Redflow batteries successfully installed at BoM regional radar site

As part of the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) Renewable Hybrid Power Supply (RHPS) project, Seven20 Electrical installed Redflow batteries at three radar stations in Yeoval, Hillston, and Brewarrina. 

In a statement, Redflow said the installation of the last system in Brewarrina was finished in January following delays brought on by previous extreme weather occurrences in NSW.

The RHPS at the three locations is intended to increase power reliability at these critical infrastructure facilities while lowering net emissions and ongoing energy costs.

According to Redflow, the sites are part of the BoM’s initial trial program, with the possibility of a future wider rollout to their remaining national radar positions.

The hybrid system delivers integrated renewable generation and battery storage for lower-cost electricity while also providing backup power for longer site operation in the event of a grid power loss, Redflow added. Each site has between 8 and 10 ZBM2 flow batteries that are integrated and controlled by the Redflow Battery Management System, which works with the installed Victron inverters.

The BoM performs a vital service by providing the Australian public and businesses with early warnings of severe weather events.

Redflow CEO and Managing Director Tim Harris expressed the company’s delight to have been chosen as the preferred energy storage solution and to support essential government infrastructure.

“It was fantastic to be working with our long-time integration partner Seven20 Electrical, and successfully deploying solar and storage to the three sites,” Harris said.

Harris stated that Redflow batteries are built for challenging Australian environments, have a high cycle rate, a medium to long duration profile, and little risk of thermal runaway, making them ideal for the BoM’s remote radar stations.

“We look forward to working with the BoM and our partners Seven20 Electrical further to explore how Redflow can support the national roll out of the BoM’s RHPS program,” Harris added.