Owner’s Engineer from Despro: Good day!

Project Developer: Hi, thank you for arranging this meeting on short notice. We are planning a new energy storage project and would like to discuss the initial phase and objectives of the project.

Owner’s Engineer: Thank you for the invitation. This sounds interesting. Let’s go over what you have planned so far and what you expect from this project.

Project Developer: Our goal is to build a 50 MW / 50 MWh energy storage system that will connect to a wind power plant substation, forming a hybrid power plant complex. We need your assistance with the technical specifications of the project, including equipment selection and technical requirements.

Owner’s Engineer: Excellent, we can help with that! The preliminary design begins with the permitting phase, where we can assist by preparing the building permit materials for the substation and energy storage system, including site and facade drawings and dimensioning of the main components. We can also design the connection to the existing substation or as a branch connection, as well as the potential power line design. It is important to consider compliance with standards and regulations, as well as safety aspects. The wheels of building permitting turn slowly but surely, and the building permits land in the project developer’s mailbox. The developer contacts the familiar party again.

Project Developer: We now have a permitted project and can start the detailed design. We are considering using a container solution for the energy storage and a skid-based DC/AC conversion, where inverters and transformers are packaged on a single platform.

Owner’s Engineer: Good, this is a well-available and proven choice. We can design the system to efficiently utilize the equipment’s features and meet the grid requirements. We can also assist with procurement, for example, by preparing procurement documentation, tendering, and selecting suppliers in cooperation with you.

Project Developer: We are thinking of making the procurement on a turnkey basis. This ensures that we have a single supplier responsible for the entire project. What do you think?

Owner’s Engineer: It can be a good option, but we need to ensure that the contract covers all necessary details, especially the supplier’s responsibilities regarding commissioning tests and long-term performance. Have you considered what kind of power plant controller this hybrid power plant will need?

Project Developer: What controller?

Owner’s Engineer: A hybrid power plant controller. According to grid requirements in Finland, the hybrid power plant complex must be centrally controlled from one location, and a device is needed to handle this and perform the functions required by the grid requirements by controlling the plant sections. The power plant controller also needs PSSE and PSCAD models so that the same functionalities can be replicated in simulation software.

Project Developer: Sounds complicated.

Owner’s Engineer: It is essential to start the process early to ensure that the selected controller meets the requirements and that the necessary simulations and actions can be performed to obtain the commissioning permit for the hybrid power plant. The process can take up to 1-2 years. We can also assist in this process.

Project Developer: Better get started right away then!

Time has moved forward again, equipment selections have been made, and the design has progressed.

Project Developer: Construction work has begun, and we have installers on site. Could you check the plans and ensure that everything is going as planned?

Owner’s Engineer: Of course. We conduct regular site supervision to ensure that the work progresses on schedule and safely, and meets the set requirements and standards.

Project Developer: Great, the next important phase is the system commissioning. How do we ensure that everything works as planned?

Owner’s Engineer: During the commissioning phase, the energy storage system supplier will conduct their own tests, followed by grid compliance tests. It is also advisable to perform PD (partial discharge) measurements on the medium-voltage cables before commissioning to ensure their integrity. By the way, the same should be done for the medium-voltage cables of the wind turbines, if it hasn’t been done already. We have the capability to perform various types of cable measurements, both on energized and non-energized cables. The project is entering the handover phase, where the main contractor hands over the facility to the Owner.

Project Developer: We are now at the stage where the system has been tested and is ready for use. Can we arrange the final handover and ensure everything is documented correctly?

Owner’s Engineer: Absolutely. We will conduct the final inspection and ensure that all documentation, such as user manuals, maintenance plans, and safety instructions, are in order. Additionally, we will review the system maintenance program.

Project Developer: Sounds good. We want to ensure the system operates reliably over the whole life cycle. What should we consider in terms of maintenance?

Owner’s Engineer: Regular maintenance is critical. The most important aspects are monitoring the condition of the battery, checking the cooling system’s functionality, and keeping the energy management system up to date. I also recommend performing regular performance checks and safety inspections.

Project Developer: Thank you so much for your help throughout the project. This has been a truly successful project, and we appreciate your expertise.

Owner’s Engineer:

Thank you, it was a pleasure working with you. I hope we can collaborate on future projects!

Project Developer: Likewise! This will surely become a long-term partnership.