Renewable Energy

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

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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

Power Your Life with an Able PAK005-5

May 3, 2024 by chris

The Able PAK005-5 is a portable power station, also known as a portable generator or a portable power supply. It is a compact and self-contained unit designed to provide electrical power for various electronic devices and appliances … an innovative and convenient solution for powering your electronics on the go.

Use any one of many energy sources as inputs to store and generate electricity to power your devices and appliances. Integrate renewable energy generation technology such as solar panels for an off-grid power system as a solar generator.

Able PAKs provide dependable power for your appliances during a blackout, or when away from the energy grid.

How powerful is the Able PAK005-5 as a portable power station?

The Able PAK005-5 is the most powerful, affordable and portable power station in Australia.

With a 5,000W AC output (7,000W peak) and 5,040Wh storage capacity, it is a suitable power source for powering tools, travel, outdoor camping and as a home power backup solution.

Expand the 5kWh Portable Power Station to 10kWh with an extra battery.

Realise benefits such as lower costs, better power reliability and increased flexibility whist reducing your carbon footprint for a better, sustainable future.

What battery does the Able PAK005-5 and the Able PAK005-5_BAT use?

The Able PAK005-5 uses high quality and safe LFP technology lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.

LFP batteries have a better (lower) ¹EUCAR Hazard Level Rating than some other lithium battery chemistry types such as NCM and NCMA.

What devices can the Able PAK005-5 AC output ports power?

With 5,000W rated power and 7,000W peak power, the Able PAK 005-5 has Australian 240V AC output ports that can power most household, RV, campervan, caravan and camping devices and appliances.

The Able PAK005-5 as a lithium portable power station can be a ready-to-use, complete off-grid lithium caravan kit.

Before use, we recommend that you confirm the power of the appliances first and ensure the power sum of all loaded appliances is lower than the rated power.

The powerful, rechargeable lithium battery systems, as either the 5,040Wh portable power station, or combined with the extra battery PAK005-5_BAT for an increased 10,080Wh combined capacity, are not only ideal for 4WD camping and caravanning, the system is also suited to off-grid office pods, tiny homes, granny flats and transportable homes.

Can the portable power station be charged by a car 12V DC trailer connection when it is in a caravan that is being towed by the car, RV, or 4WD?

Yes: the Able PAK005-5 can be charged by a 12V DC trailer connection.

As a car is turned on and off, will the Power Station automatically allow recharging from the 12V DC supply?

Yes: the Able PAK005-5 is smart enough to recognise when power is supplied to it and will commence recharging.

Can the AC outlets be used at the same time as a DC solar input?

Yes: the Able PAK005-5 can act as a solar generator.

Can the AC outlets and the DC outlets be used at the same time?

Yes: provided the combined, total outlet load is less than 5,000W.

Can the AC outlets and the DC outlets be used at the same time, plus at the same time with an AC Input?

Yes: both the AC and DC outlets can be used concurrently whilst the AC input is in use.

Can the AC input be used at the same time as a DC solar input?

For example, when camping when the solar is being used as input to the battery and it is getting too cloudy, does the solar need to be unplugged before the AC input from an inverter style generator can be plugged in and used?

The AC input can be used at the same time as the DC solar input. The solar panels do not need to be unplugged before an AC input is plugged in and connected.

Able PAK Portable Power Stations

The range of the most powerful, portable and affordable battery power solutions

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EUCAR Hazard Levels are used to gauge the level of risk associated with
handling batteries and the outcomes of tests performed on the cells.
EUCAR is the European Council of Automotive R&D of the major European
passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers. ↩︎

Bushfires in Australia – Fire Preparedness is the crisis key

February 15, 2024 by chris

Australia is no stranger to the devastating impact of bushfires, which pose significant threats to life, property, and the environment.

The 2019-2020 bushfire season, known as Black Summer, was one of the most catastrophic and devastating fire seasons on record in Australia. Many parts of Australia experienced significant fires of uncontrollable dimension as a result of exceptionally hot and dry conditions and a lack of soil moisture. With fires from June 2019 to May 2020, 24.3 million hectares burned, over 3,000 buildings were destroyed and 34 people lost their lives.

With our harsh Australian conditions, it becomes increasingly crucial for residents in fire-prone areas to ensure their homes and properties are prepared for the threat of fire. This commentary looks into the essential equipment households should consider having to provide protection and mitigate risk. For area specific requirements, make sure you contact your local fire authority.

Water pumps and storage –

Having an adequate water storage on your property is vital. A water tank, swimming pool or dam can provide a much needed resource during a bushfire or even home fire.
Invest in a reliable pump and generator to ensure easy access to water during both bushfires and power outages. At Able Sales we stock a range of Garpen water pumps that are also suited for firefighting. Available in both diesel and petrol models, all models are equipped with time-proven high-performance engines, housed in portable and robust protective frames. Our range of Able GEN portable inverter, petrol and diesel generators are a perfect companion to provide home back up power and an emergency power source during bushfires or other extreme weather events.
Install sprinkler systems and/or ensure you have an adequate amount of heavy duty hoses that can reach all areas of your property for dousing flames and wetting down structures.

Fire-resistant building materials –

If you are building a new property, it is now a requirement in many areas that you build with fire resistant materials for roofing, walls and decks, this also includes using non-combustible materials such as concrete, brick and steel.
Install ember guards in vents and gutter guards to stop leaf and debris build up.

Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and fire blankets –

Install quality smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways and living areas, ensuring they are tested and have batteries replaced regularly.
Keep multiple fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, garage, and near potential ignition sources and ensure family members know how to use them.
Fire blankets placed throughout the home and in garages and sheds are crucial to smother small fires and wrap around individuals for protection.

Generators, Portable Power Stations, tools, equipment and clothing –

Ensure you have tools to clear brush, trim trees and remove other debris.
Equip yourself with rakes, shovels, and chainsaws for creating firebreaks and reducing fuel loads.
Have a supply of fire-resistant clothing, boots, gloves, head protection, eye protection and N95 face masks.
During an emergency, make sure all of your communication devices such as mobile phones and laptops are fully charged so you can contact fire authorities, family and neighbours. The portable Able GEN generator range allow for easy charging of devices and equipment. The Able PAK portable power stations can help as an Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) to ensure devices such as fridges, UHF radios and WiFi routers stay active during intermittent power disruptions.
Make sure your vehicles have a full tank of fuel and/or are fully charged allowing for quick evacuation.
Prepare an evacuation supplies including food, water, medications, clothing and important documents such as passports, birth certificates, wills and insurance documents. Consider having a “Go Bag” prepared with these contents.

We encourage everyone to get involved in local community fire preparedness events, as your local authorities will always have the most up to date advice and local knowledge to keep both you and your loved ones safe.

Able GEN and Able PRO Fire Protection Equipment

Power Your Life with an Able PAK005-5

September 28, 2023 by Oliver