Author: Joanna Wrzeszcz

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.

The Potęgowo Wind Farm consists of 81 turbines with a total capacity of 219 MW. It is the largest onshore wind farm in Poland and one of the largest wind energy projects in Europe. As part of the Electrum group, we participated in the implementation of this investment as the general contractor for the electrical part, and Electrum Solutions is responsible for O&M services, including servicing and monitoring the wind farm.

The project is divided into stages – Potęgowo East (completed and commissioned), and Potęgowo South, the next renewable energy investment currently under construction.

Here are the Wind Farm Potęgowo numbers:

• 81 General Electric turbines, including:
• 68 turbines with a capacity of 2.75 MW and a height of up to 110 meters
• 13 turbines with a capacity of 2.5 MW and a height of 98 meters
• A total capacity of 220 MW
• The next phase under construction – Potęgowo South (37.4 MW)
• Cable infrastructure with a length of 74 km

Management of the Potęgowo Wind Farm

Experts from Electrum Solutions are responsible for overseeing and maintaining the power stations and the 74 km long medium and high voltage (MV and HV) 110 kV cable infrastructure. The dispatch center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monitoring the proper operation of the power stations. To avoid unplanned outages, we also carry out periodic measurements and inspections at both power stations and along all sections of the cable infrastructure.

Potęgowo Wind Farm – Benefits of Renewable Energy for the Environment

According to estimates, the largest onshore wind farm in Poland, by delivering green energy from the wind, will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 514 thousand tons annually. It is also worth mentioning that the specific arrangement of the wind turbines allows for the avoidance of migratory routes, grouping, foraging, and nesting areas of birds, and that no noise standards will be exceeded in the towns located near the wind farm.

Check out how we do it at Electrum:

Wind Turbine Maintenance

Wind Farm Construction

Photovoltaics in Poland and Europe is currently the fastest-growing technology in the energy market. The increase in new capacities from photovoltaic installations presents many opportunities, but also challenges for many sectors.

The key to reducing potential investment risk from renewable energy sources, lowering costs, and increasing system reliability lies in high-quality operational and maintenance services—this was the focus of the first O&M Operation and Management of PV Farms conference. The conference, organized by the Polish Photovoltaic Association, took place in Warsaw on March 23-24, 2022.

The Photovoltaic Market in Poland and the O&M Industry

The first edition of the O&M Operation and Management of PV Farms conference brought together representatives of industry leaders and a range of stakeholders interested in PV investments. It was the first, but certainly not the last, event of its kind. We are pleased to have been a partner of the conference.

Best Practices in Renewable Energy Facility Maintenance

Participants had the opportunity to network and exchange opinions on best O&M practices. The lectures and workshops provided a chance to share knowledge on how to develop the best solutions for their investments and effectively manage PV farms. Two days of substantive presentations, networking sessions, and meetings with exhibitors offered not only practical knowledge but also inspiring discussions.

High-Quality O&M for Photovoltaic Facilities in Poland

Electrum Solutions experts, Maciej Biegański, Head of Automation, and Krzysztof Kuc, Head of O&M, participated in the workshop session. In their presentation, “O&M Service as a Tool for Maximizing Profits from Renewable Energy Investments – A Case Study,” they argued that standardized monitoring and support are not sufficient for the success of a comprehensive O&M service. Drawing from their experience, they emphasized the importance of technological maturity, experience in process automation, and competence in solving complex problems throughout the process. The presentation, supported by numerous examples from PV facilities in Poland, aimed to show the audience that a well-executed O&M can provide tools to better utilize the potential of photovoltaic farms and reduce energy production losses.

Read also: Solar farm maintenance – What is the O&M Service?

Better Operation of Solar Installations

As Maciej Biegański emphasized at the conference, there is still much to be done in the field of O&M, and market demands and conditions are changing very quickly. To stay at the forefront, one must be inspired by the solutions of leaders and be open to market feedback. With many years of industry experience, Electrum Solution experts understand the practical possibilities of using O&M services as a way to reduce maintenance costs for PV installations and other renewable energy facilities. During the conference and the plenary presentation, the proprietary SCADA system—EMACS—presented at the conference, generated considerable interest. It is a platform that can be easily integrated into the entire O&M process for photovoltaic power plants, as well as wind farms and other renewable energy facilities.

Professional Monitoring and High-Quality Service for PV Farms

We have completed two intensive days of meetings, discussions, and inspiration. We also had the pleasure of sharing our knowledge and experience from many years of working in the Operation & Maintenance service. We are pleased that the presentation on maximizing profits from renewable energy investments attracted the interest of event participants and received a strong response.

Our case study certainly proved that only high-quality O&M—combining professional monitoring, an experienced service team, and the technological maturity of SCADA system engineers—can effectively ensure the continuity of facility operations and, thereby, significantly increase profits from renewable energy sources.

Tools and methods for minimizing, optimizing, and balancing energy will play a key role in building an increasingly eco-friendly energy mix in Poland. An important aspect of this is advanced IT solutions for the renewable energy market, such as the SCADA system.

