Mobile power plant: description, principle of operation, types and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

A constant supply of electricity is a classic challenge in energy infrastructure implementation. Cable lines, distribution transformers and current converters are indispensable components of such projects. But not always consuming objects need regular power supply. Partly due to the specifics of its own operation, and partly due to its unstable location. In such cases, a mobile power plant can be used, which replenishes the objects of energy consumption at certain intervals of time, or enters their service infrastructure, moving at the moments of need.

General information about mobile power plants

The need for electricity can arise in a variety of conditions. For example, at a construction site remote from main power lines. Or in places of repair work on communication networks, which are also located at a great distance from civilization. In these cases, a mobile power plant is used, due to which the supply of remote consumers is provided. There are low power stations of the order of 10kW, as well as productive units up to 100 kW and above. Depending on the needs of the consuming object, the appropriate power plant is selected.

A feature of mobile power equipment of this type is the possibility of convenient transportation. As a rule, the mobile power plant operator is responsible not only for connecting and further maintaining the unit’s performance, but also for moving it. Usually, for such needs, a car is used, which is picked up to the carrier platform of the station and moves it.

The principle of operation of stations

The working process is implemented on the principle of energy generation. In this segment, diesel generating sets are the most common, as they allow a high degree of autonomy. The same driver is only required to supply the equipment with liquid fuel to generate heat.

A special chamber is provided for burning fuel, and the engine converts thermal energy into electricity during operation. Most often, a mobile power plant has a piston group and a crank mechanism as part of the power plant, which activates the crankshaft. As a result, the torque rotates the generator rotor, which leads to the development of the desired resource.

The electric machine itself can be represented by an alternating or direct current generator. In general, we can talk about three working stages of power generation - fuel combustion, activation of the mechanical group andgeneration of current from the physical force of the motor.

Varieties

Equipment differs in the type of fuel used and how it is moved. As for the initial source of energy, it can be liquid or gaseous. Liquid fuel is usually used - the mentioned diesel or gasoline. Gas is used where it is possible to connect to the main line.

In general, the use of gas is a cheap way to generate electricity, but not always affordable, since the movement of gas cylinders requires maintaining a high degree of security. As for diesel and gasoline, the choice of fuel depends on the type of power plant used in the station.

Typical mobile diesel power plant benefits from power, but is more expensive to maintain. Also, mobile power generators are divided according to the method of movement. There are self-propelled stations, trailed, block-transportable and portable.

Advantages and disadvantages of mobile power plants

The main advantage of this equipment is the ability to provide autonomous power supply. This is not only the supply of objects remote from the central power supply lines, but also the function of a backup supply. For example, such an installation would be appropriate in the country, if there is an unstable operation of the power grid in the area. The very operation of mobile power plants can cause many problems. First of all, these unitsa significant part of the time is spent in inactivity, therefore, periodic technical conservation measures are required. In addition, mobile power plants need constant maintenance of functional and sensitive elements - just note the details of the power plant.

Reviews on the operation of mobile power plants

Mostly, users of such units talk about the positive experience of their use. In some cases, mobile stations become the only solution to power supply problems. The owners point to the ease of handling of such equipment and the high return on energy potential. That is, small-sized portable generators cannot compete with such stations due to the low power reserve. The generated electricity of mobile power plants can ensure the operation of not only construction tools, but also individual production lines. The main thing is to choose the right specific model.

How to choose a mobile power station?

The choice should be based on several parameters. The main thing will be the power potential and voltage. So, 7-10 kW is enough to power a small house, and 30-50 kW may be required to operate the installation in the industrial sector. It is also important to consider stress. For domestic purposes, a 220 V unit is suitable, and 380-volt mobile power plants are usually used in production. The price in the first case is about 150-200 thousand rubles, and industrialpower plants are estimated at 300-400 thousand

Conclusion

The concept of backup energy sources is often criticized for its modest ability to function in long-term operation modes. In other words, the working period is reduced to a minimum, which is only enough to support the operated facilities that are in emergency condition. In turn, a mobile power plant can work for weeks and months without interruption, provided that the work site has the possibility of its regular supply of fuel. Moreover, modern power generators are actively complemented by automatic controls. This allows not only to use the resources of such units for a long time, but also to leave them running without constant operator control.