Hybrid Power Generators for Industrial Use: Do They Measure Up?
Hybrid power generators are becoming increasingly common in Australia, especially in industries like construction, and telecommunications. These generators integrate both traditional and renewable energy sources, combining elements like diesel fuel, lithium batteries and solar panels. Hybrid generators have a number of proven benefits: they’re quieter, produce fewer C02 emissions and provide an uninterrupted power supply no matter the conditions.
Hybrid generators also address the sometimes sporadic nature of grid stability. Mixing renewable energy with traditional power storage makes it easier to manage fluctuations in power supply.
You may have heard of industrial generators, those heavy-duty generators built to withstand the toughest conditions. Industrial generators generally produce and are built for environments like chemical plants, mines, factories and agricultural sites, as well as remote and off-grid applications.
Can a hybrid energy generator meet the same tough conditions? Can you have the best of both worlds: the strength of generators for industrial use with the benefits for you and the planet? Find out in this Total Generators guide to hybrid power generators.
How Do Hybrid Power Generators Work?
Carbon dioxide (C02) is a gas that’s a widely known contributor to climate change, and many business owners are rightfully worried about how much C02 their own companies produce. One of the main benefits of a hybrid power generator is how much less C02 it produces due to being charged by renewable energy sources.
Generators don’t create electricity out of thin air. Instead, they use an engine, an alternator and a fuel source to convert mechanical energy into electrical power. There are five primary parts to a generator: an internal combustion engine, starter, alternator, outlets and a fuel tank.
Hybrid power generators combine renewable power sources like solar or wind with conventional ones like diesel and gas. The hybrid generator’s built-in control system decides the best time to use each fuel supply. For example, when the sun shines, the generator uses its solar rays as the fuel source and stores the excess in the batteries for later. Once the sun goes down or the sky clouds over and this renewable resource isn’t producing enough energy, the conventional fuel-powered source kicks in. This is why a hybrid energy generator is so effective at providing an ongoing, uninterrupted power source in rural, outback and other off-grid locations.
Many hybrid generators also include a battery bank with batteries that the sun charges when it’s generating power. These batteries provide an additional source of stored energy so you can continue using your generator regardless of external conditions.
Are Hybrid Power Generators Powerful Enough For Industrial Use?
Hybrid power generators clearly have many benefits, but are they powerful enough for heavy-duty industrial applications? It probably won’t come as a surprise that the answer is yes, as long as you choose the right one to hire.
There are a few different factors to consider when looking to hire a hybrid generator, including:
Sizing
Like all generators, hybrid power generators are available in a range of sizes. When you’re selecting the right generator for your operations, the number of kilo-volt amperes (KVA) is a more pressing issue than the fuel source for determining whether it will cover all your power needs. It takes a high-KVA generator to deal with heavy industrial tasks. If you need help choosing the right-sized generator for your requirements, Total Generators has a power calculator.
Power supply
Industrial applications typically require uninterrupted power. Fortunately, with their combination of fuel sources, hybrid generators are typically equipped to rise to the occasion and provide it.
Operational costs
In the outback or another area with a patchy connection to the main grid, hybrid generators can save the company money by reducing the need to supply more fuel constantly.
Energy management systems
The sophisticated energy management systems on hybrid generators make for seamless switching between fuel sources.
How Hybrid Power Generators Compare To Other Options
When you’re comparing hybrid power generators to other kinds of generators for industrial use, there are several criteria to consider. These include efficiency, reliability, maintenance, operational costs and impact on the environment.
Diesel generators
Diesel generators are renowned for their reliability, which is why they’re so widely used in industrial applications that require a lot of power. However, these generators rely only on fuel, and the costs of that can add up. With sufficient battery storage, hybrid generators can match diesel generators in terms of reliability while being more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly.
Natural gas generators
Natural gas generators use fuels like propane rather than traditional choices like petrol and diesel. Although they’re greener and more fuel-efficient than traditional types of generators, they still need fossil fuels to work. Hybrid generators are more environmentally friendly than natural gas generators, and with battery storage they can match the reliability of them too.
Wind-or-solar only generators
Generators that rely solely on renewable energy are affordable to run and can’t be beaten in a positive impact on the environment. Yet problems arise when the amount of sunshine or wind isn’t sufficient, and you still need to power your operation. Hybrid power generators come with a backup source of power that makes them much more reliable options.
Battery-powered systems
Some generators run on battery backup alone. While these units are fine for a short-term supply of power, they don’t generate electricity on their own and still need to be charged from an external source. Hybrid generators are a more effective option for uninterrupted power supply and long-term reliability. Their ability to draw power from both fuel and renewable sources makes them safer choices when you can’t afford to lose power for a significant length of time.
Hire Hybrid Renewable Energy Generators at Total Generators
Total Generators provides hybrid power generators for hire that are equipped to handle the most rigorous of industrial operations. No matter where your project is located or how massive the requirements are, we have the power solutions for your needs.
Our hybrid renewable energy generators for hire come with the latest solar, battery, inverter and generation technology for a continuous stream of power that can be deployed Australia-wide. Our hybrid system is made up of a modular transportable container and towable trailer-mounted units for easy moving.
Total Generators is a safety-minded, customer-focused business with the goal to be recognised as Australia’s foremost provider of power solutions. With over 25 years of experience powering Australian industries, we’re the supplier of choice for a number of construction sites, utility providers, remote mining camps and other commercial enterprises across the nation.
Total Generators has a suite of renewable energy generation and storage systems Our equipment compliance standards have been developed in conjunction with our Global Client Partners to exceed the Australian Electrical Standard. From our generator rental offices in Queensland’s Brisbane, Cloncurry and Moranbah as well as Katherine in the Northern Territory, we provide the best people, products and services in the generator industry.
Have a project in mind and could use our advice on which generators for industrial use would be best for you? Contact the Total Generators team to assess your power supply needs and get a free quote.
