Replacement of the EPS (Exciter Power Supply) for each of the Manawai and Nariaoa Hydros (Malaita, Solomon Islands).
A recent activity in support of the hydro installations in Solomon Islands has been the replacement of the EPS (Exciter Power Supply) for each of the Manawai and Nariaoa Hydros (Malaita, Solomon Islands). This gives some idea of the problems and challenges.
In August, David Nanato, chairman of the Manawai hydro committee, sent an email with the good news that the SI government and Telekom intended to construct a telecommunications satellite which would give people easy access to the internet and television. It had become urgent to get the EPS replaced and the electricity supply restored. Nariaoa also required a replacement EPS.
Many emails and phone calls were needed to arrange for the replacements. We hope that the SI government will eventually see fit to exempt the communities from the taxes and duties which effectively double the cost of parts that are supplied. APACE VFEG has subsidised both the manufacturing and clearance costs.
As Paul Bryce wrote to Priscilla, Aloysios and Silas (Nariaoa), “It is a pity that arrangements are so difficult for people who deserve a better service…..” But the exciters are there and supply can be restored.
Many APACE VFEG volunteers contributed to this project. Paul Bryce coordinated and oversaw the process. The replacement EPS for Nariaoa was built by Rob Jarman in the UTS Renewable Energy Lab and packed by Les and Ivan. The replacement EPS for Manawai was built by Pelena Energy, and Peter Lynch organised the shipping of both to Honiara.
Click here to see more detail, including extracts from the emails sent during the process.
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