Solution

Description
Site: Buffalo Luxury Camp
Date: October 2011

Prepared for: Buffalo Luxury Camp, Tanzania Serengeti Camp. Prepared by: New Southern Energy Company: Unique Safaris, US office

Executive Summary
New Southern Energy (NSE) conducted a site assessment at Buffalo Luxury Camp on 19 September 2011. This proposal is based on information gathered during this site visit and discussions with the camps management. Most of the camps power is used by the guest rooms, common areas and operational areas. Heating water is the largest component of energy usage in these areas. The camps generator uses 1,547 litres of diesel per month on average (based on past 12 months). The camps occupancy level is 7% over this period. The highest occupancy over the past 12 months is during July 2011. The camp reached 27% occupancy during this month and the generator used 2,730 litres of diesel. There is a strong positive correlation between occupancy and diesel usage. Since occupancy is low currently and the camp management expect occupancy to increase, the solutions recommended are the first step in a phased-in approach. The solution we recommend is designed to improve efficiency by using two industrial sized solar ringmain system to heat water. This system is more efficient than individual geysers. Individual solar geysers are recommended for the staff village. A hybrid PV solar and battery solution is recommended to provide additional power requirements and reduce generator runtime. The total cost of the solution is $ 210,625.50 Ex Vat (based on exchange rate of $1 = R 8). The solution provides more hot water than is currently available. Hot water is also provided to the staff village, which doesnt have hot water currently. The camps available power is increased to 24 hours through 17 kW of PV Solar and 48 x 2V 1,600 Ahr batteries. At an average of 7% occupancy, generator runtime will be reduced to at most one hour per day. The financial benefits of this would be an IRR of 11% and a simple payback period of 6 years. At an average 27% occupancy, generator runtime will be reduced to 2-3 hours per day. The financial benefits of this would be an IRR of 19% and a simple payback period of 4-5 years. The PV system is hybridised and is triple redundant. Power is first provided by the PV solar panels. When there is no sun, the batteries provide the camp with power. In the event that the PV solar and batteries cannot meet the camps requirements, the generator will be called on. The generator will be run optimally (load draw and runtime) to improve fuel efficiency and generator performance. When needed, additional PV solar panels, inverters and batteries can be easily incorporated into the above system.

Objectives
Provide the best hot water solution for the camp taking cognisance of the environment, operational requirements, guest experience, staff capabilities and management expectation. A renewable energy solution is used. Provide camp with access to power for 24 hours, and reduce generator runtime. A renewable solution is used. Solutions must be modular to easily increase system size if required. System is robust and requires minimal maintenance.

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System design process

During the NSE site visit, the following information was gathered. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Inventory count for camp, usage pattern and site layout Load profile and daily kWh usage (from smart-meter) Diesel usage, associated costs and guest occupancy Operational timetable for staff and guests Management discussion understanding camp requirements

Figure 1 Estimated usage by area of camp (at 27% occupancy)

Estimated usage by area at 27% occupancy
Kitchen 7% Laundry 8%

Common area 22%

Guest rooms 49%

The consumption by area is calculated based on inventory count done and assumed hours of operation per appliance. This is provided by operational staff where possible. NSE has made assumptions where information is not available. Some areas will use the same energy irrespective of occupancy levels (e.g. offices, common areas). Other areas usage is directly linked to occupancy.

Manager house 8%

Offices 6%

Figure 2 Diesel usage and Camp occupancy per month

Month Sep-2010 Oct-2010 Nov-2010 Dec-2010 Jan-2011 Feb-2011 Mar-2011 Apr-2011 May-2011 Jun-2011 Jul-2011 Aug-2011 Sep-2011 Total Diesel litres 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 400 400 400 400 400 700 120 280 100 680 730 030 321 Cost/ Total litre ($/l) cost ($) 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 2 3 932 932 932 932 932 966 546 386 898 318 767 801 202 % occupancy 4% 5% 3% 1% 3% 2% 14% 0% 9% 3% 27% 12% 12% 3 000 2 500

