Author: Joanna Wrzeszcz

Where does the sun shine brightest?

Have you ever wondered why some regions of the world are dotted with photovoltaic (PV) farms, while others seem to bypass this green revolution? The key lies in geography. Geographic conditions like sunlight exposure, terrain, and local climate significantly impact the efficiency of solar farms. Where the sun generously shares its rays, solar panels thrive.

Climate and panel efficiency

Did you know that both the amount of sunshine and the temperature affect the efficiency of PV panels? High temperatures can decrease the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Therefore, when designing a solar farm, it’s important to balance sunlight intensity with thermal conditions.

Read more: Photovoltaic Farm Project – What You Need to Know?

Terrain topography and panel placement

The role of terrain shaping cannot be overlooked. Hills, valleys, and even local vegetation can affect the availability of sunlight for panels. When designing a PV farm, analyzing the terrain thoroughly ensures maximum sunlight utilization.

Wind and weather – friends or foes?

Wind and changing weather conditions can impact solar farms. Strong winds challenge panel stability, while sudden weather changes require flexible farm design to protect against storms or hail. It’s essential to have a contingency plan!

Summary – the sun, our green ally

Geographic conditions play a crucial role in the planning, design, and solar farm construction. The ideal location offers optimal sunlight, moderate temperatures, favorable terrain, and stable weather conditions. The sun is our ally in the quest for green energy, but we must skillfully harness its potential, adapting to nature’s whims. Photovoltaic farms represent not just an investment in the future, but also harmonious coexistence with natural forces.

Read also: How to Choose the Best Location for Solar Panels? – Electrum Holding

What is SCADA System?

SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) is a computer system used for monitoring and controlling technological or production processes. Its main functions include:

• Collecting real-time data (measurements) from measurement and executive devices such as PLC controllers, I/O modules, sensors, meters, etc.
• Visualizing data in the form of schematics, charts, tables, alarms, etc.
• Controlling the process by setting parameters, turning devices on and off, operating the process manually or in emergency mode, etc.
• Archiving historical data and generating reports.

SCADA is a supervisory system in relation to remote terminal units (RTUs) that collect information about the status of technical devices and transmit it to the central SCADA system. They also accept commands from the central system and act on devices accordingly. SCADA can integrate multiple PLC controllers and support various communication protocols.

Why is SCADA essential for solar and wind farms?

Solar and wind farms are crucial sources of renewable energy that are becoming increasingly popular and profitable. However, to effectively manage and maintain such farms, it is necessary to monitor the areas where they are located and the parameters of the devices. This is precisely what the SCADA system does, providing the following benefits:

Improved safety and reliability

SCADA detects and alerts about any abnormalities such as intrusions, fires, equipment damage, exceeding alarm thresholds, etc. This allows for quick response and prevention of greater damage. Additionally, SCADA documents all events and provides evidence in case of insurance claims or legal investigations.

Optimization of performance and efficiency

SCADA enables remote control of the energy production process by adjusting device parameters to weather conditions and energy demand. This increases the utilization of installed capacity, reduces losses and operating costs, and improves the quality of energy supplied to the grid.

Read also: SCADA System on a Large-Scale PV Farm | Electrum Case Study

Data collection and analysis

SCADA collects and stores data from the energy production process, such as power, voltage, current, temperature, humidity, wind, insolation, etc. This allows for the creation of statistics, charts, trends, forecasts, energy balances, etc. This data can be used to assess the technical condition of devices, plan maintenance, optimize operating parameters, as well as for reporting and energy production accounting.

Read more:

Solar energy monitoring | What You Need to Know?

Wind farm maintenance: Innovations and challenges in operation

How to choose the right SCADA system for a solar or wind farm?

The choice of a SCADA system for a solar or wind farm depends on many factors, such as:

Scale and type of the farm

Depending on the number and type of devices to be monitored and controlled, the appropriate number and type of RTUs should be selected, as well as the appropriate communication protocol. Additionally, the distance between devices and the SCADA system, as well as the availability and reliability of communication, should be considered.

Functionality and flexibility of the system

The SCADA system should be able to meet all user requirements and expectations, such as remote device control and configuration, alarm and notification generation, report and summary creation, integration with other systems such as ERP, CRM, GIS, etc. Additionally, the SCADA system should be user-friendly, scalable, and flexible to adapt to changing needs and conditions.

Cost and profitability of the system

The SCADA system is an investment that should pay off within a specified period. Therefore, the costs of purchasing, installing, maintaining, and operating the system should be carefully analyzed and compared with potential benefits.

 

Discover EMACS – a system combining the advantages of SCADA and business analytics systems:

EMACS

SCADA is a computer system that forms the heart of modern solar and wind farm monitoring.

