ATLAS Copco has unveiled a portable power solution that packs two fully loaded generators into one custom 20-foot container.
The company describes its QAC TwinPower containerised generator as a flexible prime and critical standby power solution for utilities, rental, construction, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas applications with variable load requirements.
“By containerising two QAC generators side by side and packaging up to 1MW of predictable power on a single platform, we have doubled the power and the flexibility offering to our customers and end-users,” said David Stanford, Atlas Copco Power Technique Business Line Manager – Portable Products.
“To add even more value, we have designed these generators with the objective to provide customers with the opportunity to choose the power solution best suited for those applications with changeable power and current usage requirements.”
Stanford said this configuration, with its fast-paralleling system, allows the two generators to work independently or in parallel with each other, providing multiple solutions and combinations between prime and standby use, one unit working at 50Hz and the other at 60Hz.
For handling even larger projects, the QAC 1350 TwinPower has two dedicated Atlas Copco controllers Qc4004, including touchscreen Qd1001 functionality, enabling end-users to easily parallel with other generators.
Alongside the choice of island mode or using the Power Management System (PMS), it is also possible to run them in parallel with mains, peak shaving, fixed power and AMF. “In addition, owing to the TwinPower concept, one generator can run at 50% while the other is being serviced, offering end-users a built-in backup as standard for seamless 24/7 power supply.”
In terms of operational costs, the highly efficient QAC generator delivers maximum power with minimal fuel consumption, Stanford said. A “smart” electric VSD (Variable Speed Drive) motor-driven cooling fan adjusts the cooling flow to the specific requirements of the engine.
“The unrivalled load acceptance ability of these generators is thanks to the engine/alternator performance which, in association with its respective advanced control systems, is able to accept a 100% load step with more than 70% load step acceptance within ISO 8528-G3 class respectively.”
He added that with a fuel saving of up to 10%, the performance of these generators is equal to or even better than the conventional single engine generator running under normal load. This efficiency also helps to reduce customers’ carbon footprint. The spillage free frame, which can contain 110% of the fuel tank capacity, reduces any potentially negative impact the environment.
“The Stage V compliant QAC 1350 TwinPower is also environmentally smart. With an up to 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, this containerised solution helps end-users to shrink their carbon footprint.
“A low noise level of 70dB(A) at 7m makes these containerised generators highly suited for applications that are at the heart of the working environment, creating a safe and comfortable workspace. A touch screen provides operators with easy functionality.”
The containerised generators are easily moved from one worksite to the next. Featuring a compact footprint and equipped with solid lifting eyes and forklift inlets, the 20-foot ISO-certified container can be swiftly and safely positioned on site or manoeuvered onto flat-bed trucks for transportation between sites, Stanford said.
The company said the QAC generators require less than two hours of service after 500 hours of operation. Heavy-duty dual stage fuel and air filtration is included as standard. The slide in/out base frame facilitates the removal of the aggregate engine from the container for maintenance and other operational tasks.
“The robust containerised generators are ideal for use in extreme temperatures and at high altitudes. The QAC’s intelligent engine/alternator cooling system guarantees 100%m power at 40°C at an altitude of 1000m.”
