Saft batteries store solar energy for high summit mountain lodge in

Saft batteries store solar energy for
high summit mountain lodge in the Alps
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Sunica.plus nickel-based batteries store energy produced by solar photovoltaic
panels at Hörnlihütte, one of the highest mountain lodges in the Swiss Alps.
Batteries are an integral part of a fully automated off-grid hybrid system, including a
canola vegetable oil-fired co-generation unit that can be controlled over a GSM link.
System is optimized for high efficiency at low temperatures to store enough energy to
power the fully-occupied lodge for at least 24 hours even when the sun is not shining.
Paris, April 29, 2015 – Saft, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of
high-tech batteries for industry, has supplied specialised Sunica.plus nickel-based batteries
to provide off-grid energy storage as part of the modernization of the Hörnlihütte mountain
lodge at a height of 3,260 meters on the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
The Hörnlihütte lodge, popular with hikers and climbers since around 1880, is being
modernized by its owner, Hörnlihütte Zermatt Foundation, to provide improved levels of
comfort, safety, hygiene and eco-friendliness in readiness for the special 2015 anniversary of
the first ascent of the mountain. As part of its contract with system integrator Elektrizitätswerk
Zermatt, Saft has provided a Sunica.plus nickel-based battery system. This will be used to
store excess energy generated by the lodge’s roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) panels during
the day for reuse in the evening to help ensure a continuous and reliable electricity supply.
"This iconic installation highlights the capabilities of the Sunica.plus battery range to deliver
reliable off-grid back-up power," said Xavier Delacroix, General Manager of Saft’s Industrial
Battery Group Division. "These nickel-based batteries are able to operate reliably in
extremely low temperatures, with erratic charging patterns. This is a particularly important
contribution to minimising the total cost of ownership in a remote location where battery
maintenance and replacement operations require expensive helicopter transportation."
The 48 V Saft battery system, comprising three strings of Sunica.plus 1830 cells, will provide
a total storage capacity of 5,490 Ah. The Sunica.plus design is optimized for high efficiency
at low temperatures. So, even when the winter temperatures in their plant room fall to 0˚C,
the battery system will still store enough energy to support all the lodge services, including
lighting and a 18 kW water pump, for around 24 hours without any sunshine. The 15 kWp
solar panel and battery combination forms part of a hybrid power system complemented by a
35 kW canola vegetable oil-fuelled co-generation unit for use during longer periods without
sun. The system is fully automated and can be controlled over a GSM cellular link.
The estimated peak consumption of the lodge, when fully occupied by 130 guests, is 45 kW,
with a daily energy consumption of 250 kWh. During the high season, from June to October,
the Saft batteries will be subjected to a maximum cycle discharge of 50 to 60 percent
capacity. This will reduce to 20 percent discharge in the off-season, November to May, when
the lodge is effectively closed with only reduced operation needed for emergency visits.
Based on this specific usage pattern, the Sunica.plus batteries are estimated to have a life
time of around 15 years, which is about double the life that could be expected from
equivalent lead-acid batteries.
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www.saftbatteries.com
Sunica.plus batteries for off-grid solar PV systems
Saft developed the Sunica.plus battery specifically for use in demanding industrial off-grid
solar photovoltaic (PV) installations such as the Hörnlihütte lodge. Its robust construction and
high cycling capability ensures long life and low maintenance requirements, even when
subjected to erratic charging conditions and operating temperatures fluctuating from – 20˚C
to + 50˚C.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries
for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium
batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’
markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are
also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More
than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all
contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com
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Press contact:
Jill Ledger, Saft Corporate Communications and Institutional Relations Director
Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e-mail: [email protected]
Marie-Christine Guihéneuf, Saft IBG Communication Manager
Tel: + 33 1 49 93 17 16, e-mail: [email protected]
Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett
Tel: + 44 (0) 118 900 0860, e-mail: [email protected]
French | West | Vaughan
Ryan Roccaforte, Tel.: +1-919-277-1169, e-mail: [email protected]
Brunswick
Benoît Grange, Tel: +33 1 53 96 83 89
Guillaume Le Tarnec, Tel: +33 1 53 96 83 73
e-mail: [email protected]
N° 23-15
www.saftbatteries.com