Diesel consumption and Camp occupancy

30% 25%

Diesel litres

1 500 1 000 500 -

15% 10% 5% 0%

Mar-2011

Apr-2011

Jun-2011

Nov-2010

Dec-2010

Jan-2011

May-2011

Sep-2010

Jul-2011

Feb-2011

19 961

27 545

Diesel litres

% occupancy

NSE installed a smart-meter on the generator to measure actual usage. The information is not yet available due to lack of GSM signal and network connection. NSE will be able to access this information once a network cable is installed. During the site visit, NSE managed to get three days of actual consumption (kWh) and diesel usage. Using a conservative estimate of 0.32 litres per kWh, NSE estimated that the camp uses approx. 160 kWh per day. This is consistent with diesel consumption and occupancy over the past 12 months. The generator runs for 10 hours each day, which means an average draw of 16 kW. In reality, the actual draw peaks when most appliances are on and then drops to a far lower level for most of the day. Should the camp have power for 24 hours, we expect the average draw to be far lower than 16kW. Most usage happens during early morning and early evening. People shower before game drives. During the day, kitchen and laundry use energy. Late evening, people generally shower after game drive or before shift change.
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Aug-2011

Sep-2011

Oct-2010

Occupancy

2 000

20%

System design explanation

The solutions designed take the following into consideration: Camp has access to power for 10 hours a day. The solution is designed to provide power to the camp for 24 hours and reduce generator usage. Improve energy efficiency through use of best available technologies. o Solar ringmain hot water system is far more efficient than multiple individual geysers in this environment. o Using high-quality LED lights will reduce camps load further (LED lights are not quoted in this proposal) System can easily be increased at a later stage if camps energy requirements increase due to higher occupancy levels or more appliances increasing consumption. Operating environment, conditions, staff capabilities and guest experience.

Solar hot water solution

Based on site assessment, energy to heat water is atleast half of the camps total consumption. An industrial solar ringmain hot water solution will reduce reliance on the generator to heat water. Two ringmains are suggested to supply hot water for the lodges operations (kitchen, laundry) and guest rooms. A ringmain system is more efficient than individual geysers as the components are centralised. Therefore, all hot water is available for use. Maintenance and system management is simpler. Six individual solar geysers are recommended for the staff village. The hot water requirements of the staff village does not justify a ringmain system. The peak draw will be reduced considerably compared to electric geysers. The maximum draw is limited to size of elements in the heat pumps (1.2 kW per heatpump). There are four heatpumps in total and it is unlikely that all four will run at the same time. Each ringmain consists of the following (Figure 3 below shows overview): 1 x 2,000 litre thermal storage 9 x vacuum tubes (24-tube set) 2 x heat pump (to provide for redundancy protection) Piping, lagging and other parts Figure 3 Solar ringmain hot water solution overview

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PV solar and battery solution

Once the camp is made more efficient (from solutions discussed above), a hybrid PV solar solution will be used to meet the camps energy requirements. This solution combines the use of PV solar, batteries and the diesel generator to supply power to the camp. The solution is modular, which means further PV solar, inverters and batteries can be added without replacing existing infrastructure. The system is centralised and grid-tied, ensuring all solar energy generated is used either directly in the camp, or stored in the batteries for later use. The system is designed to provide the camp with 24 hours of power per day (increased from 10 hours currently). Under current occupancy levels (of 7% on average), the PV solar and batteries will be able to provide more than 90% of the camps energy requirements. The system will consist of the following: > 17 kW of PV solar which will produce 90 kWh per day on average. > 17 kW inverter to convert DC current from PV panels to AC for use in lodge. Sunny island inverter > 30 kW of inverter to transfer energy between batteries and camp. Batteries > 48 x 2V 1,600 Amp hour cells can deliver up to 100 kWh backup power at night (or cloudy days). The figure below shows an overview of the PV system and components. Figure 4 PV solar and battery system overview (Please see Annexure A for technical drawing) PV panels Grid-tie inverter

At higher occupancy levels, the above system will provide less than 90% of the camps energy requirements. At 27% occupancy, the above system will meet approx. 75% of the camps energy needs. This means the generator will run for 2.5 hours per day on average. The generator is used as a backup in the event the camps energy requirements is greater than that available from PV solar and batteries. The generator will be called on to provide the camp with the additional energy in this case. The generator will run at optimal levels (of 80% of load) and excess power will be used to charge batteries. This will ensure generator runtime is minimized.

