LOCATION

Purnululu School is located at Warmun Community (Turkey Creek) Western Australia. 17°S 128°E.

THE SYSTEM

Appropriate Energy Power Corporation Pty Ltd designed and built two power systems for independent use of the school in 1993 and 1994. The two systems have since been connected together to provide power for increased loads. At present power is available for three computers, 2 CD Rom drives, a colour printer, washing machine, lights, TV/video player and musical instruments and amplifiers.

The facility accommodates three staff and twenty plus pupils. Each system is housed in a stand alone fibre glass cabinet and features voltmeter ammeters (IN and OUT) and an inverter status display.

Renewable energy is supplied from 8 x 65W(p) solar panels giving an estimated input of 2.6kWh/day. Battery storage provides 2.28kW of power at 50% depth of discharge. AC power is provided by a Siemens 1.5kVA Sunsine 24V DC to 240V AC Pure Sinewave inverter.

REASON FOR SELECTION

Grid connection is not an option at this locality and the use of diesel generators considered undesirable and uneconomic.

MAINTENANCE

Apart from regular cleaning of the solar panels, the only area requiring maintenance is the battery bank. Electrolyte levels need to be maintained by adding deionised water. Specific gravities and cell voltages need to be measured and recorded at regular intervals and boost charging carried out according to the manufacturers instructions.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Each system comprises:

• 8 x 65W(p) Solar Panels
• 4 x 6V 190Ah Lead Acid Batteries
• 1 x 1.5kVA Inverter
• 1 x Solar Regulator
• 1 x System Housing Voltmeter, Ammeters and Control Equipment (Appropriate Energy Power Corporation)