The VoltaView®Powerhouse concept is based on a modular mini-container design (Bauhaus building block principle) and consists of at least two interconnected 10-foot container modules.

Power supply

The electricity generated via photovoltaics ((PV), roof construction with 4.8 kWp – 7.5 kWp) is stored in one container module (Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) lithium-ion battery storage, 48 VDC, 35 kWh) and with a hybrid inverter (5 kW connected load) converted to 230 VAC. To minimize investment costs and for reasons of sustainability, only 2nd-Life PV modules and 2nd-Life lithium-ion battery storage with an innovative safety concept and German VDE quality seal are used. Typically, 10-15 Power2Go packs (2.4 kWh per pack, weight 10 kg, 230 VDC and USB output) are installed at the powerhouse. Units for e-mobility serve 48 VDC with 4.8 kWh and have a weight of 20 kg, respectively.

Water supply

In a second container module, drinking water is produced by a multi-step filtration process including nano-filtration and UV-C exposure. The water to be treated comes primarily from collected rainwater, lakes or well water is taken, which is already being used untreated. The production capacity of the plant is 1.200 – 5.000 liters per day.

Installation

The VoltaView®Powerhouse systems are pre-assembled in Germany and then set up, assembled and commissioned at the respective installation site together with local partners. The structure is subject to the generally applicable occupational safety measures. An internet-based remote monitoring system is available for documentation of operating parameters and yield values providing optimum predictive maintenance and service. In general, additional permits for operation etc. are not necessary because either collected rainwater, lake water or existing well water will be used for treatment/cleaning. No electricity is fed into a grid network, so the systems in general are not being subject to regulatory provisions.

Plant operation and maintenance

In The Gambia employees of both SUV Ltd. and United Experts Ltd. are instructed and trained in system function, plant operation and necessary maintenance work, so they monitor the operation after installation and carry out service and maintenance work independently at the plant location. The Internet-based monitoring system enables continuous documentation of the system parameters and yields and alarms when malfunctions occur or maintenance is necessary. The data are also displayed at the VoltaView® website. In The Gambia the plants are operated by the on-site service partner company United Experts Ltd., responsible for frequent service and annual quality inspection.

Warranty

The product warranty for the plant is 2 years. In addition, an after-sales service is provided by the local partner United Experts Ltd.