What is Peak Lopping and How is it Effective?
For organisations with an electrical demand higher than the supply capacity of the local grid, a generator solution configured to run in Peak Lopping mode could be the ideal solution.
In essence, Peak Lopping is a mode of power control whereby the generator supplies part of the site’s load when energy demands are higher than the local grid’s capacity, or a preset threshold. Learn more here.
Benefits of utilising Peak Lopping mode-configured generators include:
- Peak Lopping proves to be a cost-effective upgrade to an electrical supply solution when other options are not viable, such as the network operator not having sufficient capacity throughout the area
- When planning for a biogas or natural gas-fuelled generator solution, there are cost savings to be gained over network-supplied electricity. Gas-generated electricity costs just circa 7p per kW, compared to circa 12p per kW from the grid. (Figures vary by location)
Because electrical supplies over a certain size are not always commercially viable, if your organisation is situated within a busy industrial area, or perhaps in a remote location (i.e. with less-than-adequate mains power supplies), then utilising Peak Lopping could become a more viable solution.
Correct Integration of Peak Lopping Generator
- Firstly, shentongroup engineers evaluate a site’s load profile, analysing electrical demands and considering the possible maximum load step-jumps. Having installed many Peak Lopping-mode generator systems, they are highly experienced in finding the ultimate ‘sweet spot’ for load control set-points
- When levels approach the maximum availability from the grid, the generator is started and synchronised with the grid supply. It is then ‘ramped up’ to take the excess load over-and-above what the grid is providing
- The generator control system will continually adjust the kW output of the generator to the threshold of the grid’s kW level
- If the site’s demand falls below the grid’s capacity, the generator will eventually disconnect and shutdown
Another critical factor that shentongroup engineers consider when providing Peak Lopping mode generator solutions is generator size selection. As an example; it can be better to have multiple, smaller generator units that can start up and run in cascade, starting and stopping on demand, rather than having one larger unit that could potentially be running less-efficiently on a light load setting.
Peak Lopping generator solutions can also be designed to perform in mains failure standby mode. In the event of mains power failure the generator’s control system disconnects the mains supply, forcing the generator to supply the facility.
For Peak Lopping installations, a G99 connection application, approval and testing process will be required because the generator will connect to the mains supply. At shentongroup, G99-trained engineers can not only assist with or carry-out the application, but are fully qualified and experienced to conduct the G99 protection tests, a compulsory process demanded by the district network operators.
Here at shentongroup we take pride in delivering the most suitable solutions for our clients, incorporating noise control, emissions abatement, control systems and fuel systems. To learn more about Peak Lopping and to find a generator solution that protects and serves your organisation, click here to speak to a member of the UK’s leading technical experts in Standby Power, Uninterruptible Power Supplies and Combined Heat & Power Systems.