NEST - Solar Power Plants - An Introduction

NEST Solar Power Plant Project Implementation
Solar Power Plant Engineering & Planning Noble Energy Solar Technologies Ltd (NEST), is setting the standard for utility-grade photovoltaic (PV) power plants, incorporating advanced PV modules, and inverter and power management technologies, while providing real-time monitoring, control, and fault management. There is no "ready-made" solution for optimal system performance. For this reason, NEST built a team of experienced solar professionals to design, build and operate highly customized and efficient solar power plants. NESTs engineering team has field-proven expertise in all engineering fields relevant to solar PV power applications, including mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, structural engineering, electrical engineering, and civil and environmental engineering. Experienced solar project managers drive projects from start to completion and within specification, budget and schedule, keeping NESTs customers informed at all times. NEST project managers monitor, control and report scheduled progress via frequent meetings and coordinate with customers and major suppliers to meet the schedule. At NEST, all aspects of solar engineering, planning and documentation are done inhouse. From the application through permitting and final inspection, NEST offers all the required engineering and administrative services to its customers in a single, comprehensive package. Procurement and Balance of System (BoS) NEST partners with leading component suppliers to procure equipment for its solar power plants, and works with power providers to deliver clean, renewable, and cost-effective energy to the grid. Most of our BoS components are produced by our affiliate companies, resulting in a reliable and affordable supply chain. Module Partnerships As part of an integrated system, the solar modules are crucial to the overall efficiency of a solar power plant. Only state-of-the-art solar modules are used in the construction of our utility scale systems. The NEST R&D department is constantly working on innovative technologies and applications in the field of solar technology. For this it is necessary to analyze the solar modules and their energy yield. The solar modules are responsible for a high performance ratio and economical operation of the system.
Noble Energy Solar Technologies Ltd. From the Sun, for the People
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Balance of System (BoS) components the remaining elements of a photovoltaic system PV power plants are highly flexible and can be configured for varying capacity using modular concepts that can be adapted to local conditions. Photovoltaic modules produce electricity as direct current (DC). To transport, convert, and feed this electrical power into the national grid, other essential support components are needed. These secondary parts are called the Balance of System (BOS) components of a solar power plant. BoS components include inverters, solar cables, substructure, monitoring devices, and other items. The following BoS components are necessary for a grid-connected power plant: Substructure and mounting hardware for the modules Wiring for electrical connections between modules and inverters Inverter system Grid access equipment
Inverter Systems - the heart of your solar power plant NESTs PV power plants generate direct current (DC) which is then transformed into alternating current (AC) and fed into the grid through the inverter.
The optimal performance of the inverter is crucial for the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic system. It is important that the output of the inverter match the power frequency and voltage of the utility grid. NEST's inverters constantly and automatically monitor and adjust those parameters for optimal performance at all times.
The failure of an inverter component can cause significant production yield losses at the system level. NEST inverters are fitted with a comprehensive set of safety, redundancy and control features that allow the solar power system to continue operating even in the unlikely event of a component failure. In such a case, a sophisticated control circuit automatically assigns a working device to the functions of the damaged device and logs relevant data for later analysis. With those unique features, NEST inverters minimize the impact of a technical problem on the overall system efficiency. SMA Inverter system worlds No.1 All the inverter systems integrated into NEST PV power plants are built to our specifications by SMA Technologie AG, which is one of the largest inverter manufacturers in the world.
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We are using inverter models that feature excellent robustness and efficiency through an improved MPP tracking algorithm and extensive remote monitoring capabilities. We are working closely with several inverter companies, to develop new inverter systems, which are specially suited to the characteristics of varying types of advanced solar modules. All inverters are calibrated on-site to give optimum system performance. The long-term operation of the devices is covered by a comprehensive warranty and maintenance program of the manufacturer. Utility-Grade Power Management Unit NEST uses popular brand Power Management Units (PMU) that constitute the important step in central inverter technology. Made out of different performance blocks for AC input and integrated with proven interface, the PMUs perform ideally under all irradiance conditions. PMU has been specifically designed for large-scale solar PV power plant operation and provides for high performance, reliability, and ease of operation. All system components are tested for quality and reliability in order to meet the high demands of large-scale and utility-grade power plant applications. We may use PADCON PMU, which is the highest-capacity PV inverter available on the market and can feed directly into 6 to 33kV medium-voltage power grid, depending upon the optimization strategy for the system. PADCON AMC 2500C also offers maximum output through Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and Active Grid Control using reactive power compensation technologies. Padcon's Central Box and suitable Interface are used to collect DC power and present it to the PADCON PMU. This Interface also allows the real time Management System to flexibly feed power to one or both of the 1.25MW inverters within the PADCON PMU. This, in turn, allows optimizing the operating efficiency and yield of the plant in very low irradiance conditions and throughout a greater portion of the day and year than other PV systems designs. In the scenario of constantly changing inverter technology, we adopt new and innovative technologies to stay ahead in the performance at low operative costs. For usability and convenience, the PMU includes an embedded controller which informs the user on the status of critical system components and implements an automated system diagnosis as required. Further, PMU can also be mounted and commissioned rapidly and includes secure plug-in contacts on both the DC voltage and the AC voltage sides. NEST uses PMUs that are compliant with European Norms DIN EN 61000-6-4: 2002-08, DIN EN 61000-6-2: 2002-08, DIN EN 50178: 1998-04 as well as with IEC 61000-3-4: 1998-10. The substructure of a NEST solar power plant is built strong and reliable NESTs structural system has been refined and proven through years of installations in harshest climates and conditions of any geographical regions. The design is inherently
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flexible in that it can be tailored for each projects unique conditions thus enabling the lowest cost solution. Advantages of the NEST substructure: Optimum orientation of the solar modules: Accurate linear (laser) alignment of the modules allows for the same incidence of light for every solar module. The module rows are positioned in a calculated distance from each other, such that they do not cast a shadow on one another during the morning and evening hours. Preservation of vegetation: Through the low degree of ground sealing by the substructure and due to the semi-opaque generator block continuous preservation of vegetation is ensured. Unlimited length of the module rows: Through systematic construction by means of custom-developed machinery the plant is accurately positioned on the ground, exact to the millimeter, which allows for unlimited size of the plant.
