The Problem
The customer needed continuous, reliable power for a remote monitoring shelter located near the base of a wind turbine. The shelter powered critical equipment, including a LiDAR system, satellite communications, data-acquisition equipment, and environmental controls.
Because the equipment had to collect and transmit data continuously, any power interruption could result in lost information and delays to the wind-resource assessment.
The original system relied on:
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Two 15 kW diesel generators
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One generator operating for approximately one week before transferring to the second unit
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A complex automatic transfer-switch system
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Continuous generator operation, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
The remote location created several major challenges:
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Fuel deliveries were difficult and expensive
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Maintenance and repair visits required significant travel time
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Continuous operation resulted in high fuel consumption and engine wear
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The two-generator transfer system added complexity and additional failure points
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Technicians had to travel onsite for refueling, inspections, maintenance, and repairs
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Harsh weather increased the risk of generator and shelter-related problems
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A generator failure could interrupt critical LiDAR and satellite data collection
The Solution
Volts Énergies replaced the conventional dual-generator system with a Li-Cube hybrid power system designed for remote, continuous-duty operation.
The Li-Cube incorporated:
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8 solar panels rated at 600 W each
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4.8 kWdc of installed solar capacity
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40 kWh of battery storage
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One 14 kW diesel generator
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A 700 L integrated fuel tank
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Intelligent generator start-and-stop controls
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Remote monitoring and system supervision
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A controlled internal environment
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A high-efficiency heat pump
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A diesel heater for extreme cold-weather backup
The solar panels generate energy during daylight hours to power the site and recharge the batteries. The batteries then supply uninterrupted power to the LiDAR, satellite system, communications equipment, and shelter loads.
The diesel generator only starts when solar production and stored battery energy are insufficient. It operates at an efficient load, recharges the battery bank, and then shuts down.
This approach eliminated the need to run two diesel generators continuously and simplified the installation by reducing dependence on the complex generator-transfer system.
The integrated 700 L fuel tank increased the time between fuel deliveries, while remote monitoring allowed the customer and service team to review system performance, alarms, battery status, generator operation, and fuel levels without travelling to the site.
The Results
The Li-Cube hybrid system delivered significant operational, reliability, and efficiency improvements:
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Approximately 90% reduction in diesel consumption
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Solar contribution from 4.8 kWdc of photovoltaic capacity
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Major reduction in annual generator operating hours
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Fewer fuel deliveries to the remote site
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Reduced maintenance and repair requirements
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Lower engine wear because the generator operates for shorter periods at a more efficient load
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Simplified operation compared with the previous two-generator transfer system
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Improved reliability through battery-backed, uninterrupted power
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Reduced risk of losing critical LiDAR and satellite data
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Fewer technician visits for inspections, refueling, maintenance, and repairs
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Longer site autonomy through the integrated 700 L fuel tank
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Stable year-round operating conditions provided by the high-efficiency heat pump and diesel heater
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Remote visibility into the complete system, reducing unnecessary onsite visits
The combination of solar generation and battery storage allows the monitoring equipment to remain powered during generator shutdowns, startups, maintenance, or temporary faults.
The Li-Cube transformed a complex, fuel-intensive two-generator installation into a simpler and more reliable hybrid system. With 8 × 600 W solar panels, 40 kWh of batteries, and intelligent generator control, the system reduced diesel consumption by approximately 90% while protecting continuous LiDAR and satellite data collection at a remote wind-energy site.