Any PV installer or system designer knows that, in Australia, orienting a system north would enable the maximum year-round generation. For sites where a north facing pitch is not readily available, east west array is often considered the next best solution. Intuitively, south facing arrays do not make sense, and systems have been designed insofar […]
Category: Technology
Hydrogen Energy in Australia: Do the numbers make sense?
Australia is one of the luckiest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. The future of Hydrogen Energy in Australia is in the news and will be for some time. Here is the US Central Intelligence Agency comment on Australia’s natural resources: Natural Resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, […]
The Growing Potential of Stand-Alone Power Systems
Stand-Alone Power Systems (SAPS) have been an alternative and a solution for many decades to power devices, telecommunications, buildings and communities that experience practical or financial barriers to grid electrification, be it in rural areas or in developing countries. SAPS have been used to provide small scale portable lighting, water pumping, and power for general […]
Tracking – Another Option to Increase Yield
Large scale solar projects have seen tremendous growth in recent years, with notable projects including the 10MW capacity Greenough River Solar Farm in Western Australia and the 220MW Bungala Solar Power Project in South Australia. These projects require significant investment from system owners, and particularly for larger projects it is important to maximise financial return […]
Wiring Rules AS NZS 3000:2018 – Key Updates to the Standard and What They Mean for Installers
The latest version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard: Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules” (AS/NZS 3000:2018) has now been published, and will supersede AS/NZS 3000:2007. Updates to the Standard have been made to reflect new technologies, equipment, and installation techniques. This article explores some of the most significant changes presented in the standard, and how […]
Those who can, do…and they should also teach
George Bernard Shaw wrote “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach” in his 1903 play “Man and Superman”. This quote has been widely used to disparage teachers and, in addition to the quote being broad-brushed and obtuse, it also implies that the two are mutually exclusive. GSES has two core offerings; Training and Consulting. […]
Getting down to earth: Earthing explained
In an electrical network, an earthing system is a safety measure which protects human life and electrical equipment. As earthing systems differ from country to country, it is important to have a good understanding of the different types of earthing systems as the global PV installed capacity continues to increase. This article aims at exploring […]
AS/NZS 5033 amendment drafts out for comments: What are the changes?
The draft of amendments to AS/NZS 5033:2014 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays was released for public comment in early February 2018. The comments period will close on 15th March 2018. The draft amendment 1:2018 and draft amendment 2:2018 are available for download free of charge from SAI Global. Standards updates and amendments […]
Moulded Case Circuit Breakers Explained
As installed system capacity continues to increase in the Australian PV market, it is valuable for system designers and installers to understand the mechanisms behind moulded case circuit breakers, and the meaning behind their ratings. A moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) is a type of electrical protection device that is used to protect the electrical […]
Hacking the Battery Management System
First and foremost, it must be stated that GSES is very optimistic about the capability of new energy storage technology. GSES is confident that those that are involved in transition of the electricity grid are moving quickly to make new technology better, cheaper, safer and more secure. That said, a topic which has not been […]