Electrical Power & Protection


Supplying off grid areas with electricity

July 2011 Electrical Power & Protection

Simple system planning with solutions from SMA.

Standalone power systems can be set up easily using the Sunny Island system developed by SMA to make reliable energy supply possible in off-grid areas.

At first glance, standalone power systems appear diverse to cater for the ambient conditions that determine which type of renewable energy source can best be applied for the application. What follows is an overview of the typical applications for solar energy, battery banks and diesel generators. With these we aim to provide an introduction to the technology and offer support for the planning and installation of standalone solar powered electricity installations. The advantages of this approach include:

* Components compatibility.

* System planning in accordance with regulations.

* Easy upgrade to larger energy supply systems.

* Adjustment to meet individual demands.

* Worldwide SMA support.

The Sunny Island system
The Sunny Island system

The SMA way to an easy standalone solution

The ideas presented here offer the basics for constructing standalone power systems that cover a diverse range of classes. Whether for free-standing vacation homes, remote farms or entire villages, the configurations proposed ensure simple design and straightforward installation. Individual components are tailored to work optimally together and, together with the Sunny Island battery inverter, ensure a reliable supply of power that can be adjusted to suit local conditions. In step with growing energy demand, additional components can be integrated easily into the system to cope with any additional demand.

The modular construction of Sunny Island provides maximum flexibility for the supply of electricity to off-grid areas. All the components required for the use of solar, wind or hydropower, as well as battery banks or fuel cells can be integrated into the system without difficulty. Subsequently, sets can be adjusted for optimum fit to any geographic peculiarities.

Monitoring from anywhere in the world

A variety of data technology products are available to support monitoring of Sunny Island installations, from Sunny Boy Control for local monitoring to the Internet-based Sunny WebBox data logger.

Standalone energy supply systems are often located in remote regions and only rarely do system operators have the possibility to control them on site. The Internet team of Sunny WebBox together with the Sunny Portal allow operators to check the system from anywhere in the world and to react quickly in the case of a fault.

An innovative application

The Sunny Island system has been used to provide scientific research stations, often located far from the public grid, with an ideal solution to supply the requisite power for base living and for the instrumentation. For stations with high energy demand, systems can be combined easily to ensure supply for large scientific instruments, for instance the telescopes at an astronomic observatory.

For more information contact Ettienne van der Westhuyzen, Current Automation, +27 (0)11 462 4253, [email protected], www.rectifier.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The journey towards renewable energy in the Seychelles
Electrical Power & Protection
The Seychelles is committed to its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Recent technological advancements and strategic planning are steadily paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Read more...
High performance power distribution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hexagon Electrical plays an important role in enhancing efficiency and safety through the supply and support of a wide range of critical equipment for hazardous industrial and mining sectors in Africa.

Read more...
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.

Read more...
As wind energy gains momentum, lack of grid infrastructure remains a bottleneck
Electrical Power & Protection
Interest in wind energy has gained significant momentum in South Africa, opening up new opportunities for investment. However, lack of grid infrastructure could prove to be a stumbling block in unlocking this potential.

Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.

Read more...
Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.

Read more...
A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.

Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.

Read more...
The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.

Read more...
Optimising purification for green hydrogen production
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved