129

Diesel and gas: gensets
Wind Energy
s7INDRESOURCEINFORESTAREAS
s-AINTENANCE
s-ODELINGANDSIMULATION
#OUNTRY3PECIAL#HILE
s3TARTSMARKETEXPANSIONOF
renewable energy
3OLAR06
s0HOTOVOLTAICTECHNOLOGIES
s3OUTHERN%UROPEANMARKETS
s/FFGRIDSYSTEMS
s(YBRIDGENERATIONTECHNOLOGY
s4RACKINGSYSTEMS
%NERGY3TORAGE
s2ENEWABLEENERGYWITH
STORAGESYSTEMS
s%MERGINGMARKETS
INTERSOLAR EUROPE INTERSOLAR NORTH AMERICA INTERSOLAR SOUTH AMER
The Worlds Leading
Exhibition Series
for the Solar Industry
Being a part of the global Intersolar network
means staying informed to secure business success.
With more than 20 years of experience Intersolars
events cover the issues that move the solar industry
and provide exhibitors, visitors and the media with
cutting-edge information about its dynamic markets.
Instead of merely keeping up with trends, it keeps
you a step ahead!
From Munich to Mumbai, San Francisco to So Paulo,
all the way to Beijing, Intersolar exhibitions and
conferences unveil the very latest in photovoltaics,
PV production technologies, solar thermal technologies
and energy storage.
Network at Intersolar and meet the people who
are shaping the solar markets!
ICA INTERSOLAR INDIA INTERSOLAR CHINA
CONTENTS# 129 - MARCH 2013
ON COVER HIMOINSA
Diesel and gas: gensets
Wind Energy
s7INDRESOURCEINFORESTAREAS
s-AINTENANCE
s-ODELINGANDSIMULATION
#OUNTRY3PECIAL#HILE
s3TARTSMARKETEXPANSIONOF
renewable energy
3OLAR06
s0HOTOVOLTAICTECHNOLOGIES
s3OUTHERN%UROPEANMARKETS
s/FFGRIDSYSTEMS
s(YBRIDGENERATIONTECHNOLOGY
s4RACKINGSYSTEMS
%NERGY3TORAGE
s2ENEWABLEENERGYWITH
STORAGESYSTEMS
s%MERGINGMARKETS
ON COVER
H|N0|hSA sat|shes the demands of the energy market w|th |ts gas and d|ese| gensets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
DIESEL AND GAS: GENSETS
An |ntroduct|on to motor se|ect|on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
WIND ENERGY
Assess|ng react|ve power support requ|rements for w|nd farms w|th mode||ng and s|mu|at|on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
w|nd resource assessment |n forest areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lower ma|ntenance costs and fa||ure rate |n w|nd turb|ne generators are poss|b|e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
COUNTRY SPECIAL: CHILE
|nterv|ew: 0ar|os F|nat, Fxecut|ve 0|rector of A0F8A (0h||ean Assoc|at|on of 8enewab|e Fnergy}: The 20/20 object|ve |s
ach|evab|e and w||| beneht energy pr|ces". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Starts market expans|on of renewab|e energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
0SP, 0h||e and the m|n|ng compan|es: A harmon|ous tr|o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
0Ptech's so|ut|ons for PV gr|d |ntegrat|on cha||enges |n 0h||e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
0ompany proh|e: 0FS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
0ompany proh|e: Power F|ectron|cs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SOLAR PV
The Strateg|c 8esearch Agenda of the Furopean Photovo|ta|c Techno|ogy P|atform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
0hange of energy from de base up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
The path to your own power gr|d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Hybr|d generat|on techno|ogy for renewab|e d|str|buted generat|on and dep|oyment of m|cro gr|ds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Southern Furopean markets are reach|ng gr|d par|ty desp|te the s|tuat|on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
ENERGY STORAGE
Fmerg|ng markets: renewab|e energy, te|ecom and backup power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
The se|f-sufhc|ent house: renewab|e energy w|th storage systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
6. Take Adv|ce / 8. Fd|tor|a| / 10. Latest 0|oba| Fnergy hews / 0. Products / 63. 0|ass|hed adverts
4 energetica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13
HIMOINSA
Ctra. Murcia-San Javier, Km. 23.6
30730 San Javier / Murcia (Spain)
Tel: +34 968 191 128
Fax: +34 968 191 217
www.himoinsa.com
HIMOINSA is a world-leading company in energy generation, with over 30 years
experience, and is today established as a great multinational, present in over 130
countries and capable of satisfying the demands of the electrical energy market.
The central headquarters of HIMOINSA, located in San Javier, Murcia (Spain),
currently has a total surface space of 65,000 m2 and its facilities of 40,000 m
2
are divided in three important production plants. The technology and know-how
acquired has taken the products of HIMOINSA beyond the national territory.
The power of nature is admirable. The power of nature is admirable.
Many species can thrive in extremely tough
conditions, for example.
Guascor has taken this fact as inspiration for
developing its cutting-edge solutions, which are
environment-friendly too.
Like our solutions for bio-energy generation.
Robust, effcient, clean solutions, able to create
new energy where before there was only residual
matter or organic waste.
Admiring the power of nature
Get our new eco catalogue at: www.guascorpower.com
Barrio de Oikia, 44 20759 Zumaia - Gipuzkoa - SPAN P.O. Box 30
T.: +34 943 86 52 00 F.: +34 943 86 52 10 E.: guascor@guascor.com
Global scope. Local focus.

Guascor is proud to be part of Dresser-Rand.
GERMANY
HANNOVER MESSE
Date: 8-12 April
Place: Hannover, Germany
Email: margarita.mahringer@
hannovermesse.com
Web: http://www.hannovermesse.de/
USA
CSP TODAY USA
Date: 26-27 June
Place: Las Vegas, USA
Email: jack@csptoday.com
Web: http://www.csptoday.com/usa/
index.php
UKRAINE
ELCOM UKRAINE
Date: 23-26 April
Place: Kiev, Ukraine
Email: ana.mamarbachi@infonegocio.com
Web: http://www.elcom-ukraine.com
CHILE
CSP TODAY LATAM
Date: 17-18 July
Place: Antofagasta, Chile
Email: belen@csptoday.com
Web: http://www.csptoday.com/latam/
en-index.php
ARAB EMIRATES
MENASOL 2013
Date: 14-15 May
Place: Dubai, UAE
Email: matt@pv-insider.com
Web: http://www.pv-insider.com
USA
SOLAR POWER INT.
Date: 2124 October
Place: Chicago, USA
Email: info@solarpowerinternational.com
Web: http://www.solarpowerinternational.com/
SPAIN
BILBAO MARINE ENERGY WEEK
Date: 15-19 April
Place: Bilbao, Spain
Email: bec@bec.eu
Web: http://www.sinaval-bmew.eu
GERMANY
INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2013
Date: 19-21 June
Place: Munich, Germany
Email: info@ramunich.com
Web: http://www.intersolar.de/en
USA
WINDPOWER
Date: 5-8 May
Place: Chicago, USA
Email: windmail@awea.org
Web: http://www.windpowerexpo.org/
MEXICO
THE GREEN EXPO
Date: 25-27 September
Place: Mexico DF, Mexico
Email: angelica@ejkrause.com
Web: http://www.thegreenexpo.com.mx/
MOROCCO
MAGHREB RENEWABLE
ENERGY CONGRESS
Date: 21-22 May
Place: Rabat, Morocco
Email: info@greenpowerconferences.com
Web: http://www.greenpowerconferences.com
SPAIN
EXPOBIOENERGA
Date: 22-24 October
Place: Valladolid, Sapin
Email: carmen.ruperez@expobioenergia.
com
Web: http://www.expobioenergia.com/
CHILE
IFT ENERGY
date: 17-19 April
Place: Santiago, Chile
Email: ccapurro@c2sconsulting.biz
Web: http://www.ift-energy.cl
CHINA
CIPV EXPO
Date: 3-5 July
Place: Beijing, China
Email: d.basten@koelnmesse.de
Web: http://www.cipvexpochina.com/
ITALY
SOLAREXPO
Date: 8-19 May
Place: Milan, Italy
Email: cecchin@global-solar-alliace.com
Web: http://www.solarexpo.com/
FRANCE
28TH EU PVSEC
Date: 1-3 de October
Place: Paris, France
Email: pv.exhibition@wip-munich.de
Web: http://www.photovoltaic-exhibition.
com
BULGARY
SMART BUILDINGS SOUTH-
EAST EUROPE
Date: 29-31 May
Place: Soa, Bulgary
Email: ofce@viaexpo.com
Web: http://www.eeandres.viaexpo.com/
en/smart-buildings
SPAIN
EGTICA-EXPOENERGTICA
Date: 13-15 November
Place: Valencia, Spain
Email: ala@egetica-expoenergetica.com
Web: http://www.egetica-expoenergetica.com
SPAIN
GREENENERGY INVEST
Date: 18 April
Place: Madrid, Spain
Email: rpedersen@ifaes.com
Web: http://www.greenenergyinvest.ifaes.
com/homepage.aspx?menuid=1
USA
INTERSOLAR NORTH AMERICA
Date: 9-11 July
Place: San Francisco, USA
Email: info@ramunich.com
Web: http://www.intersolar.us/en/
intersolar.html
ARAB EMIRATES
ENERGY QATAR
Date: 6-9 May
Place: Doha, Qatar, UAE
Email: info@ifpqatar.com
Web: http://www.energy-qatar.com
CHILE
EXPOSOLAR CHILE
Date: 11-12 October
Place: Santiago, Chile
Email: gerente@acesol.cl
Web: http://exposolarchile.cl
AUSTRIA
POWER GEN EUROPE
Date: 4-6 June
Place: Viena, Austria
Email: hibitpge@pennwell.com
Web: http://www.powergeneurope.com
SPAIN
NOVABUILD
Date: 13-15 November
Place: Valencia, Sapin
Email: comercial@novabuild.es
Web: http://www.novabuild.es
TAKE ADVICE
IN VIEW OF THE TURBULENT SITUATION AFFECTING MANY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES,
with governments having chosen to reduce and even eliminate
premiums for new renewable energy plants, large companies
in the sector are starting to modify their strategies to seek new
markets that are attractive for investment and where projects
can ourish. The old days of production subsidies and premiums
being the main tool for making money in the renewables market
are gone today there is a different logic in play.
Fundamentally, the new strategy that renewable companies
are adopting is based on two questions. Firstly, is grid parity a
reality? In other words, is renewable energy competitive alone,
without subsidies? Following on from this, what facilities are
in place for signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), either
with major electricity companies or directly with the industrial
clients to which the generated power is to be supplied? Com-
panies also look at other aspects to assess a markets suitability,
for example the need for a stable regulatory framework and an
energy market in which free market principles truly apply.
In this context, all eyes are on Latin America, where such ques-
tions meet with positive responses in more than a few cases. Right
now, this region offers the characteristics most sought after by
multinationals high energy prices for consumers, creating an
environment in which renewables can compete with coal or gas;
markets without feed-in tariffs, where a projects success does not
depend on changing regulations; and lastly a rm commitment
to renewables as the future basis of the new national energy mix.
For example, it is worth looking in more detail at Chile, which
is the focus of the Country Special in this issue of Energetica
International. Although this is a low potential market in compa-
rison with its regional neighbours (Chile has less than 17 million
inhabitants, compared with over 40 million in Argentina and
over 200 million in Brazil), there is little doubt in the attraction
of a country with high energy prices averaging over 150/MWh.
It is also a totally liberalised and transparent market, where
renewable energy has little penetration, but where ambitious
plans aim for 20% of consumption to come from renewable
sources by 2020. Lastly, this country is convinced of the need for
a robust national energy supply to allow it to forget about the
ghosts of 2004, when the country experienced serious problems
after its neighbour Argentina cut its supply of gas, which Chi-
leans had until then bought at bargain prices.
Given these underlying factors, which, as indicated, are not
exclusive to Chile but could be extrapolated to other countries
such as Mexico, Brazil or Peru, with their respective peculiarities,
it should come as no surprise that all eyes in the renewables
business are today focused on Latin America.
Change of direction: good bye to the feed-in tariff
EDITORIAL
Energetica XXI is member of the Spanish Editorials and
Newspapers publications Association. This association is
member of FIPP, EMMA, CEPYME and CEOE.
Editor Eugenio Prez de Lema. Director lvaro Lpez. Head of Editorial Department Javier Monforte. Journalist Gloria Llopis.
Coordination Gisela Bhl. Financial Director Carlos Fernndez. International Department Andrew Callaway.
Germany, Switzerland & Austria Eisenacher Medien. Tel: +49-228-2499860. mail: info@eisenacher-medien.de
USA an Canada: Leslie Hallanan, Avani Media. Tel: + 1 415 331 2150. mail: leslie@avanimedia.com
Layout Contras-t | Webmaster: Francisco Jos Reina Arana
OMNIMEDIA S.L. C/ Rosa de Lima 1 bis. Edicio Alba, oc. 104. 28290 Las Matas (Madrid).
Tel: +34 902 36 46 99 Fax +34 91 630 85 95 E-mail: info@energetica21.com. Web: www.energetica21.com
CONSULTING EDITORS
D. ngel F. Germn Bueno, Ingeniero Industrial y Profesor de Univ. Zaragoza. D. Ahmed Moussa, Ingeniero Industrial y Presidente de Stratconsult, S.L. D.
Jos Luis Garca Fierro, Prof. de investigacin del Instituto del Catlisis y Petroleoqumica del CESIC. D. Oscar Miguel Crespo, Dr. en Qumica y Resp. del
Dpto. de Energa de CIDETEC. Carlos Martnez Renedo, Ingeniero Industrial. PADE del IESE, Consultor y Director de Proyectos de Cogeneracin y Biomasa.
Coordinador del Grupo de Usuarios del motor 18V34SG. D. Francisco Marcos Martn, Dr. Ingeniero de Montes y Profesor de la Universidad Politcnica de
Madrid. D. Antonio Soria-Verdugo, Dpto. Ingeniera Trmica y de Fluidos de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. D. Eduardo Collado, director tcnico de ASIF.
D. Guillermo Calamita, REFUsol GmBH
The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The magazine and all of the text and images contained therein are protected
by copyright.
If you would like to use an article from Energetica International or our website www.energetica-international.com you may obtain the rights by calling OMNIMEDIA, S.L.
D.L.: M-8085-2001 | ISSN: 1577-7855
Energtica XXI is collaborater of Energa sin
Fronteras.
Energtica XXI is an associated to Solartys.
PV inverters
from
2.5 kW
up to 1 MW
Avda. Ciudad de la Innovacin, 13 - E-31621 Sarriguren - Spain - Tel. +34 948 288 000 - solar.energy@ingeteam.com
www.ingeteam.com
At Ingeteam, we apply the concept i+c, in
every project that we undertake innovation
to nd the best solution and commitment to
provide the best service.
Ingeteams INGECON SUN inverters are now
more powerful and efcient than ever. The
1Play and 3Play inverter families (2.5 to 10
kW and 10 to 40 kW respectively) are the
perfect choice for residential and industrial
installations. The PowerMax TL modular
central inverters are the best option for large
PV plants with direct connection to a MV
transformer.
The formula of the new energy
READY FOR YOUR CHALLENGES
Visit us at:
Johannesburg
POWER & ELECTRICITY WORLD 9-10 April
Istanbul
SOLAREX 11-13 April
Milan
SOLAR EXPO 8-10 May
Shanghai
SNEC PV POWER EXPO 14-16 May
Munich
INTERSOLAR 19-21 June
Delhi
RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA 12-14 Sept.
Chicago
SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 21-24 Oct.
LATEST GLOBAL ENERGY NEWS
EU cumulative installed
wind power capacity
exceeds 100 GW in 2012
Wind power makes further inroads into the worlds electricity
mix every year. It looks as though global wind power capacity
will increase by another 44,184 MW in 2012, and so raise global
installed capacity to more than 281 GW. Growth in 2012 was
driven by the United States, which chalked up a new installa-
tion record, and Europe, which remains a safe bet in the world
market.
The Asian market weakened a little but its potential for this
year nonetheless looks bright. For the European Unions wind en-
ergy market 2012 was a good year. According to EurObservER,
newly installed and hooked up capacity over the year was 11,840
MW. This took the EU breezing past the 100 GW installed capac-
ity landmark (105,635 MW). Considering the installations taken
out of service, EU capacity increased by 11,593 MW in 2012,
compared to a rise of 9299 MW in 2011. The European Union ,
per capita wind energy capacity gures now stand at 209.7 kW
per thousand inhabitants. This indicator reveals wind energys
actual weight in a country; leading EU countries are Denmark
(745.8 kW/1000 inhab), Spain (488.8 W/1000 inhab), and Portu-
gal (429.2 kW/1000 inhab). Also Sweden, Germany and Ireland
have a relatively high wind power capacity per thousand inhabit-
ants.
Countries with offshore wind power are: United Kingdom
(2679 MW), Denmark (922 MW), Belgium (380 MW), Germany
(280 MW), the Netherlands (228 MW), Sweden (163 MW), Fin-
land (26 MW), Ireland (25 MW) and Portugal (2 MW).
Wind power for 9 million
households in Eastern
Europe by 2020
Wind power in Central and Eastern Europe will become
a signicant source of electricity production by 2020 and
Turkeys wind power generation capacity will grow even
faster - provided there is a stable legal framework in each
country.
The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) re-
cently published a new report, Eastern Winds, analysing
the emerging wind power markets in Central and Eastern
European countries, plus Turkey, Ukraine and Russia.
Twelve newer EU Member States in Central and East-
ern Europe plan to increase wind power capacity from the
6.4 gigawatts installed at end of 2012 to 16 gigawatts
by 2020. This is equivalent to the electricity supply of 9
million households. Turkey wants to increase wind power
capacity from its current 2.3 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts
by 2023. Poland and Romania almost doubled their an-
nual installed wind power capacity in 2012. At the end of
2012, Poland had 2.5 gigawatts, Romania 1.9 gigawatts,
and Bulgaria 0.7 gigawatts of wind power capacity in-
stalled.
Global wind turbine market
can continue to expect
turbulence
Despite the ongoing growth expected in global wind power in-
stalled capacity, wind turbine manufacturers have several major
hurdles to overcome if they are to thrive in a challenging and
highly competitive market, states an alternative energy expert for
research and consulting rm GlobalData.
The wind turbine market suffers from manufacturing over-
capacity, falling subsidies, and uncertainty in some wind power
sectors. Vestas announcement of its 2012 results brought mixed
news, with the worlds largest wind turbine manufacturer antici-
pating weaker sales and revising shipment forecasts downwards
as a result.
The US and China the dominant forces in the wind turbine
production business currently account for 60% of the global
wind power market, but their potential for signicant turbine
manufacturer revenue generation seems slim.
On a more positive note, says the GlobalData consultant,
it looks as though turbine prices have bottomed out at least
for the leading manufacturers. A number of wind turbine manu-
facturers are developing new products which are arguably higher
priced per MW than conventional wind turbines.
Scotlands energy boom
continues
New gures published by industry body, Scottish Renew-
ables, has revealed for the rst time that Scotlands offshore
wind developers have invested around 165m in the Scot-
tish economy so far.
Scottish Renewables asked its members developing
offshore wind projects in Scottish waters how much they
had invested in the sector to date. The results showed that
164.5m of investment has been made with a signicant
proportion, 65m, being invested in 2012 alone.
The investment gure represents all contracts awarded
by developers with Scottish companies in advance of any
consents being awarded to their projects. 2012 really red
the starting gun for large scale offshore wind development
in Scotland with projects representing more than 4GW
(Gigawatts) of potential installed capacity, enough to pow-
er 3 million homes, entering the planning system.
Lightwheel
SLider
Renewable Energy sector
begins Action Alliance
On March 8th, around 100 representatives of the renewable
energy sector, from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the
Netherlands, have joined forces to form an action alliance.
Made up of operators, research institutes, universities, journal-
ists, communication agencies, companies and associations, this
group aims to develop a joint communication strategy. The rst
workshop took place during the photovoltaic symposium in Bad
Staffelstein. Further meetings and political round table discus-
sions are planned.
The subsidies for fossil fuels in Germany amount to over 20
billion euros annually, assuming 70 euros per ton of carbon di-
oxide. If the German governments decision of the energy trans-
formation to more renewables (the socalled Energiewende) is
reversed, carbon dioxide emissions and costs and subsidies for
the consequences of climate change will continue to rise.
While the levies for renewable energies are clearly declared,
the end user sees nothing of the billions in prot and the exter-
nal costs of old energy structures on his or her energy bill. The
current plans of the Federal Government, to cut remunerations
they had already agreed to, burden the protection of legitimate
expectation and are an encroachment upon property rights.
The action alliance is convinced that renewable energies can
supply 100 per cent of energy needs even before 2050, because
it is technically possible, affordable and citizen-oriented a
number of municipal initiatives even have taken up this goal
for the 2020s.
Acciona Group - rst wind farm in Croatia and rst wind
power component manufacturing plant in Brazil
Acciona Energy has put the
30-megawatt Jelinak wind
farm into service, its rst in
Croatia thus continuing its
expansion in international
markets. Acciona is also a pio-
neer as the rst Spanish wind
power company to develop a
project in the country.
Located in the region
of Split-Dalmatia, in north-
western Croatia, the Jelinak
wind farm consists of twenty
1.5MW turbines of Acciona
Windpower technology. It will
produce 81 million kilowatt-
hours per year.
Acciona Windpower has in-
augurated its wind turbine hub
assembly plant in Simes Filho
(Bahia, Brazil). This is Accionas
rst industrial initiative in Bra-
zil, aimed at supplying wind
turbines to the countrys fast-
growing wind energy sector.
The assembly plant will pro-
duce 135 hubs a year for the
3-megawatt AW-3000 wind
turbine, the biggest model de-
signed and manufactured by
Acciona Windpower. The main
function of the hub is to join
the blades to the power train
and transfer the energy cap-
tured by the blades.
EU to register Chinese solar
imports with immediate effect
On March 5th the European Commission started registra-
tion of solar products imported into the EU from China in
anticipation of possible anti-dumping and countervailing
duties. With immediate effect importers of solar power
modules, solar cells and solar wafers must specify at cus-
toms whether the products were imported from China or
have been produced mainly in China. Importers may pay
duties on such registered products if retroactive measures
are imposed.
The current anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investi-
gations in Brussels follow trade complaints led by the
European solar industry, represented by EU ProSun. The
European Commission has been investigating Chinese
manufacturers since September 2012, and will make a
preliminary decision on anti-dumping in early June.
If anti-dumping tariffs are imposed, they can be col-
lected 90 days retroactively, therefore from March 2013.
In 2012 the United States of America imposed anti-
dumping duties on solar products from China. As soon as
retroactive duties became a possibility, dumped Chinese
imports decreased drastically from March 2012. Nonethe-
less, the US solar market grew in 2012, with the number
of new installations increasing substantially and average
prices for consumers falling in line with technical prog-
ress.
Barlovento will act as
consultant in 26MW of PV
projects in Atacama, Chile
Barlovento Recursos Naturales is the Independent Technical
Consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), -
nancial entity which is evaluating funding two photovoltaic proj-
ects which will be pioneer in the production and sale of energy
through PPAs with large consumers. Both projects add up to 26
MW currently being developed at Calama and Pozo Almonte, in
the North of Chile. This service rendered by Barlovento to nan-
cial entities is the key aspect for the access to credit, especially
under the Project Finance method, as it greatly reduces the yield
uncertainty. The technical assessor identies and assesses all tech-
nical risks and allows taking the necessary corrective measures for
its mitigation and control.
Barlovento has visited the sites and carried out the correspond-
ing solar resource and production assessments and has evaluated
all technical aspects: design, equipment, permitting, technical
studies (environmental, geotechnical, archaeological, drainage,
etc.), building and operation and maintenance contracts, nan-
cial base cases hypothesis, etc The rest of tasks consist in the
follow-up during the execution of the building works, the accep-
tance tests and the verication of guarantees. It is also worth not-
ing the technical support permanently provided to the nancers.
TenneT awards DolWin3 project to Alstom
Transmission System Operator TenneT has
awarded the DolWin3 offshore project to
Alstom. This project connects the North Sea
wind farms to the mainland supergrid and
has an investment volume of more than 1
billion. With this project, we help to take
the energy turnaround another step forward
and make it possible for offshore wind en-
ergy to make an important contribution to
our future energy supplies, says Lex Hart-
man, member of the board of TenneT. With DolWin3 included,
we will be able to supply a total of more than 6,000 MW of clean
energy from the North Sea and we will be investing more than
7 billion in the energy turnaround.
DolWin3 is the eighth grid connection project to be imple-
mented by TenneT using direct current technology. Together with
three projects based on AC current technology, the Transmission
System Operator responsible for the North Sea will then deliver a
total of around 6.2 GW of offshore wind energy to the mainland.
The DolWin3 project will be the third grid connection in the Dol-
Win wind farm cluster in the south-western region of the North
Sea and will offer a capacity of 900 MW. The
project will be completed in 2017.
As the general contractor for TenneT, Al-
stom will supply and construct both the on-
shore and offshore converter stations as well
as the connecting cable systems for DolWin3.
The project will use direct current technology
(with Voltage Source Converters (VSC); 320
kV, 900 MW) to deliver the energy generated
at sea down an 83 km sea cable to the main-
land. From the coast, the wind power will then be transported a
further 79 km via and underground cable to the converter station
in Drpen/West in Lower Saxony (Germany). The grid connection
will be supplied as a turnkey solution by Alstom.
energetica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13 15
Chile commits
to CSP technology
On February 28th the Chilean Ministry of Energy and CORFO
publicly presented the international bidding process for the
construction of the rst CSP power plant in Latin America. This
announcement comes one year after the announcement of
the National Energy Strategy, by Chilean President Sebastin
Piera. The Chilean Government has worked intensely in re-
cent months to ensure the adequate conditions are in place to
make CSP a competitive technology in Chile. The soft-nancing
loans, grants, and public land in the Norte Grande, which the
government will provide, combined with the dramatic drop in
CSP prices in recent months, will contribute to bring Chile to
the head of solar technologies in Latin America.
The bidding for the 160MW solar thermal plant in Ouarza-
zate (Morocco), the rst stand-alone solar thermal energy proj-
ect in North Africa and the rst competitive tender process for
the construction and operation of a solar power plant in the
world, has evidenced a great cost reduction in the solar thermal
industry. The winning consortium formed by ACWA Power In-
ternational, Aries Ingeniera y Sistemas, and TSK presented the
most competitive offer (190 USD/MWh), 28% lower than the
second best bid. For the principal member of the consortium,
ACWA Power, a leading Saudi IPP, the Ouarzazate project rep-
resents its entry into the solar thermal industry, being techni-
cally advised by the Spanish engineering rm Aries.
An example of the innovative nature of this industry is the
HITECO project, (New solar collector concept for high tempera-
ture operations in CSP applications), a part of the 7th Frame-
work Programme of the European Commission, which aims
to overcome current limitations in the technology, redening
concepts and seeking exibility in operating plants. The HITE-
CO consortium brings together industrial partners and research
centers from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Re-
public, which is coordinated by Aries Ingeniera y Sistemas.
HITECO is developing a new concept, aimed at increasing the
efciency of parabolic devices, among other things, because
the heat transfer uid surpasses the current operating tempera-
ture of 400C, which in turn is applicable for use with any heat
transfer uid. This increase in temperature to 600C, improves
the overall performance of the cycle and therefore the energy
efciency of plants with parabolic troughs.
Andrew Garrad new President of the European Wind
Energy Association
The European Wind Energy Associa-
tion (EWEA) has elected Andrew Gar-
rad as its new President. Garrad joined
the wind energy industry in 1979 and
was President and later Chairman of GL
Garrad Hassan, the worlds largest inde-
pendent renewable energy consultancy,
with 1,000 employees in 27 countries
devoted to renewable energy.
Garrad built his rst wind turbine
when he was eighteen in 1971 and was
awarded in 2006 the Poul la Cour Prize
for his outstanding contribution to wind
energy.
I believe that the wind industry
needs to respond urgently to the mar-
ket conditions that face us now to en-
sure that we are positioned to become
the major provider of Europes energy
early in the 21st century. I am honoured
by my election and humbled by the task
ahead, said Garrad in Brussels.
The election took place after Arthou-
ros Zervos announced in February 2013
at EWEAs annual event that he would
stand down as President after 12 years
in the post. Arthouros Zervos will re-
main a member of the EWEA Board.
The new President will form a new
leadership team for EWEA, together
with EWEAs new Chief Executive Of-
cer Thomas Becker who starts in April.
Prysmian secures
Dolwin3 project worth
in excess of 350M
Prysmian Group has been awarded
a new major contract worth in ex-
cess of 350 million by Alstom Grid
for the connection project DolWin3
linking offshore wind farms in the
North Sea to mainland Germany on
behalf of the Dutch-German grid
operator TenneT.
The project involves supply,
installation and commissioning
of High Voltage Direct Current
(HVDC) 320 kV extruded subma-
rine and land cable power cable
connections with a rating of 900
MW and associated bre optic ca-
ble system, comprising of a 78 km
land route and of a subsea route of
83 km. The turnkey connection will
link the offshore converter platform
DolWin Gamma in the DolWin
cluster zone, located approximately
85 km offshore in the North Sea to
the mainland with the purpose of
transmitting power from renew-
able source into the German Grid.
First joint wind project completed by
Siemens and Shanghai Electric
The onshore wind power plant Guangrao
with a capacity of 50 MW was completed
at the end of 2012. It is the rst project
jointly delivered and implemented by the
two wind power joint ventures of Siemens
and Shanghai Electric. The joint ventures
delivered 20 SWT-2.5.-108 wind turbines
with an output of 2.5 megawatts each and
a rotor diameter of 108 meters. This also
marks a key milestone for the two compa-
nies after signing their alliance agreements
at the end of 2011. Since their beginning
in 2013, the two joint ventures called Sie-
mens Wind Power Turbines (Shanghai)
Co., Ltd, and Shanghai Electric Wind En-
ergy Co., Ltd., are now in full operation
and ready to serve the worlds largest wind
power market.
Siemens opens worlds largest wind turbine
R&D test facilities
Siemens Energy has opened two
major Research & Development
test facilities for wind turbine
technology in Denmark. The
new test center in Brande fea-
tures test stands for major components of
Siemens wind turbines, including genera-
tors, main bearings and complete nacelles.
In Aalborg, seven blade test
stands are capable to perform
full scale tests of rotor blades,
including the worlds larg-
est blade in operation with a
length of 75 meters. In combination, the
two facilities form the worlds largest R&D
test center for wind turbine technology.
Which innovations could boost
your business?
At HANNOVER MESSE youll benefit from
11 leading trade fairs which span the entire
value adding chain and offer insights into
cutting-edge technology from all over the
world.
See cutting-edge technology which spans
the entire industrial value adding chain.
Access the latest know-how in the core
sectors of industrial automation and
IT, energy and green technology, power
transmission and control technology,
industrial supply, production technology
and services, including research and
development.
Dont miss the worlds most important
technology event.
You can find out more at hannovermesse.com
ENGINEER
SUCCESS
New technologies
New solutions
New networks
A date to remember:
812 April 2013
Mahringer Consultores de Ferias Internacionales, S. L.,
Tel. +34 91 71 30 14 6, margarita.mahringer@hannovermesse.com
NEW TECHNOLOGY FIRST
812 April 2013 Hannover Germany
Mainstream completes nancial
close and starts building $70m
wind farm in Chile
Global wind and solar developer Mainstream Renewable Power
has successfully completed Financial Close and has started con-
structing its 33MW Negrete Cuel Wind Farm in southern Chile.
The wind farm, which is 100% owned by Mainstream, is expect-
ed to be fully operational by September this year.
The project has been nanced without a Power Purchase
Agreement and Mainstream will sell the energy directly into the
spot market. China Development Bank has provided USD52 mil-
lion in senior project nance for the wind farm. Leading Chinese
wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind is supplying the project
with its GW87 1.5 MW wind turbines.
Mainstream is developing 2,300MW of wind and solar proj-
ects in Chile. The company has been active in the Chilean market
since 2009 when it partnered with local Chilean developer Andes
Energy. Mainstream has recently won a government tender to
develop and build the 150MW Calama Oeste wind farm which is
located in the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile and is currently
constructing four additional wind and solar projects in South Af-
rica and Ireland.
SunEdison and CAP sign
agreement to build 100MW solar
PV plant in Chile
SunEdison has signed an agreement with the Chilean min-
ing and steel group CAP to construct what is expected
to be the largest solar photovoltaic power plant in Latin
America and one of the largest in the world. The plant is
designed to have an installed capacity of 100MW (DC) and
will be located in the Atacama Desert of Chile. It is esti-
mated that the plant will produce as much as 15% of the
mining groups energy needs.
The plant will be built using SunEdison technology. More
than 300,000 Silvantis monocrystalline silicon modules will
be installed, which are made from non-toxic, non-polluting
material that can be recycled at the end of its useful life, to-
gether with solar trackers designed by SunEdison, for which
steel produced by CAP is expected to be used.
CCIB, Barcelona, generates its own
energy by installing a wind turbine
The Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), continu-
ing with its rm commitment to improving energy efciency in
its facilities, has installed a 1kW vertical-axis wind turbine on its
north-eastern roof in order to generate its own energy.
The project was jointly developed with the engineering com-
pany Virtus Nova Enginyers which, after analysing various other
systems, opted for a mini urban rooftop wind turbine. Of the
different types they looked at, they decided on the silent Tech-
nowind vertical-axis wind turbine, designed and manufactured
entirely in Catalonia by the Catalan company Ficosa.
Availon signs major full-service
maintenance contract
Availon announced that it signed a new full service contract for
three wind farms in Germany with NIBC European Infrastructure
Fund (NEIF). The projects were built with 19 Vestas V80 2.0 MW
wind turbines, with a total installed capacity of 38MW, and will
be maintained by Availon for 10 years. The three German wind
farms are located in Schnellin (Sachsen-Anhalt), Helmstedt (Nied-
ersachsen) and Bddenstedt (Niedersachsen).
Under this multi-million full scope service agreement, known
as WindKeeper Complete, Availon will perform regular mainte-
nance of the Vestas turbines twice a year, as well as unscheduled
maintenance when required. With WindKeeper Complete, the
WTG operator is able to shift virtually all of the risks to the service
provider. The scope of performance provided by full service agree-
ments of this kind includes the replacement of major components
and, depending on WTG type, up to six upgrades designed to
enhance its availability or safety.
Moventas expands up-
tower service with mobile
service units
Moventas announced the launch of new custom-built Mobile
Service Units for wind gears. Moventas unique ability to repair
the entire helical side of the gearbox up-tower greatly reduces
maintenance costs and therefore the cost of wind energy.
Moventas launched its up-tower repair service last year after
successfully completing a multitude of full helical gearbox repairs
up-tower. Moventas now offers full helical up-tower service on
non-Moventas gears as well as Moventas-made gears. Designed
to support Moventas up-tower eld service program, the self-
contained, climate-controlled mobile workshops are outtted
with a retractable roof, a power generator, plumbed air lines, a
parts wash basin, and an induction heater. The four units are stra-
tegically located throughout North America.
The ability to repair the entire helical side of the gearbox up-
tower greatly reduces maintenance costs by utilizing small cranes
in place of large capacity boom and tail cranes. Repair times are
collapsed by eliminating the need to ship gears to and from ser-
vice centers and weather delays are mitigated with fewer lifts and
smaller components.
Deutsche Windguard Offshore
Helicopter Underwater Escape
Training certied by GL RC
GL Renewables Certication (GL RC) has certied Deutsche
WindGuard Offshore GmbHs Helicopter Underwater Escape
Training. Helicopter transport is an important way for techni-
cal personnel to reach offshore wind farm installations, but
before getting on board, a certied training course must be
passed. GL RC certies training providers to its standards,
which set out the fundamental prerequisites for efcient
training, such as proper organisation of the training course,
careful documentation and high-quality teaching equipment
and materials.
Completing a HUET course, as provided by Deutsche Wind-
Guard Offshore GmbH, is compulsory for everyone who has
to reach his workplace on the high seas by helicopter, such
as offshore technicians, maintenance staff and installation ex-
perts for the construction of wind farms.
CENER starts the pyranometer
calibration season
The National Renewable Energy Centre
(CENER) will soon be kicking off the
new pyranometer calibration season.
CENERs Solar Thermal Test Laboratory
is the only laboratory in Spain to be
accredited to calibrate pyranometers
according to the international ISO stan-
dard 9847:1992 Calibration of eld
pyranometers by comparison to a refer-
ence pyranometer.
Pyranometers are calibrated outdoors on a horizontal surface
with respect to a standard pyranometer with traceability to refer-
ence standards of the World Radiation Center (WRC-PMOD) in
Davos (Switzerland). The measurements will be carried out at the
BSRN radiometric station that CENER possesses at its facilities in
Sarriguren (Navarra, Spain).
Neoenergia starts construction of solar
plant at the Arena Pernambuco soccer
stadium, Brazil
Neoenergia and Odebrecht Energia began the deployment of the
solar power plant at the Arena Pernambuco soccer stadium, a
project that is part of the Research and Development program
of the three distributors of the Neoenergia Group; Celpe (state
of Pernambuco), Coelba (state of Bahia) and Cosern (state of Rio
Grande do Norte). With 1 MWp of installed capacity, equivalent
to the average consumption of 6000 Brazilians, the solar plant
will cost about 10 million Brazilian Reals, being 9 million Brazilian
Reals invested by Neoenergia, through the R&D stategy project
of Aneel, and 1.2 million Brazilian Reals invested by Odebrecht
Energia, with completion scheduled for June 2013.
Located in an area of 14.5 thousand square meters, within the
Arena area, the installation of the solar plant is part of the Strate-
gic Project for Research and Development - Technical and Com-
mercial Arrangements for Insertion of Solar Photovoltaic Genera-
tion in the Brazilian Energy Matrix launched in August 2011 by
the National Agency of Electric Energy (ANEEL).
Offshore wind: Denmark
reaches 1 GW milestone
On March 18th, wind turbine number 36 at the Anholt
Offshore Wind Farm was connected to the grid. Denmark
will thus reach 1 GW of connected offshore capacity. A
milestone that cements Denmarks key position in this
area and points the way towards 50 per cent wind energy
in 2020. With this connection Denmarks offshore wind
farms will be able to supply the equivalent of approx. 1
million households electricity consumption.
Many years targeted innovation in the industry,
coupled with ambitious political objectives, makes Den-
mark the country in the world that other countries look
to when it comes to wind energy. The cost of wind energy
generated offshore in Denmark is therefore lower than in
any other country in Europe , and Danish wind companies
are much in demand when new wind farms are to be
built around the world, says Jan Hylleberg.
