A growing number of companies and organisations are making the transition to clean mobile power. Mobile batteries are transforming industries that traditionally rely on diesel generators. They are quiet, affordable and scalable.
This section outlines innovation frameworks and models for technology diffusion. It also reviews empirical analyses of energy technology transitions and their timescales.
Cost-effectiveness
Mobile battery storage can significantly reduce energy costs and emissions on off-grid projects. It can replace diesel generators and provide energy for a range of power needs, including lighting, catering, hair and makeup trailers, and device charging. It is also silent, reducing noise disruptions on sets. Moreover, it can charge off-peak at 10-15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and require minimal maintenance.
The same technology that makes electric vehicles (EVs) greener is poised to transform the mobile power industry. Battery systems are already cost-competitive with diesel generators and can be charged using renewables if paired with solar arrays. Check out more at betl.
Unlike diesel generators, which must idle constantly, mobile batteries discharge on demand. They can also be recharged on-site, lowering fuel and maintenance costs. Moreover, battery-powered portable systems can be pre-positioned in disaster zones and restore power faster than traditional diesel. They can also cut costs by eliminating the need for convoluted diesel supply chains and avoiding fuel markups by middlemen.
Flexibility
Mobile energy innovation is transforming the way we think about our energy systems. It is enabling utilities to provide greater grid flexibility for renewables integration, while also streamlining workflows so that technicians can get more done in less time. This is important because utility workers often need to travel to remote locations where their equipment can’t withstand harsh weather conditions.
Mobile storage is also a cost-effective alternative to diesel generators. It uses lithium-ion batteries, which see incremental density improvements each year. The next generation of batteries may offer a dramatic leap in density.
A key challenge is to find the right solution that is user-friendly and provides value for prosumers. A good product will empower customers to become active participants in the electricity market, leveraging their residential energy assets into explicit flexibility services, which can be monetized on the electricity markets. The enabling technologies must provide a robust unit commitment and security-constrained economic dispatch, and ensure a good performance of the distribution network after disasters.
Reliability
Many mobile energy storage solutions feature rugged, modular designs that allow them to withstand on- and off-road conditions. They can be towed by standard trucks over vast distances and maneuvered into place on the worksite. They also offer long runtimes that exceed the typical power output of diesel generators.
Unlike diesel generators, which emit noxious exhaust and require constant operation to dispatch electricity, mobile batteries only discharge on demand. This significantly reduces noise and fuel costs, while reducing maintenance requirements.
These devices can also help to reduce carbon emissions and comply with regulations. In addition, they are easier to operate and maintain than diesel generators. For example, a battery system can provide a continuous power supply for basecamps, lighting, catering and hair and makeup trailers on movie sets. It can also reduce the time required for setup and teardown, and deliver power to locations with varying needs in a few minutes. Moreover, these systems can also power remote sensor networks. However, these systems are not perfect. They may have limited capacity, high cost and safety concerns.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a long-term goal for our society to meet the needs of economic growth without harming the natural environment. It ensures that people can live longer, healthier lives and have access to clean air, water and food. It also means avoiding pollution and limiting the use of nonrenewable resources. Sustainable development is also about ensuring that everyone has access to meaningful work and quality education.
Mobile operators are making significant strides in sustainability, especially when it comes to reducing energy consumption. They are exploring equipment efficiency and adopting renewable energy. They are also addressing Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions from their supply chains.
For example, SNHU has an office of sustainability because they understand that it isn’t just the right thing to do, but it’s cost-effective too. It can help lower their utility bills by implementing sustainability practices such as reducing waste, fuel usage, and equipment truck runs. It also helps reduce their carbon footprint by using solar panels and electric vehicles.