Skip to main content

Power underground from Premel’s system

A new mobile power system offers independent electricity and compressed air supply for construction sites. The power package has been developed by Swiss firm Premel and comes enclosed in a standard container, fitted with a generator and a compressor from Atlas Copco. Typical applications for the mobile power stations include tunnel construction sites. For use in operations with a risk of explosions, the system can also be equipped with a spark arrestor.
October 19, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The mobile power stations are equipped with a robust QAS 60 generator and a XAHS 237 mobile compressor from Atlas Copco

A new mobile power system offers independent electricity and compressed air supply for construction sites. The power package has been developed by Swiss firm Premel and comes enclosed in a standard container, fitted with a generator and a compressor from 161 Atlas Copco.

Typical applications for the mobile power stations include tunnel construction sites. For use in operations with a risk of explosions, the system can also be equipped with a spark arrestor. Each container measures 6.1m in length by 2.35m wide and 2.40m high, with a weight of around 9tonnes. This allows easy transport by truck, while for loading the container has forklift receivers in the base.

The mobile power stations are equipped with Atlas Copco units, a QAS 60 generator and an XAHS 237 compressor. The generator provides 60kVA, with power from a Perkins diesel while the compressor is powered by an MTU engine. According to the supplier, the generator can be overloaded by 300% for up to 20 seconds with no problems. The compressor provides up to 14m3/min at 12bars.

Premel builds the container systems, including the generator, compressor, exhaust and fuel system, at its Bellinzona manufacturing facility and tests them on-site.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New generator power systems
    August 10, 2022
    New power generation systems are now coming to market that offer lower emissions and cleaner options for customers. Engine technology has improved enormously in recent years, with exhaust emissions from industrial diesels having been reduced significantly. Meanwhile, manufacturers have also introduced new systems that can further reduce emissions while retaining output and performance.
  • Powerful but compact generator from Atlas Copco
    December 8, 2014
    Atlas Copco is now offering an updated version of its proven QAS 60 generator that is designed to provide greater mobility. A smaller footprint allows for 12 QAS 60 generators to be fitted into a standard container. The firm has made the design more compact as this helps cut transportation costs for its customers, especially those in the rental business. The new QAS 60 is less than 2.4m long so it can be placed sideways on a truck. This allows more units to be carried on a truck and also ensures easier
  • Variable speed electric compressors
    July 1, 2019
    Atlas Copco is introducing mobile electric Variable Speed Drive (VSD) air compressors to its E-Air range. These electric compressors are said to suit working in a low emission zone. The absence of diesel emissions, combined with the low noise levels (as low as 61dB(A)), suits the E-Air range for underground applications like tunnelling, as air ventilation is a part of their running costs. While the fixed-speed electric compressor needs a start-up current peak, the VSD electric range offers versatility. Ef
  • Efficient air supply
    February 6, 2012
    Atlas Copco is upgrading its mid-sized compressors for the construction industry with new features including the use of the latest Deutz engines. The new XAHS 237+ compressor delivers air at 12bars and a rate of 236litres/sec while the XAMS 287+ is rated at 8.6bars and delivers a flow rate of 285litres/sec. The engines are said to feature good fuel economy due to the use of the innovative and proven FuelXpert system, which regulates speed and air intake. Other features include centralised fluid drains, acce