As part of the European LIFE CLEANAIRMM (LIFE18 ENV/DE/000054) project, Budimex S.A. has started cooperation with a German-Finnish start-up Instagrid GmbH, which produces portable batteries to power construction equipment. Powerbanks replace diesel power generators. Their application is aimed at developing emission-free construction technologies.
Instagrid’s portable batteries provide power to construction equipment such as m.in. drills or welders. They work in all weather conditions (from -20 to 45°C) and are waterproof. An undoubted advantage of batteries for the environment and construction workers is that they do not produce exhaust fumes, which makes it easier to work in less ventilated rooms and does not pollute the air. The batteries also do not cause noise or vibrations.
The new power supply system is a technological innovation that, above all, brings many benefits to the environment. The manufacturer states that according to tests, regular use of the battery over three years will reduce the cost of power supply by 35%, saving 250 hours needed to operate the equipment. Replacing a diesel generator with a powerbank prevents 3 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
“Reducing CO2 emissions is one of the priorities of Budimex’s current sustainable development policy. The new device not only reduces CO2 emissions, but also reduces noise and is much more handy in terms of transport,” says Cezary Mączka, Member of the Management Board of Budimex responsible m.in. for innovation in the Budimex Group.
The device with the following parameters: 230V / 3.6 KW provides up to 2 kWh of energy during the working day, weighs less than 15 kg and is very easy to use. The declared time necessary to fully charge the battery is only 3 hours. Instagrid also has a GPS transmitter for easy location of the device, a remote monitoring system for its status, as well as a remote lock that can be activated in the event of theft. One power bank is enough for all-day operation of a high-voltage construction device.
In July this year. Budimex acquired four such devices, which are currently located in the Equipment Services Branch in Pruszków. The ongoing tests, experiments and verification of the equipment will allow us to assess the operation of the Instagrid battery in the context of an effective and easy-to-use power supply system for construction equipment under contracts carried out by Budimex. The tests are expected to last until spring 2022, and if successful, verification will also take place in other divisions of Budimex.
