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 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.
Read more...Why utilities must prioritise maintenance of SA’s remote data Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The story of power generation is more than meets the eye. Beyond energy distribution and the infrastructure are invisible, point of presence data centres located the remotest parts of our country that play a fundamental role in keeping systems running
Read more...The house that revolutionises substations WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Traditional substations have major drawbacks in terms of their construction and resilience. One solution is the E-house, a prefabricated, customised and transportable steel structure designed to house a range of electrical and automation equipment.
Read more...Localised inverter-integrated transformer
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transform
Read more...ABB innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
The application of sensor technology to reduce the operational and standby power losses of traditional current and voltage transformers can lead to energy savings of 181 MWh over a 30-year period, the lifetime of a typical switchboard in the African environment.
Read more...UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.
Read more...ACTOM advances energy infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025.
Read more...Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.
Read more...Steaming ahead with boiler skills development
Electrical Power & Protection
As an expert in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, AES is very focused on safety, quality, technology advancement and the development of human capital. The company invests heavily in training and the promotion of talented people on an equal opportunity basis into the industrial operations environment.
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.