Bridging the Gap - Efficiency & Portable Power
- R. S.
Re-thinking the Portable Power Model
How a Solar Stik™ System bridges the gap between Traditional Portable Power Sources, Independent Energy Technologies, & Application
Portable Power Generators, “Micro-Grids”, and Efficiency
When operating equipment using portable power generators, systems function along a continuum of Efficiency, from very low to very high, depending on how they are configured.
A typical portable power model can be characterized as a “closed circuit” or “micro-grid”. It is defined as a small power system that typically includes self-contained generation, transmission, distribution, sensors, energy storage, and power management devices. It may be integrated with other power systems, but can operate independently from them when necessary.
Equipment consuming electricity in a closed circuit often does so dynamically. That is, they consume power at varying rates, depending on their state of operation. Communication devices, medical equipment, lighting, and refrigerators are just a few of examples of equipment that operate in this fashion.
When a portable fuel-driven power generator (gas or diesel) is the primary source of power in a closed circuit, it must operate continuously in order to provide any electricity, even if the load requirements of connected equipment are minimal or intermittent. This results in very low efficiency of energy transfer (energy is wasted in the production of power for consumption by an appliance).
When the primary source of power in a closed circuit is a battery (stored power), then power is transferred to the appliance loads as they require it. Using a battery as the main power source results in a high level of circuit efficiency because power is only transferred in & out of the batteries as necessary to keep the appliance loads operating.
In a true micro-grid, multiple sources of power generation can be used simultaneously to provide equipment with uninterrupted power. The key to successful integration of multiple power sources is proper power management, and the installation of a primary battery bank through which all power is channeled.
In a properly balanced, “high-efficiency” micro-grid, ALL generation devices should be focused on one role – supporting the battery.
Options in Alternative Power Generation
Portable solar & wind generators can be used to provide AS MUCH AUTONOMY AS IS POSSIBLE, GIVEN THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY ARE USED. Simply put, if there is daylight and wind, then both can harness “free” electricity and store this power in batteries.
Solar & wind power generators do not have high fuel & maintenance expenses. They also do not have noise, fumes, and toxic chemicals associated with fuel-driven power generators.
With any portable power configuration, there are limitations that often prohibit full dependency on sole power sources like solar & wind. For example, renewable energy power generators that rely on solar or wind generation may not keep up with maximum power demands due to environmental conditions.
Options in Fuel Driven Power Generation
Today, there are many “alternative fuel” options. Ready fuel technologies currently include Fuel-Cells, Bio-Fuels, and additives like Ethanol mixed into our traditional petroleum-based fuel supply. The fact remains, however, that fuel-driven power generators still require fuel to operate, which may or may not be available.
The “Cost of Fuel” in the Portable Power Market
In the portable power generator market, using alternative fuels in place of traditional fuels will have little significant benefit or impact on the cost of operation. The real cost of using fuel is in the logistics of supporting fuel-based portable power generation, and using alternative fuels does not reduce these costs. In some cases (depending on the alternative fuel technology that is employed), it may actually increase the cost.
For example, many portable power technologies such as fuel cells require re-fueling just as a traditional gas-generator does, and therefore the cost of supplying fuel to the generator is not reduced, but merely shifted from one technology to the other. The cost of any fuel cannot be counted in mere “dollars per gallon”. The logistics of supplying the fuel, storing the fuel, and maintaining the equipment that uses the fuel all must be considered to get a clear picture of the actual cost of using a portable fuel-driven generator.
Additionally, the cost of existing alternative fuels are often much higher than petroleum-based fuel for traditional power generators, potentially increasing the overall cost of generating power in a mobile environment.
With current technologies available in the marketplace, it is not reasonable to expect that our energy dependence on fossil-based fuels can be completely replaced with alternative fuel solutions. Even at today’s high fuel costs, there are currently many markets where alternative energies are not able to compete with petroleum-based fuels simply based on performance.
The Logical Solution - a Hybrid System or Micro-Grid
Use of a battery-based Hybrid system comprised of renewable technologies such as solar & wind, and traditional fuel generators provides the operator with maximum autonomy and flexibility (based on the environmental conditions) and ensures that traditional fuel-driven generators are used only as necessary, mitigating their operation.
In this model, the renewable power generators become the primary power generators, and the fuel-driven generators become the secondary source, and all power generation is devoted to supporting the battery.
A Hybrid power generator configuration mitigates the risk of dependency on only one power source, while simultaneously increasing operating efficiency dramatically.
Additionally, the “open architecture” of a Hybrid configuration allows for the addition of other power generating sources (like water generators or simply additional solar panels) into the circuit as needed.
Focus on the Battery - Using an “Open Architecture” Design
When a battery is used to supply power through a micro-grid, the operator has the option to choose between multiple power generation sources instead of simply one to support the battery. The choice in power generation options can be made based on several factors:
High-sunlight environments (desert & ocean)
High-wind environments (mountain-tops & plains)
High water currents (streams & rivers)
Grid AC power (intermittent or working)
Proximity to fuel re-supply sources (fuel depots & supply lines)
For example:
1. If a Forward Operating Base (FOB) is located in Djibouti, than the operator may have access to significant sunlight on a daily basis, so the logical choice would then be as much solar power as possible with a secondary source such as a diesel generator to ensure continued operation.
2. If an Communications Technician is working at a site located on top of a mountain, then a Solar Stik™ Breeze would be a proper mission asset so that both solar & wind power could be harnessed.
3. If a provincial reconstruction team is deployed into a remote region where there is a source of flowing water, then water power generation should be used.
A properly designed micro-grid should allow power generating equipment to be added, swapped, or removed as necessary.
Summary
For many applications where portable power generators are necessary, a Solar Stik™ System can either replace or lessen the absolute dependence on “fuels”, whether it is bio-fuel, gasoline, or fuel cells. It provides viable independent power sources in portable packages, and alleviates the high costs associated with supplying fuel in markets where portable power generation is necessary. The system can often pay for itself in a very short period of time.
The Solar Stik™ System provides:
- Focus on employing as many independent power sources as is possible - ideal for operation where the logistics of fuel may be prohibitive for constant operation of fuel-driven generators.
- Devices such as PRO-Verters™, providing power management and enhanced overall system capabilities.
- Highly Portable Packages - All system components are D.O.T. approved for land, sea, & air transport.
- Scaleable Systems- The System is easily expanded to meet larger power requirements.
- Engineering and design to withstand any environment for up to 25 years - There is no “planned obsolescence” built into the Solar Stik™ System and it is nearly maintenance-free.
The need is greater than ever for a System that incorporates independent & renewable power sources into the portable power markets. In many cases, employing the Solar Stik™ System can also notably reduce dependence on fuel. A simple reduction in the amount of logistics required to support a fuel driven generator can have a significant impact.
To compare the Solar Stik™ to other Solar Generators, please visit our Links & Resources Page.
