Hybrid system installed at energy storage trial

Queensland energy company Energex is conducting a Battery Energy Storage Systems trial as part of a long-term strategy to manage demand on the network based on customers’ ever-changing usage habits.

Energex has partnered with Redflow, Sunverge, Tesla, Reposit and SolarEdge as part of the first phase of the battery trial. The company also purchased a Smart Hybrid System from Redback Technologies to include in the trial.

“Redback is changing the way home owners and businesses use the solar power they generate, meaning savings on power bills, no power outages and at a lower upfront cost and a much faster return on investment than our competitors,” said Redback Electrical Engineer Fasil Worku, who was on site for the installation of the system.

The trial, being conducted at the Energex test and training facility at Rocklea, Brisbane, will explore the effect of battery energy storage systems on peak demand and power quality. Energex hopes to apply the learnings from its PeakSmart air-conditioning program and explore how it can ensure home owners receive the optimal outcome from their battery and solar PV systems.

The trial will also explore the possibility of accessing and remotely controlling the systems at certain peak times in the same way that Energex does now with hot water systems, pool pumps and air conditioners to support the network.

“Through this trial we will be able to record real time from the systems and observe the usage habits, which is similar to the smart technology processes we currently use for air conditioners and hot water systems,” said Energex Senior Future Tech Implementation Engineer Aidan Roberts.

“The trial also allows Energex staff to gain firsthand experience working with the latest technology and better understand the changes we are likely to see over the next 20 years.”

Image caption: Peter Judge, network technology delivery manager, Energex (right), with Fasil Worku, electrical engineer, Redback (left).