Developing an Embedded Network – Government Building

Project Description

Arnowa has led the development of an embedded network for a government building in Perth, Western Australia. The project focuses on creating innovative governance models for integrating shared solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, batteries, and advanced monitoring technology within the building. The aim was to enhance energy security, resilience, and efficiency while establishing a robust framework for energy trading between different floors.

Project Summary

The initiative involved deploying a comprehensive solar PV and battery storage solution, paired with Power Ledger’s blockchain-based grid technology. The network facilitated energy trading among tenants and optimized the management of shared renewable resources. Arnowa’s involvement ensured the seamless integration of these technologies, offering tenants cost-efficient energy savings, improved sustainability, and a smart energy-sharing system.

Challenges

• Establishing clear ownership and accountability for shared energy resources among multiple stakeholders.
• Technical compatibility issues when integrating solar PV and battery systems within a shared infrastructure.
• Absence of automated systems for managing and trading electricity at fair value.
• Navigating complex regulatory frameworks for peer-to-peer energy trading.

Objective

The main objective was to develop governance structures that allowed for the efficient deployment of shared solar PV systems, batteries, and monitoring technologies. The focus was on scalability, adaptability to urban settings, and enabling energy trading between floors within the building.

Solutions

Arnowa’s embedded network solution included:

1. Installation of a robust infrastructure with a three-phase 30kVA system and 40kW PV on the roof, along with 3 x three-phase 10kVA inverters and 12kW PV.
2. Seamless integration of the solar PV panels, battery storage, and Power Ledger’s blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer energy trading.
3. Real-time monitoring and management of energy and water usage via a secure dashboard.
4. Simplification of tenant billing processes with transparent consumption and cost data.
5. AI-driven predictive maintenance, smart alerts, and blockchain-enabled energy trading.

Results

• Cost-Efficient Energy Savings: Provided tenants with insights into their energy consumption, enabling cost reductions.
• Enhanced Sustainability: Increased access to affordable renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable living environment.
• Increased Visibility: Improved tracking of energy consumption for informed decision-making.
• Revenue Opportunities: Opened up potential revenue streams for building managers through efficient energy management.
• Efficient Tenant Billing: Streamlined billing processes for smoother operations.

Resource Usage Insights:

Provided valuable insights into energy and resource usage patterns, supporting better resource allocation and conservation efforts.

Location

• Government building in Perth, Western Australia

Challenge

• Establishing ownership and accountability for shared energy resources among multiple stakeholders
• Technical integration of solar PV and battery systems within a shared infrastructure
• Lack of automated systems for managing and trading electricity at fair value
• Navigating regulatory complexities for peer-to-peer energy trading

Metering Hardware

• 30kVA three-phase system with 40kW PV and 3 x three-phase 10kVA inverters with 12kW PV
• Integration of Power Ledger’s blockchain technology for energy trading
• Real-time monitoring dashboard for energy and water usage
• AI-driven predictive maintenance and smart alerts

Results

• Significant cost-efficient energy savings for tenants
• Enhanced sustainability through increased access to affordable renewable energy
• Improved visibility into energy consumption for informed decision-making
• New revenue opportunities for building managers via efficient energy management
• Streamlined and transparent tenant billing processes
• Valuable insights into energy and resource usage for better conservation efforts