Electric power generation output is finite. Coupled with a delivery infrastructure in decline, power will continue to rise in price and availability is questionable. The power companies have come up with what they call ‘Demand Response’ to manage power during high demand periods. They reduce the demand by fluctuating output where it is economically inefficient or technically impossible for full demand power delivery, as power output is constrained by generational capacity.
Power Companies Reduce Output Voltage
This is done by lowering output voltage. As wattage is a function of voltage amps and other factors, by lowering the voltage they lower the delivery of power. This creates short term brownouts as well as rolling blackouts. All this negatively affects businesses bottom line as it has adverse impact on operations. Rising prices during these peak hours forces companies to go to alternative power sources or reduce power consumption to the level supplied by the power companies. For data service centers and health care services this has a severe impact on their operations with a reduction in performance and safety.
Load Balancing with Natural Gas During Peak Demand Periods
Many companies are turning to generating their own power during peak demand periods. Diesel powered generators have ruled standby power generation, but there is a new kid in town. Most urban areas have well developed natural gas (NG) delivery systems. Natural gas is relatively inexpensive compared to many alternative energy sources. Electrical utilities have used diesel powered generators for decades to boost power production during high demand periods. Many of these are duel fuel. They can burn both diesel and natural gas. Diesel is more effective at producing power but can be started on diesel and run on natural gas, or a combination of the two depending on demand. Now all gasoline spark ignition engines can be converted to natural gas as fuel. Diesel on natural gas and spark ignition on natural gas are good clean alternatives. Diesel because of the higher compression ratios may have the edge in efficiency. The only sticking point is the volatility of natural gas prices. The good thing is that most of the solutions involving natural gas are that they are dual-fuel solutions, either gasoline and NG or diesel and NG. If the cost or availability of the NG became a problem they can revert to the base gasoline or diesel fuels. Going to single use may have repercussions if the NG becomes so much more expensive. Of course, natural gas is very clean burning with a 90 percent reduction in objectionable emissions.
Advantages of Diesel & Natural Gas Dual Fuel
Many tout NG only, but if prices on fuel go stratospheric you have a fall back. Dual-fuel offers a bit more flexibility. Another concern is that all fossil fuel sources are finite. NG prices have risen but settled down to the current more lower prices. But demand is rising, with tariffs and other fees and taxes NG is held at an artificial high. There is the Daily Supply Charge that your site is charged, and it does not matter how much gas you use. The alternative is LPG or liquid petroleum gas (propane/butane). Gas Supply Charges can typical exceed $500 a year versus a high of about $45 a year for LPG container rental. This is based on cooking consumption only.
Propane has the lowest energy content of the NG, gasoline or diesel fuels per dollar. But for modest users, like for cooking only it is probably cheaper. For power generation a little research, pencil and calculator may need to be applied to make an informed decision.
Power Systems Demand, Grid Optimization & Scheduling & More in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Parker, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge & Greater Denver, CO | Jefferson & Gilpin County, Colorado
Power management switch gear and electronic controls are the key to self-power generation for businessmen.
Advanced Electric Solutions, Corp can help you be more energy efficient and use power wisely in your home or business. Contact us for a consultation and energy audit today!
