Mine Spec

Able PAKs: The Game Changing Energy Storage System

May 21, 2024 by chris

Able PAKs are more than just a battery energy storage system (BESS), they are a clever hybrid energy solution that can include intelligent energy scheduling and management.

What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is an electrochemical device – a collection of battery modules, that charges or collects energy from the grid or on-site generation such as Solar PV and then discharges that energy later as electricity to devices or appliances when needed.

BESS options often include:

Custom-made battery bank(s) with individual batteries installed with other components and are interconnected, or
Pre-assembled battery system (BS) equipment as a pre-packaged battery module with enclosed factory-connected batteries that does not include Power Conversion Equipment (PCE), or
Pre-assembled integrated battery energy storage system as a pre-packaged system with Battery Management System (BMS) and PCE such as chargers and inverters.

What is a Battery Management System (BMS)?

A Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system that oversees the operation of the rechargeable batteries in a BESS.

The BMS monitors battery cells and modules and controls actions to avoid overcharge, overcurrent, over discharge, overheating, overvoltage and other hazards of the battery system.

The balanced management of the cells can ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the whole system.

What is Hybrid Energy?

A Hybrid Energy Solution is a device or equipment that can use more than one energy source to generate electricity or power a device.

For example: A Hybrid Energy Solution could combine solar power photovoltaics (PV) and an internal combustion engine (ICE) generator with its internal BESS (battery energy storage system) to provide reliable and affordable electricity.

What is an Able PAK?

Able PAKs are a hybrid energy solution that can utilise any combination of solar power photovoltaics (PV), internal combustion engine (ICE) generator and grid power, with its internal, pre-assembled, battery energy storage system (BESS), to provide reliable and affordable electricity.

Able PAKs form the renewable energy product range that consist of:

Portable Power Stations

PAKs with a battery capacity typically less than 17 kWh.
As suggested by the name tag, they are designed to be portable to enable use in your car, RV, 4WD, truck, boats, campervan or caravan.
They are well suited as an Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) back-up power for home fridges, WIFI comms etc.
Do it yourself (DIY) off-grid system with safe, ultra-low-voltage solar panels.

Solar Battery Systems

Household and commercial PAKs with a battery capacity between 17 to 50 kWh.
Retrofit coupling to any existing solar PV system already in place.
Auto start and stop of connections to off-grid generators.
Option to expand existing solar PV with direct connection to additional compatible solar panels.

Battery Power Systems

Mine spec, transportable, plug-and-play, fully-integrated industrial and commercial energy storage system with a capacity greater than 50 kWh.
Can be used as an independent power source, or combined with generators, photovoltaics and other renewable energy sources to form a hybrid power solution.
Multiple units can be connected together, even the different sized models, to provide both an increased power output capacity and energy storage capacity to suit your application … into the mega-watt range.

Clever Solutions

Discover more about the Able PAK Battery Power Systems

Discover More – PDF Download

What are the benefits of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

Benefits of a BESS include:

Noise reduction – reducing the need for diesel generators to run all the time, or potentially even with the opportunity to eliminate them.
Rapid power output – Able PAKs can have a very high-power discharge rate and output.
Maximising renewable energy – storing energy from renewables when they are available, for use when they are not available.
Significant reduction in fuel costs and associated emissions when used as part of a hybrid power system.
Improved availability and reduced maintenance when integrated with diesel generators.

Able PAKs can improve productivity, lower emissions and save you money.

How does a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) reduce carbon emissions?

When used in a maximising renewables application, the Able PAK stores energy from renewables such as solar PV during the day, as a solar battery system, and provides this energy for use when there is no solar PV … when the sun’s not shining, or on cloudy days. In doing so, the Able PAK aids in decarbonisation by reducing carbon emissions that would otherwise be needed for the no-sun times, such as scope 2 emissions from grid power, or scope 1 emissions from diesel generators.

When used with diesel generators, fuel and cost savings are realised by minimising the engine run-time and maximising use of stored energy. Able PAK’s can optimise the efficiency of power generation and consumption while reducing noise and emissions.

For example: Diesel generators are often oversized for the normal load to compensate for the high start-up power load, and the all-day running in hot Australian climate. By integrating an Able PAK the diesel generator sizing requirement is significantly reduced. The small diesel generator then runs at a more optimal level, at less fuel consumption than the previous larger unit, and often is only running for a lesser time duration. The reduced diesel consumption presents lower costs and a reduction in emissions.

Tower Crane Able PAK Battery Power System

For Example: Diesel power cost and emissions reduction in the use of Able PAKs with Tower Cranes

What is Mine Spec?

May 10, 2024 by chris

Mine Spec refers to modified features or attributes of equipment and machinery to meet the specifications for use in the mining industry.

Although very commonly regarded as vehicle customisations, Mine Spec requirements are often requested for other equipment such as Able Sales diesel generators, fuel tanks, lighting towers and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

How does Mine Spec differ from other industry specifications?

The safety in design considerations for Mine Spec relate to how a products’ use in the Australian mining industry may differ from other industries. Some of these differences relate to:

Proximity of use around very large mobile equipment

Safety standards are very often focused on:
- increased visibility with high-vis colouring, reflective decals, flashing beacons,improved communications capability, and
- audible warning signals and proximity related detection systems.
At Able Sales, many of our smaller, mobile, or transportable equipment and machinery incorporate hi-visable attributes to assist in mitigating any unwanted plant interactions.

