Hire and Rental News - November 2017

50 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • NOVEMBER 2017 POWER, PUMPS & LIGHTING “Selecting a portable generator is simple if you have the right information,” Kevin said. “Not doing your homework can cost you with most technical and maintenance issues caused by selecting the wrong portable generator.” “A portable generator is made up of a fixed speed diesel engine spinning an alternator (generator) at 1500rpm. The alternator is configured to produce the type and voltage of electricity required. There are three different applications for portable generators; standby, prime fixed and prime mobile. “A standby generator application is used when a mains power already exists and a generator is required to act only as back- up if there is a blackout. Subsequently, the generator will usually only run a handful of hours per year, if at all,” Kevin said. “You should select a standby generator based on the quality of the brand, price, availability of parts and access to a local service agent. “A prime fixed generator is used when the generator is the primary source of power and the generator will remain in one location for most of its life. “In any prime (running) application, most of the cost of owning or renting a generator is fuel. The quality of the brand, size, fuel efficiency of the engine and access to parts and service is critical for prime fixed generators,” Kevin said. “It is essential to consult a generator specialist to assist you in selecting this type of generator. “A good tip to save some costs is selecting a machine with a cheaper frame or canopy because the machine will not be moved around. “A prime mobile generator is used when the generator is the sole source of power but it will also be moved from site to site on a regular basis. “Prime mobile generators are commonly used by construction and rental companies. Quality of the brand, size and fuel efficiency of the engine is key to Selecting the right portable generator Selecting the right portable generator can have a big impact on performance, reliability, serviceability and the residual value of the asset, according to Redstar Equipment’s General Manager of Sales, Kevin Ennis. saving costs. “A robust build and canopy design is essential for the longevity of prime fixed mobile generators. “Access to quality technical support and careful selection can significantly increase the life span of all portable generators,” Kevin said. Redstar Equipment is a specialist fixed-speed diesel equipment supplier and Australian distributor for the world renowned Atlas Copco portable energy products. This includes portable compressors, portable generators, lighting towers and pumps. Visit: www.redstarequipment.com.au A special report from the Australian Energy Market Operator to the Turnbull government warned Australia will need an extra 1000 megawatts of electricity to dispatch during the coming summer. According to reports, AEMO is working to secure that power, which has to come from sources outside the national electricity market such as businesses’ back-up diesel generators. If the necessary power can’t be found, South Australians and Victorians face the risk of four-hour blackouts over summer, warned a companion AEMO report. Next year, the market operator will Generators for summer or face energy shortfalls new report warns Demand for generator sales and hire looks set to increase over the warmer months as Victorian and SA consumers are warned of impending shortfalls in electricity during summer peaks – or face the prospect of blackouts. set up strategic reserves of the power it forecasts will be needed to cover future summer spikes. At the moment, payments to generators to be on stand- by during peak usage, whether they end up being used or not, is recovered from consumers, and it’s envisaged this would be the case with the new strategic reserves too. AEMO also warned an extra 1000MW needs to be added to the market over the next five years to cope with the expected 2022 closure of Australia’s oldest coal- fired power plant, Liddell in the NSW Hunter Valley. It suggests the government consider how to extend the life of older generators or encourage investment in new technology so they can ramp up generation more quickly to respond to spikes in demand. SOURCED: finance.nine.com.au /2017/09/06/06/28 – By AAP Selecting a portable generator is simple if you have the right information