Dong Energy, which has constructed and operates
more offshore wind farms than any other company in the
world, is delighted about the prospects that the Anholt
offshore wind farm offers the industry. With its capac-
ity of 400 MW distributed on 111 turbines, the Anholt
Offshore Wind Farm, which is scheduled for completion
at the end of 2013, will supply 4 per cent of Denmarks
electricity consumption, equivalent to approx. 400,000
households.
Qatar Solar Technologies
to power Qatar
rst passivhaus
Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) recently
presented Barwa with the rst of 136 solar
modules that will be used to power Qatars
Passivhaus-Baytna project. When installed,
the SolarWorld-QSTec photovoltaic mono-
crystalline silicon panels will provide all of
Passivhaus electricity requirements, with
excess power being exported back into
Kahramaas power grid.
The QSTec-supplied high efciency
panels have an installed power of 34 kWp
and will produce around 58,000 kWh of
electricity per year. Using this solar power
system to exclusively supply Barwas Pas-
sivhaus will help avoid approximately 35
metric tons of CO
2
emissions per year.
Emerson SPV grid inverter solution
chosen for UKs largest sun park
The Emerson SPV grid inverter solution, chosen for one of the UKs rst sun
parks generating 1 MW of power, has just completed its rst 12 months of gen-
eration and has exceeded expectations by some 4%. During this time the sun
park has exceeded one million kilowatt-hours of electricity production.
Ecotricitys 1.95 hectare Fen Farm Sun Park in Lincolnshire has 5,157 solar
panels, and feeds into the same sub-station as the companys 20 MW wind park
that has been generating green electricity since July 2008. The sun park alone
generates enough electricity to power around 250 homes. These two power
sources are complementary in winter, when theres less sun there is typically
more wind, and vice versa in the summer months. Ecotricity sees this hybrid
solution as an ideal design for future green energy.
LTi REEnergy acquires abakus solar AG
as a major customer
In abakus solar AG, LTi has acquired a
major customer for realizing worldwide
photovoltaic projects. Abakus solar AG is a
leading, internationally active photovolta-
ics system house with extensive technical
expertise ranging from small units through
to megawatt-scale solar parks, and it has
already placed orders for the UK (18 MW),
South Africa, and the USA with LTi.
The photovoltaic parks near of South-
ampton in the South of England are pio-
neering projects for LTi in the British Isles.
One particular challenge when imple-
menting container stations for the UK was
in designing for the 33-kV British medium
voltage grid. PVmaster inverter stations are
usually designed for typical supply voltages
of 10 kV and 20 kV. The size of the trans-
former and the switchgear increase signi-
cantly in relation to the mains voltage.
Italys 24MW Deliceto
wind project grid-
connected and operating
Leitwind announced on January the com-
missioning of the Deliceto wind farm,
which is now gridconnected and operat-
ing in Apulia, Italy. Leitwind was contract-
ed by Elce Energia Spa in 2012 to build the
24MW Deliceto wind farm, which is made
of 16 Leitwinds patented LTW80 1,5MW
gearless turbines.
The Deliceto wind farm adds to the
40MW of wind energy capacity already
installed by Leitwind in Apulia in the past
years. Due to the favorable wind condi-
tions, Apulia is one of the leading wind
energy areas in Italy.
The energy
of knowledge
At CENER we are working on the development of renewable energy.
Because we care about the world we live in.
www.cener.com
e-mail: info@cener.com
Phone: +34 948 25 28 00
Applied Research, Development, and Innovation
Carries out studies, energy audits, and resource (sun, wind and biomass) assessment
Highly-skilled services for testing and certifying components and systems
Development and technological transfer
Technical training
It is a member of International Standardisation Committees
NATIONAL RENEWABLE
ENERGY CENTRE
Deger delivers 1,161 tracking
systems to Spain
Deger delivers 1,161 DEGERtraker
5000NT tracking systems to Spain. The
customer is the Alternativa Energtica
3000 (AE3000) company, which pur-
chased and installed 3,100 Deger sys-
tems in recent years.
Between 2004 and 2008, AE3000
built several solar parks in Spain and in-
stalled altogether 3,100 Deger systems
there. In the following years the Span-
ish market lay almost desolate, due to
the uncertainties regarding feed in tariff
and political framework conditions. In
the meantime, the projects applied for
by AE3000 have started moving again.
And: After many years of practical ex-
perience, the investor is highly satised
with the yield as well as the robust, reli-
able technology from DEGER.
Satised to such an extent that he
has now placed a large follow-up order:
After delivering and installing 108 DE-
GERtrakers type 5000NT in late autumn
2012, AE3000 has now ordered fur-
ther 1,053 systems. The rst ones are
already on the way; the rest are to be
delivered until March. AE3000 will use
them to build several new solar parks in
the northern Spanish region of Catalo-
nia near the city of Lleida.
Premo announces
EMC lters
approval
by TV SD
Premo DC Rated EMC lters, series FEDC-
600P, FEDCS-1500P-LL & FEDC-1500P-LL,
and AC Rated EMC lters, series HCW-
MGF-1000HV-LL, HCWMGF-1300HV-LL
& HCWMGF-1600HV-LL have been ap-
proved by TV SD company as per EN
60939-2:2005 & EN 60939-1:2005 stan-
dards.
Premo DC lters have been specially
designed for PV inverters. The FEDC series
is a compact solution which allows EMC
standards compliancy for entire PV system.
The applications of the FEDC lter in PV
installations help to increase solar panel
reliability, increase immunity in the inverter
control phase, and avoid any electromag-
netic interference miss function.
Alusin Solar completes four new PV Projects
in record time
Spanish Mounting Systems specialist
Alusin Solar has completed four of their
last projects, before deadline, making a
total nominal power of 3.3MW; 2.2MW
Ground mounted, 1MW on roof, and
53kWp plus 20kWp on ballasts over at
roofs.
Due to cuts in FITs and coming morato-
rium, investors in Spain are worried about
deadlines so companies with a medium
size as Alusin Solar must make a great ef-
fort for attend all their customers at the
same time respecting the project dates.
Fortunately, Alusin Solar has ended all the
projects before deadline, which is a great
new for their current and coming projects
plans.
The Switch 5 MW drive train packages installed
and operating in Chinese offshore wind project
The Switch announced recently that its
rst 5 MW high-speed drive trains in-
stalled in the eld in China for CSIC
(Chongqing) Haizhuang Windpower
Equipment Co., Ltd (HZ Windpower), a
Chinese wind power equipment manu-
facturer, are now successfully operating.
The turbines operate continuously at 5
MW, the highest power rate so far for
The Switch.
The new Haizhuang PMG5000 gener-
ators and FPC5000 converters have been
designed especially for Haizhuang by in-
tegrating the latest technology and the 6
GW real-life wind power eld experience
of The Switch.
safety
PROTECT YOUR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS
Can Tapioles, c/ Narcis Monturiol n4 nave 10 08110 Montcada i Reixac, Barcelona (SPAIN)
comercial@proat.es www.proat.es +34 93 579 06 10
ISOLATION MONITOR GROUND FAULT
INTERRUPTER
www.proat.es

Spain, world leader
in Energy Management
Systems (ISO 50001)
certicates
Spain is the country with the greatest
number of Energy Management System
certicates in the world according to the
international Standard ISO 50001. So it
is stated by the International Standariza-
tion Organization (ISO) in its latest report
which shows data certication over 32
countries in the world.
According to ISO Survey 2011, Spain
leads this ranking with 95 certicates
above countries as Germany, United King-
dom, Sweden or Denmark, among others.
AENOR, the certication body of reference
in Spain, has issued near 120 Energy Man-
agement recognitions.
This kind of certication evidences that
the organization fulls the requirements
of the International Standard ISO 50001
and has adopted an Energy Management
System focused to continual improve-
ment. It helps to manage and reduce
the companies energy consumption,
the nancial costs and the Greenhouse
gases emissions. In addition, companies
gathering such certication are increas-
ingly well positioned in public contracting
processes.
The Gibraltar Power
Plant reinforces
its energy supply
Gibraltar (UK) does not have an elec-
tricity network, it produces its own
energy with generators. At present
it has a power station to guarantee
supply to the population.
With an approximate popula-
tion of 29,500 inhabitants, Gi-
braltar has a constantly increasing
energy demand. Gibelec, the Gi-
braltar Electricity Authority, reached
an agreement with Himoinsa in
June 2012, through the company
Portman Ltd, to ensure energy sup-
port to the current power station.
Along these lines Himoinsa has
supplied generators that produce
energy on a permanent basis, both
to cover peak demand and to pro-
vide supply when other station gen-
erators experience faults or undergo
maintenance checks.
The set-up of Himoinsa genera-
tors within the power station is con-
trolled by means of the SCADA sys-
tem, computer software that allows
remote controlling and monitoring
of industrial processes.
s Positive assessment by UniCredit Leasing strengthens
Solar Frontiers bankability
s Creating the worlds largest solar bridge at Blackfriars
s Kyocera solar modules generate energy for electric
wheelchairs
s Wrtsil to set up new manufacturing plant in Brazil
s Rolls-Royce to supply a Trent 60 industrial gas turbine
to Mexico
s Zigor Corporacin performs the commissioning of the
rst on-grid PV power plant in Ecuador
s GPTECH opens a sales-engineering ofce in Chile
s AEG Power Solutions opens a new branch ofce In
Santiago de Chile
s First Solar now shareholder in Desertec Industrial
Initative
s 35MW of JA Solar modules are sent to Israel
s The Syrian energy sector continues to suffer
s China Sunergy begins manufacturing in Turkey
s Obama offers no leadership on oil and gas in State of
the Union, States GlobalData
s American solar manufacturers appeal loophole in trade
remedy cases against illegal practices
s BIJ, nergia and meeco sign MoU on Japanese market
s IEA report sees scope for transformation of Asia-Pacic
natural-gas market
s Singulus strengthens its PV activities in Korea
Worlds rst
nationwide EV charging
network starts
Estonia has become the worlds rst country
to launch a nationwide fast-charging net-
work for electric vehicles, using technology
provided by ABB, the leading power and au-
tomation technology group.
The network of 165 web-connected
direct current (DC) fast chargers, supplied
and built by ABB, was ofcially opened on
Wednesday. The chargers are installed in
urban areas with more than 5,000 inhab-
itants, and on major roads throughout the
country, creating the highest concentration
of DC chargers in Europe. On highways, the
chargers are never more than 60km apart,
making it possible for electric vehicles to
travel anywhere within the Baltic state with-
out running out of power.
Unlike conventional residential power out-
lets, which take up to eight hours to charge
an electric vehicle, ABBs Terra 51 DC fast
chargers need only 15-30 minutes to do the
job. The fast-charging stations comply with
the CHAdeMO charging standard and can
be used for charging vehicles with DC of up
to 50 kilowatts (kW) as well as with alternat-
ing current (AC) of up to 22kW. The methods
can be used simultaneously, if necessary.
ENERGY NEWS IN BRIEF further information: visit www.energetica-international.com
ON COVER
HIMOINSA satises
the demands of the energy market with its gas and diesel gensets
I
ts concern for covering the clients
needs has lead it to offer a wide ran-
ge of diesel and gas generators. It is
without a doubt a mixed formula that
enables it to offer a comprehensive energy
solution in the market in which it operates.
To its wide range of diesel products is
incorporated the gas generation range
with power outputs from 8 kW to 3.5
MW, powered by different gas fuels such
as Natural Gas, Biogas and LPG (Liqueed
Petroleum Gas), among others.
The gas generators are intended for on-
site electrical supply, which is commonly
known as distributed generation. This en-
ables network transmission losses to be
eliminated, at the same time as reducing
pollution emissions when compared to
other generation technologies; they are
even eliminated when using renewable fu-
els such as biogas.
The Cogeneration sales director at HI-
MOINSA, Manuel Aguilera, states that
the multinational has worked on the de-
sign of gas equipment capable of offering
important savings in the consumption of
electrical energy: The gas generator tar-
gets a continuous, more efcient, more af-
fordable and cleaner electrical generation
market than other generation systems. In
many cases it is more affordable than elec-
trical energy from the mains he adds.
One of the known applications of gas
generators is cogeneration, where as
well as electrical energy, the heat from
the engine is exploited to produce hot
water or steam. In cogeneration with a
gas engine, an efciency level of 90% is
achieved compared with 35% for mains
electricity.
Over the past few years, many clients
have shown their concern over the cost
of electricity and an interest in gaining
efciency. To this regard, promoting gas
generation as a source of continuous and
distributed electrical energy has become
for HIMOINSA an additional instrument to
satisfy the energy needs of its clients
HIMOINSA, is a world-leading company in energy generation, with over 30 years experience,
and is today established as a great multinational, present in over 130 countries and capable of
satisfying the demands of the electrical energy market.
J
Himoinsa gas power
Why Gas? Gas is cheaper. And
cleaner. In some countries, its price
is even less than one third of diesel
and much more stable. It is becom-
ing a more and more available en-
ergy source all over the world. En-
gines are more durable as oil keeps
its optimum characteristics for a
longer period, so operational costs
are lower than in diesel, emissions
too. That means that your total
costs of ownership* (TCO) will be
less with a gas genset rather than
a diesel one.
The energy
Base Load, Peak Shaving, Stand-By,
Load Share, Back Synch, etc., what-
ever the type of power you need, our
gas gensets will adapt perfectly to
your demands. Thanks to the experi-
ence gained during more than thirty
years, our electronics factory has re-
leased a specic controller for every
need. Rugged, reliable, intuitive.
Blue energy
Less emissions, less noise, less vi-
brations, less smoke, less oil, less
CO
2
, SO
2
and NOx. More and more
countries are increasing their elec-
tric power generation with gas en-
gines, helping to reduce emissions
and improving our environment.
Ask us, we will explain you how
your business can benet from us-
ing HIMOINSA Gas Generators.
On-site power
Distributed energy avoids looses on
transport and saves costs in electri-
cal infrastructures. Be your own de-
cision maker and create your own
inexpensive electrical energy.
DIESEL AND GAS: GEN SETS
An introduction to motor selection
T
here are many types of motor, from
high cost high performance servos
to models at the cheaper end of the
range, including many specialist types of
motors. Choosing the right one for any
given application depends on many varia-
bles, but very often a standard industrial
AC induction motor is the best answer.
These are relatively low cost, reliable, ef-
cient, and well understood by engineers
across all industrial sectors. The main con-
siderations for selection for this type of
motor can be outlined as follows:
Power supply
Most mains power supplies are single
phase or three phase, with the latter al-
most universal in industrial environments.
Single or three phase motors must be used,
depending on the supply. Three phase mo-
tors tend to be smaller and more powerful.
It is also imperative to consider the mo-
tors voltage against the supply voltage;
it is usual that the selected motor has a
nameplate voltage about 10 percent less
than the supply voltage to allow for distri-
bution losses.
Mains supply is alternating current (AC,
as opposed to direct current, DC), and its
frequency, measured in Hertz, is xed. The
chosen motor is usually matched to the sup-
ply frequency, to within about 5 percent.
If the supply voltage and/or frequency uc-
tuate widely, motor performance will suf-
fer and its working life may be shortened.
However, it should be noted that motors can
be used in conjunction with variable speed
drives, which make the output speed adjust-
able by varying the infeed frequency.
System requirements
The driven equipment will require a cer-
tain performance from its motor, including
rated speed (motor output speed), torque
and power.
The rated speed depends on the supply
frequency and the number of poles (mag-
nets) for which the motor is wound. Speed
increases with frequency but decreases
with pole count. The theoretical speed of a
motor is called synchronous speed, but the
motors actual speed is always lower due
to electrical and mechanical losses. This is
called the slip and is typically 5-20 percent.
Torque and power determine the size
of motor required for each application.
Torque is the turning force acting through
a radius. Power increases with speed, and
so is a measure of work done.
However, the torque characteristics of
a motor must be understood. Starting
torque is usually higher than full load
torque; this typically drops slightly as the
motor gains speed, then climbs again to
a value in excess of starting torque before
suddenly dropping to its full load torque,
at which point the motor is producing its
rated power (in kilowatts or horsepower).
During this ramp up period, the motor will
be drawing considerably more than its
rated current from the mains, but settles
down at full load speed.
The starting characteristics of a motor
need to be selected for each application.
In fact they can be used to advantage,
for example by giving a gentle start to a
loaded conveyor, or a rapid start to a ven-
tilation fan.
Motor classication
While motor classication is a difcult
area, some basic rules and common sense
will certainly help. There are two main mo-
tor classication systems, IEC in Europe
and NEMA in America and a good rule of
thumb is that industrial applications will
use one or other of these (there are spe-
cialist classications for marine, aerospace
and other elds). The details of the clas-
sications are beyond the scope of this
article, but can be looked up on line or
explained by a reputable supplier.
However key points to consider include:
s The service factor or the amount of
overload a motor can take.
s The type of insulation, a critical issue
for both safety and longevity
Selecting an appropriate motor, even for a fairly straightforward industrial application, requires
consideration of many factors. This article runs through the main points to help rst time specifers
make the right decision.
JERRY HODEK
TECHNICAL & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR,
REGAL BELOIT EU
DIESEL AND GAS: GEN SETS
s Temperature: motors get hot when running and may
need forced draught or even water jacket cooling
s Enclosures: if a motor has to work in a conned spa-
ce, heat build-up can be very signicant.
Carbon emissions
Energy efciency ratings have been applied to electric
motors for some years, but legislation in this eld is tight-
ening and low efciency motors no longer comply with
todays regulations.
Furthermore, the European Union has just introduced
the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). This
measures not the efciency of the motor but the efcien-
cy of the overall drive system, including any mechanical
drive train components, variable speed drive or softstart.
Thus it is no longer acceptable to simply t an energy ef-
cient motor; the whole installation has to be certied.
At this point, it should be noted that the old practice
of oversizing a motor so that it has extra power for cop-
ing with overloads or blockages for example is in effect
illegal. One must include a variable speed drive to ensure
these issues are properly handled.
Mechanicals
There are also some mechanical issues that have to be
considered. The rst is that the motors internal bearings
must be suitable for the duty they are likely to endure
(also the seal that protects them requires consideration).
This is generally covered by the Standards, but it is worth
getting expert advice from your motor supplier if your
application is in any way unusual.
The second mechanical issue is mounting. There are two
common ways to mount a motor, ange- mounted (end
on) or foot-mounted (side-on). In both cases you need to
make sure the mounting is rm and will endure possibly
years of use; with foot-mounting you also need to check
that the motor shaft is at the right height to connect with
the driven equipment. You may also need to think about
noise and vibration, maintenance and demounting.
This article has covered just the basics of motor selec-
tion and installation. But by bearing the fundamentals in
mind and using the expertise of reputable supplier, you
should be able to make the correct choice.
Its also worth bearing in mind that the purchase price
of a motor is likely to be about ve percent of the lifetime
cost of ownership, so deciding on the cheaper option is
not really the best way to save money
KEEPING EUROPES POWER
FLO LOWING
Conference & Exhibition
4 6 June 2013
Messe Wien, Vienna, Austria
POWER-GEN Europe is the largest and most
comprehensive conference and exhibition for the
European electricity and power technology sector.
No other conference and exhibition brings together
so many essential elements of power generation
strategy and technology under one roof.
Commencing with scene setting keynote
presentations by Reinhold Mitterlehner, Austrias
Federal Minister, Economy, Family & Youth, Philippe
Cochet, President of Alstom Thermal Power,
Alexander Novak, Russian Minister of Energy,
Ministry of Energy, Russia and Marc H. Hall Director
for Energy, Wiener Stadtwerke, Austria; POWER-GEN
Europe 2013 will once again be setting the power
industrys agenda.
