Solar Power Generators v/s Diesel Generators.

India is a power-hungry country. Rapid growth of industries and erratic power supply means that demand is always greater than supply. This has resulted in a huge demand for diesel-powered generators in the country. It’s rare for a factory to even contemplate functioning without some sort of a power backup. 

Diesel Gensets: The Case Against: -

While diesel gensets are the go-to solution to fill the gap between supply and demand, these diesel gensets are not without their disadvantages.

     A) They are noisy and high decibel levels are a cause of concern.

    B) Their exhaust adds to pollution levels. 

 There are gensets that use other power sources like natural gas, but these deplete precious natural resources and burning of fossils for fuel does not augur well for the planet. 

Under these circumstances, solar powered generators are emerging as a viable option for the following reasons: 

The Case for Solar Generators: -

A) Cost: While the cost of solar generators may be higher in the short run, due to expensive panels, in the long run, they are much more cost effective - as they do not need fuel to keep them going. Also, solar generators do not need as much maintenance as diesel gensets, making them more commercially attractive. 

B) Environment friendly: - This is the most significant advantage solar powered gensets have over their diesel and other counterparts. Since they don’t have any emissions, governments do not impose many regulations. Diesel and fossil fuel gensets, on the other hand, must follow stringent norms. 

C) Greater Efficiency: - Modern generators are equipped with advanced cells that store power for long periods - making them functional even in the absence of sunlight. Moreover, unused terraces can be used for installing solar generators making them highly efficient.

D) The Sun Always Shines: - Most of India, (except for a few months during the monsoons) is blessed with abundant sunlight. So, there is always a steady supply of ‘fuel’ for the generators and factory owners do not have to depend on unreliable supply mechanisms for the fuel.

Conclusion: 

Solar generators are already the preferred choice for lakhs of homes in India. As new portable models emerge, they are finding increasing use in building societies and other projects. More than a few large business houses in India have taken the leap and have invested in solar generators. It is just a matter of time before the others take the similar path. 

To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com or talk to our expert technicians at 1800-419-1999  

 

Common reasons a Generator might fail and how to fix it.

 Every backup generator needs some degree of preventive maintenance. If proper care is not taken, there may be several reasons that it may perform optimally. The most common issues are listed below.

1. AUTO START FEATURE IS OFF  :-

      Sometimes due to negligence, the Auto Start switch may be in OFF position, in that case, the generator will not start automatically if a power outage happens. It is important for you to understand the basic features of the control panel of your generator. You should also be aware of the 'alarms' which trips the generator.  

2. THE BATTERY IS DEAD :-

      Battery failure is the single most common reason of generator fails. It is better to replace the battery every three years. To keep the battery in good shape following the recommendations given below will help. 

• Strictly follow the battery maintenance routine prescribed by the manufacturer.
• Petroleum jelly should be applied on the terminal / cable clamp. Never use grease.
• The electrolyte level should be maintained between the Min & Max lines.
• Topping up should be done with distilled water only.
• Keep the vent holes clean.
• Never install a lower capacity battery than recommended.
• Do not disconnect the battery when the generator is running.

3. FUEL LEVEL IS LOW :-

       All generators have built-in alarms to mark low-fuel levels. Add fuel to the fuel tank if there is a low fuel alarm. Running the generator with low fuel can be very harmful in the long run. There is a chance of air entry in the fuel lines if the generator is continuously run on low fuel. The entrapped air in the fuel lines will cause many complications. 

4. LEAKAGE IN THE GENERATOR:- 

      If you notice any leakage in the generator, it is better to call an authorized technician. Sometimes a leakage like appearance can be noticed if the generator is not in use for a long time. This happens due to wet stacking. This happens when carbon, unburnt fuel, lubricating oil and moisture is accumulated. When this happens, run the generator for a few hours and the wet stacking will simply burn off.   

If the information given above is not enough to fix your problem, then you must contact the manufacturer of the authorized service dealer.

To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com or talk to our expert technicians at 1800-419-1999  

Renting vs Buying a generator

 Once the sizing of the generator is done, the next big question is whether to buy a new generator or take one on rent. Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider before making a decision. After considering all the points, you can decide which one is the most suitable option.

Advantages of renting a generator:-

•   Renting a generator takes only a fraction of the cost of buying a new genset. If you have a limited budget, then renting is the best option.

• Rental providers take care of the maintenance and repair of generator throughout the rental period. Therefore, no maintenance hassles and minimum risk of downtime. 

• It offers the flexibility of generator size. Once a particular project is over a different rating of a generator can be chosen for the next project. 

