Stand-Alone Power Supply (SPS) System Module 5

Determining Load | Use Non-electrical Energy Sources Where Possible | Using Energy Wisely | Financial and Economic Analyses | Funding | Working with Suppliers

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Your SPS System

Correct sizing of SPS systems is very important, particularly if wind or solar energy is used. If the system is too small, power shortages will be experienced and the batteries may be damaged by excessive discharge. If the system is too large it will be unnecessarily expensive. The size of the system is dependent on the electrical load. The availability of wind and solar energy will also determine the size and type of system used. Suppliers of SPS systems generally have methods of designing a system to meet each user's specific needs.

 

Determining Load

The electrical loads can be estimated if the power used by each appliance is known. The total energy required will depend on this power draw and the operating time of the appliance. Overall electrical loads can be determined by drawing up a list of all items, their power use and their average operating time per day. The total will be used in determining the size and type of system required.

• Use a energy calculation worksheet from the RISE Demonstration System 1

 

Use Non-electrical Energy Sources Where Possible

This will reduce the system specifications and cost of the SPS system dramatically. Some areas to consider are;

Cooking

Gas, supplied in bottles in remote areas or wood stoves can be used to reduce the load.

Hot Water System

Solar, gas or wood hot water units can be used.

Space Heating

A wood fire or gas can be used along with good insulation to help keep the heat in. In construction of new buildings passive solar design techniques will help minimise energy requirements for heating and lighting.

 

Using Energy Wisely

Time the use of appliances so that large energy users are not used at the same time. When replacing or buying new appliances, the effect on the SPS system must be determined. Using energy efficient lights and appliances can save on overall costs.

 

Financial and Economic Analyses

The cost of electricity provided by the system can be estimated using a life cycle costing method. This considers all capital, installation, operating and maintenance costs over the life of the system. It is done by the supplier and can help you with future budgeting. This is generally used for larger systems where cost comparisons can be made against using an existing fuel generator or other system. This method is often calculated over 20 years, which considers future cost of money and the SPS system costs are inbuilt into these calculations, including life expectancies, maintenance, and replacements etc.

 

Funding

Renewable Remote Power Generation  Program (RRPGP)

The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) through the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) provides funding for renewables based (solar / wind) remote area power supply systems which replace diesel systems in off grid areas. They provide rebates of 55% of the capital cost of the renewable energy component of eligible systems. For more information about the rebates available, visit www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au and follow the Renewable Energy link

 

Eligible Systems

Eligible systems are designed and installed by an accredited SPS designer and installer.The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) is the national accrediting agency. Accredited installers may work for one of the RE suppliers, or a consultant

 

Working with Suppliers

What you need to give them

• Accurate load and site data

      

What they need to give you

• Detailed costing / quote of system


• User training / support information

 

What you need to do

• Maintain your system according to the suppliers instructions


• Make sure you understand the maintenance requirements


• Ask questions if your are not sure

 

What they need to do

• Survey and monitor site accurately


• Monitor performance


• Design/install correctly

 

 

Thank you for your attention.

 

We acknowledge the following organisations for the use of some pictorial materials seen in this presentation:

DPIE Fact Sheets

Solar Sales (Australia), Westwind (Australia) Oksolar (USA), BP Solar

Solar Energy Systems , B/W Solar, Power Solutions/Selectronics

WD Moore and Co. Advanced Energy Systems (All Australia)

The manufacturers of Air turbines, Yanmar Diesels, Cummins Diesels

The inclusion of these pictures is not an endorsement any particular brand or type of renewable energy equipment. This information has been made possible as a result of an Renewable Remote Power Generation Program grant from the Australian Greenhouse Office, administered in WA by the Sustainable Energy Development Office of WA.

 

This is the end of the final Module.