Author: Joanna Wrzeszcz

Photovoltaic farms are one of the most important sources of renewable energy (RES) in the world. However, to ensure their high efficiency and reliability, regular and efficient servicing is essential. In this respect, we can already rely on several innovative technologies that can make the servicing process of photovoltaic farms and wind farms easier and more efficient

Drones

Drones can be used to inspect and monitor the condition of solar panels from the air. This can quickly detect and locate damage, dirt or thermal anomalies that may affect the performance of the farm. Drones can also perform simple maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the panels with compressed air or water.

Robots

Robots can be used to automatically service solar panels on the ground. Robots can move around the farm using special rails or wheels and perform tasks such as cleaning, repairing or replacing panels. The robots can also communicate with each other and with a central management system to optimise the servicing process and report on progress.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyse data collected by drones and robots to improve the efficiency and quality of PV farm servicing. AI can help identify problems, predict failures, plan servicing schedules, optimise energy and resource consumption, and make real-time decisions.

Innovations in photovoltaic farm service and EMACS system

These three technologies represent promising solutions for the future of PV farm servicing. However, what measurably translates into better RES facilities is their efficient management.  For this purpose, systems such as EMACS are used to manage energy facilities such as photovoltaic, hybrid or biogas farms. EMACS combines the advantages of a classic SCADA system, which enables the monitoring and control of processes related to the generation, storage and use of energy from renewable sources, with the functionalities of a business analysis system that allows the optimisation of the efficiency, costs and profits of energy assets.  The EMACS system is based on the EMACS platform, which is the first Polish tool to combine these two functions. The EMACS system is available as a service to the energy industry, which includes not only the delivery and implementation of the system, but also the support of specialists in the selection of solutions, interpretation of data and advice in decisions related to the expansion and regulation of energy assets. The EMACS system also complies with the latest network requirements and safety standards. The EMACS system is a solution developed by the experts of Electrum Solutions, a company belonging to the Electrum Group, which is a leader in the field of renewable energy sources in Poland.

Despite the undeniable advantages of renewable energy sources, the issue of their variable efficiency due to external factors sometimes arises. By employing hybrid systems and through proper energy management, the risk of system instability can be minimized, and production capabilities maximized.

What Are Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems?

The goal of using hybrid renewable energy systems is to compensate for the limitations and benefits of different energy generation methods. These power plants consist of at least two independent installations utilizing different energy sources – most commonly wind and solar. When sunlight is weaker, such as in winter or autumn, the wind typically blows stronger, and conversely, during summer when the wind dies down, the sun shines more intensely. As a result, these systems generate energy almost continuously. Besides the solar-wind hybrid, connections between wind and/or solar plus energy storage systems are also gaining popularity.

Electrum Designs and Builds Hybrid Systems as One of the Few Companies in Poland

The Electrum Group is one of the few companies in Poland that designs and builds hybrid farms. Our activities also include managing renewable energy devices that are part of the hybrid system, monitoring renewable energy, and servicing renewable energy systems.

Jacek Popławski, Director of Strategy and Development at Electrum Group:

“Hybrid systems supported by smart information technology represent the future of the energy market. Hybridization is one of the cornerstones of our mission to support and accelerate the energy transition. With such solutions, we are one step closer to achieving green, decentralized energy islands composed of renewable energy sources, storage systems, nuclear power, and other essential elements. And this is just the beginning of our journey and revolution.”

A flagship project of this type undertaken by Electrum will be a solar-wind power plant with a capacity of 205 MW, located in the Kleczew municipality in the Greater Poland Voivodeship. It will become one of the largest hybrid facilities of its kind in Poland. In addition to the photovoltaic and wind farms, the investment will eventually include an energy storage system. The completion of the first phase of the investment, which is the construction of the solar farm, is planned for the second half of 2023. The wind farm is expected to be completed in 2024, with the energy storage system planned for a later stage of the project.

