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Variable Speed Technology in Generators Variable speed technology is another trend that is impacting the electrical ecosystem. Variable speed generators (VSGs) are expected to play a growing role in reducing carbon emissions by improving the efficiency of power generation and enabling a wider adoption of renewable energy sources. VSGs can operate at optimal speeds regardless of the load demand, leading to significant fuel savings and reduced emissions compared to conventional fixed-speed generators. VSGs can effectively handle the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. They can quickly adjust their speed to match the fluctuating power output of these sources, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity. This technology is likely to evolve in certain key sectors including marine and mining where OEMs can benefit from integrating auxiliary power and propulsion, or traction systems using a more optimised set-up; saving fuel, space and cost. According to a MTU Solutions [11] , variable speed generator sets can offer up to 15% reduction in fuel consumption and up to 20% increase in overhaul time; leading to lower maintenance costs. This is critical for the marine industry where uptime is key. NEIL BROWN: VARIABLE SPEED GENERATORS (VSG) OFFER REDUCTION IN FUEL CONSUMPTION Operating at variable speed offers the ability to operate the engine at its most optimum for a given load condition. In other words, the engine operates at close to idle speed for light loads and maximum speed when load is high and by doing so minimises fuel consumption. For high power applications operating a wound field generator with either a passive or active rectifier provides both a practical and economical solution using existing tailored technology. For networks with multiple generating sets variable speed and fixed speed can be blended with the variable speed managing small power fluctuations efficiently while fixed speed is operating at optimum efficiency and switched in or out as required.
Cleaner fuels: A low-risk switch option The big advantage of developing the IC engine further is its capability to run on cleaner alternatives including HVO, biodiesel, natural gas and hydrogen. Engines have been designed to run on up to a 20% blend of biodiesel for over 7 years and this development is growing at a fast rate. [10] Switching from diesel to alternative fuels for power generation offers environmental, economic and social benefits. It is a viable and sustainable alternative that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while contributing to a more sustainable and secure energy future. HVO is sourced from the same feedstocks used in the production of biodiesel. When burned, HVO releases the carbon that had been captured earlier in the cycle by the organism. HVO’s well-to-work emissions are around 70% lower than diesel when considering all emissions linked to its processing, transportation and distribution. Newer technologies including liquified hydrogen are being developed and tested by several major engine manufacturers. Development of this technology is likely to offer a significant cost, performance and reliability advantage over alternatives in the world where uptime is a key operating factor. ALASTAIR MCQUEEN:THE LONG GOODBYE TO DIESEL Modern diesel engines are incredibly clean, and they’re getting cleaner all the time as each new emission legislation is delivered. Improved combustion, fuels, and particulate filters in the after treatment are key to reducing emissions. In certain instances, the air coming out of a modern diesel engine has a lower particulate count than the air going into it. [9] Nevertheless, in the long term to meet 2050 targets, there will be a gradual transition away from diesel and a shift toward natural gas and alternative fuels. Even today, diesel engines can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) without any modification, and many natural gas engines can easily run up to a 25% mix of hydrogen to help reduce emissions. Several engine manufacturers including Cummins are taking this further with alternative fuel, such as Hydrogen internal combustion engines with near zero/zero emissions.
POWERLINE Winter 2025 | 29
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