Energy Power Systems

For many years, diesel generators have been the power generation solution of choice for commercial and industrial applications. Whether they are running to provide prime or standby power , these machines are known for their reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. One of the key components that allow these engines to function so well is their cooling system. Here’s some insight into how these systems work. Air-Cooled Diesel Generators    Air-cooled systems are usually found in standby power and lower kW rated generators. These systems use fans to air drawn from the surrounding environment to cool the engine as it runs, blowing the air through the internal structure to draw heat away and prevent the system from overheating. These are very simple cooling systems, not requiring a radiator, coolant or pump system, which helps to keep maintenance to a minimum. The downside is that air-cooled diesel generators run fans that can add significantly to the noise fact...

One of the most important functions of diesel generators on remote worksites like mining and agricultural operations is to ensure sufficient electrical power to deliver a steady supply of water is pumped out of deep water wells to where it’s needed most. Here are some insights from leading providers of generators for sale in Australia. Why Diesel Generators?  Diesel generators have long been the preferred choice for off-grid electrical power solutions in tough environments. Here’s why:  Higher energy density – Diesel is a fuel with a high energy density, which means more energy can be extracted from a litre of diesel than other fuel types like petrol It’s the same reason you can drive further on a tank of diesel than the same amount of petrol. Diesel is readily available – As a fuel, diesel is widely available so it’s not difficult or expensive to transport it to remote sites. It can also be stored for a reasonable amount of time – around 6 months – or lo...

The only way to be sure that your facility’s backup generators are ready and able to supply power generation in the event of a grid failure or downtime is to perform comprehensive testing of your system. Here’s some insight into load bank testing and how to perform it for your facility, from the specialists in commercial and industrial diesel generators . What is a Load Bank Test for Diesel Generators?   A load bank test is when you bring a set load onto your backup generators, bringing the engine up to optimal performance temperatures. Essentially, you are checking the ability of your backup generators to handle all your necessary power generation needs in the event of a blackout. This is an important test not only to ensure that you have the right diesel generators onsite, but it also ensures the engine’s ability to run at full load effectively.  How to Perform a Load Bank Test   This test should be performed by a trained team of technicians, pre...

Are you thinking about sourcing a backup generator for your business? We understand why. It is important for all businesses to have a power source they can rely on and sometimes the national grid cannot deliver this. Therefore, generators on-site should be installed to make sure that, no matter what happens, you still have power. This article explores why we often recommend diesel generators for a range of businesses across Australia as a reliable and consistent source of power generation . There are a number of different ways to fuel a backup generator. The choice of power probably depends on your business requirements. At the end of the day, what you need is a reliable power generation that you can turn to when your usual energy source fails. In this way, we consider diesel generators extremely reliable. All you need to do is make sure that there is enough fuel to keep the generator going.   You may be concerned about the noise made by a diesel generator. In p...

Fluid chillers in Australia are used in a variety of different industries, including the food and beverage industry, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing sectors. Running on electrical power , this industrial equipment provides critical cooling and temperature control, and utilizing the right type of fluid chiller will optimize productivity, improve efficiency and lower operating costs.  Types of Industrial Fluid Chillers in Australia By Condenser Type   Air-cooled chillers: Air-cooled fluid chillers use the air in the environment around them assisted by fans to remove heat from the refrigerant in the condenser. It then runs the refrigerant back through the system to provide cooling. As a result, the air around these chillers is usually very warm and they are not recommended in applications where this will be an issue. These systems are often portable, available in both large and small-scale commercial versions, are relatively affordable a...

Diesel generators are loud, with commercial and industrial generators as small as 1,500kW emitting an astonishing 105 decibels – the same as a jet airplane flying overhead. This noise is a form of pollution and disruption on worksites and, to get the benefits of these durable, economic power generators and deliver the electrical power a site needs while minimizing noise means investing in noise reduction technology. Here’s a guide to why this is so important and how these measures work. Noise Pollution Standards in Australia   The EPA in Australia , along with other international bodies like the World Health Organisation have comprehensive industrial guidelines on noise pollution, including community noise and industrial noise prevention.  According to Safe Work Australia , between 28-32% of the Australian workforce is regularly exposed to loud noise levels at work, with the construction industry as one of the leading industries for noise-related injury. ...

If you have invested in a genset to provide your business or facility with power in the event of a blackout, it’s important to ensure that it’s running properly for your peace of mind. Although this power generation equipment is designed to be robust and require minimal maintenance even in tough operating environments, they do require some care and maintenance in order to perform reliably in a power outage. Here are 5 more common problems that diesel generators can experience and how to prevent them.  Leaks: Fuel leaks can easily occur in diesel generators. Check to ensure the tank is not overfilled and that the pump system is working. Replace any fuel lines that look damaged or cracked. Oil leaks can occur as a result of wet stacking or over-fuelling and is usually the result of working a genset well below its load capacity. This is a serious issue that will require technical expertise, but it can be prevented by correctly sizing your generator for your needs and runn...

