Sustainability Through Smart Power Solutions
By investing in the right power solutions, we as a company contribute to making our industry more sustainable. At the same time, we give our customers the opportunity to make better choices. In our view, Stage V generators, hybrid generators, and smart hybrid setups with battery packs are the way forward.
By deploying new technologies, we prevent unnecessary waste of energy resources and limit harmful emissions. Since 2020, we have therefore been investing in generators with engines that meet Stage V standards. By using these generators with cleaner engines, harmful emissions are significantly reduced. A Stage V engine emits up to 90% less NOx (nitrogen oxides) compared to its early predecessor, the Stage I engine. Fine particulate matter emissions are also reduced by about 93%.
Flexibility with Hybrid Setups
Hybrid setups are being used more and more often. In hybrid setups, energy generated and stored in a battery is combined with other power sources. This allows smart technology to respond effectively to (large) fluctuations in power demand. In addition, the various energy sources are used as efficiently as possible. Examples include dealing with an undersized grid connection—such as during grid congestion or on a construction site—but also integrating sustainable energy generation such as solar panels. As a result, the generator runs less often and more efficiently, saving both fuel and emissions.
Hybrid Generators – The ‘Swiss Army Knife’
While hybrid setups are often built from separate components, Voet also offers special hybrid generators. Our hybrid generators are often called the “Swiss Army knife” of power supply because they contain a generator, battery pack, and load bank in one unit. The components are perfectly matched, and thanks to the compact housing, they are quick and flexible to deploy. With the integrated software, it is possible to set a preferred power source. For example, during synchronous grid transfers, maximum use can be made of the return feed from sustainable energy sources such as solar panels. In the event of overproduction (more generation than demand), the integrated load bank ensures that the excess power is absorbed.
In 2022, we introduced the Blue Hybrid Box. This 20ft container has a peak capacity of 0.6 MVA and offers a versatile, all-in-one solution. Read more about this hybrid generator.
In Practice
Recently, we equipped an asylum seekers’ centre (AZC) with a hybrid setup. This project required a temporary but redundant power supply capable of optimally handling highly variable energy demand. In this case, the available energy source—a small grid connection—was used. When demand was high, the generator automatically switched on to meet the demand and recharge the battery pack. In addition to redundancy, this setup minimized fuel consumption. Over six months, approximately 100,000 liters of fuel were saved.
