Valen and Murray Irrigation

Valen Power started working with Murray Irrigation in 2018. Valen Power supplies customised Lithium batteries to support water delivery projects across approximately 3,000km of energy efficient, gravity fed, earthen channels to an area of almost 725,000ha.

SITUATION

Murray Irrigation operates over 60% of the security entitlements for the Murray River, with the majority of the sites being in remote locations the battery and battery system reliability in their monitoring sites is essential. Due to these systems being predominantly in Northern Victoria they are subject to a range of higher temperatures; these high temperatures were affecting the life of the existing battery systems. Another challenge faced by Murray Irrigation was that the VRLA batteries that they were using were heavy and causing WHS issues due to lifting. 

 SOLUTION

Valen was asked to develop a Battery solution that would be reliable while addressing the temperature and weight challenges faced by Murray Irrigation. Valen’s technical team designed a custom lithium battery in 2 sizes (12V 50Ah and 12V 75Ah) to fit Murray Irrigations existing monitoring site battery enclosures.

The life of the battery was extended as Lithium can function better in high temperatures compared to Lead Acid batteries, without excess venting and battery dry out occurring. Lithium also can cycle to a deeper depth of discharge and accepts charge faster once solar is utilised again. An internal BMS prevents the Lithium battery from over-discharging, protecting the battery.

Lithium technology was also chosen as the weight of the Lithium battery is nearly half the weight of a VRLA battery with the same capacity which helped in minimising WHS risks to Murray Irrigations technicians.  

OUTCOME

Valen supported and supplied Murray Irrigation with customised lithium batteries which allowed Murray Irrigation to benefit from a safer work environment, in which their batteries are lasting longer, thus reducing the need for costly site visits.  

If you would like to find out more about our custom lithium batteries or would like to speak to our team please contact us.

By Gareth McKay