Atlas Copco is continuously looking at developing more sustainable ways of providing energy, with a strong focus on efficiency, to deliver lowest possible OPEX and total cost of ownership to customers and end-users. Batteries are fast becoming the technology of choice and it is against this backdrop that Atlas Copco unveils ZenergiZe, an innovative modular energy storage solution with high-density lithium-ion batteries at the heart of the system.
“We have reinvented modular energy storage,” says David Stanford, Business Line Manager, Portable Products at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “Optimum performance, significant fuel savings, reduced CO2 emissions, zero noise and virtually no maintenance are all packaged into one mobile modular ZenergiZe unit. Owing to smart engineering, our energy storage system is 70% more compact and lighter in weight compared to traditional alternatives.”
A battery energy storage system or battery pack is an easy way to capture energy and store it for later use such as, for example, to supply power to an off-grid application or to complement a peak in demand. Stanford points out that although they cannot be used to replace grid power completely, energy storage systems offer reliable, efficient short-term solutions where grid power is intermittent or where generators cannot be used. “Energy storage systems are also often used to manage energy generated from intermittent sources, such as solar panels,” adds Stanford.
High-density lithium-ion batteries are packed with features including a 40 000-hour lifespan under normal operating conditions and an overload capability up to 200%. These virtually maintenance-free batteries deliver a large usable energy range compared to other technologies and are a perfect match for short cycles (charge and discharge) performance. Furthermore, they have been specifically designed to work at high and low ambient temperatures between -15°C and +50°C.
ZenergiZe is designed with sustainable energy delivery top of mind; after a single 1,5-hour charge, this remarkable unit is ready to provide over twelve hours of power. Available in two convenient options, Island and Hybrid Mode, this energy solution from Atlas Copco offers customers a flexible choice to suit any particular application.
In island mode, the energy storage system can be conveniently used as a standalone power solution and is highly recommended for job sites where noise or pollution concerns prohibit the use of a generator. Alongside zero noise and night environments, this mode is also ideal for remote telecom, rental and varying or low load applications.
The hybrid mode can be used together with any diesel generator. “This combination offers smart load management by enabling end-users to map load demand better,” says Stanford. “Once end-users have determined what they need to power and the relevant load cycles in terms of high and low load demand, they can run the genset under fixed load while charging the ZenergiZe’s lithium-ion batteries so that it is ready to take over when load varies.” This hybrid mode solution is ideal for use in a range of demanding applications including events and urban construction.
Elaborating on the advantages presented by the hybrid mode, Stanford explains that using a fixed speed 1000 kVA genset to operate small tools such as a 20 kW drilling machine for example, will be extremely inefficient. “Running the ZenergiZe for small tool operation is a much more efficient solution that will present end-users with significant cost saving benefits on fuel and other operational costs.”
The ZenergiZe units incorporate a number of connectivity features and benefits including a smart start and stop function, an energy management system (EMS) complete with battery management communication (BMS), a remote monitoring system, a Bluetooth mobile application and parking mode.
Contact David Stanford, Atlas Copco Power Technique, Tel 011 821-9800, david.stanford@atlascopco.com