Supporting Energy Transformation

To adapt the Polish energy mix to the carbon dioxide emission restrictions in Europe, comprehensive actions are needed. In 2020, electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) accounted for nearly 18 percent of electricity (mainly from solar and wind power). This is still an insufficient amount of energy from RES. To effectively move in the right direction, it is not enough to modify existing technologies that rely primarily on fossil fuels. New solutions are also needed, including digital tools for the IT sector.

The energy sector needs IT solutions that will accelerate the industry’s development and positively impact operational efficiency. SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) are an essential part of automation systems — enabling control of efficiency at the level of individual processes.

Among the solutions available on the market, Electrum’s proprietary system stands out — EMACS (Everything Monitoring and Control System), designed primarily for the energy sector, industry, and life science solutions. The energy management system SCADAallows for the integration, processing, and presentation of data from many sources — both internal and external — into one cohesive system developed specifically for the unique needs of renewable energy and life science facilities.

EMACS – Combining the Advantages of a SCADA System and Business Analytics

For a long time, SCADA systems were sufficient tools for monitoring and managing energy assets. However, the industry now requires increasingly complex solutions. The EMACS system is a platform that combines functions typical of a classic SCADA system—for example, it allows for monitoring a photovoltaic farm or managing a wind farm.

The proprietary SCADA system – EMACS integrates data from various sources:

• Wind farms
• Solar farms
• Distribution network
• Energy storage systems
• Consumer devices
• Weather information
• Financial information

Data presentation allows for the quick detection of potential faults, diagnostics, or remote repairs. The solution created by Electrum experts expands the functions of a typical SCADA system with features for business analysis.

EMACS System – A Service for the Energy Industry

The EMACS system combines the advantages of a classic SCADA system, an Internet of Things platform, and a microgrid modeling system with Business Intelligence software. EMACS is also an innovative and technologically advanced service, enabling the processing and presentation of data from multiple sources.

This proprietary energy management system SCADA allows for monitoring and controlling processes related to the production, storage, and consumption of energy. Moreover, it is very user-friendly—accessible from a web browser, with easy access management for individual functionalities. EMACS is also a tool with guaranteed cybersecurity. It serves as a platform for asset management, Operation & Maintenance, and EPC.

Large photovoltaic farms are capable of delivering a significant amount of energy, which is particularly important in the context of environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Zgorzelec Energy Cluster is one such initiative that we helped realize as part of the Electrum Group. 

The Electrum Group, acting as a One Stop Shop, utilized its competencies across the full project lifecycle, executing a contract to build infrastructure with a capacity of 55 MWp in a “design and build” format. Electrum also provided the SCADA system for solar power plant. Here are the components of the implementation. 

The implementation of the large-scale photovoltaic farm in the “design and build” format included: 

• Infrastructure with a capacity of 55 MWp (of which 49 MWp was connected by Electrum experts) 

• A microgrid for 10 households powered by an intelligent medium-voltage network system 

• A SCADA system with a connection capacity of 55 MWp, featuring a proprietary EMACS system delivered by Electrum Solutions 

• 55 individual metering points, 68 energy meters, and over 40,000 variables 

Read also: SCADA Systems in Energy Source Management | Electrum Holding

Monitoring of the Photovoltaic Installation – Implementation Components 

• Design and execution of the monitoring system for photovoltaic installations and the 20/110 kV GPO 

• Online data management from inverters, protections, analyzers, energy meters, and meteorological devices 

• Online data management from the GPO and the GPZ connection point, along with energy meter readings 

• Active and reactive power regulation and reactive power compensation based on connection measurements 

• Notifications of exceedances and alarms for the entire installation 

• Full reporting and a technical logbook with historical data 

• Energy production modeling and other predictive functionalities 

A SCADA system for a solar power plant allows for real-time monitoring and control of the facility’s operations, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Read also: SCADA: The Heart of Modern Farm Monitoring | Electrum Holding 

The concept of building solar parks can vary greatly. Most solar installations worldwide are on-grid systems, meaning they are connected to the distribution power grid. However, photovoltaic farms can also operate off-grid, in a standalone system. In such cases, if there are insufficient sunny conditions, the system allows for storing unused energy generated by the installation.

Off Grid Solar System and Management

Since 2020, Electrum has been responsible for managing an off grid solar farm with a capacity of 2.2 MWp, built and operated by GREEN GENIUS, an international company in the renewable energy sector specializing in solar (including large-scale and B2B) and biogas projects.

This farm is constructed in a manner similar to an on-grid farm, but differs in its connection; it is connected to the facility’s internal energy system rather than the distribution grid.

What Characterizes the Management and Service of an Off Grid Solar System?

• Off grid solar system does not have batteries. All the produced energy is directed to meet the needs of the facility. Therefore, there is no need to oversee or maintain battery charging systems or the batteries themselves.
• Energy production is independent of faults that occur on public power lines, which results in greater reliability and fewer outages.
• Since the solar power plant does not send produced energy to the distribution grid, there is no need for reactive power compensation. In other words, there is no requirement for reactive power compensation systems in such farms.
• Off-grid installation generates over 350 MWh per month during the summer season.

 

Read also:

Strategies for Managing Photovoltaic Farms

How to start a solar farm? Step by step guide – Electrum Holding