Cape Bruny Light Station Photovoltaic Project

Off-grid, renewable,
Location: South Bruny Island, TAS

The Site

Built in 1838 the Cape Bruny Lightstation, consisting of two lighthouse keepers quarters, museum, workshop and a powerhouse in addition to the lighthouse, is situated on the south-western edge of the Cape on South Bruny Island. The existing diesel generators were considered too large for the current load and as a result the system was operating inefficiently. This was reflected in the high cost of maintenance and diesel use required to continue running the generators under the current regime. Solar was chosen as an alternative power source for the site as it allowed for construction to occur closer to existing infrastructure and it minimised environmental intrusion. The silent nature of solar panels was also a factor given the proximity to accommodation. The original lighthouse is no longer operational and was replaced by an automated light, powered by an independent photovoltaic Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) system.

Technology

The system was designed to meet the existing daily average load of 135kWh with a peak load of 25.6kW. The load of the new system however will be significantly lower with much of the previous load attributable to 'dummy loads' that are not required with the new system. These are loads that are deliberately left on to provide sufficient loading for the diesel generators in order to prolong their lives. The system is comprised of a FG Wilson 16 kW single-phase auto start generator, 10kW interactive inverter, 30 x BP3160S Solar module MC leads solar panels and 60 x 2SG 1000 Gel 2 Volt1000 Ah batteries supplied by Battery Energy. Design and installation of the plant was undertaken by Hydro Tasmania and Power Plus Pty. Ltd.

Energy Purchase & Supply

The plant is expected to produce up to 49MWh of electricity per annum, with greenhouse gas reductions, attributable to solar generation and increased energy efficiency, of approximately 40 tonnes. The power station is an accredited generator under the Green Power Scheme and is an eligible generator under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) Scheme. Solar generation is intermittent, however 24-hour power is available through the use of the batteries/inverter and back-up diesel generation. The system is connected to the local existing reticulation.

Funding Arrangements

The project received Renewable Remote Power Generation Program(RRPGP) funding of $67,151 from the Australian Greenhouse Office. The remaining costs were covered by the project owner.

Further Information

For further information about this project please contact:
Peter Mooney,
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania.
Email: peter.mooney@parks.tas.gov.au
Tel: (03) 6233 3169