Containerised Power System for Veolia International’s Mobile Water Filtration Unit
Introduction
Veolia International, dedicated to providing innovative environmental solutions. Embarked on a project to deploy a mobile water filtration unit, necessitating a reliable, portable, and robust power system. Commodore Australia was approached to design and implement a power system that would meet these stringent requirements. Ensuring consistent power supply while adhering to environmental and logistical constraints.
The Challenge: Ensuring Consistent Power in Varied Environments
The project’s scope was clear yet challenging: provide a power system capable of consistently powering a water filtration unit. There were stipulations that both units be fully portable, rated to Wind Region A in Australia, and require no ground penetration.
The Solution: A Tailored Power System by Commodore Australia
Commodore Australia developed a comprehensive power system, encapsulating:
- Victron Quattro 9kVA Inverter System: Ensuring stable and reliable power inversion.
- 30kWh Pylontech Lithium Battery Bank: Consisting of 6 x 5kWh modules for sustained energy storage.
- Victron MPPT SmartSolar Charge Controller: Optimizing solar power conversion.
- 5.95kW Solar Array: Utilizing 15x 390W JA Mono Solar Panels, ensuring efficient energy harvesting.
- Unique Automatic Foldaway Solar Panel Design: Enhancing portability and ease of deployment.
- Automatic Start Backup Diesel Generator: Providing assurance of constant power output during suboptimal weather conditions.
All components of this portable power system were housed in a 20-foot container with a switchboard and power points. A battery cabinet to house the Pylontech modules, and a Victron Colour Control GX System Monitor with online access for real-time system monitoring.
System Learning and Improvements
This project marked Commodore’s second container build, providing an opportunity to enhance the design and functionality based on previous learnings:
- Hydraulic Actuators: Transitioning from electric to hydraulic linear actuators improved performance and wind-load resistance.
- Insulation Enhancement: Utilizing cool room panel insulation for the power system room. This negated the need for air conditioning, ensuring efficient thermal management.
Impact and Reliability
The system has been operational for over three years, with the customer operating the hydraulics to open the solar array daily, ensuring no issues with wind loading when unattended. The system has achieved a 100% uptime, demonstrating the reliability and efficacy of the solar and battery system combined.
Environmental and Safety Performance
Commodore’s system was pivotal in eliminating safety concerns and environmental impact associated with running the water filtration unit via diesel generators. The solar array provides 100% of the necessary energy, removing the need for diesel generators and fuel transport to the site. Even with a backup generator for poor weather, the well-calculated design, covering loads for several days of cloud cover, has never necessitated its use.
Conclusion
In response to a clear need, Commodore Australia successfully delivered a custom Containerised power system that not only met but also exceeded Veolia International’s requirements. By doing so, they ensured reliable, sustainable, and efficient power for the mobile water filtration unit. Furthermore, this project underscores Commodore’s expertise in developing tailored power solutions that align with clients’ operational, environmental, and logistical needs. As a result, they solidify their position as a leader in the field.
