Project
Leading the Charge at Kroonhof Dairy Farm
Explore how Dontuwire’s groundbreaking containerised hybrid wind and solar solution transformed energy reliability and sustainability at Kroonhof Dairy Farm, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations and delivering substantial cost savings while revolutionising their approach to agricultural energy management.
Project Details
Kroonhof Dairy Farm
Onder-Smoordrif, EC
Agricultural Sector
Client’s Challenges
Kroonhof Dairy Farm faced formidable challenges from an unreliable municipal power supply, severely impacting its dairy operations and vital farm equipment. The inconsistency in power availability and voltage dips posed significant hurdles, particularly during critical tasks such as milking cows and operating essential machinery. These power outages disrupted daily operations, incurred additional expenses, and hampered productivity.
Despite their best efforts, the farm struggled to maintain a consistent energy supply, leading to financial losses and operational inefficiencies. The uncertainty surrounding the municipal power supply created a pressing need for a reliable and sustainable energy solution to safeguard the farm’s operations and ensure continuous productivity.
Client's Goals
At the start of the project, Dontuwire collaborated closely with Kroonhof Dairy Farm to overcome the limitations of the current infrastructure by developing practical solutions in line with the client’s main objectives:
- Reducing Diesel Expenses: Kroonhof Dairy Farm aimed to reduce high diesel generator expenses, enhancing overall profitability significantly.
- Ensuring Uninterrupted Power: The farm sought reliable and uninterrupted power for all operations, mitigating the impact of grid outages.
- Improve Energy Capacity and Quality: Due to large voltage dips in their electrical network, the goal was to add energy capacity to their constraint energy infrastructure and ensure stable voltages for various farm equipment that could not run previously due to under voltages.
- Lowering Environmental Impact: Kroonhof Dairy Farm aimed to reduce dependency on Eskom and protect against voltage dips, stabilising farm voltage levels for efficient operation.
- Innovative Energy Solution: The farm aimed to implement an innovative energy solution to address their unique challenges and set a new standard in agricultural energy sustainability.
Our Solutions
We harnessed the latest wind and solar technologies to maximise energy generation at Kroonhof Dairy Farm. Our unique approach included integrating an advanced 10kW variable-pitch wind turbine, complemented by six Victron Quattro 15kVA inverters, significantly boosting the farm’s energy capacity. Furthermore, we enhanced solar energy harvesting with sixteen DC-coupled MPPTs connected to 196 JA Solar 545W panels, optimising the farm’s renewable energy output to its fullest potential.
Our solution incorporated two Freedom Won Lite Commercial LV 100kWh Lithium batteries to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. A Solis 20kW on-grid inverter was used for the wind turbine integration. Additionally, our installation of a WEG 55kW Solar VSD and 160 Canadian 600W solar panels on a ground-mount structure supported irrigation, thereby enhancing farm productivity.
Our containerised solution, reminiscent of our successful Glentana Dairy Farm project, featured modular components designed for future scalability. It ensured safety and efficiency with built-in fire protection, integrated cooling, and remote monitoring. Furthermore, our solar system assisted with voltage drop issues, ensuring the smooth operation of essential equipment while creating a conducive environment for the cows, potentially leading to increased milk production.
Our innovative approach to integrating wind and solar technologies has set a new benchmark for agricultural energy solutions, offering Kroonhof Dairy Farm a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative with ample room for expansion. This project exemplifies Dontuwire’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge renewable energy solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in agriculture.
System Specifications
Our holistic approach, integrating cutting-edge technologies and a keen understanding of the client's unique requirements, ensures optimal performance, reliability, and scalability.
Solar Capacity
Approx. 203kWp
Wind Capacity
Approx. 10kW
Inverter Capacity
Approx. 110kVA
Energy Storage Capacity
Approx. 200kWh
Speak to a Renewable Energy Expert Today
With Dontuwire's dedication to excellence, we are the perfect partner for private, commercial and agricultural clients seeking to adopt renewable energy and achieve long-term energy independence.
Key Outcomes
Advancing Dairy Operations with Hybrid Wind and Solar Power
Hover over the tabs to learn more about each key outcome.
Stable Energy Supply
With our solution in place, Kroonhof Dairy Farm now benefits from a stable and predictable energy supply, shielding it from the impact of municipal power outages.
Reduced Diesel Consumption
Our intervention has led to significant reductions in diesel consumption and associated costs, marking a considerable boost to the farm’s overall profitability.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Protection against voltage dips, ensuring enhanced voltage levels that facilitate the efficient operation of VSDs and pumps.
Pioneering Solution for the Farm
Our bespoke containerised solution has set a pioneering benchmark for renewable energy integration on farms, marking a new standard of innovation and efficiency.
Dontuwire’s groundbreaking hybrid wind and solar solution has transformed energy reliability and sustainability at Kroonhof Dairy Farm, ensuring seamless operations and substantial cost savings. These outcomes demonstrate Dontuwire’s commitment to delivering unique and innovative energy solutions that exceed client expectations and pave the way for a greener and more efficient future in agriculture.