damaged.
Something similar can happen in the case of solar panels. With high winds or heavy snowfall, they adopt positions whose only objective is to be able to protect themselves against potential damage. That is, the solar trackers have to be able to move even without sunlight or if there is a mains failure.
In essence, when a mains failure occurs, the renewable power generator systems may not work autonomously or may not have renewable power available. In these cases, a generator set will always be necessary in order to ensure the supervision and safety of the installation.
WHAT MUST GENERATOR SETS OFFER?
In renewable power projects, generator sets not only have to respond to the power needs of the installation they’re providing their service to, but their ecological footprint should also be as limited as possible.
It’s important that the genset be highly efficient, and it will meet the objective for which it was created much better if it uses “bio” fuels, which involve the reuse of waste, which in turn contributes to the decrease of environmental impact at a global level.
A fundamental feature of these generator sets is that during their whole life, from design to their disposal at the end of their life cycle, they must remain as ecological as possible.
Design, production, tests, transport, commissioning, operation, removal and disposal. Each one of these stages must keep the environmental aspect in mind.
GENERATOR SET CHARACTERISTICS
The genetor set in renewable power projects must feature a series of characteristics which makes it unique. These characteristics are as follows:
Guarantee the power supply necessary for the installation. Whether it be as a backup for the safety of the installation, or part of a permanent generation system, the generator set system must be reliable and robust.
Depending on the power rating to be installed and the type of installation, one or various generator sets can be installed.
The type of fuel which tends to be used most is “Diesel”. In this case, a garantee of fuel supply has to be provided, as fuel supply can potentially be complicated, especially in remote areas.
It’s vitally important that maintenance tasks are carried out correctly in order to guarantee correct operation.
Autonomy. The gensets for permanent use must be capable of supplying electric power for prolonged periods of time, and even feature the possibility of receiving fuel safely during their operation.
They can have a base frame fuel tank or be fed via an external tank.
Automatic control and starting system. Finally, the control and starting system is automatic. A generator set system of this kind must be able to operate online and offline and quickly regulate load dynamically.
The management of the mains power is going to be this control system’s responsibility, especially when the generator set is used as master of the network.
In essence, in order to design a renewable power installation including generator sets, it’s essential to keep in mind all of these characteristics, to which Genesal Energy can also add value: its great experience.
Its team of engineers and technicians studies each case individually before carrying out a complex development completely adapted to the needs of each installation, because for Genesal Energy, no two are the same.
FUEL FOR GENERATOR SETS
When searching for generator sets with a low ecological footprint, the clear fuel options are gas and biofuels (biogas, biodiesel and biomass).
This, especially for generator sets which work within an electrical network whether it be isolated or weak, is a great option as the impact on the environment is greatly reduced. Even so, it’s important to still pay attention to CO2 performance and emissions.
On the other hand, when a generator set is used as a backup or emergency genset, the use of a diesel generator set may be required. At present, there are engines with very high performance and low emissions.
The clear fuel options are gas and biofuels
GENESAL ENERGY CAN HELP YOU
Being able to rely on the advice of a specialized, experienced company, which understands your particular needs in order to quote the best solution, is essential in not getting the choice wrong. Genesal Energy will analyze your case, study all possibilities and design the most optimal and efficient solution for you.
A team of highly qualified engineers and technicians studies the requirements of the installation in detail before developing a generator set. At Genesal Energy, the gensets are manufactured, installed and comissioned in continuous contact with the client, and this contact is kept afterwards thanks to our Technical Assistance Service (SAT) team. Always with maximum quality – Genesal Energy’s ultra quality which guarantees top quality, reliability and service.
Genesal Energy is always ready to provide the most efficient solution. A bespoke generator set adapted to each client. You can find us at consultas@genesal.com.
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