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System costing
The table below shows the costs in $ (ex vat). An exchange rate of R 8 = $ 1 is used. Below prices are valid for 15 days due to volatile exchange rates. Table 1 Costing of NSE solution ($ ex vat) Product Units MC box Sunny island 5kW 48V Deep cycle lead acid batteries Sunny boy 17000TL inverter PV panels (Watts) Cabling, fuses, parts PV frame Labour and installation Delivery Geyser 2,000 litre storage Heat exchanger Vacuum tubes (24-tube set) Heat pump (4.7kW output) Piping lagging and parts Labour and installation Delivery Geyser 200 litre Vacuum tubes (24-tube set) Piping lagging and parts Labour and installation Delivery Total PV solar and battery system 1 6 48 1 17000 1 1 1 1 2 2 18 4 1 1 1 6 6 1 1 1

Cost per unit ($) 3,850.00 4,900.00 656.25 7,787.50 1.93 3,937.50 5,162.50 10,325.00 11,250.00 4,287.50 997.50 1,085.00 1,365.00 11,375.00 6,125 2,625.00 857.50 1,085.00 2,187.50 3,412.50 1,750.00

Total cost ($) 3,850.00 29,400 31,500.00 7,787.50 32,725.00 3,937.50 5,162.50 10,325.00 11,250.00 8,575.00 1,995.00 19,530.00 5,460.00 11,375.00 6,125.00 2,625.00 5,145.00 6,510.00 2,187.50 3,412.50 1,750.00 210,627.50

Suppliers
NSE uses the best products in the solutions we provide. The products are made by reputable companies who have a long track record. These companies provide strong guarantees and warranties, which NSE would pass on to Buffalo Luxury Camp. Brand Why used by NSE? Worlds No.1 manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules Rigorous quality control meeting highest international standards (ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001: 2004) Warrants 6.7% more power than market standards over 25 years Largest and most reputable inverter company in the world Innovative leaders in this segment Exceptional and tested service Reliable products which work in extreme conditions Over 80 years experience producing batteries in South Africa Highest ratings (ISO 9001:2008;ISO 14001: 2004) SABS approved Advanced testing conducted in collaboration with CSIR and selected universities Rigorous metallurgical evaluation
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Solar hot water: staff village

Solar hot water: lodge operations and guest rooms

Products used in solution

Component

Vacuum tubes

Thermal storage

Description Vacuum (or evacuated) tubes absorb solar energy converting it into heat for use in water heating. The outer tube is transparent allowing sun rays to pass through with minimal reflection. The inner tube is coated with a number of special selective coating which provides good solar radiation and minimal reflection properties. The top of both tubes are fused together and the air between the two layers of glass is pumped out, while the tube is exposed to high temperatures. This evacuation of the gases forms a vacuum, which is an important factor in the performance of the vacuum tubes. The pressure in the tubes is less than 5x10-3 pa. This can only be done (and maintained) through a specialized evacuation process performed during production. This vacuum eliminates conductive and convective heat loss. The heat is transferred through the manifold, which will need routine maintenance to ensure it is working at peak performance. This is a 2,000 litre storage tank ideally suited for industrial applications. Inner tank is manufactured from epoxy vinyl-ester resin and glass. The outer casing is manufactured from UV stabilized gel coat and glass. Insulation is 70 mm thick and made from high density polyurethane. There is 32 mm of solid super wood between inner tank and outer casing. The tank is made from a non-ferrous material. The water in the thermal store is mixed with glycol to prevent freezing and corrosion of the pipes and tanks. The water and glycol mixture is continuously maintained at a high temperature as it is circulated between the thermal storage and the vacuum tube panels. This is the medium that transfers the absorbed heat to the water to be used in the camp. The water to be used in the camp is run through a separate pipe that enters the thermal storage, goes through a copper coil heat exchange and comes out of the thermal storage at the surrounding water temperature. The heat exchange has an effective power output of 119 kW.

Heat exchange

Heat pump

PEX piping

Heat pumps use the reverse cycle of a refrigeration plant to heat water. The system employs an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, refrigerant gas and an expansion valve within a closed circuit. Latent heat is given off when the refrigerant gas is liquefied through the condenser and transferred to the surrounding water. The heat pump has a COP of four, which means for every 1 kWh of electricity supplied to the heat pump, 4 kWh of thermal energy, in the form of hot water is produced. The heat pump is used as a backup only when the vacuum tubes are not providing the required thermal energy to heat the water. PEX (or cross-linked polyethylene) is part of a water supply system. The material is made from cross-linked (HDPE) high density polyethylene polymer. The HDPE is melted and continuously extruded into the tube. PEX plumbing has been in use in Europe since 1970s. The use of PEX piping has increased since then, replacing copper pipes in many applications, especially radiant heating systems. PEX piping can turn 90 degree corners without the need for elbow fittings. Can also be installed without need of coupling fittings.