Diesel generators are designed to work demanding hours to supply electrical power under challenging conditions with exceptional reliability and a long lifespan, but even the toughest machines will fail if they are not managed correctly. Here’s how to load a marine generator correctly and why it matters.  Load Matters to Lifespan and Performance in Diesel Generators  In diesel generators, working them gently isn’t good for the machine itself, contrary to what you may think. In fact, regularly running diesel generators under the recommended 60-75% maximum rated load can lead to lasting damage.  What happens is that operation under low load conditions causes low pressure in the marine generator cylinders, which compromises the performance of the piston ring seal. This seal relies on a high combustion gas pressure to force the piston rings against the cylinder bore and without it, the engine doesn’t achieve an optimal temperature to burn fuel efficiently. This ...

When you run a business or a facility, a power failure is more than an inconvenience. It disrupts production, halts business in its tracks, and can even put lives in danger – unless you have a backup generator . With the right temporary electrical power solution, you can switch seamlessly from the grid to independent power with no disruption to critical systems. Here are some examples of when commercial generators become essential, from CAT rental specialists.  Emergency Preparedness  There are many reasons for the grid to go down but one of the most severe is a natural or manmade emergency. Having an emergency plan in place is an essential part of effective risk management, allowing people, essential systems and data to be properly protected within your facility. Your backup generator system will be an integral part of your emergency plan, supplying temporary electrical power for lighting, system backups, keeping critical systems online, and ensuring emergency...

Diesel generators are useful in almost every industry, from facilities management and construction to mining and data centers, but they especially vital in the oil and gas industry. The generator sets are critical to providing electrical power for numerous purposes, ensuring the efficiency and safety of operations and daily living. The Role of Diesel Generators in the Oil and Gas Industry   Everyday electrical power: In remote locations on land and at sea, generator sets provide power to every appliance as required, from computers and facility systems to cooking equipment, lighting systems and more.  Digging and drilling: As in the mining industry, large and small-scale digging and drilling equipment requires a reliable and sufficient power supply in order to operate. Any downtime means significant losses and setbacks for these operations, so a diesel generator provides effective risk management.   Seamless operation: Using a power generator mea...

Portable generators are very useful in a wide range of industries, combining the benefits of mobility with the convenience of on-site power generation . These generators provide essential temporary electrical power in the event of natural disasters or blackouts as well as to sites that are not yet connected to the grid, like construction sites. Because of the important role they play, these generators should be properly maintained to ensure they run smoothly and reliably.  Important Note   If you rent or hire your portable generator, the company you hire should take care of all your maintenance and repair needs, 24/7. If the generator does not perform or requires repairs, it should be swapped out for a similar model.  Maintenance Tips for Owners of Portable Generators   The maintenance of a portable generator is similar to that of a permanent generator, with a few important differences. For example, if you use your generator for temporary electric...

It’s common knowledge that backup generators deliver important benefits to many industries, from banks and restaurants to hospitals and mines – but their importance to the education industry is often overlooked. Here are some important points to consider when investing in your school, college, university or vocational facility from CAT rental , the team that can help you hire a generator affordably today.  Hire a Generator to Solve the Following Challenges  Class disruptions and scheduling: This is a critical challenge in the industry, whether you are running a school or tertiary institution. The last thing you need is a blackout that leaves classes cancelled, schedules disrupted, or prevents exams and tests from taking place. Catching up classes or tests can be tough in a school environment but is far more challenging in a university setting. When you have backup generators, however, there’s no interruption to the day and classes, exams, presentations and meeting...

Diesel generators are critical to the success and growth of the mining and resources industry, whether you’re mining coal, gas, diamonds, gold or oil. In Australia, these generators are used for mine cooling and supplying power to mining equipment and supply 41% of the industry’s total energy needs, which is around 500 petajoules per year.  The Need for Reliable, Scalable Power in the Mining Industry   As you can see, the mining industry as a whole consumes a massive amount of energy each year, around 10% of the total amount of energy used in the entire country. But how does this break down per sector?  Coal – Average of 50.5kWh/tonne  Minerals – Average of 10.7kWh/tonne  Metals – Average of 54.5kWh/tonne  Gold – Average of 210 kWh/tonne  Mines are often located in very remote areas where access to the grid is limited if not totally impossible to achieve, in environments as diverse and extreme as the ocean or the desert. Even in tempe...

