Trystar, a company specializing in electrical testing, control and conveyance products, has introduced a carbon-neutral, solar-based portable energy solution to help utilities and rental house customers respond to renewable power requirements on jobsites.
The GridPak is a carbon-neutral alternative to conventional diesel and gas power sources. It provides up to 30 kW of power and features battery capacities of 60 kWh and 120 kWh, with an option for 180 kWh. The GridPak solar array collects 320 kWh of energy (eight-hour day) weekly. Operators can parallel up to four GridPaks to provide as much as 720 kWh of carbon-free power. In inclement weather, GridPak features a low-noise propane generator capable of generating 6.5 kW to supplement solar charging. The energy is stored in a series of Lithium-Iron Phosphate batteries. Battery charging times (calculated as 60 kWh battery) are 2.0 hours (utility), 9.2 hours (generator at 6.5 kW), and 10.5 hours (solar at 5.7 kW). A single GridPak system can offset 2,510-lbs. of CO2 per week or 65 T CO2 per year. GridPak saves an estimated 98 gallons of diesel fuel per week or 5,096 gallons annually.
"We designed GridPak to help customers meet their carbon emission reduction targets," said Tim McCarthy, Trystar's marketing director. "It's a turnkey solution that produces energy with no emissions or noise. It's also reliable and scalable.”
GridPak can provide on-demand power, and one person can deploy it in as little as 15 minutes via a 24-in. color LCD touchscreen. Programmed steps and safety confirmations guide set-up and break-down procedures. The solar array unfolds automatically and continuously orients itself to the sun throughout the day. The onboard operating system monitors conditions and switches to backup power generation if required. The solar array automatically retracts should winds reach 50 mph.
GridPak is a self-contained system. The mobile platform transports on a 22-ft. DOT-rated dual-axle trailer with a GCWR of approximately 15,000-lbs., depending on the model. Deployed and stowed dimensions are 16.3-in. x 26-in. x 21-in. and 8.5-in. x 26-in. x 8.3-in. respectively.
Customers can specify the output connectors, and the packages can vary according to customer requirements. The rated operating temperature is -40⁰F to 140⁰F. GridPak features accessible E-Stop locations and actuator safety limits.
In addition to three GridPak models, the Trystar family of renewable energy products also includes three PowerPak models. The PowerPak comes without the solar array but features battery energy storage (60 kWh, 120 kWh and 180 kWh) supported by a 6.5 kW onboard generator. Accessories include the ParallelPak, which allows the operator to parallel any combination of up to four units of GridPaks or PowerPaks. Standard and quick-charge EV charging station accessories are also available.
