EleXsys DER Hosting Capacity Demonstration
- $451k Funded by ARENA
- $1.92m Total project cost
Summary
The EleXsys DER Hosting Capacity Demonstration will demonstrate the potential for Planet Ark Power’s dSTATCOM device, called the eleXsys, to increase distributed energy resource (DER) hosting capacity on low voltage distribution feeders in south-east Queensland.
Need
Large numbers of DER (such as rooftop solar and home batteries) are contributing to voltage management issues on Australian distribution networks. The eleXsys has the potential to increase DER hosting capacity and delay the need for more costly physical augmentation of the network.
Action
Planet Ark Power will manufacture and install five eleXsys units, including one unit at Energy Queensland’s Real Time Digital Simulator facility in Cairns, one unit on a customer premise (connected behind the meter), and three units connected directly to Energy Queensland’s network. The network-connected units are expected to be pole-mounted with the exact install locations to be determined.
Planet Ark Power will monitor and analyse the performance of the devices and produce public materials on the findings. In addition to Energy Queensland, Planet Ark Power will engage with Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) to seek input into the project and share findings.
Outcome
The project will demonstrate the potential of the eleXsys technology to be a cost-effective option for increasing low voltage network DER hosting capacity.
