Medical Santo, located in Luganville, Santo, Vanuatu, faced challenges with the high cost and unreliability of the local grid. The healthcare facility recently expanded, adding essential equipment like an X-ray machine and medicine refrigeration, both of which require a stable power supply, especially in the tropical climate. With the local grid being unreliable, Medical Santo needed a dependable off-grid energy solution. CD Power provided a customised PowerCore Stand-alone Power System (SPS), ensuring 100% reliable, off-grid power.

System Design & Operation

The SPS36 combines solar power, battery storage, inverters, and a backup generator to ensure continuous operation of critical equipment. Key components include:

  • CE+T Sierra Inverters (36 kVA): Hot-swappable modules for quick repairs, ensuring reliability and a clean voltage for sensitive equipment.
  • Battery Storage (55 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate): Stores excess solar energy for use at night or on cloudy days. Actively cooled to perform well in hot conditions.
  • Solar Power (15 kW Solar PV Array): Generates renewable energy during the day, minimising backup generator use.
  • Backup Generator: Provides additional resilience, especially during extreme weather.

Key Objectives

  • Reliable Power: Ensure a stable energy supply for critical medical equipment.
  • Full Off-Grid Operation: Eliminate dependence on the unreliable grid.
  • Resilience Against Weather: Maintain operation during cyclones and earthquakes.
  • Improved Maintainability: Simplify repairs with hot-swappable inverters.
  • Sustainability: Reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower costs.

Outcomes & Benefits

  • 100% Power Reliability: The system operates off-grid without interruptions, ensuring continuous power for medical services.
  • Continuous Medical Equipment Operation: The X-ray machine and refrigeration run 24/7.
  • Resilience Against Natural Disasters: The system withstands cyclones and earthquakes, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.
  • Cost Savings: The system reduces reliance on expensive grid power, cutting operating costs.
  • Environmental Benefits: The solar-battery system reduces fossil fuel use, lowering carbon emissions.
  • Simplified Maintenance: Hot-swappable inverters allow for quick on-site repairs, minimising downtime.

CD Power, as the distributor, and the PowerCore SPS36 provide Medical Santo with reliable, off-grid power, supporting continuous medical operations even in extreme weather. This solution has allowed the facility to reduce costs, achieve energy independence, and continue providing essential healthcare services. The project serves as a model for off-grid energy solutions in remote areas, particularly in Pacific Island nations.

At CD Power we are proud to have contributed to such an essential initiative for the Luganville, Santo, Vanuatu community.