The plenary session, moderated by journalist
Stephen Sackur, will discuss whether the European
Commissions twin goals of a free power market
across the EU and eliminating carbon emissions
from the sector are working in the best interests of
the industry.
We invite you to beneft from the knowledgwe,
networking and cutting-edge technology that
attending POWER-GEN Europe offers.
Owned and
Produced by:
Presented by: Co-located with Supported by:
UK, Italy, France,
Greece, Turkey &
Benelux:
Gilbert Weir Jnr.
T: +44 (0) 1992 656 617
E: gilbertw@pennwell.com
Asia, Middle East,
Southern Germany,
Austria & Switzerland:
Kelvin Marlow
T: +44 (0) 1992 656 610
E: kelvinm@pennwell.com
Northern Germany,
Scandinavia
& Eastern Europe:
Leon Stone
T: +44 (0) 1992 656 671
E: leons@pennwell.com
For further information please visit:
or contact your local Pennwell representative
www.powergeneurope.com
JOIN US IN VIENNA AND EXPERIENCE THE CREAM OF
THE POWER INDUSTRY IN ONE CENTRAL LOCATION
WIND ENERGY
Assessing reactive power support requirements
for wind farms with modeling and simulation
L
arge-scale wind farms with hun-
dreds of separate wind turbines and
converter models can be simulated
using a physical model of the network and
look-up tables for each turbine and con-
verter. Parallel computing lets engineering
teams run a large number of simulations
to measure condence bounds on reactive
power support capacity and operation.
First step is to determine the required
level of model delity. Gaining insight into
equipment ratings and operational re-
quirements requires multiple simulations,
potentially numbering in the thousands, in
order to achieve statistical condence on
the studys outcome. In this case, models
that combine a positive-sequence phasor
simulation of physical components of the
electrical network with data-driven com-
ponents of the wind turbines, lead to the
simplest model construct that includes
the necessary information to perform the
study effectively.
You can model wind turbines as look-up
tables with wind speed as the input, and
active power and reactive power as the out-
puts.You can derive the data for the look-
up tables from eld measurement of real
equipment, or from detailed simulations of
an individual wind turbine (simulated over a
range of wind inputs) representative of the
wind turbines used on the wind farm. This
modeling paradigm lets you readily con-
struct large-scale wind farm models that
include hundreds of individual turbines and
are amenable to running multiple simula-
tions in a time-efcient manner.
The variable nature of wind farm power
production requires that you test multiple
simulations of varying wind prole con-
ditions to gain statistical insight into the
systems operational requirements. With
parallel computing, you can perform these
studies on multiple cores to simulate vary-
ing proles more efciently than by run-
ning a simulation model on a single core.
Monte Carlo simulations aim to determine
the statistical condence that a given re-
active power capacity will be sufcient to
meet operational requirements.
The varying active and reactive power
output for each wind turbine in a wind
farm suggest that the best location for a
reactive support device is not necessar-
ily the grid point-of-connection (POC). In
this section, we consider formulating an
optimization problem that can determine
the most appropriate location of a reac-
tive power support device along a feeder,
a high-level representation of which is
shown in Figure 1. This optimization aims
to determine the best xed location for
the reactive power support device along
the feeder as well as minimizing the reac-
tive power requirement to achieve a dene
voltage prole.
Figure 1. Reactive power support placement.
First, you must develop a modeling con-
struct to vary the location of the device.
One approach is to consider a number
of segments, each containing a reactive
power support device whose output is a
function of distance. Figure 2 shows an
example of three segments with reactive
power output based on distance.
Figure 2. Emulating location of a component.
Adding more segments to the feeder
model increases the resolution of the study.
Engineering judgment will determine the
required number of segments for a given
study. You can then formulate an optimiza-
tion problem to select the location and re-
active power output to meet performance
criteria. The performance criteria chosen for
this article is to determine whether the volt-
age prole along a feeder can be maintained
within a given boundary for a given operat-
ing condition.
A study can be performed to determine re-
quired capacity on a low-delity model that
combines a positive-sequence phasor rep-
resentation of the network with data-driv-
en wind turbine components. This simple
model construct maintains the information
necessary for the study while allowing mul-
tiple simulations to be performed in a time-
efcient manner. Further speed advantage is
gained by using parallel computing, where
multiple cores distribute the large number
of operational proles required for a given
study. We present a model construct that
lets you emulate the effect of component
location, enabling the use of optimization
techniques to determine the most suitable
location and rating for a supplemental reac-
tive power support device
Determining the best location, capacity, and operational proles of reactive power support
devices in a modern wind farm is a complex engineering problem. This article explores how
modeling and simulation provide an indispensable tool for assessing the design variables and
performing engineering trade-off studies for gauging reactive power support requirements.
GRAHAM DUDGEON
ENERGY INDUSTRY MANAGER.
MATHWORKS
WIND ENERGY
Wind resource assessment in forest areas
T
he planning of wind farms in forest
areas poses challenges in every res-
pect, as practical experience over
past years has shown. Based on the typi-
cal situation in forested areas, conditions
there are completely different from those
at open lowland sites. Challenges faced by
planners and manufacturers that may pro-
ve critical for project realisation range from
complex legal regulations that govern na-
ture and landscape conservation or air-
pollution control through to development
and grid connection of the often remote
areas and, in particular, turbulent air-ow
and wind conditions above the tree-tops.
To make matters worse, many potential
sites for forest wind farms are located on
minor mountain ranges and characterised
by highly complex topography. Depending
on wind direction and speed, the number
of trees and topographic formations in the
direct vicinity such as hills, valleys or fo-
rest tracks may signicantly inuence the
wind conditions prevailing at the site. Jet
effects or wakes may cause these impacts
to vary enormously, so that no two pro-
jects are the same.
Poor data result in inadequate yield forecast
While todays high-performance 2D and
3D simulation models enable very precise
forecasts of the potential annual yield to
be drawn up, simulation results are only as
good as the data used in the calculations.
However, many regions in Germany lack
validated data as forests have only very
recently moved into the focus of stake-
holders. In those rare cases where regional
measured data are available, these data
often do not extend to the required lay-
ers of air, as met masts have rarely been
higher than 80 metres in the past.
Forested sites, however, require hub
heights of at least 120 metres and need ro-
tor blades that do not operate in the lay-
ers of increased turbulence above the tops
of the trees. Increased turbulence extends
to heights of three times the tree height
(around 90 metres). Swirling winds and
critical turbulence cause vibrations of the
rotor blades, exposing them to signicant
stresses, and adversely affect the stability
and service life of wind turbines and their
components. Given this, forest locations
must offer higher protability than wind
sites situated on open land, as yield which
depends largely on the rotor diameter can
only be increased by using larger rotors,
which in turn require higher hub heights
to avoid the zone of increased turbulence.
In view of the greater heights involved, this
generates higher purchase, design and con-
struction costs and therefore requires a dif-
ferentiated cost-benet analysis.
Standardised wind measurement
in accordance with IEC 61400
For such an analysis, the experts need
detailed information about the wind con-
ditions at hub height prevailing at the
respective site. Precise measurements in
accordance with recognised standards
such as the IEC 61400 thus form the ba-
sic prerequisite of a reliable yield forecast.
To obtain solid data on wind conditions at
heights of 140 metres, TV SD launched
its own research project in Upper Palati-
nate, a region of Bavaria, Germany. Togeth-
er with the local energy initiative Natural
Energy Solutions (NES), which is planning
a wind farm comprising up to six wind tur-
bines in a forest area near Erbendorf, the
wind professionals installed a 140-metre
research met mast and put it into service
last October. Over the next two years, a
total of eight calibrated cup anemometers
and further sensors will record all relevant
data including wind speed, wind direction,
temperature, atmospheric pressure and
humidity, thus painting a detailed image of
the wind prole from the top of the trees
to the top of the met mast.
In addition to the calculation of mean an-
nual wind speeds and mean annual yield,
the measurements also permit analysis of
turbulence, wind shear and extreme winds
to be carried out for different heights and
permit a solid assessment of the prot-
ability of the planned wind farm to be
drawn up. As reference values, they fur-
ther permit measurements conducted at
lower heights to be extrapolated and de-
tailed studies of the impacts of turbulence
and topography to be made. The project
will thus also supply valuable ndings for
wind-farm projects in other forested areas.
Nevertheless, site-specic analysis will
continue to be important in the future. Af-
ter all, wind resource assessment based on
measurements according to the standard
is a mandatory prerequisite for a bankable
wind and energy yield report, which in turn
forms the basis of project-related cost-
benet analysis. For this purpose, the wind
prole should be realistically measured
ideally up to hub height and veried by
an accredited certication body. The Ger-
man Federation of Wind Power and Other
Renewable Energies (Frdergesellschaft
Windenergie und andere Erneuerbare En-
ergien, FGW) requires long-term measure-
ments to be carried out (over at least 12
full months) with a cup anemometer on a
wind monitoring mast. However at heights
More and more wind farms are planned in forest areas, a trend for which legal framework conditions,
technological innovations and high towers have paved the way. However, protability analyses
for these sites are far more complex than for sites in lowland areas. There is still signicant need
for additional information.
THOMAS ARNOLD
TV SD INDUSTRIE
SERVICE GMBH, WIND
CERT SERVICES
of over 100 m, the design and construc-
tion of such a wind monitoring mast is
relatively expensive.
Using LIDAR systems to look at the sky
Instead of a wind monitoring mast that
reaches up to hub height, a smaller wind
mast can be used and the data measured
by this mast supplemented with additional
measurements carried out by other sys-
tems. The FGW standard recommends us-
ing a measurement mast that reaches up
to at least two-thirds of the hub height.
However, vertical measurement based
solely on such a two-thirds measurement
involves a higher level of uncertainties,
particularly in forested areas, as there may
still be a vertical distance of as much as
40 to 50 metres between the top mea-
surement point and the planned hub
height. In this case, a LIDAR (light detec-
tion and ranging) system can be used to
measure and supplement the missing wind
data from higher atmospheric layers. A LI-
DAR system installed at ground level en-
ables wind velocities and directions to be
measured at heights of between 40 and
250 metres. Measurement points can be
dened in the vertical plane at a resolution
of approximately 20 metres and put into
relation to the calibrated reference values
of the measurement mast. By combin-
ing measurement mast and LIDAR system
data, the wind prole can thus be deter-
mined in detail at distances beyond the
hub height.
The device is based on the vertical propa-
gation of ultra-short laser pulses in the
atmosphere. The photons emitted by the
system are scattered by aerosols and dust
particles in the air ow. The backscattered
photons are collected on the LIDAR tele-
scope and registered by a highly sensitive
detector. The LIDAR system uses these sig-
nals to make high-precision calculations
of wind direction and velocity based on
changes in frequency and signal runtime
(Doppler effect). In combination with the
simultaneously determined exact refer-
ence data of anemometer measurements,
the wind prole can be extrapolated up to
the heights of the upper tip of the rotor
blade. The data thus offer a reliable basis
for subsequent wind-resource and prot-
ability analyses, enabling the possible en-
ergy yield to be predicted and quantied
with maximum accuracy.
Two are better than one
However, when using LIDAR systems to
analyse wind conditions some aspects
must be taken into account. Purely rela-
tive measurement values, for example,
are not very informative. Only when the
data are linked with those supplied by
the calibrated sensors can the calcula-
tions for wind, turbulence and extreme
wind reports deliver exact results. Precise
reference values are also required for the
subsequent measurement and verica-
tion of the wind turbines power curve.
Since long-term measurements with the
mobile and exible LIDAR systems are
relatively expensive, the period for which
measurements must be performed to rep-
resent a solid measurement series must
be determined. Professionals recommend
continuing measurements until all atmo-
spheric conditions, i.e. unstable, neutral
and stable weather conditions, have been
covered. For this purpose, three months
of LIDAR measurements may be suf-
cient.
In hilly terrains, stakeholders must take
into account that the LIDAR system emits
its laser pulses into the sky in a cone shape,
while the measurement points are at one
and the same horizontal level and thus lie
in the cones circular cross-section. In un-
even terrain this may result in incorrect val-
ues since wind speeds at various heights
follow the topography. Given this, the val-
ues at the centre of the cone measured by
a LIDAR system installed on a hilltop, for
example, would be too low. Because of
this, it is important to include the topogra-
phy and ascents in the terrain in the calcu-
lations by applying correction parameters.
Conclusion
Generally, wind farm projects in forest
areas are more costly and the wind con-
ditions prevailing at those sites are more
complex. Yield forecast and protability
analysis therefore play a signicant role.
Today, standardised wind measurements
complemented by modern laser methods
supply adequate tools to generate a sound
set of data in the medium term, including
for the forest areas throughout Germany.
However, more research measurements
and studies such as those carried out by
TV SD will be necessary to further im-
prove the quality of yield and protability
analyses
WIND ENERGY
WIND ENERGY
Lower maintenance costs
and failure rate in wind turbine generators are possible
W
ind Turbine Generators (WGT) up
to 2.5 MW were developed by
using technologies and mecha-
nical components based on theoretical cal-
culations. A few successful endurance tests,
brief operation experiences, and thousands
of reports and marketing actions, entailed to
new engineering projects in order to design
bigger and more powerful WTGs. It was a
needing of the market and governments
worldwide, due to a lack of alternative ener-
gy sources. Renewable energy and parti-
cularly wind energy is absolutely indeed to
become the mayor source of power gene-
ration in short future. Yes, it is. Nowadays,
companies involved in this market have to
face off lower efciency than expected and
a longer return of investment than state-of-
the-art reports assured time ago.
Multi megawatt WTGs new develop-
ments try to take this into account. Wind
farm owners and mayor WTG manufactur-
ers have actually realised about the impor-
tance of reducing maintenance costs, as
well as to decrease failure rates due to me-
chanical wear, in order to achieve the re-
sults expected. Furthermore, the trends in
the wind energy market such as offshore
WTGs increase the rotor dimensions and
extend life-cycle. These facts join to gov-
ernment reductions of public subsidies,
lead to an immediate increasing of price/
Kilowatt. World population cannot afford
it; therefore its absolutely mandatory to
optimize the wind energy production as
well as inherent costs of unexpected lack
of energy generation or too expensive
maintenance operations in Wind Turbines.
Meanwhile WTG dynamic operation, there
are six main mechanical parts inside which
suffers compression stresses that cause mil-
lions of micro movements between physi-
cal components. These parts are pitch gear,
pitch bearing, main bearing, gearboxes, yaw
gear, yaw bearing and generator bearings.
Heavy loads, environmental factors, vibra-
tions and corrosion, cause wearing even to
the highest quality mechanical components.
It implies as essential a proper and better lu-
brication, in order to avoid more than 35%
of the failures which still happens nowadays
due to mechanical breakdowns of these
components. In particular, gearboxes are so
sensitive to breakdowns that also due to
other factors new designs of WTGs have
been developed under the concept of direct
drive, that is, without gearboxes.
Lubrication
In order to achieve the best performance of
any WTG, it is essential to trust the lubri-
cation methods and systems to specialised
companies. Best decision implies to install
automatic lubrication systems for those
weak parts of WTGs. Latest developments
also allow to perform this task manually, by
using a grease pump and external devices,
to deliver a prescribed volume of lubricant
to pitch (or yaw) bearings at the same time
through every lube point, meanwhile pitch
system is activated. This way grease is better
distributed inside the bearing, overpressure
is avoided, and as consequence the seal-
ing does not suffer any damage. The key
of this new development is to balance the
operating pressure and the grease ow to
every lube point of the bearing under any
environmental condition, and to allow the
maintenance operator a permanent moni-
toring of this task. This method might be
acceptable for small or medium size WTGs
with no automatic systems installed.
It must not be forgotten that lubricant is
the main actor at this performance. Grease
physical properties and weaknesses if
any should be analysed before designing
every automatic lubrication system. Pump-
stations, metering devices, instrumentation
and interconnection accessories are not
enough by themselves. The behaviour of
each system must be studied and tested in
advance, as well as lifetime calculation, lu-
brication cycles, physical and environmental
conditions inside each WTG model. These
factors join to integration, accessibility for
maintenance staff, electrical monitoring,
and in-house installation of lubrication
systems, will determine the right or not
grease supply at pitch, rotor, yaw and gen-
erator bearings and gears. As consequence,
it will directly affect to the failure rate, main-
tenance cost, loss of energy generation and
Wind farm owners and mayor Wind Turbine Generators (WGT) manufacturers have actually
realised about the importance of reducing maintenance costs, as well as to decrease failure
rates due to mechanical wear, in order to achieve the results expected.
EDUARDO VICENTE
G.T.RIVI (LINCOLN SPAIN)
37
WIND ENERGY
energetica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13
denitively it will set if the theoretical return
of investment is feasible.
Another important consideration about
operation and maintenance companies is
the qualication and specic training of
the technical staff. It is supposed a com-
plete knowledge about electrical, mechani-
cal, hydraulics and structural components
of the WTG to maintain. I wonder what
about lubrication systems and tools. Grease
equipment knowledge must belong to the
skills of maintenance operators. Investing in
training is always protable.
Breakthrough solutions
If you keep doing the same, why do you
expect different results? The target of cost
reduction should not imply lower quality.
Moreover, better quality does not only
imply the right products, but it also needs
outstanding design of the lubrication pro-
cesses, tasks and systems. That is the key.
It implies to study the lubrication needs
of the bearing or gear from its design.
Common mistakes come from inherit the
lubrication systems from a WTG model by
adapting it to a similar one. Just the modi-
cation of the lubricant might require modi-
fying the entire lubrication system. First of
all it is mandatory to dene the lubricant
to be used, mode of control desired, fre-
quency of lubrication cycles according to
operation requirements, volume of grease
injected, recovering of waste grease and
the layout of lubrication points. Engineers
specialised in lubrication system for WTG
will be able to determine the most suit-
able technical system, and to develop a rst
draft. Depending on the lifetime expected,
resources available in the WTG, corrosion is-
sues and integration, the appropriate prod-
ucts can be chosen. Later on, it is necessary
to perform operation and endurance tests
under working conditions. To complete the
process, logistic and installation instruc-
tions must be taken into account. Labelling,
pre-assembly, protection devices and right
packaging are as important as the design
of the system, due to serial manufacturing
of WTGs requires plug-and-play subcom-
ponents to complete the installation of the
automatic lubrication systems. Technicians
in charge of erection and commissioning
in every wind farm should receive proper
training and instructions about how lube
systems work, and how to x eventual
problems which might happen during the
start up. Last but not least, the maintenance
company contracted should receive training
and components information, directly from
the designer of lube systems.
Next steps
Wind energy market is nowadays focused on
Offshore WTGs, mainly under the concept
of direct drive. The huge (and expensive)
resources necessary for maintain operations
and repairing tasks, implies to suit automatic
lubrication systems into every bearing and
gear to protect them from the wearing. In
fact, it is expected a tendency of unify lube
systems as long as it becomes technically
possible. The design and deliveries of lubrica-
tion systems not only the products must
be guaranteed by expertise companies.
Technical systems for automatic lubrica-
tion, products improvements, as well as
specic tools and devices for transferring
grease, are currently being developed
to offer a solution to the powerful new
WTGs to come. Retrots of lubrication sys-
tems for onshore WTGs are going to be
installed within next years, mainly for yaw
drives and generators
Failure ratio per
component at
wind turbines.
