Siemens frees the Monte Rosa Hut from lead
Siemens has equipped the Monte Rosa Hut in the Valais Alps with a new generation of lithium batteries. The old lead batteries were disposed of. The batteries store the locally produced solar power.
The 2883 meter high Monte Rosa Hut in the Valais Alps has been equipped by Siemens Switzerland with new batteries to store the self-generated solar power. The new hut, which was inaugurated in 2010 and replaced the old one from 1895, with its modern building services – also from Siemens – is a so-called high-tech hut. In the campaign that has now ended, the 48 old lead batteries with a total weight of 8.6 tons, which had reached the end of their useful life, were replaced by 14 lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) with a capacity of 215 kilowatt hours , according to a media release. Installation and removal took place in cooperation with Air Zermatt AG .
The Monte Rosa Hut is largely energy self-sufficient. A photovoltaic system is built into the south side of the hut. There are also thermal solar collectors. All data on building performance such as the solar power generated or the battery power have been fed into the Siemens building navigator since 2010. Because all technical systems are digitized, they can also be controlled remotely.
The energy self-sufficiency of the hut is to be increased with the new battery solution, according to the Siemens announcement. The generator set for bad weather will also be relieved. With the new system, the energy supply of the Monte Rosa hut should be secured at any time of day and in any weather condition.