Need Power? Experts Share Advice on Selecting the Right Generator
Towable diesel generators are among the most prevalent solutions for jobsite power. This is due in part to the range of available sizes — from smaller 20-kW generators for building construction to 2-MW tractor trailers to support microgrids. Below, experts from Bobcat and Atlas Copco share advice on selecting the right generator and highlight a product in their lineup.
Bobcat
Advice: Operators should consider a portable generator that can provide 20 to 30 percent more power than their requirements, as generators work best when they are working at 70 to 80 percent load. Loads lower than that don’t allow the engine to burn as clean, and operators then may end up over-powered for their needs. Bigger isn’t always better.
Product Spotlight: Engineered to be a true towable and maneuverable jobsite generator, the Bobcat PG100 portable generator delivers ruggedly reliable power you can count on even in the harshest of conditions. The PG100 was engineered for easy accessibility to all service components, keeping you up and running on the jobsite with minimal downtime. It boasts tough running gear and a hardened, galvanized steel enclosure that protects the inner components from the elements, improving longevity while lowering total lifetime cost of operation. Powered by a Cummins F3.8 engine that delivers fuel economy and performance with built-in load management to decrease sludge buildup, the PG100 generator is a towable workhorse. The Stamford alternator provides excellent motor starting capability, stable voltage regulation and fast transient response. The PG100 also offers the quietest mid-range package in the market by delivering 100 kVA (80 kW) at 67 dB(A). A dual-frequency switch comes standard, allowing the generator to change from 50Hz to 60Hz, making it one of the most versatile portable generators available.
Atlas Copco
Justin Wiseman, Product Marketing Manager, Power and Light Division
Advice: Sustainable hybrid solutions are the latest trend in power generation. This early adoption of the energy transition should be viewed as a new solution, not a new problem. Integrating a battery-hybrid generator into your rental fleet or site operations can address pain points like wet stacking and long running hours associated with variable electrical loads. Additionally, it offers immediate value through reduced OPEX and longer asset lifetimes.
Product Spotlight: The ECOPower Hybrid Generator is the newest addition to Atlas Copco’s wide range of sustainable product offerings. By combining a ZBP Energy Storage System with a QAS Diesel Generator on a single trailer, users can achieve significant operational cost savings through simplified and intuitive controls. The intelligent ECO Controller ensures that the generator is only requested to start when necessary, allowing the lower electrical loads to be handled by the efficient batteries and power electronics while the generator is left with the responsibility of covering only the highest of loads or the recharging of the batteries in an efficient matter.
