Keeping the lights on - avoid Black Fridays

Ensuring energy resilience is crucial for maintaining continuous operations during power disruptions.

After planned and effective maintenance, system enhancements are next.

Key systems that enhance energy resilience include battery backup systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) and generator integration, and emergency power systems for critical infrastructure. Below is an overview of these services, along with some relevant Australian case studies.

The Haron Robson team can review systems and requirements to develop active solutions that use your existing systems or, by augmenting infrastructure to provide comprehensive risks management systems.

1. Battery Backup Systems

Battery backup systems store electrical energy for use during power outages, providing an immediate power source to maintain operations without interruption. They are essential for both residential and commercial applications, ensuring critical systems remain operational during grid failures.

The Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia, commonly known as the "Tesla Big Battery," is a prime example of a large-scale battery backup system. With an initial capacity of 100 MW/129 MWh, expanded to 150 MW/194 MWh, it has significantly improved grid stability and reduced electricity costs in the region. In its first year of operation, the battery saved approximately $40 million by providing rapid response services to the grid.

2. Solar PV and Generator Integration

Integrating solar PV systems with generators combines renewable energy with traditional power sources. During daylight hours, solar panels generate electricity, reducing reliance on generators and lowering fuel consumption. When solar production is insufficient, generators provide the necessary backup, ensuring a continuous power supply.

The Daly River community in the Northern Territory implemented a hybrid power system combining a 1 MW solar PV array with a 2 MWh lithium-ion battery and existing diesel generators. This integration has reduced diesel consumption by approximately 50%, leading to significant cost savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Emergency Power Systems for Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, data centers, and emergency services, requires uninterruptible power. Emergency power systems, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and standby generators, ensure these facilities remain operational during power outages, safeguarding essential services and data integrity.

The Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia has implemented a comprehensive emergency power system comprising multiple diesel generators and UPS units. This setup ensures that critical medical services remain uninterrupted during power outages, maintaining patient safety and care standards.

4. Trigeneration Systems

Trigeneration, or combined cooling, heat, and power (CCHP), simultaneously produces electricity, heating, and cooling from a single energy source. This system enhances energy efficiency and resilience by utilizing waste heat from electricity generation for heating and cooling purposes.

Rooty Hill RSL, one of Australia's largest RSL clubs, implemented a trigeneration plant in 2010. This system is expected to lower the club's carbon emissions by 50% and is nearly three times more energy-efficient than a coal-fired power station. The trigeneration plant operates during peak and shoulder periods, turning on when power prices increase and turning off during off-peak rates. In the event of a blackout, the system, including the absorption chiller for air-conditioning, powers the entire site using a demand management system. Architecture & Design

Implementing these energy resilience services can significantly enhance the reliability and sustainability of power systems across various sectors in Australia.