Client
CBH
Location
Esperance, WA
Industry
Agriculture
Overview
CBH Group has a network of more than 100 grain receival sites across Western Australia and four export terminals. They own a state-of-the-art rail fleet that efficiently transfers grain from receival sites to the port terminals.
CBH has embarked on a transformative project to transition from diesel-powered generators to solar energy for their weighbridge systems, acknowledging the need for sustainability and operational optimisation.
Scope
CBH Group has engaged Intellect Systems to design and manufacture solar skid units to power weighbridges across the network. The solar skids are a single integrated unit which provides sufficient solar and battery support to energise the weighbridge control and monitoring hardware.
Each solar skid consists of the following:
- 4 x 500W Solar Panels
- Solar Charge Controller
- 500 Ah storage capacity with 48 hours battery backup
- 500VA Inverter
- 4G remote access and datalogging
- Solar enclosures
- Concrete Plinth with certified lifting points
- Region B wind load certified steel structure & support frame
- Integrated weighing terminal
Smarter Solutions
The client’s current weighbridge systems depend on diesel generators for power, requiring regular refuelling and monitoring. Solar skids offer a sustainable and efficient power source and the ability to monitor equipment performance remotely. This “set and forget” solution for the client lowers environmental impact, reduces operating costs and enhances efficiency.
When undertaking the equipment selection and design, Intellect System’s engineering team conducted thorough research, including solar irradiance values of the sites, to ensure reliable performance even under worst-case weather scenarios.
The design of the solar skid was developed in close coordination with Intellect System’s manufacturing division to ensure that the design was modular and efficient, while still remaining practical for transport and handling.
The weighing terminal was integrated into the solar skid, making it a compact, self-contained unit, and eliminating the need for additional electrical infrastructure.
Real-time data collection functionality was integrated into the product. This innovative approach enables remote monitoring of solar panel output, load dynamics, battery status, and other critical metrics, providing valuable insights for ongoing refinement and optimisation based on actual field conditions.
The Weighbridge Solar Generation project is an example of how Intellect Systems can assist clients in incorporating renewable energy into their business for efficiency and sustainability gains.