Growth in the Australian cannabis industry is at record highs thanks to the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use, as well as the government’s push to legalize the export of marijuana products. As a result, grow ops are on the rise. Commercial generators perform an important role in this industry where reliable, constant power generation is needed for optimal plant growth and development. It’s essential therefore to choose the right power generator in order for your grow op to succeed. Here are some tips from leading suppliers of commercial and industrial diesel generators . Commercial Diesel Generators for Prime Power   Due to the high cost of electricity, the lack of reliability in the grid and the high demand that grow ops have for energy, many operators are choosing to grow off-grid by using powerful diesel generators. With the right size power generator, grow rooms can be easily supplied with enough electricity to power the UV lights, air conditio...

Power generators and diesel generators , in particular, are well-known for their reliability, low maintenance and ability to provide electrical power even in demanding commercial and industrial environments – but that doesn’t mean that they are infallible.   What is Engine Blow-By?   This is an issue that occurs when the air and fuel mixture in your power generator leaks between a piston and the cylinder wall. If you listen to diesel generators with this issue, you’ll hear a spluttering sound accompanied by high fume and exhaust generation. It’s something that is common in old or poorly maintained cars – but it can affect any engine, including the one in diesel generators.  Engine blow-by occurs when the internal combustion in your power generator’s combustion chamber forces moisture, fuel, or air past the piston rings within the crankcase. Without a secure fit, these rings can’t contain the pressure produced by the internal combustion, and so a l...

An important part of owning or managing a business operation is keeping costs down – and the same thinking applies to your independent power generation solution as it does to your water or energy bill. As a result, it’s important to consider the fuel consumption of commercial diesel generators before you make a purchase. Here are some insights from Australia’s leading suppliers of commercial and industrial generator sets . General Information About Fuel Consumption in Generator Sets   Generators can make use of a variety of fuels for power generation, each coming with their own pros and cons including efficiency and cost. Here is a breakdown of the different fuels and their pros and cons, keeping in mind that there are variations within according to brand, quality, operational load, and even climate.  Propane: Also known as LPG (liquified petroleum gas), propane is the cleanest-burning fuel type. While it offers the least emissions, LPG is not always immed...

Once you’ve purchased your used diesel generators from a reputable supplier of commercial diesel generators , you’ll need to prepare a site for them. In many urban commercial settings, there are noise and space restrictions even for generators that are used for temporary electrical power , which means you’ll have to locate your generators inside in a specially-designed generator room.   Why Diesel Generators Need a Purpose-Designed Space   Diesel generators are very powerful and emit dangerous fumes while running, so there are several safety concerns that can be addressed by designing a space specifically for your used diesel generators in order to prevent accidents and ensure optimal performance.  Advice for Designing a Room for Diesel Generators   Ventilation needs to be a priority for several reasons:  Prevent build-up of fumes – Any diesel engine emits dangerous fumes and a generator is no different. Because these engines are so much larg...

Airports are a critical transport and logistics hub in the modern world, and we rely on them for everything from business and leisure travel to expedited cargo. The reliability and services of an airport set the standards for a city, and many run 24 hours a day, every day of the week, throughout the year. As a result, backup generators are non-negotiable for airports, ensuring sufficient power generation for seamless air travel services. Here are some insights from the CAT rental team.  What Happens if a Blackout Occurs and There’s No Backup Generator?  Because airports operate 24/7, 365 days of the year, blackouts are inevitable – whether they are due to damage to infrastructure, flooding, maintenance on the grid, a blown connection at the airport or even wildfires. If this occurs and there is no working backup generator on-site, the consequences can be severe, even at smaller facilities.  Outgoing flights will be canceled, leaving passengers and carg...

There are a few different categories for commercial diesel generators , and one of these is a prime power generator. These gensets are for a specific type of use to provide electrical power in commercial and industrial settings. Here are some insights into prime power generators. Essentially, a prime power generator is able to run for a considerable length of time at maximum or near-maximum loads, as long as they have enough fuel to do so. In prime power diesel generators, the continuous combustion process in the engine means it generates a lot of heat in the process of creating electrical power. This means that these generators require large cooling systems, usually consisting of a radiator and a series of pipes that circulate cool water around the genset. Who Uses Prime Power Diesel Generators? These powerful gensets are often used on commercial or industrial sites where a primary power source isn’t available. They’ll run all electrical equipment on-site, from ventilati...

For most industries and businesses, having an independent power generator is a must-have. This ensures a steady, uninterrupted supply of electrical power for remote facilities, construction sites, mining operations, data centers and companies who don’t want to be cut off in the event of a power outage. When looking at generators for sale , two of your main options are new or used generators for sale . Here are the pros and cons. Benefits and Drawbacks of New Generators for Sale   The pros of buying new generators for sale are pretty clear – you get access to the latest make and model, there are no hours on the clock, and you have a full manufacturer's warranty. In addition, you know you’re the only one who's used this machine – there’s no surprise wear-and-tear or damage, and its performance is completely guaranteed.  There are downsides, however – new power generators are much more expensive and require greater capital outlay than used generators for sale. This...