Power generation

Electricity for the site and the crane is generated by a stand-alone power system consisting of photovoltaics and a diesel generator, combined with a SMA “Sunny Island” inverter and battery management system. The potential solar PV generation is 4.42kW and in conjunction with a 2600Ah battery storage capability reduces the diesel generator run time, on average, to only two hours per day.

This system design was chosen as it can be expanded in the future and our aim is to include a much larger solar array with the intention of eliminating the daily operation of the diesel generator. It also has the capacity to incorporate other alternate energy sources such as wind and hydro, of which the feasibility will be explored.

Noise

The power system is located outside the forest in a special sound-proof shelter. When the diesel generator is running this noise is in the order of 70dB(A) at seven metres (or similar to a vacuum cleaner).

The crane itself is coated with zinc to protect against salt water and is painted black to make it as unobtrusive as possible. The crane is electrically driven and is VERY quiet. The motors have been specifically modified and noise levels may be in the order of 38 dB(A) at 30 metres from the machine deck of the crane, equivalent to the noise level of a busy office.

TODO: Waste management