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Kalbarri Photovoltaic System
A photovoltaic power system, which converts sunlight into electricity, has been operating in Kalbarri since 1995.
The photovoltaic (PV) cells use semiconductor metals, most commonly made of silicon, to convert solar energy for use in local homes.
Kalbarri's remoteness combined with high levels of sunlight made it an ideal location to test this technology. Located on the northern extremity of WA's main electricity grid, at the end of a single 136 kilometre transmission line, Kalbarri's electricity supply can be prone to momentary fluctuations.
These fluctuations and high transmission losses are typical for many remote locations in Australia. A local power station using advanced control technology can help ease the problems. The Kalbarri Photovoltaic System combines a power inverter with a new adaptive control system and PV panels to produce grid-quality power. It is a small-scale demonstration of this technology.
Electricity from the main power grid is supplemented during the day by the PV system. The system converts solar energy for use in local homes and also stabilises line voltage.
The Photovoltaic System
The system consists of 256 photovoltaic panels, capable of producing up to 20kW of electricity, which are fixed to 16 tilted, single-axis trackers (16 panels to each tracker). Tracking controllers adjust the angle of the trackers six times per day to follow the sun. The tilt of the trackers can also be manually adjusted to maximise seasonal performance as the angle of the sun in the sky changes throughout the year.
The high efficiency PV panels use state-of-the-art crystalline silicon solar cells, which were developed in Australia, to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
The inverter in the Kalbarri system is rated at approximately 35kVA. It is a WA designed and manufactured power inverter, and has a novel feature of smoothing out the AC voltage fluctuations, to help cope with changing levels of demand. The same idea is used in some wind turbines which connect to the grid via inverters.
Did you know?
The high efficiency PV panels use state-of-the-art crystalline silicon solar cells, which were developed in Australia, to convert sunlight directly into electricity.