North Island electricity distributor Powerco is rolling out stand-alone power systems (SAPS), which include a Cat generator set, to keep its communities powered up during some outages. Supplied by Base Power , the SAPS units are powered by batteries, along with a backup Cat diesel generator, for when the battery is low. Powerco is using two different solutions from Base Power to assist with community energy resilience. The first is a trailer-mounted mobile hybrid SAPS. Wrapped in specially designed artworks by artist Sarah Kolver, four have been deployed so far. The company purchased these SAPS to help lower its emissions and reduce diesel use during some customer outages, Powerco General Manager Electricity Karen Frew says. “When a fault occurs on our network, if power can’t be restored within a specific timeframe and other practical outage mitigation options, such as network back feeds, are not available, we consider using a diesel generator as an interim power supply. Depending on the fault, diesel generators may need to be connected for a number of days, until repairs are completed.” “Generator-hybrid solutions like these units ensure an efficient, quiet, and sustainable power supply by optimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions. Onsite, when the battery has been fully used, the generator kicks in and recharges the battery. Back at the depot, the batteries are recharged before the next deployment by using the grid. Using them means we can substantially lower our emissions overall,” Karen Frew says. The Base Power mobile hybrid SAPS system combines a 60kWh battery unit with a Cat DE22E3 genset. The 20kVA three-phase capacity of the units is suitable for residential houses and small commercial customers. Using the 60kWh battery units alongside the generator may reduce up to 80% of diesel used during a typical outage.
Powerco is also installing the hybrid SAPS at targeted community buildings to create what it calls ‘PowerHubs’, which can be used during emergencies, or frequent or long power outages. These PowerHubs use a combination of solar energy and Cat DE65E0 gensets to charge a battery bank. The stored energy then powers the building via an automatic changeover switch if there’s an outage. The unit is housed in a 10ft container that is mounted on ground screws and hardwired to the building it’s adjacent to. By connecting these new backup power systems to community buildings, PowerHubs can provide essential services such as heating, cooking, hot water, lighting and charging capability for people during emergencies. “SAPS units are an integral part of Powerco’s strategy to provide reliable and sustainable power solutions, especially in remote areas or during emergencies,” says Karen Frew. Terra Cat Power Systems general manager, Greg McCarthy, says Cat generators provide a reliable power source and ensure communities can remain resilient during emergencies. “Natural events and emergencies are a common occurrence in New Zealand,” says Mr McCarthy. “Cat gensets provide people with peace of mind that they continue to stay connected to the grid during adverse events. We’re proud to be involved in these resilience-building initiatives.” Initially, PowerHubs are planned for Whanganui River, Coromandel and Tararua over the next couple of years.
For more information on Cat’s range of power systems and generators, click here. For more information about Base Power, click here.
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