Smart generator usage cuts McAlpine’s costs

31 January 2022

Field trials between the contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and temporary power hire specialist Aggreko have shown promising results around decarbonisation as the industry approaches the ban on red diesel in April.

Both companies have been reforming their approach to power generation by analysing how equipment performs on site and determining where improvements can be made through greener upgrades.

Aggreko conducted trials at McAlpine’s Kettering plant department in late 2021. Technologies tested included battery assisted generators and HVO, as well as load-on-demand, where several smaller capacity generators provide the same peak demand as one larger unit, and surplus machines are automatically turned off when demand falls.

The tests focused on lifting jobs using two different types of tower crane at full working capacity, hoisting and slewing 12.5 ton weights. Both cranes are used in Sir Robert McAlpine’s yard and in the field.

Both scenarios revealed significant reductions in both fuel consumption and carbon emissions, from as much as 45% up to 95%.

The trial showed once again that businesses tend to overestimate the power they need at the beginning of a project no different. In both scenarios the generator that was first specified by McAlpine was too large. 

This is not only expensive but also creates emissions that can be avoided with the introduction of greener upgrades that maintain the same level of performance. 

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