Aggreko launches gas-powered generators in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Aggreko launched its fleet of
natural-gas powered generators at the Gas Summit Latin America on
May 24th. The company, which is the largest rental power provider
in Brazil, believes that alternative sources of
energy such as gas powered generators could provide
customers with cheaper, more flexible electricity.
In the power generating process, fuel is the most expensive
component, comprising approximately 70% of the total cost of power.
Where customers have a steady supply of natural gas available,
substantial cost savings can be made by switching to a natural-gas
powered solution. The uses of gas power are varied, but they can
include providing power during peak usage times for major shopping
centers, supplying base-load power directly to a utility grid or
providing continuous power to paper and pulp, pharmaceutical, Oil
& Gas (on shore) and food and beverage plants.
Aggreko’s gas generators can operate in most industrial
environments. Although each set produces 1.1 MW, they can be
operated in parallel to produce up to 100 MW if required, thus
making them ideal for a wide range of operations. Another benefit
of the Aggreko power solution is the facility that allows the
customer to use heat generated by Aggreko’s natural
gas powered units, to produce hot water for the customers’
own CHP units. This can be vital in many processing environments in
creating added savings for the customer. This facility supports
combined heat and power (CHP) strategies, without the need for long
term capital investment in a new plant.
Speaking at the Gas Summit Latin America, Diógenes Paoli Neto,
Managing Director, Aggreko South America, said: “We expect the use
of gas generators to progressively increase each year. The natural
gas market in Brazil is heating up, especially after the Gas Act
was enacted in 2009, which has regulated the natural gas industry.
Moreover, the Federal Government has been investing, by means of
the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) in the construction of new
gas pipelines in Northern, North Eastern and South Eastern Brazil,
which we believe will encourage more energy users to make the
switch to gas power.”
Technical Information
Aggreko gas generators use a technology called Lean-Burn, which
combines low fuel consumption with high energy output and low
Nitrous Oxide (NOx) levels. Aggreko generators are housed in
compact ISO 20 feet containers which enables fast mobilization,
easy transportation and flexible installation.
Aggreko’s solution differs from its diesel power solution in that
it requires the installation of compressors, which enable the
heating of the generator’s fuel connection below 0.5/bar, allowing
the system pipeline to operate under very low pressure. Since it
uses a more volatile fuel, the electrical components are insulated
and the maintenance and operation of the equipment requires skilled
labour. All service aspects are provided by Aggreko through teams
of highly skilled technicians who maintain the equipment on-site 24
hours a day.