Todmorden is a working cattle station located 82 kilometers from Oodnadatta, South Australia. Located in a remote area of the state, this station relies solely on off-grid power to maintain operations. With a team of just eight employees, Todmorden thrives despite the challenges of its isolated location. However, as operations expanded, the station’s off-grid power system struggled to keep up, prompting a much-needed upgrade.
At MyEnergy, we specialise in designing and installing award-winning off-grid power systems, tailored to meet the demands of cattle stations like Todmorden. Our recent project with them involved transforming their outdated system with the latest technology, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply for the station’s growing needs.
Upgrades and Additions to the Off-grid Power System
To address the station’s power demands, MyEnergy implemented the following upgrades:
Inverter Replacement: The existing Selectronic inverter was replaced with two Victron 48/15000 Inverter Chargers (30kVa Single Phase), offering greater power delivery.
System Monitoring: A Victron CerboGX display was installed to enable streamlined system management and real-time performance monitoring.
Battery System Upgrade: The ageing Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries were replaced with 102.4kWh of ZYC Simpo5000 Lithium Phosphate batteries.
Temperature Control: To maintain optimal system performance, an air conditioning unit was installed in the bunker, ensuring a controlled environment for the system.
DC Coupling Improvements: A Victron SmartSolar 450/100 replaced one of the existing Fronius inverters in the bunker to optimise DC coupling, enhancing overall efficiency.
Inverter Repurposing: The original Fronius inverter was repurposed to replace an aging Kaco PV inverter, extending its functionality and reducing waste.
Generator Integration: The existing generator was integrated into the system, providing essential backup power during heavy usage or prolonged cloudy periods.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: A Wi-Fi mesh was installed to ensure that the CerboGX could monitor and manage all power sources in the system effectively.
How the System Meets Their Needs
The new off-grid power system has transformed energy reliability and efficiency at Todmorden Station, delivering key benefits:
Cost Savings: Reduced reliance on diesel fuel has lowered operating costs.
Scalability: The system is designed to grow with the station’s needs, ensuring it remains future-proof.
Reliability: With solar energy as the primary power source, increased energy storage and a generator for backup, the station has a dependable energy supply year-round.
With these upgrades, Todmorden’s off-grid power system now operates more efficiently, reducing reliance on diesel generators and meeting the station’s growing power demands with ease.
Are Your Generators Working Overtime?
For many long-established cattle stations, expanding power & energy demands place strain on outdated systems, increasing reliance on diesel generators. MyEnergy excels in designing and installing dependable off-grid power systems for remote locations like Todmorden Station. We understand the specific energy challenges faced by farms and agricultural operations and tailor our solutions to meet those needs. With over a decade of experience, we’ve helped countless outback stations achieve dependable power tailored to their unique requirements, reducing their dependence on diesel generators
Contact us today to discuss how we can transform your off-grid power system with reliable, scalable solutions tailored to your needs. Let’s ensure your cattle station operations thrive, no matter how remote your location.