DHYBRID and Blockpower implemented an environmentally friendly, independent renewable energy supply for the Cheetah Plains Lodge, located in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The system comprises three solar plants with 895 photovoltaic (PV) modules in total and a one-megawatt hour lithium-ion battery storage system.
In addition to the new and quiet energy supply, the lodge uses custom-engineered electric vehicles for its safaris. A separate greywater recycling system, as well as a sewage treatment plant, have been installed on the property to minimize water consumption and environmental impact.
A diesel generator, integrated with the microgrid, is available for use during low irradiation periods to support the storage system. DHYBRID’s Universal Power Platform (UPP) monitors and controls all the components in the system and therefore ensures a reliable energy supply at any time.
The new electricity supply offers a three-phase power output and comprises three solar installations with a total capacity of 300kWp; comprising a 160kWp rooftop installation, 100kWp mounted on carports, and 40kWp on dual-axis trackers.
A total of six 60kW string inverters is used in the installation.
The grid-forming, bi-directional battery inverter with a power output of 250kW is supplied by the lithium-ion storage system, which comprises Samsung SDI cells and offers a capacity of 1,027kWh.
Both components are housed in an air-conditioned 20-foot ocean container, which was designed and built by the off-grid suppliers in accordance with international standards.
The diesel generator has a power output of 150kVA and can be remotely controlled. Real-time monitoring and remote grid maintenance occur via VPN using a SCADA system. Additionally, the UPP offers access to historical data via the DHYBRID web portal.
In the interest of modernization, the lodge has been equipped with a microgrid – its own on-site power grid – which is capable of reliably supplying electricity even to large three-phase energy consumers such as cooling systems or motors.