COUNTRY SPECIAL | CHILE
JAVIER MONFORTE
The large energy multinationals have
had their eye on Chile for several years,
and see it as an ideal place for their proj-
ects, especially in the renewable sector
(Non-Conventional Renewable Energies,
NCREs). What advantages and conditions
does this country offer for getting an
initiative of this kind up and running?
The advantages that Chile offers to com-
panies wanting to invest in the energy sec-
tor fall into two areas. Firstly, Chile offers
foreign investors an open market, with
clear regulations, political stability and sus-
tained economic growth.
Secondly, the demand from the countrys
electricity sector is continuing to grow at
an annual average rate of over 5%. The
entire country also has signicant solar,
wind and geothermal resources and strong
water ows, making it possible to develop
NCRE projects able to compete with their
thermal plant equivalents.
What kinds of policies and regulations
do the Government and the Ministry of
Energy use to encourage the develop-
ment of NCREs?
The State of Chile provides incentives for re-
newable energies by virtue of Law 20.257.
This sets the goal of NCREs achieving a
10% participation rate in the total power
generation mix by 2024. To meet this goal,
there is a 5% requirement for supplies
made under contracts signed or modied
since September 2007. After 2015, this re-
quirement will increase by 0.5% per year
until the 10% level is reached.
In addition, by means of its various agen-
cies, the Government of Chile has also
designed some sectorial programmes to
encourage NCREs. We feel the most im-
portant of these is the international ten-
der launched by the Government to award
a subsidy and nancing package for the
construction of a commercial-scale con-
centrating solar power plant.
Chile set the objective of 20% NCRE ca-
pacity in its local energy matrix by 2020.
Is this viable? How does this objective t
in with the National Energy Strategy?
Unfortunately, our current government has
given up on the objective of 20% NCRE by
2020. However, this does not mean to say
this goal has been completely ruled out,
because there is no agreement with the
legislative branch. The Senate has approved
an amended version of Law 20,257, which
proposes meeting the 20/20 target.
ACERA has conducted studies that show
the 20/20 goal is not just achievable but
also benecial for the country in terms of
energy costs. This concept is totally com-
patible with the National Energy Strategy.
We hope this matter will be resolved in
coming months, and that Government au-
thorities will realise the benets that 20/20
offers the country.
Is the Chilean grid ready to integrate a
larger amount of power from renewable
sources?
There are some parts of the interconnected
Chilean systems (SIC and SING) where the
technical capacity to connect new genera-
tion is limited. However, the NCREs inher-
ent characteristic of distributed generation
can in many cases be seen as a partial so-
lution to this problem, as in some cases their
injection points could reduce ow on certain
lines already suffering from over-saturation.
How can the development of NCREs help
to offset the high energy prices current-
ly affecting Chile?
The current energy prices for SIC and
SING clients hold the unfortunate record
of being the most expensive in the region.
ACERA believes there are two causes for
this situation low market competitive-
ness, with only three large agents in each
system having a combined market share of
over 80%, and dependence on fossil fuels,
which are almost 100% imported.
We rmly believe that accelerating NCRE
development is the Governments most
powerful tool for solving this situation. The
recent NCRE tenders launched by private
companies in various elds (mining, retail,
conventional electricity rms) have led to
participation by dozens of companies oth-
er than those that currently dominate the
market. In addition, the prices that NCREs
Carlos Finat
Executive Director of ACERA (Chilean
Association of Renewable Energy)
The 20/20 objective is achievable
and will benet energy prices
Nobody is any doubt about the future growth of renewable
energy in Chile and the excellent conditions it offers as an
emerging market for clean energies. However, the journey will not
be easy. Despite the no from Sebastin Pieras government
to the objective of generating 20% of power from renewable
sources by 2020, Carlos Finat says this does not mean this
goal has been ruled out, because there is no agreement with the
legislative branch. In fact, the 20/20 proposal has already been
approved by the Senate and is currently being discussed in the
Lower House.
can offer right now are competitive and
cheaper than those for energy produced
by plants powered by natural gas and, of
course, diesel.
What future is there for net metering
and distributed generation in Chile?
The results of the law on home generators,
also known as the law on net metering, re-
main to be seen. The regulation of this law
has not yet been announced, and ACERA
hopes it will not entail any administrative
barriers or unnecessary costs for connect-
ing up to this kind of power.
What is the current situation with the
electricity interconnection between
Chile and other neighbouring countries
in South America?
We believe this issue is still being discussed
at the level of international political-eco-
nomic relations, and that it will still be a few
years before it will be discussed in the nec-
essary bilateral or multilateral agreements
and the respective laws passed. We should
not forget that the situation Chile experi-
enced halfway through the last decade due
to the breach of natural gas supply con-
tracts from Argentina sets a precedent that
private players will take into account before
signing agreements dependent on the sup-
ply of imported electricity.
What role do the large Chilean mining
companies Codelco, BHP Billiton, Colla-
huasi and Freeport play in developing
renewable energies?
The large mining companies are major re-
cipients of NCREs, both for electricity supply
and for producing heat for processes and
camps.
Chiles rst solar thermal plant solar has
been inaugurated in recent months, and
other solar thermal projects have been an-
nounced by the mining industry.
Similarly, electricity generation contracts have
been awarded over recent months for 125
MWp, all of them by mining companies
IFT ENERGY 2013: meeting point for the
energy, mining and infrastructure industries
What is the prole of
the companies exhib-
iting at the trade fair
and visitors to it?
Our aim as the or-
ganiser of the event is
to create a node for
business, where direct
networks for contact
can be generated be-
tween the energy and
mining industries and
the infrastructure sec-
tor. In this regard, the
companies coming to
IFT ENERGY 2013 will
be exhibiting their gen-
eration, transmission,
distribution and NCRE
products and solu-
tions, as well as those
relating to logistics and
infrastructure transpor-
tation. We are anticipat-
ing around 130 exhibi-
tors from 30 countries
and over 5,000 visitors
over the three days of
the forthcoming event.
In terms of visitors, we
are expecting govern-
ment ofcials and rep-
resentatives from the
private sector; authori-
ties, committees, as-
sociations, unions from
various elds, profes-
sionals and technical
experts from associ-
ated elds; suppliers
operating in the area of
energy resources; na-
tional and foreign com-
panies that use energy
in all their processes;
nancial entities, enter-
prises, companies and
potential buyers; and
consultants and ana-
lysts working in related
areas. We will also be
extending an invita-
tion to technical studies
centres, universities and
confederations, as well
as the media, specialist
journals, websites, radio
and TV.
What particularly in-
teresting parallel
events, lectures and
technical forums will
be held as part of IFT
ENERGY?
Over the three days
that the fair runs (17,
18 and 19 April), some
of our exhibitors will
be giving more than 50
lectures and technical
talks on specic issues,
such as the nancing
of NCRE projects, the
energy market in Latin
America, public policies
on regional electricity in-
terconnection, and ef-
ciency and sustainability.
These sessions will be
run by leading national
and foreign experts,
who will describe the
latest technological ad-
vances in the energy
eld, as used in Latin
America and the rest of
the world.
As at the previous edi-
tion of IFT ENERGY, this
event will be attended
by investors, consul-
tants, technology sup-
pliers, project develop-
ers and representatives
of public and private
bodies, universities and
international study cen-
tres, among others.
There will also be two
international seminars.
The rst of these will
be run by the National
Mining Society (SON-
AMI), a body that brings
together small, medium
and large companies
from the Chilean min-
ing sector. It will discuss
the energy demands
of the mining sector,
which is a problem area
that extends beyond
the countrys borders to
other countries in the
region, such as Argen-
tina, Peru and Brazil.
The second Inter-
national Seminar will
be held by the Energy
Board of the Chilean-
American Chamber of
Commerce (AMCHAM),
and will discuss issues
relating to cooperation
between Chile and the
United States, primarily
focusing on encourag-
ing NCRE projects.
Ricardo Ortega
Chairman of Kallman Chile, the
organiser of IFT ENERGY 2013
Current energy prices
hold the unfortunate
record of being the most
expensive in the region
Starts market expansion of renewable energy
The Chilean market for renewable energy is full of possibilities for generation companies. Its
development is scarce in this industry, and this is the precise moment when its development is
getting underway.
MIGUEL PREZ DE LEMA
C
hile has very attractive conditions
for foreign investors: the country
with the highest economic growth
in the region and one of the most politi-
cally stable and legally secure. Chile is a
country with a high level of development
in the eld of environmental innovation,
and new energy projects. But so far no
conventional renewables (Mini hidro,
Wind, Biomasa, Solar, Geothermal) contri-
bute only 3% to the Central Interconnec-
ted System (SIC).
Chile has become an important business
objective for companies providing prod-
ucts, technologies and services in the re-
newable energy sector. The starting point
was the launch of the National Energy
Strategy 2012-2030, Energy for the Fu-
ture. The starting point was the launch of
the National Energy Strategy 2012-2030,
Energy for the Future. This plan indicates
the Energy Efciency and Renewable En-
ergy Non Conventional, as rst and sec-
ond priorities -the Non Conventional Re-
newable Energy category excludes large
hydro-.
The Government aims to reduce by 12%
the expected energy demand by 2020. It
will create an energy efciency label for
companies that excel in this activity and es-
tablish minimum standards for appliances
and equipment that go on sale.
As non-conventional renewable energy,
aims to raise its contribution of 3% today
to 20% in 2020. There are various types
of support that the country can start. New
rules that allow sell renewable energy pro-
duction and blocks collectively for better
prices, creating a new database with infor-
mation to assist the investor in the location
of their projects, a new renewable energy
facility and nancial instruments to sup-
port sector growth, introduction of subsi-
dies and incentives for pioneering projects.
In addition to developing these renew-
able unconventional will boost hydro-
power. There are plans to build ve mega
dams in Patagonia, which accompany a
transmission line of 1,200 kilometers DC,
to connect the power plant to the grid,
near Santiago.
The country has a strong tradition of us-
ing imported coal, which is used in tradi-
tional central and underhand. This use is
expected to gradually correct. To do this,
the National Energy Strategy supports in-
vestment in clean coal technologies such
as carbon capture and storage of carbon,
and coal gasication for use in combined
cycle plants.
Exchange time
The trend has changed recently and this
is the take-off of renewable energy. In
the rst half of last year were submitted
projects for the generation of 3,874 MW.
264% more than in the rst half of last
year. These gures show that we are fac-
ing an escalation as already experienced in
countries like Spain.
Senior ofcials of the Administration of
Chile visited Spain in March to see rst-
hand how Spain has integrated renewable
energy in the grid. Chile is in a period of
expansion of renewable energy, and is en-
countering technical problems similar to
those found Spain at the end of the nine-
ties. Moreover, it is a country with electric-
ity networks that need to be extended and
complex geographical distribution, which
further complicates the task of network
integration.
The expedition visited different control
centers, wind farms, photovoltaic and so-
lar thermal power plants in the country. His
aim was to nd solutions to the network
connection of facilities of different size
and renewable technology. As network
codes and laws that have allowed connect
in Spain a lot of electricity from unman-
aged sources in appropriate conditions of
security and network reliability.
Chile is seeking solutions to the reli-
able operation of the system with large
amounts of renewable energy, both tech-
nically and economically. His analysis of
Spain will allow them to improve voltage
control, centralized operation, prediction
and deviation of the programs, and the
impact on regulatory services.
The race for renewable energy is gradu-
ally accelerating since 2008. Since then the
country has doubled its capacity and now
the rate is soaring.
In late 2012, Chile had more than 70
active renewable energy projects. These
projects contributed 880 MW to the four
major electrical systems in the country, to-
taling nearly 5% of the total installed ca-
pacity. The biomass was more renewable
energy production, followed by the mini
hydro, and wind. The sun was very under-
developed and geothermal was nonexis-
tent. This situation has changed radically.
Approved plans and study of new plants
show a scenario in which the mini hydro
power and biomass will have a slight in-
crease, and conversely, the wind and solar
energy will grow dramatically.
Spanish companies have been quick to
turn to compete to the Chilean market,
and are already getting major contracts.
Solar
Solar power was until recently almost non-
existent in this country, but has started
to grow strongly. If the rst half of 2011
there were only two solar projects in the
same period in 2012 the number increased
to 21 projects.
It has also recently launched the rst so-
lar power plant in the country, in the area
of Calama. It is an institutional support
project, created to supply the copper min-
ing facility Chiquicamata, which belongs
to the public mining company Codelco.
The development of solar energy will be
very strong in the coming years. New 3107
MW have already been approved, and an-
other 908 MW are pending approval.
In the eld of solar power, Spanish com-
panies are taking positions quickly. A good
example is the LKS Energy & Services, part
of the Mondragon Corporation, which to-
gether with the Chilean group Fotones will
develop ve photovoltaic projects with an
installed capacity of 690 MW.
This partnership between Mondragon
Corporation and the Photon Group com-
petes for market leadership Chilean re-
newable in one of the largest photovoltaic
power worldwide operations. Once up the
alliance for the photovoltaic industry, the
two groups plan to develop other markets
in the Green Economy, in renewable en-
ergy, water and waste.
Another good example is GPtech, which
already operates in Peru and Argentina,
and has recently opened an ofce in Chile.
GPtech has participated in the launch of
the rst oor of a large scale photovol-
taic generation in the country, of 1 MW
(Calama 3).
The Spanish company has been the sup-
plier of power conversion equipment by
providing photovoltaic inverters. GPtech
in Chile supports the management of net-
work access permissions, focuses on the
evaluation of the proposed technical solu-
tion internally, impact studies or studies of
network faults.
As has happened in other countries with
high penetration of renewable energy,
the system operators in Chile could make
changes to the networking requirements
in existing plants. Companies like these
provide studies and techno-economic
analysis of the possible solutions and mod-
ications.
The case of this company is also interest-
ing for its collaboration with local univer-
sities Universidad Federico Santamara
Valparaso, Universidad de Concepcin,
Universidad de Chile and Universidad de
Santiago on research projects related to
their specialty.
Chile intends to be at the forefront of
international technology solar energy. Has
launched an international competition to
build the rst plant solar power concen-
tration in Latin America. Worldwide, there
are currently 2,500 MW plant operat-
ing Concentrated Solar Power and other
3,400 MW under construction.
The government will grant subsidies of
up to $ 20 million additional funding and
manages important global actors, for an
amount exceeding $ 350 million.
Among them, a European Community
grant of up to $ 18.6 million. The Inter-
American Development Bank (IDB), in
turn, provides loans for at least $ 66 mil-
lion and up to 25% of the total project
cost. The German Development Bank
KfW, will provide a further 100 million eu-
ros in loans, which will channel resources
through Corfo and local banks.
The bid may involve both domestic and
foreign companies, as well as associations
and unions of domestic and foreign tech-
nology companies with expertise in power
plants from solar radiation. The reception
1.900-2.200
1.700-1.900
1.500-1.700
1.300-1.500
1.000-1.300
900-1.000
kWh/m
2
y ao
1.510 kWh = 200 l de petrleo
1.510 kWh = 250 m
3
de gas natural
Solar radiation
distribution in
Chile.
will be held consultations to date May 6,
2013 and the deadline for submitting pro-
posals is 22 August 2013.
Wind
Wind energy has been the pioneer in re-
newable energy turnaround. In no time,
has increased its production by 10, from 20
MW to 200 MW of installed capacity. And
that growth has only just begun. Accord-
ing to the Center for Renewable Energy in
Chile have approved new 3250 MW, and
studies the adoption of other 2718 MW.
The good environmental conditions of
the Coquimbo region have enabled it to
be the star of the countrys wind power.
In 2011 Coquimbo concentrated 97% of
wind energy.
In this region there are eight major proj-
ects in various stages of development. Tali-
nay, which generate 500 MW, The Arrayn
with 101 MW of power, The Cachina (26
MW), Punta Palmeras (104 MW), La Geor-
gina (76 MW), Pacic (72 MW) and El
Quijote with 26 MW, and Punta Colorado
in the town of La Higuera, which has 18
generators.
The Arrayn is the largest wind project
under construction in the country, and is
expected to become operational later this
year 2013 or early 2014. The plant will
have 50 Siemens turbines of 2.4 MW each.
The total investment will be about $ 270
million, by a joint venture between Pattern
Energy and Ashmore Energy International
(AEI). All electricity from this plant will go
to the Los Pelambres copper mine, Antofa-
gasta Minerals.
The experience of Spanish companies is
a valuable asset to enter and compete in
this market. And there are several that are
already there. Ibereolica Group works on
a project in the Atacama region, formed
by Cabo Leones parks I, II and III. The rst
phase, with an output of 170 MW, will
start work soon. The second phase has al-
ready been approved (204 MW) and the
third will provide another 124 MW. There
are also plans to build the park Loa, An-
tofagasta region, with an output of 528
MW, with favorable Environmental Quali-
cation Resolution.
Endesa Eco is present in the wind energy
market with Renaico wind farm in the prov-
ince of Malleco. Obtained environmental
approval late last year to build and operate
44 wind turbines 130 meters high, with an
investment of $ 240 million. Expectations of
the company are to inject 80 MW in 2015.
Endesa also build a substation lift and elec-
tric transmission line to deliver wind power
to Sitema central grid (SIC).
Mini hidro, Biomass, Geothermal
The small hydro power seems to have
guaranteed a certain level of growth in
the coming years. 107 MW are under con-
struction, 228 MW have already been ap-
proved, and another 93 can be approved.
Biomass seems to have lost the appeal
and its growth prospects are slim. This en-
ergy will soon cease to be the more renew-
able MW in operation (394 MW in 2012).
In Chile there are only 58 MW under con-
struction and another 86 MW have been
approved. Its development is pending for
new impetus to renewables that may oc-
cur later.
Geothermal energy has not yet begun
to unfold in Chile. There are currently no
active installations or in-built, but have ap-
proved the rst 50 MW, and 70 MW are
pending approval.
Sources:
- Un Anlisis de la Nueva Estrategia Nacional de Energa
de Chile (2012-2030), pulsoverde.nrdc.org/
- GPTECH abre una ocina tcnico-comercial en Chile,
N. de P.
- LKS Energa y Servicios y el Grupo FOTONES suscriben
un acuerdo de desarrollo de proyectos fotovoltaicos
para 690 Mws en Chile, N. de P.
- Autoridades chilenas visitarn Espaa para conocer de
primera mano la integracin de renovables en la red,
N. de P.
- AEG Power Solutions Opens A New Branch Ofce In
Santiago de Chile Targeting Solar Market, N. de P.
- Ministerio de Energa y Corfo lanzan concurso interna-
cional para construir primera Planta de Concentracin
Solar de Potencia de Amrica Latina, Portal Minero
- Parque elico de 106 MW en Renaico con 44 aerogene-
radores, N. de P.
- Ocho proyectos elicos se alistan en la Regin de
Coquimbo, La Tercera.
Operation MW Construction Approved In qualifying
Mini hidro 278 114 228 93
Wind 205 107 3.250 2.718
Biomass 394 58 86 0
Solar 2,4 2,5 3.107 908
Geothermal 0 0 50 70
TOTAL 880 281 6.721 3.778
Source: Centro de Energas Renovables de Chile
CSP, Chile and the mining companies:
A harmonious trio
A
bengoa, a Spanish CSP com-
pany has recently commissioned
a 14MW solar thermal plant for
Minera El Tesoro. This is currently the lar-
gest CSP plant in Latin America and opens
a very interesting market for developers
and EPCs based in Spain, which are facing
a dark period following recent legislative
announcements.
