New tech ensures better visibility of generator operations

As technology is improving, newer controllers have been introduced to the market.

This has seen portable air compressors and generator rental company Rand-Air generators having been fitted with the QC4003 controller developed by generator manufacturer Atlas Copco.

“Key to the new generation of controllers is that they enable generators to synchronise intelligently and interoperably with each other. This is also a fully built-in or inherent capability and does not depend – as in the past – on a separate unit in order to, for example, allow for two generators to be connected in parallel,” says Rand-Air generator specialist Henning Wessels.

Commenting on the latest generators from Rand-Air’s parent company Atlas Copco, Wessels mentions that they are fitted with controllers which contain protection and voltage regulation, and the technicians are able to see the generators’ full operating parameters.

“This is another way in which we are staying true to our ethos and baseline of ‘making agility count’ for our customers – that is, with technology which powers our machines to solve our customers’ challenges in a quick and agile way,” Wessels comments regarding the new controllers.

He further adds that the newer generators – those that have been in the company’s fleet since 2018 – are fitted with these controllers as standard.

Wessels points to the Atlas Copco TwinPower 1 000 kVA generator, which is a containerised 2 × 500 kVA generator unit. He says one of the features of this unit is its operation according to the customer’s demand, which lowers the fuel consumption dramatically. “We do see more developments with regards to fuel consumption as the market focuses on fuel efficiency and lowering of emissions.”

Apart from the efficiency of new controllers in the generator industry, Wessels comments on the safety elements of the latest generators available in the market currently, and from Rand-Air specifically.

“Generators are usually very safe, provided they are equipped with the necessary protection and safety functions. Our generators are therefore fitted with fire extinguishers, and from a refuelling perspective, we supply drip trays to ensure that there are no environmental spills. Stop blocks are also supplied to prevent movement of the generator units,” he notes.

Wessels also stresses the importance of qualified electricians being employed to fit generator units as they eliminate any safety risks, given their experience in terms of on-site installations.

“Incorrectly connected units will affect the safety of the user, immediate environment and possibly the generator.”

He concludes by mentioning that compliance certificates are issued to ensure that units are correctly connected.