With SCADA, it is possible to collect, visualize, control, and archive data from the energy production process. SCADA ensures improvement in the safety, performance, and efficiency of farms, as well as enables data analysis and reporting. The choice of the right SCADA system for a farm depends on various factors such as the scale and type of farm, the functionality and flexibility of the system, and the cost and profitability of the system.

Read also: SCADA systems in energy source management | Electrum Holding

Is building a wind farm a piece of cake?

Embarking on the wind farm construction in Poland is a challenge, but also an opportunity for a green revolution. Understanding the Renewable Energy Sources Act and benefits from Special Economic Zones, which provide incentives for investors, is the first step towards a sustainable future.

Where to place a turbine to avoid trouble?

Location is key to success and neighborly peace. Factors like distance from residential buildings, nature conservation, and landscape protection require close scrutiny. The 10H rule mandates that a wind turbine must be situated at least ten times its height away from homes. Though restrictive, it encourages creative planning!

Setting sails with the law!

Navigating administrative procedures may seem daunting, but with proper preparation, they can become manageable. Building permits, environmental impact assessments, and community consultations are steps requiring patience and accuracy. Each document brings us closer to powering Poland with clean energy.

Financing – how to find support in a sea of opportunities?

Securing funding can resemble navigating open seas. However, with knowledge of EU support programs, national funds, and favorable loans, reaching the goal is achievable. Auction systems for renewable energy sources can significantly reduce investment costs.

Sustainable development and social acceptance

Wind farms are about more than just turbines; they also involve the people around them. Building relationships with the local community, being transparent, and actively listening are crucial for a long-lasting and accepted investment. Wind energy is meant to serve everyone, after all.

Conclusion: With or against the wind?

Constructing a wind farm in Poland is a challenge, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting journey. Regulations and policies guide us through the bureaucracy towards a green future. Every step brings us closer to our goal of clean, renewable energy. Are we ready to take on this challenge?

See also: Wind turbine components and construction

Renewable Energy Network Diagnostics with Centrix Evolution

Fault diagnosis of the power grid with Centrix Evolution is one of the specializations of our Electrum Solutions engineering team. Thanks to advanced technology, our modern measurement vehicle allows precise and efficient examination and servicing of power grids.

Advanced Centrix Evolution Technology

The tests we conduct using Centrix Evolution enable us to determine factors such as network resilience and insulation resistance. With the advanced technology of Centrix Evolution, its applications are incredibly broad, extending beyond mere measurement and fault localization. The precise device is integrated with sophisticated software, facilitating comprehensive network diagnostics.

Comprehensive Network Diagnostics with Centrix Evolution

As a result, the Electrum Solutions team provides our clients with information about the technical condition of their infrastructure, ranging from mapping and documenting cable routes to intelligent repair predictions.

Centrix Evolution is used for diagnosing renewable energy facilities, wind turbines maintenance, and maintaining and PV panel maintenance.

World-Class Teleflex® Locator

The world-class Teleflex® locator allows precise pinpointing of faults even within a radius of several kilometers from the power generator. This capability minimizes the time needed to identify the repair location and adequately prepare for it, thus saving time and resources while reducing costs.

Read also:

The Dispatch Center and Service Technicians – The Core of the O&M Department

The Wind of Change in Energy

Have you ever wondered how wind is transformed into the electricity that powers our daily lives? This process is not a matter of chance, but the result of advanced wind farm management technologies. In today’s world, where ecology is becoming not just a trend but a necessity, companies like Electrum are bringing the theory of wind energy management into the realm of practical solutions.

Innovations Serving Nature

Electrum is not just another company in the renewable energy sector. It is a pioneer utilizing cutting-edge technologies to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of wind farms. How do they achieve this? Through advanced monitoring systems, precise turbine performance forecasting, and the optimization of entire farms. All these efforts make wind energy increasingly competitive and accessible to a broad audience.

Technology Guarding Efficiency

Electrum doesn’t settle for standard solutions. The company continually explores new areas such as ai in energy or big data to better understand and harness the wind potential. Can you imagine computers analyzing data from turbines in real-time, predicting anomalies before they affect production? At Electrum this is everyday reality.

Green Energy of the Future

Thanks to such innovations, wind farms are becoming more reliable and efficient, leading to lower energy costs for consumers and reduced environmental impact. This demonstrates that investments in green energy are not only ethical but also economically justified.

Conclusion: A Wind of Change for the Better

Electrum demonstrates that through the combination of science and technology, wind farm management is reaching a new level of efficiency previously unknown. This company proves that with passion and innovation, it’s possible not only to change the industry but also to contribute to building a better future for our planet. Breakthrough technologies in wind farm management are not the future – they are the present, happening here and now, thanks to companies like Electrum.

