Nights are getting shorter, as winter passes the torch to spring and summer. But the workday is still a controlling aspect of a jobsite’s security; when workers leave, the site “goes dark” and becomes vulnerable for theft and intrusion. Most developers, owners, and contractors require a major site to be secured 24/7 and at night that includes lighting as well as monitoring onsite or remote.
But lights require energy—electricity specifically—and in the early days of construction, not every area will have power available. The usual response is to bring in portable generators that run all night on gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. That can cause environmental problems and, in a tight urban area, neighbor noise complaints. Using solar panels and batteries, or even wind turbines for power have been alternatives but now there are other options.
Caterpillar has introduced CAT Compact ESS (Energy Storage System), a new mobile battery energy storage system that supplements traditional mobile power solutions to reduce noise and enable deployment of renewable energy sources. Additionally, customers can minimize fuel usage costs and the associated maintenance requirements for the equipment and minimize GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions when compared to continuous generator set usage.
Cat Compact ESS modules are designed for applications requiring long periods of low loads, such as night-time loads, around-the-clock low loads, and time periods when a silent supply of energy is required. The module can be used with any combination of diesel, natural gas, or renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. It stores surplus power from these energy sources and then discharges from its reserve as needed. It is equipped with an ECM (energy control module), an onboard management system that continuously monitors load levels and automatically switches between generator set power and stored energy as necessary, only using the generator set for recharging or accommodating higher loads.
Enabling full recharging in as little as four hours, the modules feature advanced lithium-ion batteries to provide thermal stability, high discharge/recharge efficiency, and high cycle life. They can be configured with portable solar PV arrays and other sources of renewable energy to support requirements. In addition, they offer simple, straightforward connections to generator sets and other energy sources, enabling quick and smooth worksite deployment.
Based on expected power needs, the Cat Compact ESS modules are ideal for equipment charging stations, offices, auxiliary buildings and security systems at construction, mining, oilfield, and pipeline worksites, and emergency response and other temporary power applications. The Cat Compact ESS also enables remote monitoring and control of all connected systems, including generator sets, solar PV, inverters, grid, batteries, meters, and sensors.
Users of the Cat Compact ESS module can subscribe to advanced data collection, visualization reporting, and alert capabilities. Through an easy-to-use web interface, this technology helps track and manage the operation of the system in realtime, confirm desired cost savings, flag potential problems, perform remote troubleshooting, offer longterm archives of site performance, and identify opportunities for further operational or system enhancement.
Caterpillar offers two models of the Cat Compact ESS module, with configurations available for 50 Hz or 60 Hz applications. The Cat XES60 provides up to 56.8 kWh of capacity, while the Cat XES120 delivers up to 127.9 kWh of capacity. The modules are packaged in weather- and debris-resistant enclosures for deployment in rugged working conditions, and they can easily be mounted on tow trailers to simplify transport and repositioning around the jobsite. They are available from Cat dealers in North America, Europe, and Australia, with other territories to follow throughout the year.
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