The Chile solar market is a CSP develop-
ers dream. Mining companies remain the
largest energy consumers for both extrac-
tion and production processes, making
CSP a perfect energy solution:
s CSP dispachability and storage: CSP
can provide energy 24 hours 7 days
a week. This means that both PV and
wind are out of the game, as they do
not have competitive storage techno-
logies.
s Location: Many mines in Chile are in
desert areas (like the Atacama desert)
with low population levels and great
solar resources (DNI of 2,900MW/h, in
some areas up to 3,800).
s Access to grid infrastructure: The lack
of access to grid infrastructure and
natural gas means that CSP gains a
competitive edge as the plants can be
built on the actual mining land, directly
supplying electricity to the mine.
s Solution to clean pressures: CSP is a
renewable technology which will help
the mining companies to achieve their
green status.
Solar energy serving Minera El
Tesoro and CODELCO two of the
main mines
The Abengoa plant in Minera El Tesoro
comprises of 1,280 PT-1 solar thermal col-
lector modules which supply process heat
for the copper electro-extraction process
in mining production. The plant is expect-
ed to replace more than 55% of the die-
sel fuel currently used in the process and
also incorporates thermal energy storage.
The process of copper electro-mining is
very intensive, requiring enough energy to
heat the electrolyte up to a temperature of
around 50 C.
CODELCO, the National Copper Corpo-
ration of Chile will implement a thermal
solar plant for copper separation process.
The Chilean company Llaima, SpA, and
the Danish Sunmark were awarded the
contract to build the solar plant. In this
case the technology selected was not CSP
but low temperature solar thermal. This
plant will cover 80% of the heat require-
ments of Minera Gaby avoiding the emis-
sion of 15,000 tons of CO
2
per year. This
will save the mining company $7 million
and also will prevent the movement of
250 trucks transporting fuel to the mine
each year.
The Chilean government and CSP
On 28th February the CSP tender process
was announced and was received with
great enthusiasm by the industry. The Chil-
ean government, through CORFO, sup-
ports CSP with a subsidy of $20 million
plus the land where the plant might be
constructed. It has also negotiated a series
of soft loans from the European Commis-
sion ($18.6 million), the BID ($66 million)
and the German Bank KFW ($100 million).
The plant will be over 10MW and the
technology selected will come from tower,
parabolic trough, dish or fresnel. The plant
will have to get connected to SIC or SING
(the two main grid lines), and will symbol-
ise the Chiles rst step towards energy in-
dependence.
The tender is currently open and Inter-
national developers have already started
working on their proposals. The company
selected will be announced by mid-No-
vember.
The trio: Chile, mining companies and
CSP looks promising
Currently the mining industry operates in more than 100 countries around the world, and as part
of their growing needs they require a large and a constant supply of energy. Additionally mining
companies are receiving pressure to be as clean as possible during the extraction processes.
With these requirements CSP can play an important role in supporting mining facilities in Chile,
and developers have spotted the immense opportunity.
BELN GALLEGO AND BEA GONZLEZ
CSP TODAY
About CSP Today: CSP Today is the reference point for CSP professionals and a cornerstone for
communications within the industry. We provide business intelligence to the industry with focused
news, events, reports, updates and information for the Concentrated Solar Thermal Power industry
in markets such as India, South Africa, Spain, USA, Chile and the MENA region.
SERGIO CEBALLOS
CHILE COUNTRY MANAGER, GPTECH
Since 2012, GPtech has looked at Latin America as one of its main objectives due to its favorable
conditions for the renewable energy sector. The efciency in providing the most suitable integral
solutions to comply with any technical requirement has made GPtech becoming the leader
supplier company in the region, collaborating in the construction of the rst PV plants: Calama
Solar 3 (Chile), Caada Honda (Argentina), Majes, Reparticin, Tacna Solar and Panamericana
Solar (Peru). In total, GPtech has achieved more than 100 MW of installed capacity.
GPtechs solutions for PV grid integration challenges in Chile
T
he most paradigmatic exam-
ple is Calama, placed in Ata-
cama Desert, where the alti-
tude and the hardness conditions in
density of dust hinder the operation
of the equipment. GPtech has pro-
vided PV inverters which offer full
operation at 2400 m above sea
level, as well as a number of daily
hours of operation above the mean.
Additionally, they work at Power
Levels higher than the rated, with a
maximum performance over 98%
to achieve plant factor of 31%.
Its experience in the development
of integral solution meeting highly
complex requirements makes GPtech the
most suitable partner to work with in Latin
American renewable energy projects. In or-
der to consolidate its position, GPtech has
opened a sales engineering ofce in San-
tiago to cover important areas, as giving
support to the management of grid connec-
tion license, carrying out the technical evalu-
ation of projects or participating in working
groups and research projects related to new
technologies and power electronics. In this
sense, GPtech has come to an agreement
with Federico Santamaria de Valpariso Uni-
versity, and is already in contact with Con-
cepcion University and Santiago University.
For the Chilean PV solar market, GPtech of-
fers Smart PV inverters and Advanced Power
Integrated Stations for fast and easy grid in-
tegration. Apart from that, it has developed
three different solutions based on its exhaus-
tive knowledge of the electrical system of
the country: PVdiesel solutions, Power Plant
Controller and Battery Energy Storage Sys-
tem (BESS).
GPtech PVdiesel solution has been designed
to be applied in isolated hybrid systems, hy-
brid system connected to the grid and hybrid
systems for ancillary services. In isolated hy-
brid systems, the PVdiesel solution improves
isolated power generation minimizing fuel
consumption while working with PV and/
or wind farms, and other non-conventional
energy sources. In hybrid systems connected
to the grid, it favors the power generation
in self-consumption facilities connected to
the grid, operating with diesel systems, PV
inverters and other energy sources. Finally,
in supporting hybrid systems, the PVdiesel
solution helps with ramp rate regulation and
frequency primary regulation.
Originally developed for controlling pow-
er RE power plants with multiple genera-
tors, and running globally for many years,
GPtechs Power Plant Controller is also a
central control system to guarantee opti-
mum performance of hybrid power plants.
It coordinates different energy sources, thus
enhancing the grid-integration capabilities
of hybrid plants, as well as controlling reac-
tive power supply, regulating system voltage,
and stabilizing weak grids. Additionally, the
PPC allows different operators to modify the
systems according to different specif-
ic objectives, as minimizing the total
cost of grid energy consumption or
the power exchange with the grid.
GPtechs Battery Energy Storage
System (BESS) has as a main function
to provide spinning reserve in the
event of power plant or transmission
line equipment failure, with the aim
of maintaining generations and load
balance. Battery Energy Storage Sys-
tem equipped with own developed
power electronics and controlled by
a Power Plant Controller, all sup-
plied by GPtech, allows the plant to
provide essential spinning reserve
services. The company offers complete solu-
tions to be connected to the Chilean high
voltage grid, using modular energy storage
banks in the MW range, during at least 15
minutes, and the possibility of symmetrical
charge and discharge. This system might run
at increased maximum charging power in or-
der to be adapted to the customers needs.
Apart from projects related with PV energy,
GPtech is also participating, as a sponsor,
in the construction of the rst smart city of
Latin American, placed in Buzios (Brazil).
For this project, the company has carried
out the development and supply of the
GPtech SmartCom solution, aiming at large
consumers, as industries and big ofce
buildings, for the management of PV and
wind energy and the maxim exploitation of
its consume.
Continuing with its bet on Chile and Latin
America, GPtech is present as Expo Partner
in IFT Energy 2013, taking place in Santiago,
from the 17th to the 19th of April. The com-
pany also expects to consolidate its leader-
ship by collaborating in new PV projects to
be announced in the coming months
TRUSTED PARTNER FOR MANY OF THE WORLDS LEADING UTILITIES, WIND TURBINE
AND SOLAR MANUFACTURERS AS WELL AS INVESTORS AND DEVELOPERS
With more than 30 years of experience, an
unmatched record of renewable projects
around the world, a global presence and over
4,000 employees and presents in 20 countries
with local staff and execution capacity, GES
is proud to be a trusted partner for many of
the worlds leading utilities, wind turbine and
solar manufacturers as well as investors and
developers.
GES is the global market leader in construc-
tion and services for the wind and solar indus-
try. We are also a leading services provider for
the electricity and process industry in Spain
and Portugal.
Having served the onshore wind sector since
1992, GES has a unique track record. In total,
GES has provided BoP services for 10,800
MW of wind capcity and installed wind tur-
bines for 20,600 MW of wind capacity, which
represents about 8 per cent of the worldwide
total. In addition GES has operation and main-
tenance contracts for 12,500 MW of wind ca-
pacity.
GES has been serving the solar sector since
2004. Our track record includes EPC services
for 260 MW of capacity and O&M services
for 350 MW of capacity. GES is reconised as
a leader in construction and maintenance of
solar plants in Southern Europe and the US,
with a client base consisting of top renewable
companies.
A provider of multi-technology services, GES
has worked with solar panels from leading
suppliers and with different manufacturers of
inverter and tracker equipment.
GES enhances its presence in Chile
Chile is living a special moment in its history
by facing up to the generation of electric en-
ergy required to support the country develop-
ment in the coming years. The growth should
be accompanied by an electric energy growth
and the challenge for the coming decades is
to count on competitive and sufcient energy
resources to support this economic growth.
GES is conscious about the potential of the
Chilean market and has decided to reinforce
its presence in this country by setting up GES
Chile based in Santiago and naming Marta
Alonso Pelegrn as new Managing Director for
South America.
GES success cases in Chile
GES has participated in various projects in
Chile. In 2012 GES constructed the Wind
Farm of Talinay for Vestas in a time record of
only 6 months and got assembled in 33 days
with an average of 4 turbines per day.
At present, GES is constructing two new
Wind Farms: Chilo and Negrete. Chilo, for
Gamesa, has set up an objective to satisfy the
energy growth for the industry and residen-
tial Interconected Central System sectors by
generating wind energy. Negrete Cuels Wind
Farm is located in the South, at 560km of San-
tiago and is being constructed by the Chilean
and Irish company Mainstream. With the con-
struction of this Wind Farm, they will avoid the
emission of 45.000 tonnes of CO
2
per year.
Pol. Ftima Edif. Enekurimendi
Ctra. Bilbao - Asa (Alto Enekuri)
48950 Erandio - Vizcaya - Spain
www.services-ges.com
OUTSTANDING GROUTH OF POWER ELECTRONICS CHILE IN MINING
SECTOR BASED ON A COMPRENHENSIVE AND CUSTOMER ORIENTED
STRATEGY POWER ON SUPPORT
Power Electronics is a family-owned multina-
tional who began manufacturing and selling
power electronics for the industrial sector 25
years ago. With subsidiaries in over 30 coun-
tries, the company counts with more than 500
employees who truly share the commitment
for customer satisfaction and technical service
assistance 24/7 worldwide.
Power Electronics expertise is divided into
two main elds; the solar business by manu-
facturing solar inverters, and the industrial
where they manufacture VSD (Variable Speed
Drives) and soft starters, both in low and me-
dium voltage.
One of the companys fastest delegation is
Chile, where Power Electronics established in
2007 two important ofces located in Santiago
de Chile and Antofagasta. These ofces focus
their activity on sectors such as Mining, Water
Treatment, Oil & Gas, being these the countrys
main sources of business. During these past
years, Power Electronics has emerged as one
of the leading manufacturers of electronic de-
vices in low and medium voltage, being the
reason behind this the companys reliable
product quality and outstanding on-site 24/7
technical customer service offered. Due to
these heavy reasons, important Industrial Mul-
tinationals such as Codelco have taken this
Spanish Family-Owned Company as partners
for their main projects; Ministro Hales, Andina,
Chuquicamata, El Teniente, Radomiro Tomic,
etc. This POWER ON SUPPORT Strategy
turns challenges into opportunities.
Power Electronics Chile delivered all the me-
dium and low voltage drives for Ministro Hales,
mining project located in the North Chile region
of Antofagasta. CODELCO (National Copper
Chilean Corporation) operates this new open
pit mine, which will produce around 170.000
cubic tones of ne copper and 300 tones of sil-
ver per year. In a rst stage Power Electronics
will deliver 18 medium voltage units of the
XMV660 Series, ranging from 400kW up to
2.7MW at 4.16kV and small and medium
power low voltage and low harmonics 600V
variable speed drives of the SD700 Series.
In the following months Power Electronics
technicians, backed for international Technical
Service will carry out Ministro Hales commis-
sioning. This situation is a friendly milestone
when working with a customer oriented com-
pany like Power Electronics. Continuous sup-
port and attention during critical time frames is
highly appreciated by customers allowing the
company to create long term relationships.
Power Electronics is also developing one of
the longest conveyor belts Codelco owns in
their mining exploiting centers. Division Andi-
nas 5km length conveyor belt, used to move
up to 45% of the mineral capacity is powered
by SD700s congured with the latest OLTQ
master-slave control system. This ultimate
open loop torque control system allows an
accurate and synchronous traction of multiple
motors. Drives are communicated through -
ber optics without the need to install process
or motor encoders. This topology reduces the
maintenance cost of any facilities and speeds
up commissioning and drives setting.
Another successful experience of Power
Electronics in Chile is Mina Invierno, which
actions a carbon conveyor belt in the closest
industrial point to the South Pole (Isla Riesco).
A diesel generator station powers two
SD700 Freemaq FL (650A) low harmonics
drives which are synchronized to move up to
3000t/h of carbon 800m offshore and 20m
in height. Two twin motors are installed in the
middle of the conveyor and share a common
shaft that receives an identical torque from
both motors thanks to the unique encoder free
OLTQ control.
Since Power Electronics establishment back
in 1987, the company has not ceased to grow
and compete against worldwide corporations.
However, the companies philosophy of offering
maximum service where others fail to do so,
has taken them to where they are now. Power
Electronics rapid growth pace continues year
by year, which allows them to approach their
international strategy with high hopes, adding
some new horizons to their companys future.
|os Produotores = 4439 - Hueohuraba
SANTlAGO OHl|E
Tel. (+56) (2) 244 0308 0327 0335
www.power-electronics.com
SOLAR PV
The Strategic Research Agenda
of the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform
T
he European Commission created
the European Photovoltaic Techno-
logy Platform (EUPVTP) on 2005.
The main objective of the Platform was
to contribute to a rapid development of
a world-class cost competitive European
photovoltaic sector for a sustainable elec-
tricity production.
At that moment, it was absolutely nec-
essary to ensure links and coordination
between industry, research and market,
involving all the stakeholders in the formu-
lation of research programmes. Thus the
Platform should be the body.
It was clear that R&D had to be an integral
part of a plan for ambitious and intelligent
deployment of PV. If we tried to accelerate
the deployment of this technology, inten-
sication of R&D efforts would be the key.
It was necessary to position photovoltaic
as an attractive energy technology, an at-
tractive business opportunity, an attractive
employment option and an attractive edu-
cation challenge.
So, based on this premises the main doc-
ument to be developed was the Strategic
Research Agenda for Photovoltaic Technol-
ogy. The Platform published the rst SRA
in 2007, recognising that a strong R&D
activity was needed to underpin the Euro-
pean Photovoltaic industry development.
In 2009 the European Commission cre-
ated, under the implementation of the
SET-Plan, the Solar Europe Industry Initia-
tive (SEII), in which the EUPVTP has a fun-
damental role. In this respect the Platform
dened its new Mission as: To create,
implement, support and stimulate a coher-
ent and dynamic strategy to take forward
and further consolidate the maximum con-
tribution of PV to the EU SET-Plan (more
than 10% of EU electricity in 2020). Taking
the responsibility to ensure a rapid devel-
opment of a world class, cost-competitive
European Photovoltaic sector.
Due to the rapid development of this
technology it was necessary to update and
address the SRA with a second edition on
2011.
The updated SRA serves as a reference
document for both, European Commis-
sion and Member States. The alignment
between EC and MS is envisaged in the
frame of the SEII-Team, so the priorities
and topics outlined in the SRA serve as a
guidelines for the SEII-team.
The Strategic Research Agenda faces the
following challenges:
s Economy: Competitiveness of the Eu-
ropean PV industry.
s Energy and ecology: Role and contri-
bution of PV in the energy mix.
s Government and society: Benets and
unique features of PV.
There are some dened governing prin-
ciples in this document such as the SRA
considers all parts of the value chain and
denes research that will have short, medi-
um and long term impact, dedicating short
term research to competitiveness of Euro-
pean PV industry. It is not selective about
PV technologies (no exclusivity). A balance
of revolution and evolution is required
to ensure that advances can be developed
from basic R&D to cost-effective manufac-
ture with an implementation as rapidly as
possible. Finally and what it is more impor-
tant, it establishes indicative cost targets as
a function of time for all technologies.
Nevertheless and due to the incredible
development of the market and the unex-
Although Europe has lost it leadership of the Photovoltaic Industry, it maintains the leadership in
technology process and equipment. Photovoltaic has multiple benets as electricity supplier and
what it is also very important as economic sector.
EMILIANO PEREZAGUA
VICECHAIRMAN OF THE EUROPEAN
PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM
pected price reduction, the indicative price
targets chart created on 2011 is currently
surpassed. In the SRA appears the follow-
ing data for 2020:
s Typical turn-key price for a 100kW sys-
tem (/Wp excl. VAT): 1,5.
s Typical electricity generation costs in
southern Europe (/kWh): 0,10.
s Typical system energy payback time
southern Europe (years): <0,5.
It seems acceptable that the above price
targets for 2020 have been achieved nowa-
days.
The Strategic Research Agenda contents
R&D issues related to:
CeII and moduIe IechnoIogies:
Wafer-based crystalline silicon; existing
thin lm technologies (TFSi, CIGSS,
CdTe and organic PV); emerging and
novel technologies.
ConcenIraIor IechnoIogies: Mate-
rials, conversion principles and devices,
processing and assembly).
PV sysIems: System components and
installation materials; installation; ope-
ration and maintenance and grid inte-
gration into the built environment.
EnvironmenIaI quaIiIy and appIica-
biIiIy.
5ocio-economic aspecIs of PV and
enabIing research.
Different targets depending on the ap-
plication
CeIIs and moduIes: There are some
common topics for all type of module
technologies:
s Efciency, energy yield ( /kWh), stabili-
ty and lifetime.
s High productivity manufacturing, in-
process monitoring and control: Re-
duction of manufacturing cost.
s Environmental sustainability: Saving
energy and reducing payback time.
s Materials: inexpensive, safe and abun-
dant.
s Applicability.
Wafer based crysIaIIine siIicon: Strong
development has been observed since
2007, in terms of efciency improvements,
reduction in wafer thickness and increases
in manufacturing capacity.
s The R&D efforts must be focussed on ad-
vanced manufacturing processes: Selec-
tive emitters; laser buried cells; back con-
tact cells; N type cells, multilayer cells.
s Typical total area module efciency:
14-18% now; in longer term 18-22%.
s Main R&D topics: Consumption of sili-
con and other materials (silver...); new
and improved silicon feedstock; increa-
sing efciency; integrated process and
industrial equipment development.
s It is also recommended a continued re-
search on embedded energy content,
lifecycle, environmental impacts and
product standards.
Common R&D issues for all existing Thin
fiIm IechnoIogies: Since 2007, manufac-
turing capacity has increased strongly and
there have been signicant efciency ad-
vances. R&D should be focused on:
s Reliable and cost effective production
equipment: High productivity deposi-
tion techniques, encapsulation proces-
ses and quality control techniques.
s Modelling of heterostructures and trans-
fer of novel high efciency concepts.
s Recycling materials.
s Alternatives for scarce or critical mate-
rials.
