Remote Area Power Systems (RAPS)

Overview

As the cost of electricity and providing electricity rises, RAPS systems are becoming more and more economically attractive for utility companies, businesses and individual residences alike.

Modern RAPS systems can be designed to meet various loads in different geographical locations utilising a suitable combination of batteries, renewable energy sources and conventional generators. When properly designed, installed, and maintained RAPS systems can be more reliable than grid power, particularly in remote areas. In the last decade RAPS technology has improved considerably in both quality and reliability, and RedFlow has gone one step further by incorporating the best available products into a ‘plug and play’, independent and robust RAPS units, which come in various configurations and sizes, depending on individual circumstances.

A typical RAPS will have (a single or multiple) generating components and an energy storage component. Depending on customer needs, RedFlow can supply individual components, or construct an entire system.




RAPS Components
Supplied by RedFlow's RAPS Division

Lead-Acid Batteries

RedFlow can supply RAP systems incorporating high quality lead-acid batteries.



PV Solar
RedFlow provides high quality solar panels direct from the manufacturer and passes on its cost savings to customers.

Micro Hydro
Micro-hydro energy as a renewable source can also be of benefit if you are in a region where good water resources exist. If you have a stream with continuous flow throughout the year, micro-hydro could be an option if the required criteria such as flow rates and head (height difference between water intake and discharge points) are available. A relatively small micro-hydro unit can generate large amounts of energy as the units produce power 24 hours a day. As with wind, assessment of suitability is essential.

Back-up Generator Sets
Whilst a correctly sized battery bank will store enough energy for up to a few days, prolonged periods of ‘bad’ weather (no sun or wind) are usually addressed by incorporating a ‘gen-set’ powered by diesel, petrol, or in some cases gas. They are relatively cheap compared to renewable systems and provide power on demand. Whereas the renewable generating system has little or no running costs, a generator can have significant fuel, oil, and service costs attached to it. These costs can be minimised in a correctly designed RAPS, which should see the generator run for only a few hours per week. These running cost are a small price to pay to ensure that power is always available. RedFlow supplies high quality generators to ensure minimal maintenance and maximum reliability. 


RAPS Pricing Considerations

System Costs

RAPS set up and ongoing costs can vary significantly depending on;

• The maximum power demand at your site;
• Inverter type, rating and quality;
• Battery type, quality and warranty;
• Number of days of battery autonomy required;
• Inclusion of a generator;
• The quality and country of origin of the specified product; and
• Installation costs – transport, tradesmen and labour days on site, infrastructure (concrete pads, sheds, trenching, etc)

Pricing depends entirely on the load at the RAPS location; some rule of thumb guidelines have been produced by the Queensland Government (EPA). They indicate that a RAPS sized for daily energy usage of 3kWh may cost between $15,000 and $20,000, a larger RAPS delivering 5kWh daily may cost between $25,000 and $35,000.