Segasa has supported the implementation of an innovative microgrid system in the iconic Arkarula Nature Sanctuary in Australia, thanks to a project led by Apex Energy Australia and funded by the Australian Government under the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund – Microgrids program goes. All this to provide the region with a sustainable source of renewable energy and thus reduce dependence on external fuel sources.
The project, which is in the implementation phase after 18 months of research, design and evaluation of various options, comprises a comprehensive solution to optimize the use of renewable energy and manage energy demand in the region. Since the 1960s, the sanctuary’s electrical power supply has been based on diesel generators that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In the medium term, the goal is to operate with 100% electricity and renewable energy only.
In the first phase, a solar and battery microgrid is selected, integrated with an existing diesel generator system, the design of which takes into account a range of considerations from infrastructure, site factors, equipment requirements, interested parties engagement and integration I went. communication systems, among others.
After a thorough assessment of conditions and needs, an off-grid system based on the architecture of the Australian-made Selectronic SP Pro 120 V inverter/charger has been installed, coupled with 121 kWh of eBick 280 lithium battery storage. Cegasa and 99 kWp Roof Mounted Solar Panels. The result is a system where capacity can be easily added without the need for major restructuring of the system.
Its daily cycle of operation varies throughout the seasons and occupancy rates. Thanks to an energy monitoring system implemented by the City of Arkarula in 2019, it became possible to obtain valuable information on energy requirements and to identify that periods of high energy demand occur in the coldest months of the year, when the number of visitors is high. and requires heating.
Thus, low occupancy in summer may mean that generator input is not needed on some days, while periods of high visitor occupancy during winter will require intensive input. In the first two weeks of operation, preliminary data shows that diesel fuel consumption has been reduced by 50%.
Over the next 12 months, the microgrid system and proven technologies will be reviewed to assess the benefits, successes and learnings from the project. Expected results include a reduction in diesel fuel consumption of approximately 15,000 liters per year and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 126 tonnes.
