Base Power's innovative mobile stand-alone power systems (SAPS) are helping electricity distribution company Powerco lower emissions while keeping power on during some outages.

Powerco has purchased four of Base Power's trailer-mounted BESS (battery energy storage system) units to help lower its emissions and reduce diesel use during some outages. Wrapped in specially designed artworks by artist Sarah Kolver, these units are as visually impressive as they are functional.

When a fault occurs on Powerco’s network, if power can’t be restored within a specific timeframe and other practical outage mitigation options, such as network back feeds, are not available, a diesel generator may be installed as an interim power supply. Depending on the fault, diesel generators sometimes need to be connected for a number of days, until repairs are completed.

“Generator-hybrid BESS solutions like these units ensure an efficient, quiet, and sustainable power supply by optimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions. Onsite, the BESS always supplies the load and the generator cycles on and off to recharge the BESS as required. Back at the depot, the unit is recharged before the next deployment by using the grid. This allows our customers to substantially lower their scope one and two carbon emissions,” says Will Buchanan, Base Power’s Business Manager.

Each mobile hybrid SAPS unit integrates a 60kWh battery with a standard diesel generator. These units, with a 20kVA three-phase output, are suitable for residential homes and small commercial establishments, such as play centres. Using the 60kWh battery units alongside the generator can reduce up to 80% of diesel used during a typical outage.

Two recent deployments have demonstrated these units' effectiveness.  The first deployment was at an early childhood centre in Paengaroa, Western Bay of Plenty, during planned maintenance. Throughout the outage, the battery performed efficiently, consuming an average of 2% capacity per hour. By the end of the outage, only 20% of the battery capacity was used, negating the need for diesel backup, which would have typically consumed 40 litres of diesel (at 75% load).

In the second deployment, a unit serviced two homes in Papamoa affected by a fault. The homes used an average of 2.8% battery capacity per hour, totalling 92% by the outage's end. During the outage, the BESS was recharged using 15 litres of diesel over 2.5 hours, marking a 90% reduction in diesel usage compared to the typical 140 litres (at 75% load).

“It is exciting to see how diverse our SAPS units are. By having them mobile and deploying them in more urban areas, Base Power is not only providing off-grid energy independence but also urban energy solutions, demonstrating a significant step toward a sustainable energy future,” says Will Buchanan.