With regards to inorganic technologies,
the efciency targets have been increased
and cost targets reduced which leads to a
long-term cost <0.3 /W at GW produc-
tion level.
New short and long-term targets have
been dened for organic cells and mod-
ules, as well as for inorganic devices on
exible substrates.
There is increased emphasis on material
sustainability, light trapping and spectrum
conversion, processing, encapsulation and
modelling.
There are some efciency targets for
each thin lm technology. For Thin lm sili-
con (TFS) above 15% at laboratory scale;
for CIGSS module efciency higher than
16% or above 20% at laboratory scale;
for advanced CdTe devices up to 20% at
laboratory scale.
ConcenIraIor PhoIovoIIaics (CPV):
Substitution of expensive elements (high-
est efciency solar cells) with other poten-
tially much cheaper (optic elements):
s Low concentration (<100 suns): High
efciency crystalline silicon has rea-
ched 27.6% efciency. It is necessary
to assure large-scale production.
s High concentration (>500 suns): multi-
junction cells III-V semiconductor com-
pound. The target is to assure large quan-
tities production at efciencies > 45%.
The main R&D tasks for CPV are:
s Develop materials and industrial produc-
tion for very high efciency concentrator
cells: Si cells >26% and multijunction >
45%. Identify the optimum concentra-
tion factor for each technology.
s Optical System: reliable, long-term sta-
ble and low cost lenses.
s Module assembly: materials and pro-
cess for assembly the components into
highly precise modules, using low cost
fully automated methods.
s Tracking: Optimize size, load capacity,
stability, stiffness and material.
s Optimize design, testing routines and
integration of all CPV system compo-
nents. Establish criteria for evaluating
their cost.
NoveI and emerging IechnoIogies: This
category is dened as potentially disruptive
technologies aiming for very high efciency.
There are some different categories:
s Novel active layers: Quantum wells,
quantum wires and quantum dots
- Decoupling the basic relationship
between output current and output
voltage.
SOLAR PV
49
SOLAR PV
- Quantum connement effect to ob-
tain higher band gap.
- Use the excess of energy of exci-
ted carriers before they thermalize
to the bottom of the energy band
(hot carriers cells, multiple exciton
generation).
s Tailoring the solar expectrum to boost
existing cell technologies:
- Up-down conversion
- Photonic structures
s Extend the cell spectral response be-
yond the limits imposed by the band
gap of the host semiconductor: i.e.
Metallic Intermediate Band (MIB) cells.
PhoIovoIIaics componenI and sys-
Iems: Photovoltaic systems can be imple-
mented in a range of applications, sizes
and situations, meeting a wide range of
power needs. The user encounters PV
technology at the system level and re-
quires it to be reliable, cost-effective and
look attractive.
The research agenda concentrates on
topics that will achieve one or more of the
following:
s Reduce the cost of all elements within
the photovoltaic system.
s Increase overall performance, efcien-
cy and component lifetimes, reduce
losses and maintain performance levels
throughout system life
s Improve functionality, so adding value
to the electricity produced
s Implement innovative approaches in
the grid-connected system design (e.g.
storage), inverter design and technical
standards in order to broaden the hos-
ting capacity of the grid
s Improve the integration of systems in
the built environment (BIPV) to redu-
ce overall costs and environmental
impact and ensure public support for
large-scale deployment.
s Enlarge the range of BIPV elements
available to facilitate innovative archi-
tectural approaches, including enhan-
cement of multifunctionality.
InIeracIion of PV sysIems viIh Ihe
eIecIriciIy grid:
Research and development should focus
on the following issues:
s Linking PV systems to grid communi-
cation systems, energy management
and building automation.
s Pre-standardisation including develop-
ment of smart grid integration
s Development of advanced and harmo-
nised grid connection rules for high PV
penetration levels.
s Development of (decentralised) ener-
gy management systems that support
the efcient use of uctuating power
sources.
s Improvement of controllability and
forecasting of PV system output con-
cerning active and reactive power, fre-
quency behaviour and decentralised
voltage regulation.
More specically, the areas of research
can be divided into two groups, grid-side
measures and PV system- and consumer-
side measures.
On the PV systems side, the expected
high penetration of PV into the grid will
require research with several approaches:
s Grid codes with appropriate require-
ments on distributed generation de-
vices in terms of reactive and active
power control, fault-ride-through ca-
pabilities, etc.
s Consumption of electrical energy at
the point of generation in order to re-
duce the grid loads.
s Implementation of smart-metering
concepts in order for system operators
and end-consumers to visualise local
energy generation and consumption.
s Finally and in order to increase the
utilisation of PV, the potential storage
capability of electric vehicles should be
taken into account.
Regarding environmental aspects the
main tasks are:
s Further develop performance, ener-
gy rating and safety standards for PV
modules, PV building elements and PV
inverters and AC modules
s Harmonise conditions for grid-connec-
tion across Europe, including in rela-
tion to smart grids.
s Develop quality assurance guidelines
for the whole manufacturing chain
s Develop recycling processes for thin-
lm modules and BoS components.
It is important to take into account that
Photovoltaic is currently suffering a period
of transition from a very small niche to a
mainstream electricity supplier and from
incentive driven to self-sustained markets.
From Europe as focal point to global
action both in market development and
installation as well as in manufacturing.
R&D needs to address both modules +
BoS:
s Enhancing Performance research
that leads to higher device outputs and
improved system performance.
s Improving Manufacturability & Redu-
cing Cost research that addresses the
ease and cost of manufacture.
s Promoting Sustainability research
that is aimed at ensuring the sustaina-
bility aspects of the technology from
manufacture to use.
s Addressing Applicability research
that develops products and technology
to meet specic market needs-
But... very rapid and very large-scale de-
ployment of innovative PV may lead to a
variety of bottlenecks: skilled labour force;
suitable materials; high-throughput manu-
facturing equipment; standardised and
qualied products for different markets
(PV hardware); dedicated nancial and
other software products.
In any case although Europe has lost it
leadership of the Photovoltaic Industry,
it maintains the leadership in technology
process and equipment.
Photovoltaic has multiple benets as
electricity supplier and what it is also very
important as economic sector
The Strategic Research Agenda for Photovoltaic Solar
Energy Sector
See it at www.eupvplatform.org
Although Europe
has lost it leadership
of the Photovoltaic
Industry, it maintains
the leadership in
technology process and
equipment
SOLAR PV
F
utures energy is generated where
it is consumed. A vision which has
already become reality for some pri-
vate households and medium-sized com-
panies. Small, decentralized solar energy
production units, energy storage devices
and a battery management system, can
help you to a large extent to become inde-
pendent from the public power grid and
the constantly rising electricity prices. First
systems for self-supply prove: It works.
While the change of energy policy is be-
ing debated publicly, more and more con-
sumers are taking their electricity supply
into their own hands. They thereby follow
two objectives: the produced solar energy
is environmentally friendly, and it provides
them with tangible nancial benets. With
an investment of less than 25,000 Euro a
single-family house with ofce and electric
car can completely cover its own demand
with self-produced solar energy and
freeze the electricity price at todays level
for about 25 years. The rst MSS1 systems
are already running and their yield shows:
it is paying off.
The problem: Unbalanced load prole
On the one hand, self-supply of private
houses, apartments or whole companies
with solar energy previously failed, due to
the issue of storing the generated energy.
On the other hand, the unbalanced load
prole of xed photovoltaic installations
opposes the targeted ideal of using the
generated energy immediately. Both prob-
lems can be elegantly solved by using pho-
tovoltaic tracking systems. For both the
efcient storage and the immediate con-
sumption, a balanced load prole is neces-
sary in other words: a constant produc-
tion of solar energy the whole day long.
As an explanation: Fixed photovol-
taic systems reach their production peak
around midday but produce relatively little
energy before and after. This means: In
the morning and in the evening, when
a normal household really needs a lot of
electricity, xed systems usually do not
provide enough energy. This is different
with tracking systems such as the MLD2
tracking systems from DEGER (MLD stands
for Maximum Light Detection): They usu-
ally provide enough solar energy for direct
consumption even during these times of
day.
The second signicant factor when us-
ing a self-supply system are the electricity
storage devices. They supply the consumer
with energy even when the photovoltaic
modules are not generating enough elec-
tricity or no electricity at all.
Tracking conserves electricity
storage devices
For storage, too, tracking systems have
one decisive advantage. The batteries used
as energy buffers can be recharged much
more sparingly with a constant input than
with short, high voltage peaks, which are
typical for xed systems. The system thus
requires less battery capacity which sig-
nicantly increases the life span of the
electricity storage devices. A rule of thumb
is: MLD tracking saves about 30 percent
battery capacity.
In addition, the effect already described
applies: When the sun is in the sky which,
by the way, also applies for days with an
overcast sky tracking systems generally
supply enough energy for direct consump-
tion. So the batteries are not used during
SELF-SUPPLY OF SOLAR ENERGY IS POSSIBLE WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC TRACKING SYSTEMS
DEGERENERGIE GMBH
Change of energy from the base up
51
SOLAR PV
these times. Both have a positive effect on
the protability of the whole system.
Use excess energy sensibly
The battery management system enables
the user to control the self-supply system
according to his individual wishes and re-
quirements. First, the solar energy which is
not directly used is routed into the electric-
ity storage devices. When the batteries are
full, the excess energy can be fed into the
power grid or used for another purpose
e.g. for the treatment of waste water or to
power a heating system. This, too, is con-
trolled by an excess manager in the control
cabinet according to the demand or the
users priority.
Assuming that there is generally still a con-
nection to the public power grid, the bat-
tery management system can be set in such
a way that the batteries are only discharged
by a maximum of 50 percent. Once this
minimal value has been reached and there
is no directly-produced solar energy avail-
able, the system automatically obtains elec-
tricity from the power grid. The battery buf-
fer can be set higher or lower. 50 percent
make sense, considering that during power
cuts the system should provide the house-
hold or the company with electricity even
when solar energy is not directly available.
The way to a self-sufcient energy
supply
Someone who decides to use a self-supply
system usually does not want produced
electricity to be fed into the power grid and
prot from the feed in tariff. Even more so
because the days of feed in tariffs are num-
bered a trend which has already begun
worldwide. In Germany they will drop be-
low 10 Cents per kilowatt hour in the near
future; today the production costs for solar
energy using tracking systems are already at
approximately 10 Cents per kilowatt hour.
The direction is obvious: The users of
such systems mainly want to become inde-
pendent from public power grids and the
rising energy costs. A self-sufcient power
supply can be a means of future secu-
rity, especially for small and medium-sized
companies, which do not benet from the
attractive major customer tariffs of the en-
ergy suppliers. They can soundly calculate
their energy costs on the long term and
freeze them at todays level permanently.
That means: Their competitiveness grows
with every price increase by the public en-
ergy suppliers.
There is no doubt that the electricity prices
will not stay at the current level. The Karl-
sruhe Institute of Technology estimated in a
report of mid-May 2012, that the electricity
prices in Germany will increase by 70 per-
cent until the year 2025. A gure which, by
the way, applies for major customers. For
private households and smaller companies
the price increase will surely be even higher.
Positive energy balance
In the meantime, the DEGER test system,
which was installed in autumn 2011, and
other systems, which have been installed
since then, have produced reliable yield
and consumption measurements. They
show: 22 square metres of tracked solar
module surface cover around 115 percent
of the energy needed by a single-family
house with ofce and two electric vehicles.
In detail: In the rst 5 months of the year
2012, the test system produced around
3,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy. The
energy consumption of the connected
household including ofce and electric
vehicles was about 2,600 kWh during the
same period.
The positive energy balance is seen in the
relationship between electricity obtained
from the power grid and the electricity fed
into the grid: Between January and May
around 610 kWh were taken from the
power grid. In the same time period 930
kWh were fed into the grid.
The test system features 18 solar modules
type Sanyo 240 with a total output of 4.320
watt peak. Within the rst complete calen-
dar year it produced 7.525 kilowatt hours of
solar energy a sensational outcome, which
signicantly exceeds even the DEGERs ex-
pectations. Certainly a part of this is due to
the location: the system has free visibility
from the eastern to the western horizon.
And it is usually very seldom foggy in this re-
gion. Thus, the site not only delivers enough
solar energy for its own consumption, it also
supports the warm water treatment of the
house to a considerable extent.
Notable detail: Both electric cars travelled
a total of around 6,000 kilometres during
the rst measurement period. To achieve
this, they consumed approximately 900
kWh electricity at a purchase price of about
200 Euro. When taking this used energy
out of the calculation, it would not have
been necessary to obtain any electricity
during the whole measuring period. At the
same time, though, 400 litres of petrol was
saved by the cars which would have cost
more than 600 Euro at the current prices.
A functioning complete system for self-
supply, including installation, costs less
than 25,000 Euro. On this basis users can
freeze their electricity price at the current
level for the next 25 years. This calculation
includes all costs from the installation it-
self and the costs of nancing, as well as
maintenance and service including costs
for spare parts over a period of 25 years.
The MLD principle
The MLD or Maximum Light Detection
Principle is based on the accurate tracking
movement of solar modules to the most
energy-rich positions. This is due to the pat-
ented control module. It continually mea-
sures the intensity and angle of incident
light beams and, based on these measured
values, constantly realigns the systems solar
modules according to the current light con-
ditions. This enables modules to generate
energy from diffuse light which penetrates
through clouds or reects off water and
snow surfaces. This process generates on
average a surplus yield of 45 percent com-
pared to xed solar modules
1 MSS = Maximum Solarpower Storage
2 MLD = Maximum Light Detection
SOLAR PV
SMA MULTICLUSTER TECHNOLOGY
The path to your own power grid
Why alternating current?
So-called AC coupling forms the basis for
modular off-grid power supply with ca-
pacities of up to 300 kW. In contrast to
DC coupling, all energy sources and loads
are connected through an AC power grid,
which offers a number of advantages:
Commercial and therefore affordable AC
power devices can be used on the consum-
er side. On the generator side, any kind of
renewable or conventional energy sources
can be incorporated. Alternating current
grids can be expanded without special-
ized expertise and using standard compo-
nents that are available everywhere. Com-
pared to components for direct current
grids, these components are considerably
cheaper because they normally have to
carry higher voltages but also much lower
currents. There is also much more plan-
ning exibility involved since even large
distances between the generators, batter-
ies and consumers can be implemented.
Moreover, the connection of generators
and consumers of alternating current grids
is possible practically at any random point
in the network thus providing optimum
conditions for subsequent expansion.
Multicluster technology less
expense for large systems
The special advantage of SMAs off-grid
system technology lies in its modular de-
sign: PV plants of any performance class
are built using comparatively small and
manageable components, which makes
transport and installation easy even at
remote locations. By dividing the inverter
capacity into clusters (i.e. groups of three
devices each), the planner is extremely ex-
ible with respect to system performance.
This is almost innitely scalable thanks to
the parallel connection of multiple clus-
ters, and a subsequent expansion of the
off-grid system is also easy to implement.
Since the basic design is identical and
the devices used are always the same, ser-
vice personnel once trained can congure,
operate and maintain plants of any size.
Besides the Sunny Island battery inverter,
the core element of the modular system is
the Multicluster Box which is responsible
for the simple connection of all compo-
nents into one battery-supported AC grid
with a variety of power generators. The
Multicluster Box is available in three power
classes, comes fully wired and contains all
of the necessary switching elements and
monitoring devices. It allows the imple-
mentation of any off-grid system ranging
from 5 kW to 300 kW in capacity.
Multi-level security: Generator
and load-shedding contactors
A power contactor is integrated into the
distribution board for both load and gen-
erator connections. The generator contac-
tor connects grid-forming generators such
as those used in more powerful diesel
generating plants or combined heat and
power plants. In contrast to generators in
grid-parallel operation, they cannot syn-
chronize with an existing grid, and there-
fore in this case, the generator species
the grid parameters.
Off-grid systems on AC basis open up new possibilities for providing a stable and powerful
energy supply which is entirely independent of the power distribution grid. This kind of stand-
alone power grid not only provides the customary supply quality usually associated with large
power distribution grids. Due to its modular structure, it is also very simple to install and can be
expanded as required. Through the integration of renewable energy sources which avoid fuel
costs and at the same time are becoming ever more efcient, such systems are today more
costeffective than conventional systems running on diesel generators.
SMA
At a state of charge under 90 percent, power surpluses can be absorbed by the battery at any time. When the battery is fully charged and power surpluses are produced,
the Sunny Island increases the AC frequency. The generators then continuously reduce their power.
SOLAR PV
The cluster group of Sunny Island invert-
ers adjusts accordingly, meaning the con-
nection is established as soon as voltage
and frequency with the pre- and post gen-
erator contactor are synchronized. If the
Sunny Island cluster fails or is switched off,
the generator contactor closes automati-
cally, so that the generator is directly linked
to the connected loads. In the case of a
generator failure, however the system rap-
idly disconnects and maintains supply with
battery power and the available renew-
able-energy generators. Thus, even when
one component fails, a secure operation
is assured. If a long-term generator failure
occurs and the renewable energy sources
are not sufcient to fully power all the
loads, the energy stored in the battery will
be used initially. Once a lower discharge
threshold is reached, the contactor on the
load side opens and unlocks the line in
order to safely prevent the batteries from
deep discharge and the cluster group from
disconnection. Instead, the system remains
active and uses all available sun, wind or
hydro power to recharge the battery.
The loads are automatically reconnected
once the batterys state of charge is high
enough. Conclusion: Even in cases of se-
vere faults, the maximum possible power
supply reliability and battery protection are
guaranteed.
Flexible in normal operation
The modular design of off-grid systems of-
fers an amazing degree of exibility that
provides advantages not only in terms of
planning, but also for system expansion
and maintenance. The modular design
makes it easy to incrementally expand
and upgrade any small system. Additional
clusters can be connected to Multiclus-
ter Box at any time so that the capacity
of renewable energy generation can be
expanded in accordance with demand.
The only limiting factors are the number
of Sunny Island connections possible on
each Multicluster Box and the ampacity of
their switching devices (see the technical
data for the Multicluster Box). In fact, the
availability of the entire system is also en-
hanced by the modular structure based on
compact standard devices. With
the exception of the main cluster, main-
tenance or replacement of individual Sun-
ny Island inverters can take place during
system operation the only difference
being that the total power of the system
is correspondingly lower during this time.
The same is true for the individual sub-
batteries that are assigned to the various
Sunny Island clusters. The intelligent bat-
tery management of the cluster group en-
sures all battery segments have regained
the same charge within a very short time.
The Island Solution modern
electricity supply on Eigg Island
An example of a high-performance, off-
grid power supply system can be found on
Eigg Island. The island is part of the Scot-
tish Hebrides, about 30 km2 in size and
with a population of 90. The island has yet
to be connected to the power distribution
grid from the mainland, which is about
16 kilometers away. The costs are simply
too high. Until 2008 the island was sup-
plied with electricity by diesel generators.
This form of power supply was always very
expensive. On top of this, there were dis-
connections at night due to the noise pol-
lution and all electricity had to be switched
off when maintenance work was required.
A power grid of their own
Since 2008, the islanders have been reap-
ing the benets of a modern three-phase
electricity grid, 95% of which is supplied
by renewable energy sources. This hy-
brid off-grid system uses three renewable
sources integrating hydroelectric, wind
and photovoltaic power, and only uses a
backup generator at times of poor gener-
ating capacity.
