Hydro refurbishment project provides reliable off grid power at Strathmore Estate
Proterra Energy has recently completed the renovation of an off grid hydro for Strathmore Estate in Sutherland.
The estate has run on off grid power since the 1950s when the then owner installed a hydro turbine on a nearby burn. That turbine has survived to the current day, working pretty much 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was testimony to the engineering skills of the time.
However, spares are no longer easily accessible, and parts wear out. The performance of the turbine has started to fall in recent years with erosion to the runner. Along with deterioration in the structure of the turbine house and outfall it would have eventually led to failure.
In addition to this, the Estate is modernising its properties and looking to the future by reducing its operational carbon footprint, with options around electrical energy for heating and hot water. Having looked after the turbine for the last 8 years, it was sad to have to call time on it.
However, with modern battery storage and hydro solutions, the Estate was able to replace the existing system with one that had a smaller maximum output, but generated more power on average through the year. The system is scalable and can be increased in size if and when required.
The battery storage ensures that the system is capable of delivering peak power when it is needed, whilst also reducing requirements for abstracted water. This environmental improvement in operation was one of the key influences on the Estate’s decision to make the change and is in keeping with their wider ethos on managing the land in their stewardship.
Are you facing a similar issue or want to discuss your off grid power options?
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