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Hetech is working in the renewable energy space with EcoJoule
from AMT APR/MAY 2023
by AMTIL
Hetech teams up with EcoJoule to manufacture the PCB boards for the EcoVAR building products ready for distribution.
EcoJoule’s EcoVAR 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.
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 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.
Hetech has teamed up with EcoJoule to manufacture the PCB boards for the EcoVar and they 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.
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.
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 has a diverse and complex network and we are looking to use innovative technology to improve service quality for all of our communities,” Ausgrid’s Executive General Manager of Asset Management Junayd 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.” hetech.com.au