Introduction
A solar power plant of 5 MW in Western India faced challenges to monitor crucial components such as combiner boxes, inverters, and transformers, essential for aggregating generation data. Additionally, the electricity network connected to the plant lacked real-time data and forecasts from the plant, which are critical for energy planning and conducting audits. These challenges limited the plant’s ability to optimise efficiency, reduce downtime and fulfil its obligations to the electricity network operator. To resolve these issues, the plant partnered with OrxaGrid, a SCOPE venture.
OrxaGrid Solution
To address these issues, the plant collaborated with OrxaGrid, which deployed its advanced Grid Analytics Platform (GAP) throughout the facility. GAP is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and gateways that monitor voltage, current, temperature, and bidirectional active/reactive power, power quality, asset condition, environmental conditions and accumulated energy in real time. This setup not only facilitates early detection of potential problems, thereby reducing the risk of equipment failure and maintenance costs but also enables real-time data streaming to the grid operators. As a result, operators can now monitor solar generation in real time, improving grid flow management and power purchase planning.
Monitoring Results
The monitoring system has been in operation since early 2023 and has collected a wealth of data on the performance of the solar PV system. The dashboards provide real-time data visualisation, performance trends and anomalies and alerts. Following are a set of dashboard representations and on field pictures of OrxaGrid solution:
The data can be used to identify and address several potential issues at the plant, including:
PV Module degradation : via product specification, engineering design and generated power
Shading losses : via engineering design and generated power
Incident angle modifier (IAM) losses : via product specification and engineering design
Inverter losses and failures : power and energy outputs
Transformer losses and failures : power, energy and temperature outputs
Optimise the performance of the plant by suggesting tracking capabilities and cleaning cycles.
At the network level, GAP provides valuable tools for:
Solar forecasting
Grid balancing
Energy auditing
Impact of OrxaGrid’s Implementation
The introduction of OrxaGrid’s sensors has significantly improved the plant’s operational efficiency through:
AI-Driven Proactive Maintenance: Reduces downtime and ensures optimal performance.
Real-Time Data for Network Operators: Equips operators with real-time and forecasted data on solar generation, improving grid management capabilities.
Remote Control Functions: To further streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The plant can potentially experience several advantages:
Improved Energy Production: OrxaGrid’s sensors provide data that helps optimise asset performance, identifying and addressing factors that reduce energy output.
Optimised Asset Management: The sensors offer predictive insights to prevent maintenance issues, reducing downtime and associated costs.
Cost Reduction: Enhancements in energy production and asset management lead to lower overall costs for renewable energy producers.
Enhanced Safety: Sensors help identify potential hazards, such as fires or other safety risks, improving plant safety.
Conclusion
OrxaGrid’s GAP proves to be a crucial asset for the renewable energy industry. By delivering essential data and insights, it improves energy production, optimises asset management, and prevents faults. The advanced analytics of OrxaGrid not only enhance plant management and maintenance but also empower grid operators to balance their networks more effectively. This makes renewable energy sources like solar power more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
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