Solar Diesel Hybrid Power Station
Out on the frontier of the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage site, exists a coral cay island ‘Lady Elliot’ where the coral reef is alive and teaming with life, where hands-on adventure and exploration are keys to this Australian holiday experience in a declared ‘Marine National Park Zone’.
In order to operate on a sustainable basis without impacting the National Park, the Eco Resort employs a number of measures to protect the environment of the island and surrounds, in conjunction with the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park Authority (GBRMPA).
Background of the project:
In 2007 resort management decides to investigate options for renewable power generation and emission reductions. Tropical Energy Solutions conducts Energy Audit and identifies opportunities to combine comprehensive load management with hybrid power system development.
Average daily fuel consumption reduced from 500l to 300l with equal reductions in emissions and costs.
In 2008 the Federal Government funding approval obtained to support construction of Hybrid Power Station
and was commissioned on the 20.12.2008.
System Details:
- Free-standing hardwood timber structure 18.25m x 8.20m, 25° tilt to true north, 143m² active solar surface area
- 20 kWp Solar PV modules (96 x Kyocera 205), 6000Ah 48V VRLA Gel Battery Bank (48 x Sonnenschein A600/3500)
- 64 kW encapsulated genset, AC Coupled Inverter System (6 x SMA Sunny Island + 3 x SMA SMC 7000TL)
- 100 kW 3-phase 415 V System capacity, datalogging and internet integration via SMA WebBox
Achievements:
- Reduction of resort peak load by 42%, Reduction of annual load by 35%.
- Reduction of diesel consumption from 550 litres per day to 160 litres per day = 142000 litres / year
- This resulted in a reduction in CO2 emissions by 70% = 380 tonnes CO2/year
- Reduction of genset running hours by 29%, Reduction of genset maintenance cost > 50%
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels , barging services, and fuel storage facilities in the Marine Park
Future Developments:
- System extension, including the installation of additional solar PV and wind power generators.
- Installation of water harvesting and energy efficient desalination plant
- A 5 year plan to eliminate the reliance on fossil fuels to power the resort
