ShareSolar-powered cold storage for Indonesian fishing villages
A solution combining solar power, thermal-energy storage and an ultra-efficient compressor package is being implemented in two locations in Indonesia
It is widely accepted that fishing and farming communities can substantially increase their income when refrigeration is available. However, in developing countries, energy grids can be unreliable or even absent in remote areas, while diesel generator-powered refrigeration still entails high operating costs and logistical challenges. A solution combining solar power, thermal-energy storage and an ultra-efficient compressor package is being implemented in two locations in Indonesia, Pacitan and a remote fishing island, Wakatobi.
Jakarta-based company PT Contained Energy Indonesia developed and deployed stand-alone off-grid 100% solar powered cold-storage facilities.
The 6.4 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array is backed up by a relatively small 10 kWh VRLA battery bank and energizes the cooling units through a 3-phase Outback inverter system.
The facilities incorporate large volumes of phase change materials (PCM) in the ceiling.
These materials are capable of storing 15 kWh of cooling capacity at -4°C, which saves a substantial quantity of battery storage that would otherwise be required at night.
According to the makers, the solar array is the most expensive component but has an expected productive life of over 30+ years, whereas the economic life of inverters, compressors and housing is 10-15 years and the batteries are claimed to need replacement after 6-7 years.
It is also claimed that return on investment can be as low as 2-3 years.
The first two 20 m3 units installed were designed to keep 1000 kg of fish at -2°C, in ambient temperatures up to 40°C, with the capacity to add and cool 200 kg of unrefrigerated fish daily.
Jakarta-based company PT Contained Energy Indonesia developed and deployed stand-alone off-grid 100% solar powered cold-storage facilities.
The 6.4 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) array is backed up by a relatively small 10 kWh VRLA battery bank and energizes the cooling units through a 3-phase Outback inverter system.
The facilities incorporate large volumes of phase change materials (PCM) in the ceiling.
These materials are capable of storing 15 kWh of cooling capacity at -4°C, which saves a substantial quantity of battery storage that would otherwise be required at night.
According to the makers, the solar array is the most expensive component but has an expected productive life of over 30+ years, whereas the economic life of inverters, compressors and housing is 10-15 years and the batteries are claimed to need replacement after 6-7 years.
It is also claimed that return on investment can be as low as 2-3 years.
The first two 20 m3 units installed were designed to keep 1000 kg of fish at -2°C, in ambient temperatures up to 40°C, with the capacity to add and cool 200 kg of unrefrigerated fish daily.