Read more: Hybrid renewable energy systems – An Interview with Kamil Kozicki

Good news from the Grabowo Wind Farm, with a target capacity of 44 MW, where last week the transformer station successfully underwent the first voltage application procedure. This also marks the first energization involving Renedium 1.0, a device for regulating reactive and active power.

The Grabowo Wind Farm is a renewable energy project completed in a record short time. In just over eight months, specialists from Electrum Concreo, a sister company of Electrum Solutions, built 18 km of high-voltage lines, 100,000 m² of roads and assembly areas, and 20 wind turbine foundations.

The Renedium 1.0 active and reactive power regulator is operational at the Grabowo Wind Farm

It is in Grabowo where Electrum’ product, Renedium 1.0, makes its debut. This regulator is used for controlling active and reactive power. This one compact device will control the power transformer (ARN automation), reactors (both regulated and static), and a capacitor bank. The power regulator is listed on the PTPiREE white list and is confirmed to comply with the requirements of the NC RfG code, and it also meets the requirements of IRiESP, IRiESD, and the conditions for connecting the facility.

Green energy will reduce CO2 emissions

The construction and powering of the turbines is the next stage of the wind farm’s development, with completion planned for the third quarter of 2023. Thanks to this green investment, we will avoid emitting over 121,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually, and we will be able to supply clean and renewable electricity to more than 64,000 households.

Read more about wind farm construction

We have introduced a new service in our offering— wind farm services and management. We provide comprehensive turbine maintenance and verification of the technical condition of equipment.

The high quality and wide range of services are based on our multidisciplinary competencies (automation, design, construction, energy), as well as the know-how gained from strategic contracts in the Polish renewable energy sector. We also have extensive experience in monitoring GPO stations and have many MW of wind energy in our portfolio of completed projects.

Wind Farm Service

We offer a high-quality, comprehensive service that covers the full spectrum of renewable energy installations, unique in the Polish market. Our offer includes not only parts repairs and inspections but also risk mitigation or transfer, post-warranty turbine service, and services crucial for extending the operational life of the facility.

Electrum Wind Farm Services – What does wind farm management involve?

Our wind farm management services can be divided into several key elements.

Wind farm management includes:

Preventive maintenance

Regularly performed maintenance allows for the repair of most minor faults resulting from parts wear.

Inspections and major repairs

Our services include diagnostics of damage in case of failure, regular inspections, as well as comprehensive repairs of major components.

Turbine audit

This service allows for the assessment of the technical condition of a wind turbine before the warranty expires. The procedure is also recommended before purchasing a used turbine.

Read also: Wind turbine maintenance

Emergency service

Provides quick repairs in the event of a sudden failure.

24/7 monitoring

We have one of the most modern dispatch centers in the country. Our experienced dispatchers monitor facilities 24/7 and have the competencies to perform initial diagnostics of problems.

Asset management

Comprehensive wind farm management services, including technical, legal, and financial aspects.

Read also:

Korytnica Wind Farm Service 82.5 MW – Electrum Holding

Wind farm maintenance: Innovations and challenges in operation

Increasing Safety, Reducing Operational Costs, Maximizing Project Profits, Complete Control Regardless of Component Failures, and an Intuitive Interface with a Simple Design – these are just some of the benefits offered by Renedium 1.0, Electrum’s proprietary active and reactive power controller.

The device meets all the requirements of NC RfG, IRiESP, and IRiESD, and it holds the necessary PTPiREE certifications. It also features a digital model that enables simulation and analysis of the controller’s operation and the power facility within the PowerFactory environment.

Renedium 1.0 Power Controller – Where Does It Perform Best?

Renedium 1.0 is responsible for controlling the energy output from renewable energy sources and more. It works with various types of energy and allows configuration and power settings for up to 10 PPM (PPC) controllers operating within a single facility. It is designed to work with facilities classified as A, B, C, and D.

