Episode 1: GoodWe and Great Barrier Reef Legacy, The Forever Reef Project

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About the episode

Roshan travelled to sunny Northern Queensland in episode 1 of Energy Matters to visit The Forever Reef Project in the Cairns Aquarium. The biobank, or coral ark, is located behind the scenes and features custom-built tanks and special lighting. Dr Dean Miller and his team of marine biologists undertake the mammoth and vital task of protecting the Great Barrier Reef’s coral species. Mass coral bleaching is slowly eradicating the delicate ecosystems of our reef. The collection of different species of coral is crucial to preserving the diverse system for future generations.

The enormity of this task is only matched by its power needs. Keeping the lighting and tanks running consistently is vital. Fluctuations in power or grid outages could have dire consequences. A 25kW solar, 15kW inverter and modular battery storage system powers the project and ensures that the facility is not only sustainable but isolated from grid outages.

GoodWe’s Lynx Home F Series was the perfect battery backup system for The Forever Reef Project. GoodWe, a major sponsor of the project, donated the battery. Working together with Risen Energy panels and a GoodWe inverter, they delivered a system that covers 100% of The Forever Reef Project’s energy needs.

As Dean explained, the small actions we take now can have a collective positive impact on Australia’s carbon footprint. Whether it’s installing solar and battery storage or simply reducing the amount of water you boil in a kettle, we can all take steps to reduce our personal impact.

About GoodWe

GoodWe, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial solar inverters, has made significant strides in Australia. Since establishing its presence in the country in 2012, GoodWe has grown its team to over 15 members, with its headquarters located in Rowville, Victoria. The company has achieved impressive milestones, including shipping over 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar products in Australia. GoodWe’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a top-three ranking among Australian solar inverter suppliers.

GoodWe’s product range includes a variety of single-phase and hybrid inverters, catering to both residential and commercial needs. The company’s hybrid inverters, such as the GW29.9k-ET, have been successfully implemented in projects like the IGA supermarket in Morphett Vale, showcasing GoodWe’s ability to provide reliable and efficient energy solutions. With a focus on sustainability and energy independence, GoodWe continues to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the Australian market.

GoodWe also offers a range of energy storage solutions and EV chargers in Australia. Their Lynx Home F Series batteries, with capacities ranging from 6.6 kWh to 16.4 kWh, are designed to optimise self-consumption and provide backup power. These high-voltage batteries are compatible with GoodWe’s hybrid inverters and feature stackable modules for easy installation and maintenance. Additionally, GoodWe’s HCA Series EV chargers cater to both single-phase (7 kW) and three-phase (11/22 kW) systems, allowing seamless integration with solar setups to maximise energy independence. The chargers are compact, lightweight, and come with IP66 protection for indoor and outdoor installation.

By combining GoodWe’s inverters, batteries, and EV chargers, users can create a comprehensive smart energy solution that enhances sustainability and reduces reliance on the grid. This holistic approach to energy management underscores GoodWe’s commitment to providing innovative and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial customers in Australia.

GoodWe Batteries for Home and Business

The GoodWe Lynx Home F Series battery is a high-voltage lithium-ion energy storage solution designed for Australian homes and small businesses. It offers a capacity range from 6.6 kWh to 16.4 kWh, expandable through stackable modules. The battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology, known for its safety, longevity, and thermal stability. The Lynx Home F Series is compatible with GoodWe’s BH/EH/BT/ET inverters and features a 10-year warranty for both performance and product. It is designed for ground-mounted installation and comes with IP55/IP65 protection, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Imagine having a battery system that not only stores excess solar energy generated during the day but also provides backup power during blackouts. The GoodWe Lynx Home F Series battery does just that, helping you make the most out of your solar panels and reducing your reliance on the grid. With its modular design, you can start small and expand as your energy needs grow. It’s like having a reliable energy partner for your home or small business, ensuring you have power when you need it most and saving you money on electricity bills. Plus, with remote monitoring through the GoodWe PV app, you can keep an eye on your energy usage and battery health from anywhere.

