Dualcom supplied Stellar Parking with one Solar Camera Power System (SCPS) and two Mains Camera Power Systems (MCPS) for camera installations across Whakatāne, Ōhiwa and Thornton boat ramps.
The project used two approaches to powering the camera equipment: a dedicated solar power system and battery-based systems that recharge from existing lighting circuits overnight. Remote monitoring provides visibility of power system performance, while the solar installation also includes remote switching control.
Solar Power with Remote Control
The SCPS combines solar generation, battery storage and remote power monitoring to support the connected camera equipment.
Solar panels charge the battery during daylight hours, with stored energy maintaining the supply when solar generation is low or unavailable. Remote monitoring allows operating conditions to be checked without attending the site, including battery state of charge, battery voltage, MPPT solar charging data and load current.
These readings help show how much energy is available, how effectively the solar array is charging and how much power the connected equipment is consuming. Reviewing this information over time also helps assess system performance through changing weather and seasonal conditions.
For this project, the SCPS includes **two independently controlled relays that can be switched on or off remotely**. This adds control alongside monitoring, allowing connected circuits or equipment to be operated individually without a site visit.
Making Use of Existing Lighting Circuits
The two MCPS units provide a different solution where mains power is available through lighting circuits that operate at night.
During the day, each system powers its camera equipment from a lithium battery. When the lighting circuit switches on at night, it supplies the AC charger, which recharges the battery overnight ready for the following day.
This arrangement allows an intermittent mains supply to support continuous camera operation. The battery bridges the daytime period when the lighting circuit is off, while overnight charging replenishes the energy used.
Backup Through a Missed Charging Night
The lithium battery also provides a reserve if the lighting circuit fails to operate at night.
Rather than losing camera power when the expected charging supply is unavailable, the MCPS is designed to continue running the equipment overnight from the battery. This bridges a missed overnight charging period and maintains operation until charging can resume when the lighting circuit next becomes available.
The battery therefore serves two purposes: supplying normal daytime operation and providing backup when the overnight mains supply is interrupted.
Power Solutions Matched to the Site
Across the three boat ramp locations, the SCPS and MCPS systems address different power availability challenges.
The solar system provides a dedicated source of generation, with remote monitoring and independent relay control. The mains-powered systems make use of existing night-time lighting supplies, combining overnight charging with lithium battery storage to keep the camera equipment operating during the day.
Together, these installations demonstrate how Dualcom can tailor camera power systems around the electrical infrastructure available at a site, incorporating battery storage, charging, monitoring and control to suit the application.
Need power for cameras or remote equipment? Contact Dualcom to discuss solar, mains-charged and battery backup solutions for your site.