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news from the distributors Ergon Energy
ROAMES flies high to map Ergon’s network
QLD
Aerial mapping of Ergon Energy’s vast regional Queensland network using state of the art technology will transform its asset and disaster management capability, a spokesman said. Chief Executive Ian McLeod said ROAMES (Remote Observation Automated Modeling Economic Simulation) used two specially modified Cessna aircraft fitted with laser scanners and digital cameras to map, photograph and inspect Ergon’s 150,000km network of powerlines. “The planes will fly over 600 communities and towns in regional Queensland every twelve months. Mapping has already commenced in many parts of the state and more recently in the north-west. The network from Townsville, Ingham and down to Shute Harbour has now been mapped and photographed,” he said. Mr McLeod said ROAMES will not only reduce costs in keeping vegetation away from powerlines and change the way Ergon manages its assets, but save the company millions of dollars and improve its disaster response. “In 2011/12, Ergon spent $94 million to manage vegetation that would otherwise pose a risk to the network or community safety. Using the ROAMES data, Ergon expects to save up to $59 million over the next five years and ultimately improve power supply reliability and community safety in regional Queensland,” he said. ROAMES will ultimately replace the need for a number of ground based vegetation and pole inspection programs as well as audits currently undertaken before and after contractors are sent into the field to undertake the work.
Horizon Power
Waste heat recovery system in Carnarvon produces power for the first time
WA
Enerji’s clean power project produced electricity at Horizon Power’s Carnarvon power station - a first for its energy efficient technology in Australia. The clean power project uses a waste heat recovery system with Organic Rankine Cycle technology to convert discarded heat energy from the exhausts of generators to produce additional, emission free electricity. Horizon Power agreed to trial the technology at the Carnarvon power station until the station is decommissioned when the new Mungullah Power station commences operations later this year. The clean power project exported electricity to the power grid in Carnarvon with an output of around 10 kilowatts (kW), which is expected to increase to 300 kW during the trial. www.masterelectricians.com.au
“Ergon will be able to use simulations to assist every area of planning, whether for a natural disaster or to forecast growth rates of a particular area,” he said. ROAMES has already been successfully trialled in disaster response this year. ROAMES has also commenced mapping and photographing south-west Queensland. Visit www.ergon.com.au for more information.
Horizon Power’s Manager Generation Projects Brett Whisson said Horizon Power was delighted to see the trial project produce its first power. “Horizon Power is proud to facilitate the trial of Enerji’s technology at our power station in Carnarvon and enable testing that is a first for Australia,” he said. “We are committed to supporting the development of energy efficient technology and look forward to this technology being developed and used for the benefit of many.” The Carnarvon pilot plant will be tested up to an output of 300 kW which is less than half the system’s full capacity due to timeframe of the host plant being decommissioned and the new Mungullah Power station commencing operation. At maximum capacity, the technology has the potential to generate up to 700 kW of electricity, an equivalent of powering 988 houses in Carnarvon, reducing reliance on gas and diesel and improving efficiency by up to 18 per cent. Visit www.horizonpower.com.au for more information.