Harsh environment

Australian mine sites can often be in extreme climates – both very hot and cold, they could be in high humidity, or even very dry, arid locations, and potentially subject to hyper-saline water exposure.
The equipment needs to be durable and incorporate high [1]IP rated enclosures and connections such as those in the Able GEN and Able PAK range.

24/7 usage

Australian mines and their production are around the clock, for every day of the year.
High-visibility markings such as reflective tape or paint that are applied to the equipment and machinery, make them easier to see and recognise in low light and dark conditions.

Remote locations

Many mine sites in Australia are located in remote areas away from populated areas. Because of the distances involved and the amount of time that would be spent travelling to provide maintenance service and support, miners want equipment they select for use their site to be very dependable.

Do Australian mines have the same Mine Spec?

No, there is no one-fit-for-all Mine Spec for all Australian mine sites, and the specifications are regularly changing over time.

The requirements of what constitutes Mine Spec comes from both state governments and from the mine owners, all of whom are often reviewing and updating what is their specification expectations as a new Mine Spec.

At Able Sales we have built strong relationships with many major mining companies and have a strong understanding of their Mine Spec – the similarities and the differences. Listing a few would not adequately convey our extensive customer base and the volume of sales, which are to more than 9,000 customers in Australia in a year. Instead, please contact us directly, and we can discuss your requirements.

Is there one Mine Spec standard?

Standards Australia are documents that are regularly reviewed by technical committees which set out specifications, procedures and guidelines with the aim of having products, services and systems that are safe, consistent and reliable.

Some of these documents are relevant to the mining sectors, with specific references to aspects of plant, equipment and machinery for Australian mine sites.

The updates are with the intent of improving the safety and reliability of plant being used on a mine site.

Our team collaboration throughout the supply chain ensures delivery of products that are to befitting the requirements of customers.

Able GEN Mine Spec diesel generators are designed, built and optimised to operate efficiently and reliably in the harsh conditions experienced in the Australian mining industry. At Able Sales we understand the changing requirements of powerful and reliable Mine Spec diesel generators for use in mining sites.

[1] IP rating is an ingress protection international rating or code that indicates how well a device, equipment or machinery is protected against water and dust.

Generator Paralleling VS. Synchronised Generators

March 9, 2024 by chris

Is generator paralleling the same as synchronised generators?

While the two concepts share similarities, it’s essential not to conflate Generator Paralleling with Synchronous Generators. Synchronous generators are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, their output frequency synchronized with the generator’s speed, typically driven by a prime mover like a steam turbine or gas engine. Commonly found in large power plants, they excel in high power output and efficiency.

On the other hand, Generator Paralleling involves connecting multiple generators in parallel to provide greater power output collectively than a single generator could achieve alone. When paralleled, generators synchronise their electrical outputs to maintain consistent voltage and frequency. This enables them to collaborate in supplying power to a shared load and offers redundancy in case of individual generator failure.

What is generator paralleling VS. synchronised generators?

In electrical generator terminology, paralleling refers to synchronizing two electrical inputs by aligning their voltage waveforms. Simply put, paralleling or synchronizing generators involves linking multiple generators to enhance total wattage output.

These interconnected generators operate in tandem, increasing the available wattage for the equipment or building being powered. They automatically adjust, activating or deactivating generators as power demands fluctuate. Able Sales specialises in synchronising up to 32 generators effortlessly, scaling as needed. Paralleling expands power availability, ensuring critical systems remain operational during power emergencies.

What are the benefits of generator paralleling?

In contrast to relying on a single generator during emergencies, industries such as hospitals, mining sites, farms, and municipalities recognize the advantages of paralleling generators. Combining multiple generators enhances reliability, facilitates variable load management, and enables maintenance activities without interruption to power supply.

The primary advantage lies in eliminating single points of failure in emergency power systems, minimising the risk of power outage if a generator malfunctions. Particularly valuable for hospitals and mining sites, paralleling generators provide ongoing emergency care and essential standby power.

The new rules of paralleling generators?

Aligning generators for paralleling presents challenges. Able Sales electricians, well-versed in paralleling, emphasize the importance of selecting generators capable of seamless operation alongside others. Ensuring compatibility often involves matching load requirements, a complex task due to unpredictable load fluctuations.

Fortunately, Power Temp Systems’ Smart Generator Paralleling Panel simplifies the process. Supporting paralleling of various generator types and sizes, including those not originally designed for paralleling, these panels offer configurations from 2 to 32 generators. Equipped with web-based monitoring, users can oversee and manage the system remotely via any internet-enabled device, ensuring continuous power system surveillance.

Moreover, the Smart Panel enhances flexibility by enabling additional generators to join the system as needed and detach when surplus power is no longer required. For upgrading emergency power systems, consult Power Temp Systems’ power distribution specialists to learn more about the Smart Generator Paralleling Panel’s capabilities.

530 kVA Generator

415V 700Amps Per Phase

89,000

Cummins Powered
Stamford Alternator
Water Cooled

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275 kVA Generator

415V 350Amps per phase

54,000

Mine Spec Bunded
Cummins Powered
19 Hours Continuous Run Time