Transport by helicopter
The project’s biggest challenge was to haul away the existing batteries, properly dispose of them, and install the new ones at an altitude of 2,883 meters above sea level. The approximately 8.6 tons of lead batteries had to be transported out by helicopter, and 2.7 tons of new lithium batteries were flown in. It took local air carrier Air Zermatt 25 round trips to complete the job. To ensure hassle-free commissioning, two of the 14 batteries were tested ahead of time in the valley in cooperation with a local Siemens partner company to make sure they would work smoothly when connected to the Desigo management system. This advance test allowed the installed batteries to be connected to the energy supply system within just two days.
Efficiency and Monitoring
Compared to the old batteries, the new ones have a longer life and a higher recycling rate. The combination of Desigo CC and Navigator makes electricity production and remote monitoring completely transparent. It is now possible to optimize the use of the locally generated, environmentally friendly solar power. The new battery solution has pushed the hut’s energy self-sufficiency to even greater heights by lightening the load on the generator used in bad weather. The completed project considerably boosts the Monte Rosa Hut’s secure, energy-efficient, and sustainable energy supply at any time of day and in any weather condition.