Solar power cuts need for diesel generators

Brian M Walters

Tuesday, 21 September, 2010

Flexopower Technologies is featuring a solar-powered system designed to substantially reduce fuel costs over fuel-burning diesel generators, which typically power remote and off-grid installations, including camps, command posts, and mobile field hospitals. These often result in long and complex logistics that can inflate the cost of diesel fuel to more than USD15 a litre.

Furthermore, inconsistent fuel quality and a lack of maintenance may result in generator failure, leading to premature replacement. In war zones, the protection of supply lines against IEDs, RPGs and small arms fire is a necessity that can result in costs of USD30 a litre for diesel being not uncommon.

The solar systems developed by Flexo power Technologies can significantly lower such operating costs by utilising renewable energy to deliver electricity in remote and off-grid installations (AC and DC). These solar solutions are highly mobile, but are also suitable for semi-permanent installations.

Each Flexopower system employs a modular architecture to meet specific demands from a few 100W to several kW. Glass-free, flexible and non-reflective solar panels generate clean, silent power without a heat signature.

The systems can be installed as a standalone application, i.e. for shelters having their own solar system for lighting, refrigeration, and so on, thereby eliminating the need for costly AC reticulation. Alternatively, an existing generator infrastructure and grid can be retrofitted with Flexopower solar solutions to create a hybrid system: solar power meets base loads, while a generator meets peak loads. Consequently, fuel consumption is less, time between overhaul extended and the usable lifespan of generator equipment prolonged.

Flexopower Technologies is exhibiting with Redeployable Camp Systems between Halls 6 and 7.