The discovery of electricity has been documented around 600 BC when Thales, a Greek, found that when rubbing Amber with Silk, it became electrically charged and attracted objects. Later on, in 1876, Charles Brush invented the open coil dynamo that could produce a steady current of electricity. Pairing this American invention with the German innovation of the Diesel engines by Rudolf Diesel in the 1890s allowed for the creation of portable generators producing enough energy to power large amounts of electricity to power up events, construction sites or keep the lights on in case of a power outage.
Powering Events without a Glitch
Concerts typically require a lot of power for the lightshows, soundwalls, and auxiliary tools and equipment needed to host a large-scale event. Whatever the normal grid would offer in Amperage and Wattage would not be enough to light up a Coldplay or Andy Lau show. This is where equipment rental companies can add value. With two decades of experience, local provider of rental equipment Contmark Sdn Bhd has been instrumental in running high-profile events. Here Chew Wei Jian, Technical Advisor shares some valuable insights into how to such equipment is instrumental to hosting a successful event. Event organizers in Malaysia depend on Contmark, a business at home in Kota Kemuning, to supply large generators for the duration of the event.
According to Chew, the crucial questions one has to address are regarding the amount of power needed, the running time of the generator and the distance of the gensets to the electrical devices. “The genset must have the right capacity, otherwise, there will be failures. Imagine, half-way through a concert, thousands would suddenly find themselves in darkness, the concert interrupted. This would be a very embarrassing moment for the artist as well.” With the ability to move such generators around, event organisers can also be very creative when it comes to locations. With several hundred generators in varying sizes to chose from, Contmark will have the right one in their arsenal to meet the needs of an event organiser to power up a venue for a high-profile event.
Chew stresses the point that the equipment needs to be suitable for the type of event one is planning. Taking for instance power generation, a gen-set may be required to be sound-proof in case of an outdoor event. This is something that may not be such an issue if the equipment is placed outside an event hall, where the noise emitted is not interfering with the event.
Setting up an event requires technical understanding from all suppliers involved. A simple mistake like getting the set-up sequence wrong will impact the process. As such, equipment rental companies will be required to constantly update themselves with the latest developments. Logistical expertise is part of this technical know-how and tapping int the vast experience of Contmark would allow event organisers to seamlessly orchestrate the set-up, running and dismantling of an event proper.
Powering up Construction Sites
Contmark is also a go-to address for main contractors of large infrastructure projects, construction sites and buildings. To begin with, a construction site may not be connected to the grid and machinery will need to draw power from gensets placed on site. Machinery used in such sites can draw high amounts of power; the amount of power can fluctuate significantly too. While the need for power is the same as with concerts or events, the parameters for the generators are different. A construction site is a very different environment: dust and dirt are issues that Chew and his team have to deal with. “A skyscraper can take years to build, and our generators are usually on site for extended periods of time.” This requires the generators to be robust, rugged and well maintained to deal with the added stress placed on them.
Harnessing the power of the internet, each generator can be remotely monitored for best performance. Contmark is able to pinpoint any issue arising and to pro-actively intervene to avoid any failure of the specialist equipment. When looking for a supplier of rental generators, Chew and his colleagues recommend that one is asking specific questions about the maintenance schedule and components used in the generators. Diesel, while being a dependable fuel is hygroscopic and water in the system may damage the engine. High humidity and the environments at construction sites require additional features, such as water separators to be added to the generator’s fuel system.
When Blackouts Threaten Businesses
Hopefully, we don’t have to experience such situations, however, if they happen power-outages can be a threat to people and businesses. Although the power grid in Malaysia is stable, there is always a possibility that something could happen, causing the power supply to a building to be disrupted. Today’s office buildings for instance are skyscrapers with people moving in elevators at all times. People trapped in those would have to wait until power has been restored, which can take a long time. In such an event, Contmark can deliver generators to provide power until the failure in the grid has been fixed. “This is a special situation, requiring quick action,” Chew says. Having vast experience with such issues, Contmark’s staff can swiftly deliver the right generator(s) and cables to re-establish power to a building having experienced an outage.
Having a supplier like Contmark on stand-by with a specifically designed agreement could be a lifesaver for businesses. Cold chain warehouses or life seafood require uninterrupted power supply. If power fails and the temperature in a cold chain warehouse rises above a certain temperature, the goods will be spoiled and cannot be sold. Seafood may require oxygen to be pumped through the tanks to keep the animals alive. Chew uses the seafood example to illustrate the point “Imagine you have hundreds of lobsters, King Crab and expensive fish that will die because a simple pump is not running. Such a small issue could put you out of business if you lose your stock.” It may be well worth having a word with the Contmark sales team to find out if a business is at risk and how a stand-by generator could be a valuable addition to the resources a company may need to have.
Although the scenarios depicted here may sound intimidating and daunting at times, the Contmark crews are also appreciative of their involvement. Having countless concerts being powered on their reference list, numerous buildings being erected with their help and businesses saved from an unfortunate fate, they can drive around Malaysia, pointing at landmarks where their energy has made a difference. “The hard work always pays off when we see a happy customer at the end of a project,” Chew said as he has to dash off to attend to another delivery of one of their generators, powering up an event.
