EcoJoule’s EcoVAR helping grid businesses towards a net-zero future

Quick facts on the EcoVAR

• EcoJoule is improving and innovating electricity supply through smart grid technology.
• The influx of solar on homes and businesses changes the way the local grid operates. EcoVAR technology helps improve voltages and increases the ability of solar to export clean energy.
• Hetech has teamed up with EcoJoule to manufacture the PCB boards for the EcoVAR and build the products ready for distribution.
• EcoJoule has quoted that the product has shown to be a success both here and overseas.
• The EcoVar is not only improving the quality of electricity in these areas, but it is also helping grid businesses like Ausgrid work towards a net-zero future.

With the rapid uptake of solar PV, the low voltage residential electricity network is being required to perform in ways it was never originally designed to perform. The main problem being experienced is worsening voltage regulation. The solar PV systems are generating at their maximum during the middle of the day when residential consumption is typically low, this then causes voltage rises on the low voltage networks causing solar inverters to trip, reducing the ability of solar panels to export clean energy. This sustained delivery of excess voltage levels is also diminishing reliability, reducing appliance lifetime and reducing appliance efficiency.

Introducing the EocVAR, the EcoVAR helps to manage grid voltages. The influx of solar changes the way local grids operate. The EcoVAR technology helps improve voltages and increases the ability of solar to export clean energy to the grid. The benefits of this product are felt throughout the whole solar / energy supply chain, with households benefiting from better energy utilisation, higher solar export volumes and lower bills.

Hetech has teamed up with EcoJoule to manufacture the PCB boards for the EcoVar and, build the products ready for distribution. With many installations complete and delivering results in multiple states currently, the EcoVar is predicted to continue to roll out nationally over the coming months.

EcoJoule has quoted that the product has shown to be a success both here and overseas:

“Ausgrid has installed a three phase EcoVAR unit from EcoJoule Energy at Nords Wharf, which has successfully reduced the voltage fluctuation to consumers, also preventing the potential tripping of solar systems and delivering reliable outcomes in the delivery of power.

In the area where the EcoVAR unit has been installed there is a significant increase in the amount of solar energy that can be exported into the grid, virtually eliminating constraints on existing solar customers.”

Not only is the EcoVar improving the quality of electricity in these areas, but it is also helping businesses like Ausgrid work towards a net-zero future.

Ausgrid’s Executive General Manager of Asset Management Junayd Hollis said:

“Ausgrid has a diverse and complex network and we are looking to use innovative technology to improve service quality for all of our communities,” Mr Hollis said.

“That’s why we commenced these trials with the EcoVAR units, to improve customer voltage and quality of electricity supply. This is an integral part of our actions to increase hosting capacity for rooftop solar as well as other Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and reduce costs on our network. In turn this helps de-carbonise the grid and work towards a net-zero future.”

Spiral Automation

The manual nature of the product/reject splitters mean that operators are slow to respond to changes in feed quality.

Vanadium developed an innovative means of automating spiral splitters. This technology (patent pending) now allows for the accurate remote adjustment of each spiral’s product and middlings splitters.

Requirement
To design and manufacture an automation system that integrates into existing mining spiral circuits which will autonomously operate the feed splitters using linear actuators and motor controllers.

Work Performed
Hetech have designed and manufactured several units with fast manufacturing and delivery times to meet the specified requirements. The Spiral Galaxy system is now being utilised in Australian mines. Improving feed quality and efficiency through minimisation of human intervention, risk reduction and improved plant recovery.

“We partnered with Hetech’s engineering team to design and build a mining automation system to be integrated into gravity-fed spiral circuits. Their customer service and professionalism have exceeded my expectations. They consistently deliver within time-frames and even fly out engineers to assist with diagnosing and maintaining products in the field, ensuring the system was operating as expected. I highly recommend Hetech; they have gone beyond their expectations to ensure the best product possible.”
 
Gerald Van Niekerk, Director – Vanadium Group

It was great to sponsor the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN National) Gala Dinner again this year. At Hetech, we are passionate about supporting our local network and the next generation of innovators.

Congratulations to all the finalists of the National Young Achiever Award and Jason Brand who won the award for his Flight Design.

With the east coast state borders now open, we are looking forward to getting back on the road to see our customers and colleagues.

Free for a coffee and chat?

Both Mark and Steve are on the road over the coming months. If you are interested, please contact Mark or Steve to arrange a chat.

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