Renedium 1.0 enables power regulation when working with facilities such as:

• Solar farms
• Hydroelectric plants
• Wind farms
• Energy storage systems
• Hybrid systems
• Nuclear power
• Hydrogen

It is also possible to adapt the controller to new requirements and regulations.

Active and Reactive Power Regulation in Renewable Energy Facilities

The controller is responsible for regulating active power and estimating losses in the supply line, offering two functional modes of operation. The regulator allows the use of active power gradient mode in both normal and emergency network modes, even at frequencies above the deadband range.

Here are some of the controller’s capabilities:

• Active power regulation with active power loss estimation in the supply line
• Operation during network emergencies – LFSM/FSM modes for active power regulation
• Precise adjustment via PID controller (maximizing production)
• Reactive power compensation in the supply line

Reactive Power Regulation in Three Control Modes:

• Power setpoint
• Power factor setpoint cosϕ (tg ϕ)
• Voltage setpoint or Ustat characteristic

Additionally, Renedium 1.0 offers:

• Reactive power regulation using both static and adjustable sources for reactive power compensation, such as reactors or capacitor banks
• Compatibility with ARST systems
• Voltage regulation via ARN

The division of settings for up to 10 facilities allows the allocation of active power generation limits for facilities, using a configurable weighted average, taking into account the currently available active power from generating units.

Maximum Security

Renedium 1.0 is equipped with a redundant power and communication system. This solution, combined with two independent communication interfaces, ensures continuous operation even if one power source fails. To provide the highest level of security, a redundant control unit (software and hardware) can also be implemented. In the event of a failure in the main control unit, the regulator automatically switches to a second, independent processor, increasing the reliability of the entire system.

Small Housing, Big Benefits

Renedium 1.0 is a unique solution on the market that saves both time and money. Designed as a plug-and-play product, it only requires the parameterization of specific functions depending on the project. Its implementation not only shortens the design process but also eliminates the time needed for device analysis and implementation. Using Renedium 1.0 requires only a few configuration steps to define the parameters of each functionality. Additionally, the entire system is enclosed in a standard 5U 19’’ housing, offering a compact solution that replaces a full control cabinet.

Benefits of Implementing Renedium 1.0:

• Significantly reduced delivery time
• Quick configuration
• Parameterization instead of design
• Compact housing
• Seamless energization of generating facilities (wind energy, photovoltaics, hybrid energy systems, and more).

What is the O&M Service?

O&M, or Operations and Maintenance, refers to services related to the upkeep and solar power maintenance. Monitoring photovoltaic farms is an important aspect of these services, as it allows for real-time tracking of panel performance and the detection of any issues or irregularities. This enables quick responses and repairs, ensuring high efficiency and performance of the photovoltaic farm.

Solar Farm Maintenance and O&M Service

O&M, or Operations and Maintenance, encompasses a wide range of services related to the upkeep and servicing of photovoltaic farms. This can include preventive actions, repairs, and activities related to the ongoing operation of the facility.

Electrum offers services such as:

• PV panel maintenance and repair
• Solar energy monitoring, panel performance, and problem detection
• Supplying spare parts and consumables
• Ensuring panel cleanliness and preventive actions
• Regular inspections
• Technical advice and assistance in solving problems related to the operation of the photovoltaic farm
• Hybrid facilities and solar farm construction

O&M for PV or Wind Farms – Beyond Monitoring

When choosing an O&M company, it’s important to consider their experience and the number of projects in their portfolio.

A good O&M company will provide comprehensive services at a high level and possess the knowledge and experience needed to manage photovoltaic farms. Electrum, for instance, manages over 2 GW of renewable energy installations and offers not only regular monitoring and maintenance but also solutions for more complex operational issues.

Read more: Electrum Manages 2 GW of Renewable Energy Installations

Solar Farm – 24/7 Monitoring

Monitoring is a key element in maintaining and servicing power plants generating energy from renewable sources. It involves continuously tracking the infrastructure’s performance to detect any problems or irregularities. This allows for rapid response and repair, ensuring the photovoltaic farm’s high efficiency and performance.

