Power to the people: Remote power for events

Aussies love nothing better than a good gathering, from backyard barbies and community fetes all the way through to music marathons in country paddocks.  

And don’t forget we love a sporting spectacle just as much as a cooked ham at Christmas—NRL, AFL, V8 Supercars, Formula One, Australian Open—we’re spoilt for choice.  

Size may differ between all these events, but one thing is for certain; they all need power, and power that not only meets the requirements but that’s reliable in all types of weather conditions.   

Event organisers are careful to ensure there’s backup power in place to so there’s no worries if the electricity goes out temporarily. Having remote and mobile power options also opens up areas to events where fixed power lines aren’t accessible, such as regional festivals.   

In terms of remote power solutions to back up events or even as a mains source, a popular option is diesel-powered generator sets, which can be pallet-loaded or trailer-mounted, making them portable, easy to tow and move around site.  

Generator options   

Diesel-powered generator sets come in a range of options that cover different loads and required run times. Anything from a 20 kVA / 16 kWe (Prime) generator set through to a 37 kVA / 29.6 kWe (Prime) or 50 kVA / 40 kWe (Prime) or more could be required - dependant on the load. It’s always recommended to consult a licenced electrician and the experts about the right generator for each particular application.

For live events, a combination of a few, or a series, of suitably specified generator sets can be preferable for manoeuvrability around sites and so that power cables are manageable under foot traffic.  

Key features   

Some brands produce generator sets (such as a 37 kVA) that run quieter than a normal conversation—which is around 60 dB.  

The design of the generator set can also have an impact on its efficiency for use—such as access to both single phase and three phase outlets to ensure easy connection and avoid costly disruptions.   

Similarly, the design and construction of the exterior canopy can have a huge impact on a generator’s suitability for use in the Australian climate, which can vary from heavy rain to 40°C temperatures in summer.  

Important features to consider in generator selection include:  

• Fuel efficiency & emissions rating  
• Sound output  
• Maximum running time   
• Easy connection points, including both single and three-phase power   
• Suitability for weather conditions  
• Performance monitoring capabilities (cloud/remote monitoring)  
• Safety features (RCD protection)  
• Reliability under continuous operation  
• Quality construction  

What needs power?  

First, there are the obvious needs to consider such as lighting, temperature control (heating, cooling) and communications.   

There are usually additional ancillary variables depending on the type of event, including on-site offices, services like security and medical, ticketing and retail, down to the fridges keeping bevvies cold at the bar.  

During the event, requirements increase to cater for everything from staging, catering, and lighting public areas, multiplied across what can be a large geographic footprint— you start to understand the term ‘power is everything.’  

Power also has to be made available during bump-in and bump-out phases, which can be days through to weeks depending on the size, complexity and duration of the event.  

In some cases, such as the four-day Australian Formula One Grand Prix with a nine-week build and pack-up timeframe and huge ground area, it’s more like powering a temporary town for a week.   

And just like any town, the expectation of power on-demand isn’t a luxury, it’s a given, rain, hail or shine.  

Keen to know more about power generation? Take a look at this blog on prime vs standby generator power.