Assembling Of A Hybrid Generator

ABSTRACT

Diesel generator sets are often the mainstay for electrical power in remote areas in the developing world. But their associated costs have recently soared, which adds to concerns over CO₂ emissions in driving the search for alternative solutions. A hybrid power system incorporating rechargeable battery technology may hold the key.

 CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                        INTRODUCTION

Diesel-powered generator sets remain the main source of electrical power for many c onsumers throughout the world, especially in less developed areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and South America where grid supplies are generally unreliable and quite often non-existent.

The drawback is that in recent years the costs associated with diesel generation have increased substantially, with fuel prices up by 50 per cent in many locations.

In addition, for more remote sites, especially those operating in war zones or in humanitarian aid projects, the refuelling and periodic maintenance of the generators can be both hazardous and difficult to accomplish, resulting in direct and significant further increases in operating expenditure.

At the same time, environmental concerns are driving operators of diesel generator sites to consider how they might be able to reduce their CO₂ emissions.

Hybrid systems, as the name implies, combine two or more modes of electricity generation together, usually using renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines. Hybrid systems provide a high level of energy security through the mix of generation methods, and often will incorporate a storage system (battery, Fuel cell) or small fossil fueled generator to ensure maximum supply reliability and security.

Hybrid power generating systems incorporating a cycling rechargeable battery. Rather than using the diesel generator as the primary power source, the hybrid system relies on the battery as its primary source of power, with the genset providing the recharging current.

1.2                                             OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this work is to assemble a device that is powered by a combination of a wind turbine, PV solar panels and a 40 kW diesel generator that also charges the Li-ion battery pack. It is an important development in the emergency energy industry as it offers a solution that is less dependent on traditional fuels, particularly valuable in remote locations and during humanitarian missions where supplies may be limited.

1.3                                                 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Hybrid Genset guarantee savings in terms of fuel consumption, service intervals and running hours with consequently longer genset life and lower operating costs (opex). The Hybrid Power Unit is a complete OFF Grid power system, specifically designed for telecom sites, special events or remote ares. Operating as the main source or in back up mode it is able to work in even in harsh conditions. It is composed by a DC GenSet with a variable speed engine, deep cycle batteries and integrated hybrid logic which enables the management of all components and connections with other energy sources (Grid/PV Panels/Wind).

1.4                                         SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

Hybrid power generator is able to provide dependable power for remote off-grid installations while minimizing the run time of diesel generators. This approach can offer substantial benefits in terms of reduced fuel costs and lower CO₂ emissions as well as reduced maintenance and improved reliability.

1.5                                          ADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT

The main advantage of this hybrid system is:

1. a reduction in operating costs (OPEX) of 50 to 85 per cent
2. a reduction in carbon emissions of 48 to 80 per cent, depending on site load, compared with continuous generator operation.

• The gensets only need to run for a fraction of the time, reducing fuel consumption, emissions and maintenance requirements.

1. Savings in maintenance.
2. Silent system.
3. Connection to other power supplies (wind turbines, solar panels, etc.)

1.6                                          APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

Hybrid generator meets a range of off-grid power requirements from construction sites, telecoms, agriculture, mining, aid and more. Generators are specified to meet the peak load requirement of an application, yet off-grid sites often face significant changes in load requirement throughout the day, leading to inefficient running of the generator and excessive fuel use.

1.7                                              PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT

The only problem of this work is that the output of the generator is dependent on weather, when the weather is cloudy the output of the generator becomes low or unstable.