Introduction: Dawn of Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics are becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy. It’s like the transformation of a night landscape into day when the first rays of the sun illuminate photovoltaic farms. In this article, we will look at key management strategies for these innovative farms, from the planning stage to daily operation.

Planning: The Foundation of Success

Every good structure starts with a solid foundation. In the case of photovoltaic farms, this foundation is thorough planning. We must answer questions:

• Where is the best place to install the panels?
• Which technologies should we choose?
• What are the local meteorological conditions and how will they affect efficiency?

It’s like starting a journey with a well-planned map.

Financing: The Heart of the Project

Financing is the heart of the project – without it, nothing will happen.

• How do we acquire funds?
• Is it worth considering leasing photovoltaic panels, or is it better to invest in ownership?

The answers to these questions are key to understanding how best to realize the project.

Installation: Art and Science

Installation is a combination of art and science. Not only technical aspects must be considered, but also aesthetic ones.

• How do we ensure that the panels are not only efficient but also aesthetically pleasing?
• What technologies will provide the longest lifespan and highest efficiency?

Maintenance: The Key to Longevity

Maintenance is the key to the longevity of any photovoltaic farm.

• How often should inspections be carried out?
• What are the best practices for maintenance?

Keeping the farm in good condition is like caring for a healthy garden – it requires regularity and attention.

Monitoring: The Eyes and Ears of the Farm

Monitoring is the eyes and ears of the farm. Today’s technologies allow for remote monitoring of efficiency and real-time problem detection. What systems are best for monitoring energy efficiency and detecting failures?

Conclusion: Journey to the Future

Managing a photovoltaic farm is a journey that begins with the first ray of sun falling on a panel. From planning, through financing, installation, maintenance to monitoring, each stage is crucial for success. This journey is not only about technology but also understanding how to harmoniously integrate these innovations into our world. All for a bright future where solar energy becomes a key player on the global stage.

Managing power grids in the age of renewable energy sources (RES) is a challenge that both grid operators and power producers must address. With the increasing share of RES in energy production, power grids are becoming more complex and require new solutions.

Grid stability in the context of RES power generation

One of the biggest challenges for grid operators is to ensure grid stability when RES energy production is variable and difficult to predict. With the increasing share of RES in energy production, power grids are becoming more complex and require new solutions. One solution is the introduction of smart grid management systems. It enables the monitoring and control of RES energy production in real time. This allows grid operators to react quickly to changes in energy production and ensure grid stability.

Quality of electricity in the context of RES

Another challenge is to ensure adequate electricity quality. Energy production from RES is variable and difficult to predict, which can lead to fluctuations in voltage and frequency on the grid. To ensure adequate power quality, grid operators need to use advanced technologies, such as energy storage systems, that allow energy to be stored during periods of overproduction and used during periods of shortage.

New technologies for the RES industry

In the RES era, the management of power grids is becoming increasingly complex and requires new solutions. Grid operators need to use advanced technologies such as smart grid management and energy storage systems to ensure grid stability and adequate power quality. The introduction of these solutions can help solve the challenges faced by the RES industry in managing power grids.

The Role of SCADA Systems in Monitoring and Controlling Energy Sources

With SCADA systems, managing wind and photovoltaic farms becomes easier and more efficient. SCADA systems allow the remote monitoring and control of various energy sources, enabling rapid response to failures and optimization of performance.

Collection and processing of data in real-time

SCADA systems are used to collect data from multiple sources such as sensors, meters, loggers, and metering equipment and then process it in real time. This allows wind and photovoltaic farm operators to track the performance of their equipment and make decisions based on up-to-date data.

Remote control and response to changing conditions

SCADA systems also allow remote control of the equipment, enabling a rapid response to changing weather conditions and ensuring the safety of workers.

Integration and optimization of energy sources in the O&M of wind farms

Integration and optimization of different energy sources are key to the profitability of wind farm O&M investments. Collaboration between different energy sources allows for increased efficiency and reduced energy production costs. SCADA systems allow data to be collected from multiple sources such as sensors, meters, loggers, and metering devices and then processed in real time.

Conclusions:

• Integration and optimization of different energy sources are key to the profitability of wind farm O&M investments.
• Collaboration between different energy sources allows for increased efficiency and reduced energy production costs.
• SCADA system allow data to be collected from multiple sources, such as sensors, meters, loggers, and measuring devices, and then processed in real time.
• SCADA systems are key to wind farm management.
• Allow wind farms to be monitored and controlled remotely, enabling rapid response to failures and optimization of performance.
• Allow data to be collected from multiple sources, such as sensors, meters, loggers, and measuring devices, and then processed in real time.
• This allows wind farm operators to track the performance of their equipment and make decisions based on up-to-date data.
• SCADA system also allow remote control of equipment, which enables rapid response to changing weather conditions and ensures the safety of workers.