Why Variable Speed? — Technology for Today
IntelliGen 24seven power systems have been developed with today’s requirements in mind. There are plenty of other manufacturers producing power systems in the 1 to 2kW range that focus on heat recovery for increased efficiency, although most of these systems cannot handle the peak and high load demands and so are more suited to applications supported by a grid connection.
IntelliGen 24seven systems are designed to be used where there is
no connection to the mains power grid. The systems utilise variable
speed PMG (permanent magnet generator) technology, with the power
converter/inverter controlling the AC 240Volt 50Hz output, while
managing engine speed relative to the load demand.
Even a basic system on variable domestic loads can save in excess
of 35% in fuel costs when compared to a fixed speed (1500rpm) diesel
generator of equivalent output. The 35% fuel savings translates to
a 35% reduction in exhaust gas emissions.
Furthermore, the IntelliGen 24seven system takes advantage of a smaller battery storage capacity, providing capital cost and pollution reductions when compared to solar hybrid RAPS.
The IntelliGen 24seven systems can also be configured with a solar
interface for use with solar panels, or a wind generator of suitable
capacity that is matched with climatic and load conditions.
In addition, all systems have the optional capacity to utilise a
thermal heat recovery kit (CHP) suitable for heating hot water for
domestic or recreational use (spa heater). This option can impact
fuel savings by more than 50% when compared to electric or gas fired
heaters.
All IntelliGen systems can operate for extended periods of time
at low loads. Under normal circumstances a diesel engine is required
to operate at a minimum of 60% of the designed output for extended
periods. (i.e. a 10kW/e generator is not designed to operate below
6 kW/e.)
Extended operation at low loads can cause engine bore glazing, excessive
oil consumption and reduced engine life.
The IntelliGen variable speed power systems are designed to always operate in excess of 60% of the engine’s power rating throughout the 1200 to 3000rpm range to avoid any such issues.
The full range of IntelliGen systems (basic, marine
and 24seven) can be programmed for hands free, fully automatic operation.
All come with the following features:
• auto/remote start/stop
• protection shut down in
the event of low oil pressure, high engine temperature, sustained overload,
over speed, over voltage (and in the
marine version) loss of raw water flow.