Construction and mining projects often experience rapidly changing power demand. Equipment can require high power during startup and operation.
Demand can then drop significantly when equipment stops or enters standby mode.
This operating pattern is known as an intermittent load. It creates a major challenge for conventional diesel generators.
Generators must have enough capacity to handle peak demand. However, high capacity does not mean the project constantly uses that capacity.
The generator still consumes diesel while operating at low load.
This makes the comparison between genset vs AMPD Energy increasingly relevant for projects with dynamic power requirements.
Why Is Intermittent Load Challenging for Diesel Generators?
Diesel generators use an engine that continuously consumes fuel while running.
When power demand changes frequently, the generator must adjust its output.
The problem becomes more significant when a large generator operates at low load. The engine continues running even when the site uses only part of its capacity.
Fuel consumption also does not decrease proportionally with load.
For example, a typical 500 kW diesel generator may consume around 43 liters per hour at 25% load. At 50% load, consumption can reach around 87.5 liters per hour.
This means low-load operation can still create substantial fuel costs.
The effect becomes more significant when the generator runs for many hours every day.
How Much Does Diesel Cost?
Diesel cost depends on generator capacity, load profile, operating hours, and local fuel prices.
Generator condition and maintenance also influence actual fuel consumption.
Consider a 500 kW generator consuming approximately 43 liters per hour at 25% load.
If the generator operates for 12 hours per day, fuel consumption reaches approximately 516 liters per day.
Using an illustrative diesel price of Rp10,000 per liter:
516 liters × Rp10,000 = Rp5.16 million per day.
Over 30 days, fuel cost would reach approximately Rp154.8 million.
This calculation is only an illustration. Actual diesel prices and generator consumption vary by project.
The calculation also excludes maintenance, fuel logistics, downtime, and other operational expenses.
How Can AMPD Energy Handle Intermittent Load?
AMPD Energy uses Battery Energy Storage Systems to manage dynamic power requirements.
The battery can store energy and release it when demand increases.
This allows the ESS to support peak demand without requiring a large diesel generator to continuously operate at high capacity.
In a hybrid configuration, the generator can operate within a more efficient operating range.
AMPD states that its ESS can help generators operate closer to their peak efficiency window.
The battery responds quickly when the site experiences a power spike.
When demand decreases, the battery can reduce the need for the generator to follow every load fluctuation.
This approach can reduce fuel consumption and generator runtime.
Genset vs AMPD Energy: Key Differences
AMPD reports that combining ESS with diesel generation can significantly reduce operating costs.
Its construction comparison reports potential OPEX reductions of up to 85% against diesel-only configurations. Results depend on project conditions and system configuration.
How Does a Hybrid Genset and AMPD System Work?
AMPD Energy does not always need to operate as a complete replacement for diesel generation.
A hybrid configuration can combine the generator with an ESS.
The generator supplies the base load and recharges the battery when necessary.
The battery then handles peak demand and rapid load changes.
This reduces the need to install an oversized generator.
In one micro tunneling project, AMPD deployed ESS alongside a smaller optimized generator. The battery handled dynamic loads while the generator supported the base load.
This approach can also apply to tower cranes, dewatering pumps, tunneling equipment, and mining operations.
Why Should Companies Calculate Total Operating Cost?
Generator rental or purchase cost represents only one part of the power budget.
Companies should also calculate the total operating cost throughout the project.
Important cost components include:
- Diesel consumption
- Fuel delivery
- Generator maintenance
- Engine servicing
- Lubricants
- Downtime
- Operator requirements
- Noise mitigation
- Emission management
These costs can become significant when the generator operates continuously under changing loads.
Therefore, power system evaluation should consider total cost of ownership or TCO.
When Is AMPD Energy Relevant?
AMPD Energy can be relevant for projects with high peak demand and lower base load.
Construction projects with tower cranes and hoists are common examples.
Mining operations can also experience high startup currents from pumps and heavy equipment.
These intermittent loads require generators to respond to frequent changes in demand.
An ESS can support those changes while reducing the need for oversized diesel capacity.
AMPD reports a project where the required generator capacity was reduced from three 350 kVA units to two 100 kVA units. The project saved an estimated 74,345 liters of diesel.
Actual savings depend on the project’s load profile, equipment configuration, and operating conditions.
The comparison between genset vs AMPD Energy goes beyond choosing between diesel and battery power.
The key consideration is how efficiently the power system responds to intermittent load.
Diesel generators remain important for many industrial applications.
However, oversized generators can create unnecessary fuel consumption when actual demand remains low.
AMPD Energy provides an ESS approach that can respond to peak demand dynamically.
A hybrid configuration can also allow the diesel generator to operate within a more efficient range.
For construction, mining, infrastructure, and industrial projects, understanding the load profile is essential.
Fuel consumption, peak demand, runtime, and TCO should all become part of the evaluation.
Find the Right Power Solution for Your Project
PT ODG Nusantara Jaya supports companies in evaluating power requirements for industrial and construction projects.
Through AMPD Energy solutions, companies can explore ESS applications that reduce dependence on diesel generation.
PT ODG Nusantara Jaya can help evaluate load profiles, peak power requirements, fuel consumption, and hybrid configurations.
Contact PT ODG Nusantara Jaya to discuss a power solution designed around your project’s actual requirements.
Whatsapp : +62 811-8111-3032
Email : sales@protk.co.id
