The Centre generates almost all its power from clean, green renewable energy sources: the wind, using a wind turbine, and the sun, using solar panels. Electricity generated by the solar panels and wind turbine is fed into a bank of batteries (via power controllers) to be stored for use when required. The power is then passed via an inverter for use in the building with normal mains appliances.

This system is commonly called a Remote Area Power Supply or RAPS. The RAPS at Piney Lakes is capable of providing an output of 12 000 Watts (12kW) of clean, green power. By using renewable power (compared with mains power), the venue forgoes an estimated 8 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

The main components of the RAPS system are:

5kW wind turbine

Located near the main car park, this converts kinetic energy from wind into electrical energy. It is an 110V machine and produces AC electricity which is converted (via a rectifier) to DC electricity to directly charge the batteries. Potential power output is 5 000 Watts.

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays

These contain PV modules that use silicon cells to convert solar energy directly into electrical energy (DC form). The power produced can be directed for immediate use in building load or through to the battery bank for storage.

This system has 55 x 100 Watt PV modules mounted on a static array frame at the front of the Centre and a further 10 modules located on an automatic solar tracking array atop Technology Tower at the rear of the Centre. Potential power output from the combined arrays is 6 500 Watts.

Inverter

This changes the DC electricity from the battery bank and solar array to AC electricity for use with normal mains appliances. The unit also diverts energy to charge the battery bank for storage and controls operation of the diesel generator. Piney Lakes uses a 12kW interactive inverter/charger, which is located in the Energy Room on the lower level. In combination with the generator, the inverter can provide up to 22kW of power to the site, if required.

Battery bank

Provides the energy storage for the RAPS system. The battery bank is made up of 60 x 2 Volt DC sealed gel cell batteries connected in series to produce a 120 Volt DC battery bank. Total rated capacity of the bank is 1200 Amp hours at the C100 rate. These batteries are maintenance free and have an expected life span of 15+ years (installed 15.01.07).

The RAPS system also has a backup 12kW diesel/biodiesel generator set (shown left) that is used to maintain battery charge (when there is insufficient renewable energy available) and provide high load (power) support, if required. The generator is controlled automatically by the inverter.

Low energy artificial lighting is utilized in light fittings to minimize power demand and intensity is controlled by automatic sensor equipment. Movement sensors control many of the lights (eg, in the kitchen, storerooms and bathrooms) to ensure efficient operation.  All outdoor lighting around the venue is solar powered.

Solar hot water heating systems service our sinks and basins. On the rare days that the solar system is insufficient an LPG booster back-up system provides hot water for the Centre. This system also qualifies for a state government rebate.