Craige, Jason (2023) Feasibility Study of Off-Grid Electrical Infrastructure Required to Support a Carbon Farm. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This feasibility study aims to assess the viability of supporting the establishment and maintenance of a carbon farm, utilising the 'Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings' carbon sequestration method, via off-grid electrical infrastructure. The study evaluates the energy consumption needs of the farm, considering federal and state regulations and drawing insights from a survey of a proposed project site located in South Australia. Its objectives include developing a plan for site transformation as the carbon sink forest matures, evaluating hardware needs, producing a mature detail design of a security, livestock/pest, and fire monitoring subsystem, proposing a whole of farm concept before analysing both designs for off-grid feasibility via a cost comparison and potential payback period.
Through research into legislative requirements, conduct of the topographic, climatic and physical site survey, and hardware assessments, this study constructs a plan for an off-grid carbon farm. The study's results confirm the feasibility of off-grid electrical infrastructure for the base station of a security and fire monitoring subsystem, documenting the feasibility of potential expansion opportunities before grid connection cost parity. Furthermore, the study confirms the viability of off-grid electrical infrastructure for the overall farm design, encompassing a residence/office and water transfer stations within a South Australian project. Importantly, it takes into careful consideration the distance-from-point-of-service factor, a crucial determinant of off-grid feasibility. Specifically, it highlights the consideration of payback period when determining off-grid feasibility for potential grid connected consumers, who incur lower initial setup cost when located within 100 metres of the point of service.
The research also highlights the need for careful consideration of off-grid feasibility for lower-demand consumers near the connection point where a distance-based decision-making framework is proposed for grid versus off-grid implementation. This framework streamlines decision-making for equipment located beyond a 100-metre radius from the connection point, gaining efficiency through the design process.
In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the systems and designs necessary for carbon farms in South Australia. It deepens the understanding of the feasibility of off-grid electrical infrastructure for various consumer loads, especially those situated beyond the 100- metre viability threshold. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for further research into broader geographical feasibility and the strategic utilisation of smart farm technology in the context of the envisioned connected carbon farm.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Wen, Paul |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours); Bachelor of Business (Majoring in Electrical and Electronics) |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Sep 2025 04:44 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Sep 2025 04:44 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | carbon farm; off-grid |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52937 |
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