92 | Intelligent energy solutions The energy system at Forest Lodge Orchard responds to retail spot pricing signals to enable export when market pricing is high and to draw energy, storing it in batteries, when pricing is low. NZGBC: Infinite Energy NZ BUILDING T Karen Phelps EXPERIENCE THE NEW Chris Leith 027 271 5006 027 253 9861 harroldbuilding.com mharroldbuilding@gmail.com 027 686 8032 scottededesign.co.nz scott@scottededesign.co.nz Architectural Design Tailored To You Experienced Central Otago Builders DREAM HOME WORKING TOGETHER WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES TO DESIGN & BUILD YOUR CENTRAL OTAGO WE HAVE A BRAND NEW HOME WITH INFINITE ENERGY SOLAR SYSTEM COMING NOV 2022 - OPEN BY APPOINTMENT Get in touch with us to f ind out more Integrated and intelligent energy solutions offer huge opportunity for businesses to offset their energy costs and operate more sustainably, says Infinite Energy general manager Regan Heal. “Typically the way we use energy is not incredibly well managed regarding the price we pay and the demand we put on the network. New technologies are opening up better options,” he says. A ground-breaking project the company completed for horticultural business Forest Lodge Orchard is a good example. The design by Infinite Energy is a multi-faceted solution, delivering benefit to the business owner as well as helping to develop a robust pilot model to demonstrate the benefits of connected, distributed energy and storage assets on local networks. Regan says that the key functionality of the system is to provide a diesel free, 100% renewable energy solution. The bespoke system design delivers significant benefits to multiple stakeholders. For the business owner the system responds to retail spot pricing signals to enable export when market pricing is high and to draw energy, storing it in batteries, when pricing is low. Integrated with an intelligent software algorithm (developed by owner) it can ramp exported power based on market prompt providing return on investment through energy arbitrage when cycling batteries. It also provides standalone back up power for frost fighting in the unlikely event of a network power cut during frost season. For the local lines company the system responds to network CPD (control period demand) ripples to ensure network power is not used during peak congestion. This means more power available for others to use and less pressure on the network. “This system has demonstrated what can be achieved by embracing electric technologies as well as smart energy management around generation as well as how it interacts with the networks. It is hugely beneficial to the environment because it has enabled fossil fuel free food production. This project delivers benefits to multiple stakeholders, demonstrating a positive future for large scale generation and battery deployments connected to networks.” The project was awarded ‘Best Grid Connected Solution” at the national SEANZ New Zealand Sustainable Energy Industry Awards in 2021. Infinite Energy is a family owned company established in 2013 that specialises in the design and installation of solar PV, renewable energy solutions for home and business. The solutions offered include grid connected, grid tied hybrid with battery back up, through to entirely off-grid stand-alone systems. Regan says design is at the heart of everything that Infinite Energy does. “It’s about balancing aesthetics with outstanding performance and efficiency.” The concept of arbitrage, when electricity is purchased in one market and simultaneously sold in another market, for a higher price allowing the trader to lock in profits, plays a key part in the future of energy, he says. “This allows businesses, such as Forest Lodge Orchard, to essentially transact in the electricity space rather than just be consumers. It’s a much more transactive way of interacting with electricity.” He believes integrated and intelligent energy solutions are the future for sustainable energy distribution around New Zealand and could play a major role in climate change targets. “From day one our aim at Infinite Energy has been to make solar more accessible, more desirable and more simple for our customers and make them aware of the huge potential and benefits. “We will continue to work to assist with New Zealand’s goal of 100% renewable energy, assisting in the delivery of electrification and reducing reliance on fossil fuel.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=