Lynx_Home_F_Series
SpecificationLX F6.6-HLX F9.8-HLX F13.1-HLX F16.4-H
Battery Module
Number of Modules2345
Rated Energy (kWh)6.559.8313.1016.38
Usable Energy (kWh)*6.229.3312.4415.55
Nominal Voltage (V)256384512640
Voltage Range (V)200–307200–460200–614200–768
Max. Charge/Discharge Current (A)25252525
Weight (kg)101144187230
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)500×625×320500×840×320500×1055×320500×1270×320
General Data
Enclosure Protection RatingIP55IP55IP55IP55
Installation LocationIndoor/OutdoorIndoor/OutdoorIndoor/OutdoorIndoor/Outdoor
Communication InterfaceCAN/RS485CAN/RS485CAN/RS485CAN/RS485
Operating Temperature Range (°C)-10 to +50-10 to +50-10 to +50-10 to +50
Design Life (Years)10101010

*Usable Energy is based on a Depth of Discharge (DoD) of 95%.

The Lynx Home F Series is compatible with GoodWe BH/EH/BT/ET inverters, providing a seamless integration for energy storage solutions. Its stackable, self-detecting modules facilitate easy installation and maintenance. The system supports remote diagnosis and updates, ensuring efficient operation and management. With an IP55 protection rating, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. The use of LFP battery cells ensures high safety standards and a long lifecycle.

GoodWe Inverters

The GoodWe inverter providing power to the facility and battery for The Forever Reef Project is the ET three-phase high voltage inverter. The GoodWe ET Series is a line of three-phase high-voltage hybrid inverters designed for enhanced energy efficiency and energy independence. Among them, the GW15K-ET stands out as the 15 kW model featured in the project, offering seamless integration with high-voltage batteries for optimal energy storage and self-consumption. Equipped with two to three MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers), it ensures maximum solar energy harvesting while supporting both grid-tied and off-grid operation. The GW15K-ET is also designed for peak shaving, backup power supply, and energy cost optimisation, making it ideal for commercial and residential applications. With a high conversion efficiency of up to 98.2%, smart energy management features, and compatibility with lithium-ion batteries, this inverter provides a robust and flexible solution for modern solar energy systems. Its IP66-rated enclosure ensures durability in various environmental conditions, while remote monitoring capabilities allow users to track performance in real-time.

SpecificationGW15K-ETGW20K-ETGW25K-ETGW29.9K-ET
Battery Input Data
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-IonLi-IonLi-Ion
Nominal Battery Voltage (V)500500500500
Battery Voltage Range (V)200–800200–800200–800200–800
Start-up Voltage (V)200200200200
Number of Battery Inputs1122
Max. Continuous Charging Current (A)505050 × 250 × 2
Max. Continuous Discharging Current (A)505050 × 250 × 2
Max. Charging Power (W)15,00020,00025,00030,000
Max. Discharging Power (W)15,00020,00025,00030,000
PV String Input Data
Max. Input Power (W)*30,00040,00050,00059,800
Max. Input Voltage (V)**1,0001,0001,0001,000
MPPT Operating Voltage Range (V)200–850200–850200–850200–850
Start-up Voltage (V)200200200200
Nominal Input Voltage (V)620620620620
Max. Input Current per MPPT (A)30303030
Max. Short Circuit Current per MPPT (A)38383838
Number of MPP Trackers2233

*Max. Input Power allows up to 200% DC input oversizing.

**Max. Input Voltage refers to the maximum DC voltage the inverter can handle.

These inverters are equipped with features such as integrated dry contact for external load control, peak shaving capabilities, and optional Type II surge protection devices (SPDs) on the DC side. They are compatible with high-voltage lithium-ion batteries and are designed to enhance energy efficiency and self-consumption in various applications.

About Great Barrier Reef Legacy and The Forever Reef Project

Great Barrier Reef Legacy is an innovative leader in collaborative coral reef research, education, stewardship, and multimedia engagement. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, it was created to address the urgent need to secure the long-term survival of the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide. The organisation conducts groundbreaking projects, innovative research, and inspiring educational content to engage the public, support science, and accelerate actions vital to the preservation of coral reefs.

The Forever Reef Project, an initiative by Great Barrier Reef Legacy, aims to preserve the genetic biodiversity of all coral species across the world. Originally based at the Cairns Aquarium, the project has now moved to Port Douglas, where it continues its mission at the Port Douglas Superyacht Marina. The project collects, catalogues, and stores living fragments and genetic samples in a state-of-the-art holding facility, acting as a ‘coral ark’ to maintain coral biodiversity before it is lost to future generations. This repository of live fragments and genetic material aids in global reef research and restoration efforts.