• Rental generators are designed as a plug and play option. It does not require detailed installation planning as the permanent installations do.

• Renting is a good option if the generator is needed for a short duration. If long periods of renting are required, better to calculate the renting cost beforehand. If the total renting cost approaches closer to the purchase cost, then buying will be the better option. 

Advantages of buying a generator:-

• The prime reason for buying a genset is the need for long term use. Here are the major advantages.

• You will own the asset and not bind by any rental agreement. You can resell your asset anytime.

• In large projects where generator requirement is for many months, the rental cost of a big commercial generator will reach the purchase price quickly. Obviously, in such cases, buying may be the right option.

To summarize, a sufficient amount of homework and calculation has to be done before making the decision of buying or renting a generator. Choosing the right vendor is also an important decision to make. Do check the background of the vendor and check the customer feedback. 

Mahindra Powerol is in the business for more than a decade. We can help you in making the decision. For any query, you can call us at 1800-419-1999 or visit our website at:- www.mahindrapowerol.com

Ø 

Changing Oil Filter in a Diesel genset.

 A diesel genset is a specialized piece of engineering and it needs specialized upkeep and maintenance. And one of the many ways to ensure that it keeps performing to its optimum standards is to change the oil filter regularly. 

The frequency of oil filter change depends on the size of the generator. 

Cleaning the Centrifugal Lubricating Oil Filter 

Before you begin the process of changing the filter, it is recommended that you switch off the engine and allow time for lubricating oil to go back to sump.

   Ø  Remove the cover nut and lift off the filter body cover.

   Ø  Check the "O" ring for damage and change if required. 

   Ø  Remove the rotor assembly from the spindle and wait for the oil to drain from the nozzle before detaching from the filter body. Hold the rotor body firmly and remove the rotor knurled nut. Separate the rotor cover from the rotor body. Remove the central stand tube.

   Ø  Clean the sludge from the inside of the rotor cover with a wooden implement. Make sure it is wiped clean. 

  Ø  Clean and wash out the central stand tube using an approved solvent - make certain that the strainer holes are not blocked.

  Ø  Clean out nozzles with a brass wire to ensure smooth and free passage of oil. Check the top and bottom bearings in the rotor body - they should be free from damage and/or excessive wear and tear. 

  Ø  Completely Reassemble the rotor. Tighten cover nut to 9.5 Nm - 10.8 Nm (7-8 lbft.)

  Ø  Closely check the spindle journals - they shouldn’t be any damage or excessive wear. Then remove the cut-off valve plug from the filters only and the cut-off valve assembly.  Make sure that the spring and shuttle are in good condition and move without any hindrance. Examine the gasket and replace if damaged or worn out. 

  Ø  Re-assemble cut-off valve assembly.

  Ø  Re-assemble the filter fully. It is important to make sure that the rotor assembly is free to rotate. Now, replace the filter cover and tighten the cover nut. 

  Ø  Switch on the engine and with the engine running check all connections and joints for any leakage.

Cleaning Engine Oil and Standard Spin-On Type Lubricating Oil Filters

Switch off the engine and place a container of at least 148 litres capacity (32.5 gal) below the drain plug. 

Now remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. 

It is advised that this procedure be best carried out while the engine is still warm - the thinner oil will drain more efficiently. As the oil is draining, remove the three oil filters by turning them clockwise with a strap wrench. 

Wipe the sealing faces and threaded bosses of the oil header. Smear engine oil on the captive rubber sealing ring and carefully screw each new filter using firm hand pressure only.

Refit the drain plug and fill the engine with the appropriate grade of new oil. Manually set the air shut off valves to the run position and hold the stop lever in the stop position. Start and crank the engine over until the oil pressure gauge registers 0.4 kg/cm2 (5lb/in2).

Continue cranking for a further 10 seconds - this will ensure that the oil has reached the turbocharger bearings. Stop cranking the engine and visually check the engine for oil leaks, top up the oil level.

Cleaning the Optional Changeover Lubricating Oil Filters

A three-way change-over valve in the head enables the elements to be changed, one at a time, whilst the engine continues to run. They are normally mounted on the engine, but may be remotely mounted, and connected to the engine by means of flexible pipes.

Changing the Filter Elements without Stopping the Engine

The normal position of the change-over valve is the leg of the inverted T pointing upwards - when both filter elements are in circuit. Turning the tine valve so that the leg of the T points to the left, puts the right hand filter out of service - this lets it be replaced by a new filter. Turning the valve so that the leg points to the right, puts the left hand filter out of service, so that this one can now be exchanged with a new filter canister. The valve is then returned to its original position, so that both elements of the filter are back in service. 

