For years, in the world of temporary power, diesel generators have been a dominating solution providing power to locations where electricity grid has not been available and power has only been required for a limited time. Although being able to provide power around the clock, those generators, in most cases, suffered from low utilisation factor leading to poor fuel efficiency, high emissions, and faster engine wear due to the low load factor. This introduces substantial challenges in meeting sustainability goals, environmental regulations and results in high maintenance costs for end users and fleet owners.
Recently observed trend in battery systems cost reduction and technology market acceptance, especially those based on lithium-ion chemistry, encouraged manufactures of the equipment and power providers to bring to the market hybrid solution in which diesel generator is assisted by battery energy storage system (BESS). Hybrid systems can offer many benefits i.e. higher generator utilisation, reduction in generator run time, generator downsizing leading directly to improvements in fuel economy, emissions and equipment service cost reduction.
For the above reasons hybridization of diesel generators is the way to move forward. However, due to an increase in system complexity, more holistic approach is required when selecting and sizing hybrid system for the specific use case. Plant rental companies and end users do not necessarily have deep enough understanding of BESS technical complexity which can result in hybrid systems often underperforming, making this solution questionable by some.
As pioneers and experts in BESS technology for generator hybridization, Omni Grid Energy recognizes challenges which plant rental companies and end users face and offers modeling tools to be able to select the right generator and BESS in order to achieve the optimal system performance.
In–House design and manufacturing of the OmniQube gives us an ability to estimate hybrid system performance based on OGE solution. Our modeling tools allow us to map and characterize; generator fuel consumption, level of engine CO2 emissions, generator load factor and run time with satisfied level of accuracy. All this can be done for existing or predefined load profiles, generator ratings and BESS configurations.
Moreover, our comprehensive system models, based on real data, can calculate predicted battery cycle life to allow fleet owners operate their assets in most economical way and deliver best performance of hybrid systems. We strongly believe OGE innovative capabilities and full control over product development can deliver all the benefits of diesel generators hybridization by significantly improving the way the power is generated and consumed, in the most environmentally friendly and economically valuably way.