UQ - St Lucia 1MW BESS

Tesla Battery Energy Storage System installed at UQ St Lucia

Client

University of Queensland / CSA Services

Location

St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

Timeframe

2019

Scope

QGE delivered the electrical and control system design and commissioning of the Tesla Battery Energy Storage System installed at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus. The battery system was installed for the UQ Facilities division as part of their environmental sustainability strategy and assists the university in meeting its renewable energy and cost reduction targets. The battery is operated “behind the meter” to reduce energy costs for the campus by storing excess PV energy during the day and discharging the battery at periods of peak demand.

Background

The University of Queensland St Lucia campus has a large install base of PV generation and when combined with other assets including the Warwick Solar Farm (80MW) and the Gatton Campus (3.5MW) UQ is aiming to be the first university globally to offset 100% of its electricity usage using its own renewable assets. The battery system complements a number of other green initiatives underway at UQ campuses and allows the university to manage load and generation on campus.

The battery earns UQ revenue by charging when energy spot prices are low, and discharging when prices are high. UQ is also paid the contingency FCAS (Frequency Control Ancillary Services) price for having the battery available to help stabilise the grid when needed.

Outcomes

QGE delivered a Siemens A8000 based controller to interface between UQ’s Demand Response Engine and the Tesla battery system. The controller also manages the network connection point to maintain compliance with the Energex connection agreement. The A8000 RTU allows highly secured communications between the various system components.

QGE also managed the connection application process and achieved an agreed network connection within tight time frames and worked pro-actively with the network operator to ensure that the resultant solution was technically suitable and balanced DNSP concerns with a pragmatic approach to modelling and technical studies.

Why Choose Us

WE ARE THE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

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.

WE ARE CONSTANTLY INNOVATING

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.

WE ARE EASY TO WORK WITH

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.

Testimonials

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.

Jude Barnes

Sepon Mine Site - MMG

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.

Ferdi van Staden

Coogee Chemicals

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.

Rhys Bradley – Chief Commercial Officer

Agrimin