RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

Diesel Generator (DG) sets are used in solar, wind, and hydro power plants for several important reasons, despite these being renewable energy sources. Here's a breakdown of their roles: 🔋 1. Backup Power for Auxiliary Loads Renewable plants have auxiliary systems like control rooms, monitoring equipment, inverters, cooling systems, and communication devices. DG sets provide backup power to these systems during: Grid outages Low generation periods (e.g., cloudy days for solar, low wind speeds, or dry seasons for hydro) ⚙️ 2. Black Start Capability DG sets help in black start operations, which means restarting the plant when the grid is down and no external power is available. This is especially critical for: Remote solar/wind farms Hydro plants with electronic gate controls 🛠️ 3. Commissioning and Maintenance Support During plant commissioning, before the renewable source is operational, DG se...

FDRE is called "Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy" in context to renewable energy which refers to the power systems that combine renewable source like solar and wind with energy storage systems to ensure a reliable and controllable power supply to the grid. Here, FIRM means the energy is consistently available, even when natural source like sunlight or wind  DISPATCHABLE means the energy output can be adjusted, turned on/off or scaled up/down, to meet grid demand. This concept is introducted in India by introducing it through tenders from the organisation line SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of INdia) for large scale projects for multiple installations across the country. Energy (FDRE) operational guidelines in India. Use playful icons and bright colors. Include sections labeled: Objective, Eligibility, CUF Requirements, Penalty for Default, Dispatch Flexibility, Project Timelines, Tender Structure, and Impact. Each section should have a cartoon character or symbol repres...

Wind turbine research and improvements are focused on enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, increasing durability, and minimizing environmental impact. Here are the key areas of research and advancements: 1. Turbine Design and Materials Larger and Taller Turbines: Development of turbines with larger rotor diameters and taller towers to access higher wind speeds at greater altitudes. Advanced Blade Materials: Use of lightweight and durable materials like carbon fiber-reinforced composites to increase lifespan and reduce manufacturing costs. Modular Blade Designs: Research into modular blades for easier transportation and assembly, especially for offshore wind farms. Flexible Blades: Use of adaptive materials that change shape with wind pressure to optimize energy capture and reduce stress on components. 2. Aerodynamic and Structural Enhancements Optimized Blade Profiles: Innovations in aerodynamics to reduce drag and increase lift, improving overall energy conversion efficiency. Pa...

Turbocharger-based rooftop wind turbines are a novel concept that incorporates principles of turbocharging to enhance the efficiency and performance of small-scale wind turbines used on rooftops. Here’s a detailed look at the concept: 1. Concept and Working Principle: Turbocharger Integration : A turbocharger, typically used in automotive applications, consists of a turbine and a compressor. In the context of a wind turbine, the turbine component is used to capture wind energy, while a modified compressor section may be used to increase the pressure and speed of the airflow hitting the turbine blades. Boosting Wind Speed : By directing the airflow through a nozzle or venturi-like structure before it hits the turbine blades, the speed of the wind is effectively boosted. This increase in wind speed allows the turbine to generate more power even at lower wind conditions, making it suitable for urban environments with inconsistent wind speeds. 2. Advantages of Turbocharger-Based Rooftop Wi...

Introduction The Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) in India addresses grid stability challenges by ensuring discipline in power scheduling and forecasting. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) like solar and wind, DSM policies have evolved to manage variability and intermittency. This analysis traces the history and evolution of DSM for solar and wind energy in India, highlighting regulatory frameworks, challenges, and future outlooks. Historical Context Pre-2010: Conventional Grid Management Focus on Conventional Energy:  Grid management relied on thermal and hydro power plants, which are more predictable than RES. Need for Deviation Management:  As renewable energy deployment began, the unpredictability of wind and solar generation started affecting grid stability. 2010-2014: Initial Renewable Energy Penetration Wind Energy Growth:  Wind energy capacity surged, especially in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, causing frequency deviations in the grid...

Definition of Circular Economy in Renewable Energy: The circular economy in renewable energy focuses on sustainable resource management by minimizing waste, reusing materials, and recycling components. This approach enhances resource efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and supports the transition to a sustainable energy future. Methods for Circular Economy Implementation in the Renewable Energy Sector 1. Solar Power Segment Reuse of Junction Boxes from Damaged Solar Modules Damaged solar modules, often stored in open spaces at project sites, contain valuable components such as junction boxes. These junction boxes can be refurbished and reused in operational systems, reducing electronic waste and the need for new manufacturing. This practice aligns with resource optimization and cost reduction goals. Rainwater Harvesting for Battery Maintenance Installing rainwater harvesting units at solar project sites can provide an eco-friendly solution to obtain distilled water for lead-acid ...

Asset Management refers to the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, and upgrading assets in a cost-effective way. It involves managing assets throughout their lifecycle to maximize value and ensure their efficient use. Asset management can be categorized into several different types, depending on the types of assets being managed and the sector of application. Here are some of the major types of asset management: 1. Physical Asset Management Definition : Involves managing tangible assets such as buildings, machinery, vehicles, and infrastructure. Industries : Manufacturing, automotive, energy, power, and public infrastructure. Purpose : To maximize the lifespan, efficiency, and reliability of physical assets while minimizing costs through effective maintenance, repair, and replacement strategies. 2. Financial Asset Management Definition : The management of financial assets such as investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments. Industri...

Feasibility study for implementation of a Wind Energy power plant, the following are the step by step process in conducting the study which will give you the outline for the EPC activities for an onshore wind energy, irrespective of the location. 1.1 Feasibility Study & Site Selection Wind resource assessment : Use tools like Wind Atlas, LiDAR, and anemometers to measure wind speeds over a year. Site selection : A 1 GW wind farm requires 100-150 km² of land. Choose areas with high wind speeds, preferably offshore or coastal regions. Land acquisition : Secure land rights from the government or private owners, ensuring proper environmental assessments. 1.2 Technical Aspects Turbine selection : Choose turbines based on wind conditions. The capacity for each turbine can vary from 2 MW to 12 MW (offshore). Farm layout : Design the layout considering wind direction, wake effect, turbine height, and spacing. Transmission infrastructure : Connect to the grid through high-voltage substation...

The Indian government has kept a target of 175 GW installed capacity using different renewable energy technologies in the country. Currently, the total installed capacity of the country is 367.3 GW of which thermal is 230.72 GW , Nuclear is 6.78 GW , Hydro is 45.4 GW and RE is 84.4 GW as on 31.12.2019. For the month of December 2019 the electricity generated in different power segments is 86.1 BU in thermal, 3.6 BU in Nuclear, 8.9 BU in Hydro and 9.3 BU in RE [1] . Currently, the total renewable installed capacity is 57.472 GW ( 12.5 GW of solar i.e., 21.8% and 32.3 GW of wind i.e., 56.2% ).  Depending upon the current installation frequency, we can forecast whether we can reach the target by 2022 or 2030 . MNRE is exploring with new innovative approach for increasing the capacity of renewable energy in the country and promoting them for the same. [2] Benefits with 175 GW RE target   Reduces the carbon footprints in the country and promotes renewable energy tech...