The vertical steel poles (I-beams) and horizontal perlins are of heavy industrial design and quality. NESTs substructure design can withstand the thermal stress caused by repeated changes in high and low temperatures along with exposure to high humidity. The structural system is designed to meet the requirements of the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and ASCE7-05 for wind speeds not to exceed 90mph, as well as international safety standards. Due to its inherently modular design, higher wind speeds can be accommodated. NEST low-loss electrical wiring In an advanced solar PV power plant, there is no such thing as "just the wiring". Every electrical connection introduces an additional contact resistance, and thus additional losses in the circuit. Therefore, the quality of the wiring and connectors has a significant influence on the overall system performance.
For DC transmission lines from modules to the inverter we use special UVresistant solar cable wiring harness, double isolated (IEC 60228/IEC 60664). The entire DC aggregation system is designed for low losses between modules and inverter and high durability in hot conditions. NEST also uses high quality connectors which are manufactured using a special process that virtually eliminates contact resistance.
The electrical connectivity scope of NESTs solar power plants includes: Interconnection of modules to strings Interconnection of strings to sub-arrays Interconnection of sub-arrays to arrays Interconnection of array generators to inverter DC input channel providing a medium voltage AC output channel from the Power Management Units to the grid interconnect
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Construction NEST and its worldwide partners offer integrated installation services supported by experienced construction crews and project managers. Most of our construction workmen are NEST trained team to insure high quality and on-schedule completion. NEST also provides all the labor, construction equipment, and leadership necessary to build its solar power plants, up to the grid connection and commissioning. NEST is supported by the Indian and other overseas affiliates to mobilize and execute EPC services in a way that is unmatched in the industry. The construction of a NEST solar power plant can be divided into phases as follows: 1. Site preparation for construction work 2. Assembly of heavy duty steel and supporting beams using automated machinery, GPS and laser measurement systems 3. Mounting of solar modules on the substructure using special rigging components 4. Installation and inverters of electrical systems, cabling,
5. Final system check ensuring that the solar power plant is ready for grid connection Highly Qualified Work Force and Construction Leadership NEST construction teams are organized by installation task, with each having a single experienced team foreman, and a specific role to play in the overall installation process. Each team works and trains together to continually improve installation rates and efficiencies. Team members are rotated through the various installation steps to keep them fresh and focused. Team foremen have direct lines of communication with each other, and with the home project management office to keep the project moving efficiently. For the most part, NEST teams move efficiently through a project with no oversight required by the customer. Logistics are handled by the home office, with materials delivered to the site in a justin-time fashion to minimize the costs and risks of damage. The entire process from ground-breaking to commissioning is simple and efficient, and has been refined through the installation of previous solar power plants. Commissioning and Plant Certification
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NEST provides complete medium voltage AC collection systems including breakers, disconnects, switches, protective relays and metering, cabling, underground conduit and pole up to the grid interconnection.
NESTs commissioning process includes setting up the inverters, programming the telecommunication and interconnection equipment, and running test programs before operation. Finally, performance testing and plant certification are completed to ensure that the solar power plant meets the intended performance targets for capacity, generation, and availability. Operations and Maintenance Services Building on years of experience managing solar power plants across Europe, NEST offers comprehensive operations and maintenance services. By operating and maintaining the power plants that we build, we can offer the highest levels of reliability, efficiency, and availability to our customers, as well as providing longer warranty periods and improved performance guarantees. NEST is capable of operating and maintaining its customers solar power plants for the duration of their design service life of 25 years. Our comprehensive program can be tailored to the customers unique needs and can include all activities required to safely provide power at the guaranteed parameters: Administration and coordination, including activities in connection with utility or customer authorities, local law or safety officials, or insurance companies. Monitoring and control, including ongoing monitoring of plant performance and operational parameters by NEST personnel and instant access to plant performance from our data base. Quarterly and annual plant inspections of the protective measures in accordance with applicable regulations. Maintenance and recalibration work by qualified professionals and in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. Repair work by qualified and authorized professionals. Grounds keeping and appropriate care of the plant cover on the entire site. Periodic module, cabinetry and ventilation system cleaning. Securing, monitoring and inspection of the premises.
Real Time Management System be in control, all the time Solar monitoring systems increase the up-time of solar power plants by shortening the time necessary to detect component or system malfunctions.
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NEST solar power plants employ extensive remote monitoring features which allow NEST customers to access critical solar system performance data at any time. NESTs IT partner team also has the expertise to develop customized software solutions dedicated to NESTs customers applications.
Further, by utilizing NESTs proven and fully integrated real time Management System, NEST can manage all necessary operations and maintenance for its customers over the 25 year lifetime of the plant. By doing so we provide the best long term reliability, performance, and efficiency, maximizing the profitability of our customers solar power investments.
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