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Component

PV Solar panels

Description PV (Photovoltaic) Solar panels generate electrical power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electricity. The solar cells produce direct current (DC) from sun light, which will be used to power equipment/ appliances or to charge batteries.

Grid-tie inverter

A grid-tie inverter is a special type of inverter which converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and feeds this into the lodge (via the Multi-cluster box). The grid-tie inverter must synchronize its frequency with that of the camp grid (e.g. 50 or 60 Hz) using a local oscillator and limit the voltage to no higher than that of camps grid. The power factor is 1, which means the inverter output voltage and current are perfectly lined-up and its phase angle is within 1 degree of the camps grid. The inverter has an onboard computer which will sense the AC waveform and output a voltage to correspond with the camps grid. Grid-tie inverters are also designed to quickly disconnect from the grid when the camps grid goes down. This is a safety precaution to ensure the energy it produces does not harm any line worker sent to fix the camps grid. The sunny island inverter converts direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) for the camps grid. It also converts AC from the camps grid to DC when charging the batteries.

Sunny island inverter

Deep cycle Battery

The batteries store power, which will be used by the camp when there is no sun. The architecture of the batteries consist of lead plates and an acidic solution of SiO2 as electrolyte. The first few charge/ discharge causes the electrolyte to solidify and form a non-toxic substance. This results in a safe, fluid-less, high performance and environmentally friendly battery.

Multi-cluster box

Used for integrated AC distribution in the camp. This is the brain of the hybrid system and communicates with grid-tie inverters, sunny island inverters, generator and the lodge.

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Financial benefits
There is good financial benefit from implementing the suggested solar hot water and hybrid PV solar solutions. It is important to remember that the solutions will increase the camps power availability to 24 hours (from 10 hours), and at the same time reduce generator usage. The financial benefit is shown under two scenarios: 1. Forecasting the camps current usage vs. usage after NSE solution (based on 7% occupancy) 2. Forecasting the camps current usage vs. usage after NSE solution (based on 27% occupancy) The figure below summarises the forecasted usage and financial benefits. The additional assumptions used are listed below the figure. Figure 5 forecasted energy costs in $ (Current ave occupancy and 27% ave occupancy)

Assumptions: Diesel cost (including transport) of $1.38 in 2011. Diesel and generator servicing inflation of 8% per annum Major service (and overhaul) cost of generator not included in current costs (not available) Replacement cost of existing appliances and parts not included in current costs. E.g. electric geysers will need to be replaced every 5 years depending on water quality etc. Solar hot water system will improve camps energy efficiency by atleast 40% (prudent assumption)

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Conclusion and next steps

There is good potential to improve efficiency at the camp and use renewable energy to reduce diesel generator usage. The solution is designed to provide uninterrupted 24 hour power to the camp and simultaneously reduce generator runtime to 1-3 hours per day. The actual generator runtime will depend on occupancy levels. At the current average occupancy of 7%, the generator will be used for at most one hour per day on average. The suggested solar hot water solution will reduce energy usage, increase quantity of hot water and reduce replacement costs (of existing geysers).The centralised design of the system reduces maintenance and servicing. The solar hot water solutions (2 x solar ringmains and 6 x individual geysers) will improve the camps efficiency as electric geyser will not be used. This solution will provide more hot water then is currently available from the existing electric geysers. The staff village will have hot water for showering, which they currently dont have. The PV solar solution is designed to meet the camps remaining power requirements. The system is hybridised to ensure power is always available. Power is first provided by PV solar, then batteries. The generator is called when the camps energy requirements exceed that available from PV solar and batteries. The generator will be run optimally (in terms of load and runtime) and excess power will be sent to the batteries for storage and later use. The PV solar system is modular. Additional PV solar panels, inverters and batteries can easily be added on the existing infrastructure. The suggested PV solar system will be able to provide the bulk of the camps energy requirements even at 27% occupancy. The generator will run for 2-3 hours a day in this case, to provide the energy shortfall. Further increase in occupancy levels will also increase generator run time, unless the system size is increased. Next steps: Provide NSE with feedback, comments and questions on above proposal. NSE will make changes to proposal, if any are required. Once proposal is agreed between both parties, NSE will draft a project plan (and expected timelines). This will be done together with Buffalo Luxury Camp management. The project plan will need to be signed by both parties before the project commences.

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Annexure A Hybrid PV Solar system technical drawing

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