TransGen - Multi-Generator Control System

TransGen is a changeover control system that is used to switch between two different sized generators automatically, depending on the power requirement. Many off-grid business sites require a high level of power for only 30% of the working day or night i.e. for the rest of the time - considerably less power is required to maintain operations. Using two generators (1 big and 1 small), the system chooses the best capacity fit for the given load.

 

A milking parlour may need 100kVA of power to operate during milking times - probably 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours again in the afternoon. The rest of the time (18 hours), the electrical load consists of controls, heaters, chillers, agitators, lights and pumps with a total load of less than 20kVA. Running a 100kVA generator for all or most of the 24 hour period is a very costly option. Alternatively, TransGen can be installed to automatically sense the change in loads and switch over to whichever generator is the more suitable to provide the cheapest running costs i.e. the smaller generator will run unless the required load exceeds its capacity (the larger generator will be switched on for 6 hours per 24hrs).  

 

The fuel used to generate each kilowatt of power is relatively constant between 100% and 60% load. As the load decreases below 60%, the fuel used to produce each kilowatt increases disproportionately. Also, when a generator runs consistently at a low load, the fuel does not burn properly. This increases pollution and produces soot both internally and externally. This not only increases fuel consumption but also increases maintenance costs.