Bath Christmas Market is an annual even that has been running for 15 years. It is centered
around the Roman Baths and draws thousands of people to Bath City
Center each year.
Over the years the area encompassed by the market has developed organically, and no two years have been the same. Distributing power safely to over 200 chalets, plus bars and festive architectural lighting has always required some creative thinking, and this year would be no different.
The majority of the market is powered from the mains, with several large supplies around the city center utilised, although generators are used where there is no suitable mains supply.
This year Southgate Street is a new addition to the Market. The brief was to supply 12 (chalets with power, plus festoon lighting along the street. Unfortunately no mains is available in this location, so it would have to be a generator. A further complication was the requirement that the lighting stayed on all night, for both security and aesthetic reasons.
So with the market during the day and the lighting at night, the generator would have to run 24 hours a day. Mindful of both noise and air pollution, we decided we would have to come up with something else.
Hybrid Power Generators
With remote monitoring
Enter Powerline’s 8kVA hybrid unit…
The hybrid unit is a large battery bank coupled to an inverter to convert the 48V dc battery power into 240V ac mains power. The unit is connected to a generator and supplies power to the chalets and lighting either from the generator, if it is running, or from the batteries via the inverter when the generator is off. The hybrid uses excess power when the generator is running to recharge it’s batteries.
The “load profile” of very small load overnight (LED lamps in the festoon), and larger load while the market is open, means that the generator only has to run for approximately 7-8 hours per day. Saving over 60% in fuel and emissions. To additionally reduce the noise and visual impact of the generator, it has been fenced and clad with state-of-the-art sound attenuating baffles.
HYBRID POWER
24 kVA HYBRIDS AVAILABLE
A Hybrid power generator is a unit containing batteries and an inverter that can produce power at mains voltage. It would generally be connected to a diesel generator that is run for part of the day, with the hybrid supplying the load when the generator is not running.
The most efficient “load profile” for a hybrid power system leading to the largest cost-savings, is an asymmetric load; a fairly large load for a portion of the day, and a smaller load for the remainder of the day.
Essentially the cost savings are made by virtue of the fact that diesel generators are only between 20-30% efficient at converting fuel into electricity (the rest goes to heat, noise, frictional and electrical losses). So if you can double the load on generator, but only run it for half of the time, you have generated the same amount of electricity but you have halved the amount of ‘wasted’ fuel.
The inverter in the hybrid unit is the brain of the system and will monitor loads and control the generator. The system can also be monitored and controlled remotely via GSM/3G.
REMOTE MONITORING & STAYING CONNECTED
HOW IT WORKS...
A building site has a 200kVA generator that is required to run during working hours to power: a tower-crane, site-wide tool power, several portacabin offices and worker welfare facilities. Outside of working hours the load consists of some site lighting and one portacabin for overnight security staff.
During the day while the generator is supplying the main loads, it will utilise excess power to charge the batteries of the hybrid. At a preset time (or when the load drops to a level that the hybrid can supply) the hybrid switches the generator off and continues to supply the load from the batteries. This continues until the generator is next run. If the load exceeds the output capacity of the hybrid or the battery gets completely discharged the hybrid can start the generator automatically (within configurable time constraints).
In this example with a working day from 7am to 5pm, the generator would only need to run for 10 hours a day, with the hybrid supplying the load the rest of the time, providing substantial savings on fuel and greenhouse-gas emissions. The added advantage of virtually silent operation while on hybrid power, means that the system can be used in residential areas overnight without fear of disturbing neighbours.
Our reliable stock, and experienced personnel have what it takes to provide the right solution.
Generator Hire
1 - 880 kVA GENERATOR HIRE
Powerline can supply a wide range of generators, from 1 kVA to 880 kVA. Our stock includes mobile road tows, skid-mounted sets, truck-mounted sets, super silenced, and synchronised sets.
POWER DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION & CABLE HIRE
Powerline’s comprehensive range of cabling and distribution equipment offers a solution for any project. From a single 16 amp, 240V distribution box, to a custom-built 400kVA Isolating Transformer, we have everything that you might need.
At Powerline we can help you with...
POWER FOR
LIVE OUTSIDE
LIVE OUTSIDE
BROADCASTS
Trust Powerline to power your outside broadcast. We can deliver what you need, where you need it, on time and on budget. We have a specialist broadcast unit on standby.
POWER FOR
WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
AND PARTIES
From parties to weddings, both large and small, Powerline are delighted to have supported many special occasions. We will make sure you have all you need to power your special day. We can also provide additional lighting, audio and effects to brighten up the event!
POWER FOR
FESTIVALS
FESTIVALS
AND CONCERTS
Powerline have many years’ experience of providing comprehensive solutions to large events, tackling both challenging locations, and complex requirements. We work alongside our clients to set the stage for great things.
POWER FOR
FILM AND TV
Powerline have supplied power and distribution to many high profile media events. On every occasion, our specialist team work flexibly, discreetly and, above all, reliably – all of which are key to ensuring your project’s success.
POWER FOR
SPORTS EVENTS
Powerline are proud to lend our services to many sporting events, including Premiership Football, and International Golf and Rugby events. We can power stalls and hospitality, or provide standby power – whatever is required, we can cover it.
POWER FOR
INDUSTRIAL
Powerline can react efficiently in response to emergency situations, or to facilitate essential maintenance work. Our knowledgeable team can deliver critical power and equipment to minimise costly downtime, and keep your project on track. Trust Powerline to keep you moving.
Alternatively browse each category to download individual guides.
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Powerline are here to help
At Powerline, we are more than just a hire company; we have specialists on hand who will evaluate your requirements, and provide you with a quote that covers all the power, distribution and accessories you will need to make your event happen. Our team can also oversee the installation and, if required, remain onsite to assist you and your event.
Powerline has what it takes to be your best choice
EXPERIENCE
At Powerline, we pride ourselves on our depth of experience, and history of successful delivery.
Our team of experts make sure your requirements are met whatever the challenge. We will ensure the best solution for your needs.
PROBLEM
SOLVING
Powerline work using our knowledge and attention to detail to ensure you have power in even the most challenging of places.
We pride ourselves on giving you the power to make it happen.
BACKUP &
SUPPORT
Powerline are on hand to advise on fail-safe and contingency solutions.
When you need to make sure you have backup and support, Powerline will be standing by.
QUALITY
Quality, safety and reliability are all key to our service offering. We make sure all of our equipment is inspected and tested on a regular basis.
We guarantee that our team have what it takes to provide you with the best service in the business.
Committed to looking after the environment
Powerline have an ongoing commitment to sustainable power solutions. We currently use both wind and solar power in our own buildings, and on a number of event sites. As a company, we are committed to using low energy consumption fixtures (such as LED lights) and most importantly, in educating our clients in the best practices for energy efficiency.
We recycle all of our waste oil and fuel; all fuel, oil and air filters; all MCBs and other circuit breakers; and blown lamps of all kinds.
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specific requirements.
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8:30am to 5:30pm - Mon to Fri.