cloudless skies for peak solar panel efficiency are not, and wind is even more unpredictable. “When used together, though, they provide a more consistent source of power,” he states. “Both technologies look to become even more efficient over time. Solar panels, for example, are currently somewhere between 20% and 25% efficient, but with people like Elon Musk leading the charge, expect solar panels to continue to increase in efficiency.”
BATTERIES, HYBRID TECHNOLOGY, PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS WILL CONTINUE TO BITE AWAY AT THE DIESEL PIE. For example, consider a scenario where a construction deadline has crews working a 14-hour day with electric equipment that only runs eight hours per charge. And it takes the batteries several hours to recharge.
“Look for the auto industry to lead the way,” he says. “As electric cars become more affordable, run longer between charges and need less time to recharge, they will become more attractive to consumers and the
More efficient than metal halide, LED lights will serve to make hybrid technology even more viable. The challenge is the additional cost for the battery and engine combination.
technology more usable in not only generators and air compressors but in larger off-road equipment, as well.” A similar scenario will likely play out for other fuel sources such as hybrid technologies and fuel cells. Compliance, noise issues and special applications continue to make them an attractive alternative, but until the ROI or price per horsepower value comes down, widespread acceptance in the construction industry remains several years down the road.
More Choices Ahead On the portable generator side of its business, Kohler has introduced a tri-fuel generator. “This product allows a user to run certain Kohler portable generators on three different fuels: propane, natural gas and gasoline,” Feudner notes. “To switch between the three fuels, the user simply turns a dial and swaps out the fuel hose. So, users can choose how they want to power their portable generator based on what’s available to them.” Batteries, hybrid technology, propane and natural gas will continue to bite away at the diesel pie. Other prospects, including fuel cells, are waiting to get into the game. “Doosan has a fuel cell group, but the technology of converting a chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen into energy is still not ready for applications in the construction industry,” says Bailey. “Currently, it’s more appropriate for supplying energy to buildings and smaller electrical grids.” Size and cost are the two main stumbling blocks for both hybrid and dedicated battery power applications. “Batteries make sense in hand tools and smaller equipment when a user can afford to buy a backup battery,” says Bailey. “That approach doesn’t work so well when factoring in the much higher cost for larger batteries in larger equipment.”
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“Then there’s the acquisition cost of purchasing the equipment, along with the price per horsepower value,” Bailey continues. “The technology isn’t quite there for electric vehicles, but car buyers will be a good indicator of when it is.
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