Atlas Copco has recently launched two new generating sets, the QAX 12 and QAX 20, which is designed to meet the demands of global rental fleets, construction applications and public utility companies; and complement its proven QAX range of generating sets.

The two sets rated for prime power at 12 kVA, 9.6 kW and 20 kVA, 16 kW at 50 Hz are powered by Deutz 2011 series of two and three cylinder engines respectively, driving a Newage alternator.
QAX generators are quiet and designed to fully comply with the latest European regulations (OND 2000/14 EC).
Both new sets share a large number of standard componentry with Atlas Copco’s Series Seven range of air compressors, offering significant simplification of maintenance and spare parts. These include the canopy, which is fitted as a hinged unit and can easily be opened or closed smoothly with the aid of sturdy gas springs and allows excellent accessibility to all service components.
Environmental features include a standard sealed spillage-free frame, which ensures that all fluids can be retained within the frame, eliminating spillage problems. Fluids collect in the frame from where they can be easily removed. In addition, transparent fuel tanks allow easy recognition of the tank’s status, which ensures at least a full shift operation at full load. The 12 kVA and 20 kVA set features an 80-litre tank; ensuring more than 15 hours operation for the QAX 20 and approximately 12 hours for the QAX 12 at full load.

Easy to operate
Operators can check on the operative system with a combination of analogue gauges on the easy-to-read control panel. Simple instrumentation including an ammeter, a voltmeter, a local/off/remote switch and an emergency stop are fitted as standard.
The control panel is located behind a transparent cover, ensuring easy monitoring, safety and foolproof operation whether the canopy is open or closed.
The sets also feature a remote start facility for prime power operation or mains failure.
Forklift slots and tie down points ensure easy manoeuvrability for construction site usage. The sets are also available with an optional lifting beam or trailer-mounted variants.
Two undercarriage versions are available as options: a fixed tow-bar with brakes and an adjustable tow-bar with brakes.
Additional new portable generating set models are anticipated in the near future.
New agreement
Atlas Copco has recently entered into an agreement to sell assets related to its stationary generator business to the Italian company Pramac Lifter.
The divestment includes the right to produce and distribute stationary generators under the brand Masons Power Generation. Pramac will also during a time limited transition period hold the right to sell the stationary generators under the Atlas Copco brand, with some geographical exceptions.
This allows Atlas Copco to keep and continue its development of the portable generator business, which fits naturally with the portable compressors; part of the Portable Air division within the Compressor Technique business area.
According to Bengt Kvarnbäck, business area president, Compressor Technique, “Atlas Copco’s strategy for generators is to focus on needs of customers within the construction and rental industries, in which we are already the leading player with our portable compressors.”
Rental success
Meanwhile, Atlas Copco recently completed a challenging project of providing continuous power on the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. “The island sees a huge hike in energy demand from 80 MW to 180 MW during the high summer tourist season. This figure also reflects a 10 per cent annual seasonal increase in electricity consumption,” says the spokesman.
He adds: “Currently, the larger island of Ibiza supplies power to both islands with a sub-sea high voltage cable taking power to Formentera, which has its own power generating capacity. However this is restricted and aimed at short-term supply only.
“Generating capacity in Ibiza, at 250 MW, is sufficient to meet high season demand but the local power generating company, Endesa, was reluctant to exploit this potential during the high season. Reasons for this included increased maintenance costs and compromised overall efficiency. At full stretch, the islands’ generator consumed a 500,000 litres fuel per day, pushing the unit cost of electricity beyond economic return.
“Last year, Endesa decided its existing plans would stretch its resources and it turned to Barcelona-based Guimerá, the Atlas Copco Rental specialist covering Ibiza, to identify if rented generator power could supply an extra 10 MW of energy as a buffer to rising demand.
“This would reduce the pressure put upon the islands’ existing generator system and provide provision for excess demand. If everyone on the islands suddenly felt the need to switch on their air-conditioning units, the existing system would suffer under the strain.
“The package put together by Guimerá was a true test of its rental expertise. It also saw the company exploiting its position as part of the Atlas Copco Rental team. Within days, a package was put together that would see the necessary generating power and equipment sourced in-house and from ‘sister companies’ Atlas Copco Rental Europe and Abird.
“Bringing three companies together is a key illustration to the effectiveness of Atlas Copco cross rental,” he says.
“Endesa was able to rent 10 MW of security capacity with us as a single source supplier,” says Nicolas Loewe of Guimerá. “We were able to demonstrate that we could help Ibiza meet the peak summer demand of both islands. We could do this at a reduced cost compared to operating the Endesa controlled main power station at or near 100 per cent capacity.”
Loewe continues: “The Atlas Copco generating sets used as part of the summer energy relief programme were operational 11 hours a day. Over a 27-day period, the sets consumed an average of 15,000 litres of fuel per day, considerably less than would have been required had the Ibiza plant been working at, or near, capacity.
“Broken down into actual power required, the extra capacity needed for Formentera was estimated at 4 MW and was met by the installation of six Atlas Copco QAC 1000 generating sets; four sourced from Guimerá and two from Atlas Copco Rental Europe. A 6.3 MVA Guimerá transformer was installed to convert the generated 400 V output into the required local 15 kV. The generators were fuelled via a 15,000 l bunded supply tank.
“The largest set-up was required to meet Ibiza’s 6 MW demands, with 1,750 kVA and 1,650 kVA generators supplied from Abird, a company with the Atlas Copco Group. These fed two 6.3 MVA Guimerá transformers and again a 15,000-litre bunded fuel tank was installed to ensure continuous running.
“A key element of the contract was to integrate the temporary electricity supply into the existing networks on both Ibiza and Formentera; Guimerá undertook the full installation package. This included all additional cabling, full commissioning and the logistic support necessary to ensure all the necessary items of equipment was in the right place at the right time.
“In terms of cable alone, the project required around 4.5 km of cable, 1.5 and 3 km on Formentera and Ibiza respectively.
“Equally important was the management of the newly designed 6.3 MVA transformers. Hugely versatile in their application range, these units required specialist set-up skills.
“This was an interesting and demanding project,” says Loewe, “We had to bring together equipment from three supply courses and be up and running quickly to meet our contract obligation to Endesa.”
“Being a part of Atlas Copco Rental has enabled us, as a company, to meet a demand that we would have difficulty in meeting if we were fully independent. Guimerá has really seen tremendous benefits from its membership of the Atlas Copco Group,” he concluded.