[RE-wrenches] 40+KW off grid - Suggestions

[Darryl Thayer]

HI Dana
First I have done a 40+kW Outback in 2003 working fine, but it is on grid.  I have a 6 pack Outback Off grid working fine.  I do not have anything this big off grid.  However my Outback products have served me well.  And they are flexible, allowing many configurations.  I have done some step up step down transformers on AC coupled. Now 

Down load HOMER from NREL to help size the system and relative sizes of components.  Homer does a great job of helping size the battery and wind turbine and solar array and generators and it can optimize these components.  

Also when I did a study in about 2000 on the costs of generator power, it apperared the electricity was 50Cents/kWh just for generator maintainence. Sorry I do not have better data.  Depending upon generator size and operational modes the efficiency is going to be between 5% to 30%  Homer can help with this also.  

The sizing of components is rather straight foward with HOMER, The problem is sometimes you do not know the loads.  Homer can help with suggestions.  But the load estimates is critical, homer can optimize all systems.  Even heat pump and of course battery sizing.  


Good luck


--- On Thu, 8/13/09, Dana <dana at solarwork.com> wrote:

> From: Dana <dana at solarwork.com>
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] 40+KW off grid - Suggestions
> To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Date: Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6:20 PM
> Hello All,
> 
> I have an inquiry for a 40KW+ off grid and are looking for
> suggestions.
> Small conference center, some lodging, commercial kitchen,
> 30+% full [loaded
> up] occupancy, small staff and maintenance crew for [70%]
> balance of the
> time.
> 
> The full loads will probably be met with [1 or 2] LP gas
> generators.
> The utility line quote is $1+ million away.
> 
> We are looking at all options-
> 
> High volt runs  to AC coupled and Outback 3648, 6
> packs.
> 
> High volt to FM 80's and Outback 3648 , 6 packs.
> 
> Sunny boy Islands 5048's.
> 
> We want some redundancy but are looking for a good blend of
> large, reliable,
> and redundant.
> 
> I welcome your opinions.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> 
> Dana Orzel
> 
> Great Solar Works, Inc
> www.solarwork.com
> E - dana at solarwork.com
> V - 970.626.5253
> F - 970.626.4140
> C - 970.209.4076
> "I'd put my money on solar energy. I hope we don't have to
> wait 'til oil and
> coal run out before we tackle that."
> -Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey
> Firestone, March
> 1931
> 
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