|
|
PERUP FOREST ECOLOGY CENTRE
 Perup
Forest Ecology Centre and Wilderness Lodge is 50 km east of Manjimup in
the South West of Western Australia. The centre is operated by the Western
Australian State Government through the Department of Conservation and
Land Management (CALM), and it was one of Australia's first guided natural
science tourism operations. Originally a small research station for studying
rare and endangered species of the area, the Centre has recently undergone
a major upgrade and now offers school groups, clubs and individuals accommodation
and either self-guided or guided tours.
The Centre began using renewable energy in 1996, when they installed a
small wind and solar power system, but in 2003 as part of the Centre's
upgrade it was necessary to increase the electricity generation and storage
capacity. In September 2003 the power system was upgraded and enlarged
with thirty 140W solar panels added to the existing 1.6kW solar array,
as well as a new 15kVA inverter. The existing 1kW wind turbine was incorporated
into the system and a new 105kWh battery bank replaced the original 32kWh
bank. The Centre received financial assistance from the Remote Area Power
Supply Program, offsetting their outlay on the system upgrade.
 While
the population and energy use at the centre varies seasonally, since the
upgrade of the power system the use of the diesel generator has dropped
by an average of 40%, providing savings in fuel and in maintenance requirements.
The system has been operating well, with only one or two short power cuts
due to a generator cut-in problem. According to CALM the best thing about
the upgraded system is the constant and reliable supply of power, allowing
for increased use of the facilities. Less use of the generator has reduced
cost and noise at the facility. The biggest change to the operation of
the facility is that the power system is now very reliable, and there
is reduced maintenance.
The busiest time at the Centre is from September to November, with the
quietest time being December to February, when schools are closed. There
is a caretaker on site using power every day and in the busiest time there
can be up to 40 people staying there. The Centre has always been conscious
of its power consumption, using compact fluorescent lighting and other
energy efficient appliances. The appliances purchased for the new facilities
have been chosen on the basis of the best option for energy efficiency
and price, and have included an energy and water wise washing machine,
energy efficient fridges, microwaves and compact fluorescent lighting.
The Centre has a gas boosted solar hot water system, uses gas for most
of the cooking and wood for heating. And while they do not need to manage
their load by scheduling the use of appliances for certain times, the
caretaker does use large loads when there is plenty of solar power available,
reducing the need for generator cut in. Also, visitors are advised not
to bring their own appliances but to use only what is provided and when
visitors arrive they are given a talk about being energy efficient.
Technical
| Solar Array |
4.2kW p |
| Inverter |
15kVA |
| Battery Bank |
105 kWh (C100) |
| Existing Solar Array |
1.6kWp |
| Existing Wind Turbine |
1kW |
| Existing Diesel Generator |
12.5kVA |
This case study was developed by the Research Institute for Sustainable
Energy at Murdoch University. Both the Research Institute for Sustainable
Energy and the Remote Area Power Supply Program are supported by the
Australian Government through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program.
This program is implemented by the Sustainable Energy Development Office
in Western Australia. |
|