Remember that regularly changing your oil filters in your diesel gensets will prolong its life.

To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com  or talk to our expert technicians at 1800-419-1999  

Gas gensets industry: Markets, trends and industry players.

The growth of the global gas genset market and its future trends is of great importance to all the players in the industry. Here is a snapshot of things to come.

During the period 2018 to 2023, the growth was predicted to be a steady 5%.

Growth contributors and inhibitors:-

Since the global genset market is ruled by diesel gensets that are increasingly being regulated because of their emissions, gas gensets that are not environmentally toxic are expected to benefit from these developments. 

Also, the gap between supply and demand of electricity will have a positive demand for gas gensets. Gas gensets can be used in a variety of industries, do not have emissions and are used as a backup when electricity fails - these factors make them even more popular. Add the volatility of oil prices and you have a scenario that looks quite bullish for the gas gensets industry.

Gas Genset Market Segmentation :-

The gas gensets industry can be categorized according to fuel, power rating, application and end-user.

The fuel category can be further subdivided into bio-gas, natural gas, and others. Natural gas is the leader in the market in this subcategory thanks to easy availability of natural gas across many geographies. 

Under power rating, we have ratings up to 100 kVA, 100-350 kVA, 350-1000 kVA, and more than 1000 kVA.

The Application-based sub category includes Peak Sharing, Continuous and Standby. Standby is leading since 2017 and is expected to dominate soon.

In the end-user sub category, the market for Residential gensets is expected to grow rapidly. The other players in this category are Commercial and Industrial. 

Regional Markets:-

According to the MRFR report, North America, APAC, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and South America will demand the highest number of gensets. 

Thanks to the availability of natural gas, it’s low prices and demand USA continues to be the biggest market for gas gensets. 

Rapid industrialization in countries such as India and China will also lead to a high demand for gas gensets in APAC markets. Stringent regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, inadequate power supply will boost demand in these markets. 

In Europe, rising demand for eco-friendly gensets and rigid regulations are creating demand for gas gensets. 

Significant Players:-

According to the MRFR report, the key players in the category are Mahindra Powerol, Cummins, MTU On-site Energy, Caterpillar, General Power Systems, Siemens, AG, GE, ABB and others.

Mahindra Powerol deals in gas gensets that are extremely efficient and robust.

To know more about our products and the industries we cater to visit our website at: - www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at 1800-419-1999

Electric Utilities to thrive in the Electric Vehicle revolution!

There is a global shift taking place towards the choice of fuel for automobiles. From fossil fuels, the choice is shifting to electricity. A strong public sentiment and government initiatives are supporting this shift. All major car makers are coming up with their EV models. Government’s initiatives of Transport Electrification (TE) and infrastructure development is fueling the growth of EVs and made it as one of the fastest growing business segments.

The Automobile Battery is the major contributor to the cost of ownership of an EV. The major focus is on the optimizing the battery cost and charging time. With technological advancement, the cost of the batteries are decreasing steadily. The cost per kWh of an EV battery was $150 to $175 in 2017. It is expected to decline further to $80 to $105 by 2025 and $70 to $90 by 2030. With declining battery cost and increased capacity, the economics of buying an EV becomes more favorable.

Source: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/press-release/india-electric-car-market

To harness business opportunities from this buzzing EV market and the growing TE market, the electric utility companies are busier than ever.

The power demand for charging the EV's are negligible. But the charging grids will face challenges like:

§  Peak hour load management.

§  Discover nearby charging stations.

§  Offer attractive rate plans and offers to customers.

Opportunities lie on the smart and intelligent solution to address the challenges mentioned above. There is also a promising market for infrastructure development to support the government’s plan for Transport Electrification.

Electric Buses, fleets of shared mobility EV's will require highly efficient and professional support for charging and maintenance.

There will be increasing demand for a smart solution for home charging in residential complexes with slow charging during the night and fast charging option in the daytime.

Some innovative concepts like Shared Charging or charging via appointment can be worked upon. Dynamic pricing can encourage customers to charge their EV's during off-peak hours and reduce load during peak hours.  

Electric utilities will immensely benefit from the growing EV market. They will play a major role as service providers and will be partners in building a greener future.

Lessons by a tiny Virus.

A pandemic hits the globe and forces almost all the nations to complete lock down. People are getting infected, hospitals are overloaded, schools are shut, factories are closed, stock markets crashing. It is a panic situation everywhere. This tiny little virus COVID 19 has literally brought the entire human civilization into its knees. The pandemic brutally breaks our ego and tells us that everything is not in our control. This is a humbling experience for the human race.