Monitoring of photovoltaic farms should be carried out by professional O&M companies. Reliable management allows for the detection and resolution of potential problems, ensuring the high efficiency of the renewable energy facility.

SCADA System – Monitoring Photovoltaic Farms

SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is an IT system used for remote monitoring and controlling various processes related to the operation of energy facilities such as photovoltaic farms, GPO stations, wind farms, or industrial installations. The O&M department at Electrum Solutions uses SCADA systems, including their proprietary EMACS solution, which combines the benefits of a classic SCADA platform with tools for business analysis. This system ensures the team’s responsibility for cybersecurity tailored to the specific facility.

Solar Power Plants – Renewable Energy Facility Management

How can you tell if O&M services are conducted comprehensively? The technological maturity of the entire team plays a critical role in both routine tasks and during sudden failures. Competence in solving unique problems and anticipating upcoming issues can directly impact the efficient operation of the photovoltaic farm. This allows for the full utilization of the facility’s potential, reducing downtime and minimizing planned shutdowns.

Read also: O&M Services Overview: Explore Our Dispatch Center

Electrum oversees more than half a thousand wind turbines, which translates to 1,225.6 MW of energy. We also provide O&M services on PV facilities generating nearly 150 MWp of power. This wouldn’t be possible without our experienced dispatchers and service technicians!

Wind turbine and Electrum service technicians

Our O&M experience dates back to 2012—these were the early days of Operations & Maintenance in Poland. In 2016, we established a dedicated service department and created a modern dispatch center. Today, we operate within the Electrum Group as part of a holding that offers services across the entire value chain of renewable energy projects. The quality of Electrum’s services, however, primarily stems from the expert skills of our people.

One of The Most Experienced O&M Team in Poland

We are not only one of the longest-operating dispatch centers in Poland but also one of the most advanced. We stand out with the highest standards in cybersecurity. It is worth noting that many of the farms we service operate on the EMACS platform—our proprietary SCADA system. With our own automation department, we can offer tailor-made SCADA solutions, customized to meet the needs of each investment.

Electrum’s O&M Department includes:

• Dispatchers with the most experience in the country
• The ability to remotely repair faults on PV and wind farm facilities
• A guarantee of quick response to sudden failures
• Years of collaboration with DSO and TSO
• Top-level cybersecurity
• Experienced service technicians with high problem-solving skills

O&M Services – Białystok and All of Poland

In the facilities we service, our primary concern is to ensure that the infrastructure operates without failures and with as few planned downtimes as possible. In our daily work, we focus on monitoring and promptly responding to faults and changes in system operation. The experience of our dispatchers often allows us to quickly identify irregularities, thereby preventing significant losses or failures. However, the O&M service not only involves ongoing monitoring but also preventive and corrective maintenance.

Read more about:

Solar energy monitoring 

Wind farm service and photovoltaic farm service

A good O&M service is not just about reacting to current faults. The experienced Electrum service team not only performs repairs but also conducts periodic inspections. When such inspections are carried out at appropriate intervals, they help avoid most faults resulting, for example, from the wear and tear of spare parts. These audits also include winter inspections, which are carried out using thermography. This service is individually tailored to the client’s needs.

Read more about:

What is O&M Service

Wind turbine maintenance

A typical O&M services include inspections:

• Recommended by the equipment manufacturer,
• During the warranty period,
• Required by Polish building law.

Not Just O&M Services Related to Warranties and Insurance

We support our clients not only by servicing and monitoring facilities. We provide comprehensive services related to energy asset management — technical asset management and comprehensive asset management. It is also worth noting the possibility of supporting the client in the event of a warranty or insurance claim. This service may include a report for the insurer, damage assessment, and a list of parts that may fail as a result of the event, but after some time.