The MicroGrid Revolution: Part 3 of Mike’s Guide to Hybrid Generators

In the previous article, we explored the use case for hybrid generators and built a compelling list of advantages that are only discovered once we understand the increased efficiency and reduced generator run time these hybridized systems unlock.

So why aren't they everywhere?

From a human psychology perspective, any new technology must overcome institutional resistance to change before it can be evaluated on its merits. Until then, everything works against it. The spotlight falls on downsides, and project managers are reluctant to disrupt the familiar flow of rental generators with reliable service contracts that keep job sites running smoothly, regardless of accrued fuel and service costs.

Beyond this "new kid on the block" barrier, hybrid generators face another challenge: the perception of buying two things to do one job. Currently, OEMs offering hybridization modules present rental fleets with a modular approach, adding a 30-400kVa BESS module between an existing generator and the load panel. While this delivers all the advantages outlined in the previous article, it creates a second line item and triples the upfront cost of the power supply system.

The other option—currently winning the race to hybridization—combines a generator and BESS module on the same trailer or skid. This creates a single line item with a unified data sheet. These integrated units use batteries with extremely high C-rates to handle brief peak loads, allowing the generator to be downsized for continuous operation. The result: a generator that will still run continuously but will do so at a more efficient rate, since it is now a 60kVa generator with a 120kVa hybridization module to handle the peaks. 

What does any of this have to do with Victron and MicroGrids? 

Victron inverter/chargers have earned a reputation as best-in-class for the low voltage DC market. They can scale to 180kVa of AC output in a 3-phase power system, but 48V DC systems become far more complex past 30kVa. The key advantage of Victron's transformer-based architecture is its 1.5x peak capacity before heat-based derating kicks in. For a 30kVa nominal output system, this means the 45kVa peak will draw ~938A from the DC bus—right at the upper amperage limit of their Lynx DC bus products. Beyond this point, high voltage inverters become much more appealing simply to keep DC bus amperage manageable.

This is the barrier faced by Victron Energy when it comes to big hybrid systems. Enter the Microgid.

Victron's newly announced MicroGrid function uses hybrid droop (frequency and voltage-based power-line communication) to parallel separate DC systems on the AC output. This enables them to handle staggeringly large loads while evenly sharing demand and dynamically compensating for voltage drop. All of this happens without a separate, expensive energy management system (EMS). Instead, it works through the Cerbo GX and Inverter/Chargers already present in any integrated Victron low-voltage power system. Add an onboard DC generator like the Hatz PMDC-56-100, and you can integrate reliable, efficient power generation directly into the BESS and inverter system.

The result: a fully contained, infinitely paralleling hybrid generator assembled from off-the-shelf products that takes full advantage of Victron's remote fleet management platform.

This has significant implications for hybrid generators. Recall the example from the previous article: a 40kVa generator powering a load that consumed 66.4kWh daily, with a few large peaks throughout the day. A 30kVa Victron inverter system with a matched battery bank could handle those peaks, while an onboard 5kW Hatz DC generator runs for 12 hours to deliver the 66.4kWh daily consumption. This entire system could be sold or rented as a single unit—competing directly with the existing 30–40kVa rental generator market without requiring customers to purchase multiple components to achieve fuel and maintenance savings.

With the MicroGrid, this approach now scales to 60kVa, 100kVa, 500kVa, or even megawatt-sized loads.

This solves the largest barriers facing job site power hybridization. The rental market needs fully integrated units (generator + BESS) that fit their existing rental model, and OEMs need economies of scale to deliver these units at competitive prices.

Looking for smart ways to hybridize your set up or take advantage of Victron’s MicroGrid function in your product design? Reach out to our team.