These are hard times for every nation, but there is a bright side to this as well. The current crisis is uniting the entire humanity in a very strange way. Political differences are forgotten, bilateral issues are ignored, countries are coordinating and helping each other like never before. People are connecting with each other in many amazing ways. Incidents like Italians singing on their balconies, Indians clapping for their COVID fighters – will be etched in our memories forever.

In the times of self-isolation and social distancing we realize the value of society and the people. Thanks to the internet and the gadgets of communication. We are staying connected.

Our everyday routine is shattered. It is time to re-think and re-evaluate our habits. Our weeks used to be loaded with work and many other activities like going to the theater, gym, shopping mall, restaurant, bar, birthday party, festival, concert and many more. Suddenly all these are forbidden, and life still goes on. We are learning to utilize our free time more wisely staying at home with the family. Soon we will realize how many non-essential activities kept us busy for so long.

Companies are also evolving. Work from home has become the new normal, employees are working without much interventions from the superiors. Options for virtual conferencing was present before, but this tiny virus compelled us to use this technology much efficiently. We are forced into an innovation mode. Schools are continuing classes online. Auto drivers turning into delivery agents. Everyone is trying to innovate, it will be interesting to see if the speed of innovation continues after this crisis is over.

How Mahindra group is contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic:-

As the country is facing acute shortage of the lifesaving ventilators, our automotive division has developed an affordable indigenous ventilator prototype in less than 48 hours. Mass production of ventilators will start as soon as necessary approvals are given.

Mahindra Logistics is offering free emergency cab service ALYTE in Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Focusing on senior citizens, disabled and expecting mothers.

Another team of Mahindra employees procured license for Sanitizers and started production of Mahindra branded Hand Sanitizers.

Mahindra also comes out with a simple design of Face Shield which is being used by medical service providers across India. Currently these Face Shields are being made from 8 plants.

We have opened our kitchens at 10 locations to feed the poor and migrant workers amid the lock down. Mahindra kitchens are supplying more than 50,000 meals, 10,000 rations every week.

Team Powerol's special COVID 19 service team is working round the clock to make sure all emergency services remain uninterrupted. We are providing continuous power backup to Hospitals, Corona Treatment Wards and Labs by commissioning Gensets. Telecom service team working round the clock to keep the sites up and ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity.

Work from Home: How to make it interesting

Every office goer at some point in their lives has thought of working from home. Working from home was considered as a special benefit our kind bosses allowed occasionally. While most software companies had the work from home policy long before the COVID-19 crisis, rest of the organisations were not fully ready for it. The current situation is completely different though, the entire country is under lock down and most of us do not have the option of going to work, until the situation normalizes. Lakhs of employees are working from home for the first time in their lives.

Below is a compilation of some great tips for efficient work from home.

§  Start early: Don't be lazy, get up early freshen up and hit the laptop. Remember, while working from home you are your worst enemy, you don't feel the pressure of getting things done, you may end up doing less. It is even better if you look at your to-do list as soon as you get up.

§  Think that you are going to office: Your mind tends to relax while you are at home, you are used to this for years. This needs to change while you are working from home. Try to do all the things you used to do during office going. We suggest, wear your office clothes.

§  Find a space dedicated to work: Get out of the couch or bed or from all those spaces which you are using for leisure. Dedicate a specific place for work. Remind yourself that you are in work.

§  Don't mess around in Social Media: You know what it is, do we need to explain?

§  Do more than usual: Commit yourself to provide more output than usual. In the office, you may have many distractions like unnecessary coffee breaks, chit chat with colleagues etc. You have a focused time at home, make full use of it.

§  Learn to change modes: While working from home, you may face distraction from your wife, kids, neighbors etc. Use this pressure to stay focused. You may choose to ignore your neighbors but give time to your wife and kids. But quickly get back to work mode.

§  Stay connected: While working from home, you may feel disconnected from the business. Messaging tools, video conference tools make it easy to check with your colleagues. So be in touch.

§  Take a break: Do not overload yourself too much, plan your breaks beforehand and get away from the computer. Use this time to eat your food, make personal calls, and check your social media accounts. These breaks will recharge you and make you more productive.

§  Take special precaution for preventing the Corona virus pandemic: Please ensure that you and your family is following the safety tips.

• Keep yourself physically fit: Do not sit continuously for long hours. Practice some of the basic yoga poses. Add meditation to your daily routine and witness the power of body, mind and soul coming together.