Hybrid solutions during the energy transition

The transition from fossil energy to sustainable energy is quite complex. It is impossible to take this step all at once. The transitional phase we currently find ourselves in is called the energy transition. This energy transition is characterized by the development and gradual implementation of new, innovative solutions. The past years many new possibilities arose that allow us to reduce both the emission of fossil fuels as well as the need for these fuels in the first place.

At the moment there are no sustainable alternatives that can directly replace fossil fuels in all of our current energy systems. Until such an alternative has been developed the use of hybrid combinations of various techniques and systems, possibly including a genset, forms a suitable alternative to reduce the environmental impact of a project. The ideal combination of techniques and systems varies per situation. Bredenoord will gladly assist you in finding the most suitable hybrid solution for your project.

Hybrid solutions for the construction sector

Energy is crucial for the construction sector, traditionally one of the sectors with the highest demand for gensets. However, under the demand for a genset lies another demand altogether: a certain amount of stable, reliable energy. By considering these factors individually, hybrid solutions will often offer a better solution.

A genset that has to run at night for a small energy demand, such as lighting or CCTV on the construction site, uses a relatively large amount of fuel. By charging a battery system with excess power during the day it’s possible to create an energy buffer that can power security systems at night.

Using a hybrid system, such as an ESaver combined with a genset, can significantly reduce the fuel consumption. The ESaver contains a battery that will fulfill the energy demand in this situation. Should the battery be empty, then the genset will run until the battery has been charged again. By working this way the required amount of fuel can be reduced by up to 70%, resulting in lower emission and noise pollution as well.

Projects with a larger power demand require a different hybrid solution, including a larger storage capacity. The much larger Battery Box, an energy storage system with a total storage capacity of 600 kWh, can be used alongside a genset. On locations with grid access the Battery Box can assist during peak demand. When a peak has come to an end the battery is recharged by the grid. For additional power certainty a genset can be added to this hybrid solution as well.

Hybrid solutions for events

Since the launch of the Battery Box in the summer of 2018 various festivals and events have successfully used a hybrid combination consisting of an energy storage system and a genset. In some of these solutions a mobile solar installation was implemented as well. The Zwarte Cross was the first festival to use the Battery Box, with success. The combination of the Battery Box and a genset ensured that the camping store was powered silently and without emission for most of the time. The Battery Box provided the energy and the genset charged the battery as efficiently as possible, to achieve the highest fuel efficiency.

Not only festivals can reduce their emission and fuel consumption by using hybrid solutions. Other events can benefit from using combinations of energy sources as well. For example, the fairground in Zwolle had grid access, but this was insufficient during peak demand. The Battery Box was used to assist during these peaks, after which it was recharged by the grid. With this hybrid solution no additional energy source was needed.

Hybrid solutions with solar energy

Particularly in sunny regions solar energy is very interesting to consider as part of an energy solution. In some situations a solar installation and a battery suffice. For additional power certainty or in regions with varying amounts of sunlight a genset can be used as backup. Bredenoord offers two mobile solar installations: the small Mini-SunBox and the large Mobile Solar Plant. These solar panels will be the primary energy source, supplemented by the battery during peak demand or when the sun does not shine. Should this battery run empty as well, then the genset will run until the battery is charged again.

Another benefit of a combination with a battery is that this can be charged by the grid, solar energy and a genset. When more solar energy is generated than necessary, this can also be stored in the battery for later use. For example, a battery can be charged with solar energy during the day, which is then used at night to power lighting or CCTV.

Custom hybrid energy solution

Not only construction projects or events can operate more sustainably by using hybrid solutions. The energy transition takes place in every sector and results in different challenges, which plays a role in choosing the most suitable energy solution. The user profile often determines which solution will fit best. Does the energy demand fluctuate often? Then a combination of a genset and a battery based energy storage solution is the most obvious choice. Is your project located in a very sunny region? Then a hybrid solution with solar panels would be interesting to consider.

Bredenoord’s experts will gladly assist you in finding the most suitable solution for project. Are you interested in finding out which hybrid solution would fit your energy demand? Feel free to contact us.