QGE developed and commissioned a control system to provide for operator control and the interface between the DNSP, Tesla and third-party equipment vendors. The system provides both on-site and remote control of the BESS by incorporating cloud computing infrastructure.
The on-site control system is based on Siemens RTU hardware with a panel-mounted HMI running Wonderware, controlling a Tesla battery and inverter system and associated switchgear. A Schneider Wonderware client and Historian running in a cloud computing environment allows off-site users to control, monitor, diagnose, maintain and support the complete battery system from anywhere within the Energy Queensland IT network.
Energy QLD (Yurika) installed a Tesla Battery Energy Storage System in Bohle Plains, Townsville as it is a community with a high number of rooftop solar systems with a large amount of excess energy during peak solar generation. It is designed to buffer the peak demand on the network by absorbing energy from the PV generation during the day, and discharging during periods of peak demand (morning and evenings, for example). The Tesla battery system comprises 37 battery packs and eight inverter modules with an installed capacity of 8 MWh, and a peak charge or discharge rate of 4 MW.
The robust, secure control system QGE delivered provides flexible options for Energy Queensland to control and monitor the Bohle Plains BESS in order to deliver maximum benefit to the grid, the Energy Queensland operations team and the local community.
The cloud infrastructure was implemented on the Microsoft Azure platform, and was developed to meet the stringent security requirements of EQL IT. The cloud platform provides secure remote view and control capability, with multi-factor authentication and strict access controls to meet international information security standards ISO 27001/27002. An independent security assessment against ISO 27001/2 was completed during the implementation phase.
QGE are recognised leaders in hazardous areas and in grid connected solar PV, which is only possible because of our rock-solid foundation in electrical and controls engineering. We have the knowledge and experience to provide a cost-effective solution, whatever the problem.
Our cloud software, controls and telemetry solutions, and grid export control panels are all products of our ongoing investments in new technology and engineering processes, and we continue to push the boundaries with involvement in blockchain and peer-to-peer energy trading.
At QGE we genuinely enjoy what we do, which means we're always willing to go the extra mile for our customers to deliver the right solution. We have great client relationships because people like working with us.
The QGE team understood the project's constraints and requirements, and were able to deliver a commercial solution that has allowed Agrimin to achieve a higher renewables penetration and lower energy cost than it had expected.
Over several years, QGE have provided control systems design and on site support for upgrades and expansion projects. We've been very satisfied with the quality of their solutions and the high level of support they have provided our remote mine site.
QGE have worked with us for several years on hazardous area issues and have classified a number of our facilities, including new-technology processes, where we've been very satisfied with the pragmatic approach they've taken and the outcomes for our business.
