Community Solution
Located in Queensland, Australia, the large "Sunshine Valley" community, with over 6,000 households, is known for its beautiful natural scenery and high-quality living environment. However, frequent power outages and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, pose significant challenges to the community's power supply. To address these issues, community leaders have decided to implement an efficient energy storage system to ensure reliable emergency power during outages, complementing the existing diesel generator system.
Project Overview
To overcome this limitation and avoid costly grid upgrades, the project utilizes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a buffer. The system charges from excess grid capacity during off-peak hours and assists the grid during peak periods when there is high demand for vehicle charging, ensuring the charging stations can sustain a power output of 240 kW.
Energy Storage System Configuration
3.7MWh capacity with smart energy management.
The system features a total storage capacity of 3.7MWh, utilizing 16 units of 233kWh each. It provides an output power of 1.8MW, with each 233kWh unit containing an internal 125kW Power Conversion System (PCS). The solution uses AC-coupling technology, integrated with photovoltaic inverters to form a complete energy management system.
Solar Self-Consumption Functionality
Optimizes solar energy use for 24/7 power.
An integrated Energy Management System (EMS) intelligently manages the use of solar power and battery energy based on community consumption patterns and solar radiation levels, prioritizing clean solar energy. Efficient bi-directional inverters allow direct use or storage of solar power, ensuring steady power supply even at night or during cloudy periods.
Emergency Backup and Diesel Generator Integration
Seamless backup power with intelligent controls.
An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) enables seamless switching to diesel generators during grid outages or insufficient solar generation, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. The system also features intelligent charging controls to recharge batteries while the diesel generator is operating, preparing for future power shortages or outages. Load management dynamically adjusts non-critical loads to minimize energy consumption during power shortages.
System Safety and Monitoring
Advanced safety features with real-time monitoring.
Multiple protection measures are in place to prevent overload, short circuits, or overheating, ensuring safe operation even under adverse weather conditions. A cloud-based remote monitoring platform allows real-time oversight of system status, including battery health, remaining capacity, and power usage, enabling timely decision-making by community managers.
Optimized Energy Management
Enhances efficiency with coordinated energy sources.
The combined use of solar energy, battery storage, and diesel generator backup maximizes energy efficiency and reliability for the community. The system intelligently coordinates power sources to ensure continuous supply, reduce grid dependency, and lower overall energy costs while supporting sustainable energy practices.
Sunshine Beach Community Energy Storage Project
Sets a model for sustainable and reliable community energy.
Enhances power reliability while promoting sustainability, creating a safer and greener living environment as a model for other communities.
Core Component Selection
Renon Power Specialization
Battery Capacity
Selection: RENON 233kWh Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage System
Rationale: The RENON 233kWh liquid-cooled system was chosen for its integration of liquid-cooled battery modules, cooling units, BMS, modular PCS, and an on-site EMS monitoring system. A configuration of 16 units forms an array, equipped with an AC distribution cabinet that includes the power distribution system, ATS, and station-level EMS.
Benefits: This setup provides efficient energy storage and management, ensuring reliable performance and flexibility in meeting the community s energy demands.
Advantage: The integrated design optimizes space, simplifies maintenance, and enhances system reliability and operational efficiency.
Photovoltaic Panel Configuration
Selection: 2MW Photovoltaic System
Rationale: A 2MW photovoltaic system was configured based on an effective daily generation of 5 hours. This system provides 1.2MW of power for community use, with the remaining 800kW stored in batteries.
Benefits: The solar power system reduces reliance on external electricity sources, lowers energy costs, and maximizes the use of clean energy.
Advantage: The 2MW photovoltaic array efficiently utilizes solar resources to ensure a sustainable and cost-effective power supply.
STS & ATS Configuration
Selection: Integrated STS and ATS Functionality
Rationale: The STS (Static Transfer Switch) and ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) functionalities were integrated into the power distribution system to simplify the architecture and enhance overall efficiency and response time. This allows seamless switching between solar, battery, and diesel generators without additional hardware.
Benefits: The integrated design reduces installation costs and potential points of failure while improving system response speed.
Advantage: By integrating STS and ATS, the system achieves faster switching, higher reliability, and optimized performance.
The liquid cooling system ensures effective heat management, maintaining battery cell temperature variance within 4 degrees, extending battery life. It is more energy-efficient than traditional air cooling, maximizing the return on investment for the entire system.
Smart AC Distribution System
The advanced AC distribution system supports up to 16 units of 233kWh in AC coupling per array, managed by a station-level EMS. Integrated ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) and STS (Static Transfer Switch) functionalities within the PCS simplify architecture, enhancing efficiency and response time.
Efficient Energy Storage and Conversion
The system features a 233kWh configuration with integrated 46kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery modules and a 125kW Power Conversion System (PCS) for optimal energy storage and conversion. An intelligent Energy Management System (EMS) provides remote monitoring and efficient energy dispatch.
System Advantages
Smart Management and Remote Monitoring
Optimize operations with intelligent energy management and a remote monitoring platform, providing real-time system insights. Smart diagnostic tools simplify troubleshooting, increase availability, and reduce maintenance costs.
High Reliability
Ensure uninterrupted and stable power supply with integrated ATS STS, and enhance overall system reliability with precise liquid cooling to prevent battery overheating.
Significant Cost Savings
Reduce electricity expenses with solar self-consumption and energy storage, while smart dispatch minimizes diesel generator use, saving on fuel costs and lowering operational expenses.
