The end location of a genset is often not a perfect environment.  Sets are expected to operate in tough environmental conditions that require high performance and reliability, despite their tough setting.  Whilst the mechanics of the engine and alternator are one thing, the generators cannot operate without a reliable control system.  Modern electronic controllers that are on the market today offer sophisticated functionality, but can they withstand the continued presence of vibration and dust, or other environmental challenges?

In a recent project for Bremat Holland BV, Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) was the chosen generator control module for its fleet of mobile floor screed mixer and pump units.  The lorries are equipped with a container-unit  (divided into sand and cement compartments), a mixer, compressor, pump and generator.   The lorries are loaded and arrive on site where the sand and cement are automatically mixed together with water, and then pumped out.   Operation of the equipment is entirely reliant on power provided by an on-board 19KVA diesel generator with John Deere engine, fitted with a DSECONTROL® Series Auto Start controller.

The high cost of putting one of these floor screed vehicles on the road is offset by the efficiency of the system, so for Bremat, the choice of gen-set controller was very carefully made.  The lorries can travel many miles to a site location and the implication of delays caused by malfunctioning equipment can be extremely costly as well as inconvenient: Delays can result in major building projects falling behind schedule incurring possible financial penalties; High costs are associated with sending engineers to site to rectify problems;  ‘Downtime’ of the lorry itself creates inefficiency.  It is essential therefore for Bremat to have the most reliable on-board systems to protect against unplanned breakdowns.

DSE systems are protected against damage caused by the ingress of water and dust which may be present as a result of the normal screed mixing process. The modules carry an IP rating of 65 (NEMA 12) when fitted with the gasket, which shows the high level of protection afforded by these units.