Mobile energy supply Electricity. Always and everywhere

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Even if the power grid is well developed, there are always situations where the supply is limited. There are mobile solutions on the market, but their performance varies greatly. What are the reasons for this, and what are the possible applications?

The sound of electronic music echoes through the cool mountain air. A group of warmly dressed people gathers around an improvised stage in the middle of a mountain plateau. Clouds shroud the sun, giving the scene a cool appearance. The tones of the music blend with the silence of nature. No generator hums to disturb the atmosphere—only the music and the whir of the wind rushing between the rocks can be heard. There is no infrastructure for miles around, but thanks to a new generation of portable energy storage, it is possible to power this temporary stage in the middle of the mountains.

Scenarios like these were unthinkable until recently. But today, they are a reality. Not only the event industry benefits from this technology. On construction sites, in film productions, and other demanding technical fields, flexible power supplies ensure that heavy, noisy generators are replaced by lighter, portable, and environmentally friendly alternatives. These systems are not only transport-friendly but also powerful enough to effortlessly operate devices with high inrush currents, such as welding equipment.

Mobile energy storage systems enable the efficient provision of electricity even in remote or infrastructure-weak areas. A perfect example of this is the event industry. Electropop musician Baiba loves to perform her concerts in the heart of nature. "Nature gives me so much strength, so much energy, and I am very, very grateful that I can enjoy it with the people I love." Such a scenario was once unthinkable, but today, a portable energy unit is enough.

The film and media production industry in particular requires this flexibility of energy storage. Mobile film sets, often set up in remote locations, need a reliable and powerful power source without relying on heavy and cumbersome generators. In the film industry, the equipment must work at all times and without delay. A stable and above all flexible power supply is essential for this.

Despite all these advantages, there are technical challenges that the manufacturer Instagrid from Ludwigsburg, Swabia, knows all too well. "Software doesn't work without hardware, but it can make hardware something very special," say the experts at the company. The challenge is to ensure perfect interaction between both components. The key to this performance lies in the intelligent control of individual modules. Through precise regulation, the devices can reliably meet the power demand even when demand rises or fluctuates sharply at short notice.

The flexibility of these energy storage systems is particularly appreciated at changing locations, such as construction sites. There is a demand for both high power and mobility. Traditional generators, often weighing over 70 kilograms, are being replaced by lighter alternatives. With the same performance, a modern power unit often weighs only a third of that. The ADAC also values these advantages. With the system, an electric car can be recharged while on the go if its "tank" runs empty.

Mobile battery systems do not represent a classic uninterruptible power supply. However, if the interruption in the power flow is only a few milliseconds, it is so minor that electronic devices practically do not perceive it and continue to function smoothly.

Normally, regular devices can supply themselves for more than 20 milliseconds. However, Instagrid Link responds within a maximum of 16 milliseconds and switches almost seamlessly to the alternative power source.

In the area of large events or complex film scenes, many parallel-operated devices would be necessary. Here, the demand for scalable solutions is enormous, especially in large productions or elaborate stage setups. Instagrid in Ludwigsburg is currently examining the requirements for a three-phase power supply, but as a new product and not as an "update."

A perfect sine signal is crucial for the reliable operation of sound systems for events. Even the smallest distortions or fluctuations in the power grid lead to disruptions in audio quality. In mobile power supplies, the generation of a clean sine signal is ensured through clever system control. The process begins at the smallest level. A module consisting of six cells generates a precise sine signal, which is optimally coordinated with the signals of the other modules through intelligent control.

In the interview with the experts from Instagrid, it became clear that the challenge lies less in insurmountable technical hurdles. The most important factor is rather the strategic alignment of product development. The market dictates the direction in which these technologies will develop further. Thus, the roadmap is aligned with the needs of the users. The experts emphasized that it is not only about improving existing solutions but also about tapping into new markets.

Instagrid is the pioneer in the mobile power supply industry. They demonstrated what is important in the development of portable energy storage. However, it is now essential for the sustainability aspect to grow in the mentioned industries. Artists like Baiba need power supplies in remote locations. Yet, sustainability is a crucial factor. In the future, festivals and concerts could also run on battery power from a sustainability perspective. The market for this just needs to continue to grow.