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DIESEL GENERATORS
The diesel generating set is the most
widely used source of remote
power in the world. It is a mature
technology and lt's weaknesses are
accepted as inevitabilities. Major
advantages for this technology are:
Disadvantages
Intense maintenance schedule
required for reliable operation, these
include oil checks, filter change,
coolant checks, electrolyte checks on
batteries, and generator rebuilding
after a number of years.
Moving parts at high speeds are
prone to wear and breakdown.
Continuous fuel supply is required for
continuous operation. This is a major
problem in rural areas, in particular to
remote sites not easily accessible.
Generators are inevitably operated at
high noise output and with high
vibrations.
No surging capability and therefore
generator must be oversized to cater
for large surge currents.
Complex control circuitry required if
there is a possibility of running at no
load.
Advantages
Excellent for temporary installation
Cost effective at high energy
requirements
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EXTENDING POWER LINES
The conventional method for providing power is to extend
utility power lines. Major advantages and
disadvantages for this technology are:
Disadvantages
High trenching costs for underground lines or poles for
overhead lines.
High cable costs to site due to large distances.
Transformation costs at site to transform high voltage
distribution to supply low voltage applications.
Advantages
Reliable supply in developed areas.
Low cost to customer since typically subsidized.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATORS
Solar photovolatic panels are bringing dependable power
to the far corners of the world. Solar electricity is generated directly
from sunlight by solar modules. Solar systems have
many unique attributes that make them particularly
well suited to meeting a variety of remote power needs.
Disadvantages
High apparent initial capital cost
Currently not recommended for running equipment with
high, long duration loads such as electric ranges,
water heating, air-conditioners or furnaces.
Advantages
Little or no maintenance.
No fuel or water requirements for
continuous operation.
Noiseless, smokeless.
No distribution cost since power is
generated on site.
Has no moving parts which are prone
to wear and fail and therefore have
high reliability.
Modularity. Power may be added up
as the load grows.
Long-term unattended performance.
No pollution or waste products.
30 year + performance life.
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