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Valen guide to DC Generators for energy storage systems

A quick guide to DC Generators for Energy Storage

In this Blog, the Valen team explore the use of DC generators in energy storage systems.

Generators, as the name suggests, generate electricity.

They have been used and improved widely since their invention in the 1860s.

What are DC Generators?

There are two different kinds of Generators – AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current). The topic of today’s Blog is the DC type alternators.

In DC generators, the current flows progressively in the same direction. In contrast to the AC generator, where the current alternates and reverses direction sporadically.

When would I need to add a DC Generator to my Energy Storage System?

DC Generators; are used for several reasons in Energy storage systems;

1. BACKUP Power

In this application, the Generator may be used as a primary or secondary system backup, should the power go out. In mission-critical applications, such as UPS systems, a DC Generator is often the secondary power source after a primary power source such as battery energy storage. This is generally due to the volume of noise and operational costs.

2. STANDALONE Power

Most Battery Energy storage is used for standalone power systems as they are often remote and not necessarily easy to access.

Battery energy is self-performing and low maintenance compared with a DC generator that is fuelled and maintained after each use. However, in some mission-critical standalone power applications, DC generators can be used as a reliable secondary backup source of power.

Why use a DC power generator?

A DC power generator has increased efficiency in fuel consumption to power produced.

In an AC generator, the alternator generates DC power, which is then converted to AC power through an inverter. Your battery charger or power supply then plugs into the AC generator and converts that power back to DC power for your energy storage system. Power and efficiency are lost in every conversion.

To keep the power loss to the bare minimum in a DC Generator, the DC power produced by the alternator is supplied directly to your energy storage system.

This method requires less equipment, no inverter or battery charger/power supply. This means the DC generator has fewer parts that can have faults, making it a more reliable system.

Less equipment also means the investment of setting up the system is lower making it a more financially viable offering.

The DC generators are also safer to use as there’s no 240VAC in the system, they’re typically only 24 or 48VDC which is ELV (extra-low voltage)

How do I use my Energy Storage System?

So you think that you might like a DC Generator back up on your system?

The Valen team are happy to assist. The team will review your project scope with you, ensuring that we can supply a generator that will serve its purpose and integrate into your system.

Reach out to Valen on 1300 734 253 or via our quick and easy Contact Us form 

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