Although electricity is now available 24
hours a day costs for the residents have
fallen by more than 60 percent. The cen-
tral element of the stand-alone grid is the
group of four Sunny Island clusters which
is connected to various generators and
loads via a Multicluster Box 12: Three wa-
ter turbines with a total of 110 kW, four
small wind turbines with 24 kW and a PV
plant with 31 kW peak power ensure a
supply of environmentally sound electrici-
ty. Thus, the Sunny Island inverters with 60
kW nominal power face a power genera-
tion capacity from renewables of around
144 kW. This power ratio is typical for off-
grid systems since the maximum capacities
of different generators are only rarely
available at the same time. Two diesel gen-
erators with 64 kW nominal power each
serve as backup in case the renewable ener-
gy source is deemed insufcient. However,
only one of the generators is ever in opera-
tion at any one time, so that the system can
switch over to the other generator during
maintenance work or troubleshooting.
The battery bank has a storage capacity of
212 kWh this alone can keep the island
supplied for around twelve hours. In order
to avoid transmission losses resulting from
the distance of several kilometers between
loads and generators, the local power dis-
tribution grid operates partially at a medi-
um-voltage level of 11 kV. Locally gener-
ated power further relieves the distribution
grid, as some of the energy produced is
consumed directly in the vicinity
SOLAR PV
Hybrid generation technology for renewable distributed
generation and deployment of micro grids
HIS Compact
Single-phase modular hy-
brid inverter for Solar and
wind generation, batter-
ies and grid or generator
The HIS Compact Hy-
brid Inverters are based
on State-of-the-art ar-
chitecture, capable to
generate AC grid from
different energy inputs:
renewable (solar PV and
small wind turbines), bat-
tery and fossil based gen-
eration. A set of modular
converters allows dif-
ferent patterns of solar,
wind, battery and gen set
or ac grid.
The HIS Compact Hybrid Inverters allow
building mini-grids from 4kW to 6,6kW
of output power. It could be built for dif-
ferent output voltages: 230V, 120V, 108V,
100V+100V and 50Hz or 60Hz. The bat-
tery controller is capable to handle differ-
ent battery technologies and capacities:
Lithium, Lead-Acid, NiCd and Flow Batter-
ies. Multiple Controllers could be installed
in parallel to satisfy different PV and Wind
Generation capabilities. PV solar panel
ranges from 6,6kWp to 33kWp. As for
wind turbines, several units with nominal
power of 600W, 2kW and 6kW could also
be connected.
Description
The HIS Compact Hybrid Inverters series
has been designed to provide stable and
secure power supply for those applications
where accessibil-
ity to grid or cost
of electricity is a
big issue: off-grid
areas, rural elec-
trication or elec-
tricity provided by
diesel generators.
The main feature of Zigor HIS
Compact series of Hybrid Inverters
is the capability to manage energy
from various and different sources
like pv eld, wind turbines, batter-
ies, diesel generator and/or grid.
In addition to this, the HIS Com-
pact Hybrid Systems are able to ac-
commodate and sum-up the energy
from various sources at the same
time while controlling all of them through
its unique management system. Likewise,
the HIS Compact systems are capable to
manage the functioning of the assigned
gen set, keeping it stopped when their en-
ergy in not needed.
The Zigor HIS Compact series of Hybrid
Inverters have a modular and scalable con-
cept where it is very easy to increase the
capability by increasing the size of the PV
eld, the number of wind turbines, the
power of AC input and/or the size of the
battery bank.
Features
s Best possible efciency (over 96%
from solar eld to AC output)
s Competitive distributed generation
s Professional rural electrication
s Hybrid solar, wind, battery, grid, GS
s Reliable energy micro grid, with stable
voltage and frequency all the time.
s Maintainable, modular and scalable
s Easy to transport, install and repair
s Compatible with lithium batteries
s Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
for renewable inputs
s Galvanic isolation through transformer
s Remote communication: web server
integrated (optional)
The HIS Compact Series of Hybrid Invert-
ers could be equipped with an internal
Web server program to provide full access
to the whole system, to monitor in real
time the status and variables of the opera-
tion as well as to communicate with them.
The beauty of this communication facility
is that the user doesnt need any special
software and/or licence to be loaded into
the computer or special communication
hardware to be congured for it. By hav-
ing an Ethernet network (TCP/IP), giving a
valid IP address to the hybrid inverter and
launching an internet browser, the user
gets direct access to all information about
the HIS Compact System, this is:
s Status
s Parameters
s Events and energy production log
s Alarms
This unique tool provides the user a
graphic and friendly environment to com-
pletely monitor and manage the HIS Com-
pact system. The Web server is also ca-
pable to advise the user by sending mails,
about any possible dysfunction of the sys-
tem. This allows not only to reduce inop-
erative time of the system but to improve
maintenance tasks and the availability of
the system
In order to attend the growing demand for rural electrication and distributed generation based
on hybridizing renewable and fossil power sources, Zigor presents in this technical article
some concerns with world sustainability and innovation along with our offer of solutions and
technology. The aim is to support our customers in their projects for hybrid generation technology
for renewable distributed generation and deployment of micro grids, with and without different
available EES solutions, both mature and innovative ones.
ZIGOR
SOLAR PV
Southern European markets are reaching
grid parity despite the situation
A look at Southern Europe
2011 was a boom year for the solar PV
industry if we look at Italy, where the mar-
ket exceeded the 7 GW of installed capac-
ity. The 2020 targets were met ahead of
schedule and the PV industry also created
many jobs. The Quinto Conto Energia de-
cree in Italy, which entered into force in
August 2012, led to the further reduction
of incentives for large-scale systems and
promotes small-scale, decentralized pro-
duction, mainly in the form of projects for
commercial and residential roofs. The de-
cree established that incentives would no
longer apply after 30 calendar days from
reaching an aggregate incentive cost of
6.7 billion euros (almost reached as of to-
days date) communicated by the Author-
ity for Electricity and Gas (AEEG) through
the GSE Photovoltaic Counter. Yet 3.4 GW
were installed in Italy in 2012 despite the
instability, crisis and incentive cuts (infor-
mation from Atlasole GSE).
The situation in Spain was slightly more
devastating and the blow dealt by the
moratorium gave us a 2012 with just 330
MW installed. The enactment of Royal
Decree-Law 1/2012 clearly and directly
suspended the plant pre-allocation in the
subsidy registry procedure without provid-
ing another alternative. It should be noted
that the best year for solar energy in Spain
was 2008, when 2.4 GW were installed.
In this stalemate situation, we need a
regulatory shift so that grid parity has an
impact on the solar PV market in Spain.
Grid parity is an almost natural tipping
point where self-produced energy from
solar installations becomes viable without
incentives or subsidies and can compete
with the electric supply grid on price. This
famous and much-anticipated net-meter-
ing would allow to consume part of the
solar-generated electricity and in return
benet in the electricity bill.
Greece is suffering similar uncertainty
with unclear regulatory laws Greece regard-
ing photovoltaic, and in addition retroactive
taxes have been imposed to systems in-
stalled before 2012. Despite of this, Greece
has an excellent number of daylight hours,
in 2012 was one of the largest European
markets with almost 800 MW produced.
The hope placed on grid parity
Grid parity is already a reality in South Italy.
With almost 6.7 million in subsidies from V
Conto, the Italian PV industry should now
be able to stay on its feet without further
aid. The challenge that the Italian market
faces going forward will be funding.
The European Photovoltaic Industry As-
sociation (EPIA) recently announced that
Italy would be the rst country where
renewable energy technology would be
more competitive than fossil fuels. The
EPIA report also notes that solar energy
is less expensive than people think, with
While its true that the Southern European markets have been hit hardest by the economic crisis
we mustnt forget that theyre also the markets with the highest solar radiation and that fact alone
makes them a promising place for the industry. But we need more stable regulatory frameworks
that enable the development of distributed power as benecial for society and the environment.
LVARO GARCA-MALTRS
SOUTHERN REGION SALES MANAGER
TRINA SOLAR
Photovoltaic solar plant in
Rivisondoli (Italy).
57
SOLAR PV
prices continually falling in free competi-
tive markets. The report also predicts an
increase in the cost of traditional energy
sources like coal and gas.
Its clear that grid parity, while it wont be
reached at once, nor in terms of countries
or regions or economies, will soon become
widespread. The revolution is happening,
but it will happen in steps. Obviously, grid
parity is easier in areas with high degrees of
sunlight that increase output and decrease
the average cost of energy production.
Energy mix is an important factor inu-
encing grid parity, as each country has an
average production price according to its
energy mix. For example, according to Red
Elctrica de Espaa (REE) only 26.5% of the
kilowatts consumed in Spain in 2011 were
from renewable sources (sun, water, wind
and biomass). The lack of stable regulations
mentioned before, is another difculty to-
ward the widespread use of photovolta-
ics. And nally the key factor is funding;
to practice, nancial costs are a signicant
part of the cost kWh (in the price of genera-
tion must include the amortization of the
asset). We should also take into account
that residential customers pay a different
rate for electricity than commercial or large
industrial consumers, which will result in
different grid parity access speeds; in gen-
eral, the residential customers rst and then
the remaining clients.
The Southern markets are and must be
promising in spite of the challenges posed
by the macroeconomic situation and by the
solar PV industry itself. Im optimistic and
I believe that there will be a satisfactory
evolution. Grid parity is here, many efforts
have been made from manufacturers to
reach that clean energy competes with the
conventional energy and we have to take
advantage of it, as it translates into a clear
benet for the society and the environment.
Optimizing the suns efciency
Trina Solar is making great efforts to lower
its costs, increase the efciency and reli-
ability of its products and thus do its part
to achieve grid parity. Our investments in
R&Dthe highest of the industryhelp
us to continue working to improve pro-
cesses and materials and reduce costs.
As manufacturers we have incorporated
the latest advances in multicrystalline cell
technology, for example in our new Honey
modules, which deliver higher efciencies
and record-setting power outputs. These
results strongly position Honey panels at
the top of its class, and combined with
Trina Solars warranteesa standard 10-
year product warranty and 25-year linear
power output warranty Honey cells are
an investment in high performance and
sweet returns.
Unsurprisingly, Trina Solars Honey mod-
ules have set two world records for mul-
ticrystalline module power. A 156x156
mm 60-cell module powered by Honey
cells reached a 274 W peak in laboratory
tests. The results have been conrmed by
Germanys TV Rheinland in a September
2011 report. The second record was also
set with a 60-cell module with 284.7 W
peak reached in May 2012.
The extreme efciency of Trina Solar prod-
ucts has been repeatedly evidenced in vari-
ous photovoltaic plant eld studies, where
it has been demonstrated that our panels
reached a higher energy output than expect-
ed, resulting in higher efciency and greater
returns. These results have been monitored
and certied by external organizations.
Moreover, all of these innovations are
aimed at minimizing environmental im-
pact. Among other recognitions Trina Solar
tops the ranking of the Silicon Valley Tox-
ics Coalition (SVTC) Solar Scorecard in the
category of PV manufacturers.
Trina Solar is the manufacturer with the
highest market share in projects of 10 MW
and above installed in 2012. This gure
supports objectively the fact that the Com-
pany is a reliable partner for investors and
customers, who see Trina Solar as a long
term sustainable company that will over-
come its current phase of consolidation.
Were actively striving to nd the sweet
spot between cost and return. Trina Solar
will not enter into the price war because
besides being protable, we aim to be sus-
tainable and to be around in 20 years
Training Academy (Spain).
Photovoltaic solar plant in
Calasparra (Spain).
ENERGY STORAGE
Trojans commitment to solar
industry
Trojan is in an interesting position as the
leading deep-cycle battery company that
has been in the market for almost 100
years. Because Trojan serves a variety of in-
dustries, the company has the opportunity
to continue to invest in emerging markets
such as renewable energy, telecom and
backup power.
Trojan expects expansion of all our mar-
kets to increase in 2013, and the renewable
energy, telecom and backup power markets
in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin
America are particularly poised for growth.
To address this expected increase, Trojan has
created sales and technical teams to speci-
cally focus on supporting renewable energy
customers throughout these regions.
Potential market growth
Over the course of the next 2 - 3 years,
Trojan sees market growth in the off-grid
and grid-backup and telecom market seg-
ments in developing regions of the world.
Countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa
and Latin America where there is no pow-
er or the grid is unstable offer the most op-
portunities for expansion of solar power.
Trojan expects to see continued demand
in these regions for our high-quality, deep-
cycle ooded lead-acid batteries and inter-
est in our maintenance-free AGM batter-
ies, depending on customer budget and
application requirements. The adoption of
Trojans new line of high amp hour Indus-
trial batteries is growing rapidly, particular-
ly in telecom, mini-grid, remote resort and
AC coupled applications.
Having shaped the world of deep-cycle
battery technology for more than 85 years,
Trojans pioneering research, development
and manufacturing expertise has rmly
established the companys legacy of ap-
plying focused engineering and innovative
technology to address the needs of the
global renewable energy marketplace. The
companys comprehensive line of deep-
cycle batteries are tested to meet both IEC
and BCI standards and features advanced
battery technology which delivers reliable
power, high-capacity performance and
rugged durability required by off-grid and
grid-tied renewable energy systems.
Trojan Battery Company maintains an ex-
tensive research and development program
focused on improving current deep-cycle
battery technologies and enhancing energy
storage solutions for the solar, Telecomand
inverter backup markets. Trojan concen-
trates its research efforts on advanced
lead-acid technologies and the company
is seeing very positive results. Trojan also
continues to monitor other types of tech-
nology for the industry, and maintains de-
velopment partnerships with rms explor-
ing other battery technologies. In addition
to implementing technology advancements
to its deep-cycle batteries, Trojan focuses
on enhancing its manufacturing processes.
These research and development activities
focus on bringing to market high-quality,
cost-effective batteries that provide opti-
mum performance in the eld.
Technology Investment at
Manufacturing Facilities
Over the last two years, Trojan has made
several capital investments, including Cast-
on-Strap (COS) equipment, at its U.S. manu-
facturing facility in Lithonia, Ga. The process
of assembling a deep-cycle battery plays just
as an important role as do the materials that
go into creating the battery. The manufac-
ture of deep-cycle batteries takes precision,
accuracy and succinct methods to ensure the
proper assembly of its delicate internal com-
ponents. The use of COS equipmentis critical
toensuring that Trojan battery components
are properly placed and connected during
the manufacturing process.
While COS is used by many battery man-
ufacturers, the technology was originally
designed for production of automotive bat-
teries. Recognizing the importance of prop-
erly designed COS equipment for deep-cycle
battery manufacturing, Trojan commissioned
the development of completely new COS
machines specically engineered for use in
the production of its industry-leading, deep-
cycle battery products. Trojans automated
COS machines play a critical role in ensuring
the correct placement and connection of key
battery components for reliable operation.
The battery plates are stacked automatically
into groups and each group is then moved
down to the COS machine where it is lev-
eled and aligned several times in various pro-
cesses to properly position the lugs of each
plate. These precise leveling techniques en-
sure proper connection of the plates is estab-
lished in the nal COS process
TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY
Emerging markets:
renewable energy, telecom and backup power
Over the course of the next 2 - 3 years, Trojan sees market growth in the off-grid and grid-backup
and telecom market segments in developing regions of the world. Countries in Asia, the Middle
East, Africa and Latin America where there is no power or the grid is unstable offer the most
opportunities for expansion of solar power.
T
he project began in 2010 when the
rst model of the Fronius Energy
Cell came onto the market. The rst
system was built at the end of 2012, with
the rst data being studied now. The Fro-
nius Energy Cell has been available for sale
for the past two years, functioning as an
H
2
cell that converts H
2
into electricity.
The two-way Fronius Energy Cell (Elec-
tricity H
2
Electricity) to be marketed for
the rst time next year.
Although all the equipment used for this
project is already a reality and being mar-
keted, we believe it will hit the market on a
mass scale in around 2020. In Europe, it will
initially enter the market in northern and
central Europe, two areas where the dif-
ference between summer and winter solar
irradiation levels are much greater than the
countries of southern Europe, and the heat-
ing requirements are also greater.
Description of the project
Fronius has set itself the task of creating a
sustainable future through research into
renewable energies. It is also contribut-
ing to the development of full energy in-
dependence, an area that it believes to be
of utmost priority. The self-sufcient house
shows how the Fronius Energy Cell is used to
provide a completely autonomous source of
electricity and heat by means of cogenera-
tion, achieving the highest possible level of
energy efciency in a single-family dwelling.
The energy concept: the sun as
the sole source of energy
Solar energy is converted into direct cur-
rent electricity by means of solar modules
installed on the buildings roofs. The in-
verters transform this direct current into
alternating current, for use. This makes it
possible to use the energy received from
the panels immediately during the day.
The systems novel concept is based on
the different ways in which any surplus
electricity produced is used. For example,
the cells can be charged in order to pro-
vide energy required at night, while the
daily energy surplus generated in summer
months can be used to supply energy to
the Fronius Energy Cell.
By using this device, hydrogen is pro-
duced, and this is stored in an external
tank. In winter, the stored hydrogen is
once again converted into electricity, using
the fuel cell function of the Fronius Energy
Cell. The process whereby the equipment
converts the hydrogen into electricity pro-
duces residual heat, and this is used to
provide domestic hot water and reduce
the energy requirements of the heating
system. The energy management system
guarantees optimal electricity use by ef-
ciently distributing the energy throughout
the entire system. This permits the self-
sufcient house to be totally independent
in energy terms. All the photovoltaic en-
ergy generated is instantaneously put to a
more efcient and economic use.
As explained, the self-sufcient house is
already a reality. It has been made opera-
tional for the rst time in a Fronius build-
ing, in collaboration with the projects
partners (Sauter, Linde, Banner, EcoScien-
cie and Samsung).
Project data
s House situated in Central Europe for a
family of four.
s Connection to the public electricity
supply network.
s Size of home heated: 170 m.
s Electricity consumption (without heat
pumps): 3,000 kWh/year.
s Energy used for heating: 2,500 kWh/year.
s Energy used for domestic hot water:
1,500 kWh/year.
s Photovoltaic generation: 6,000 kWh/year.
s The photovoltaic power produced is
used on the following basis: 1/3 for im-
mediate use, 1/3 for storage in battery
for night-time use and 1/3 for storage
in hydrogen
ENERGY STORAGE
The self-sufcient house:
renewable energy with storage systems
The Fronius Energy Cell pilot project, developed in Central Europe, uses renewable energies
with storage systems to help achieve the objective of making buildings and single family homes
energy self-sufcient on a distributed basis.
MOISES LABARQUILLA
TECHNICAL AND SALES MANAGER
SOLAR ELECTRONICS - FRONIUS SPAIN
Technical data:
Fronius Energy Cell
FUEL CELL ELECTROLYSIS
Max. Power 2.6kW 8kW
Voltage 48VDC
48VDC (400
VAC 3~)
h el./H
2
>47% >60%
h total >80%
Max H
2
Input / Output
~2,2 Nm
3
/h
5 - 15 bar
1,2 Nm
3
/h
> 150 bar
Temp. range
Wasted heat
+80%
Ambient
temp.
+3 to +40 C
Certication EN62282-3-100, ISO22734-1
PRODUCTS
MAN 35/44G makes
successful debut
MAN Diesel & Turbo recent-
ly showcased its new range
of gas engines and turbines
at its Augsburg facility with
the companys 35/44G en-
gine, the latest addition to
its four-stroke power port-
folio, featuring prominently.
The newly developed Otto
gas engine has an electrical
efciency of 47.2%, and is
available for Combined Heat
& Power (CHP) and/or jointly
with an MAN steam turbine
of the MARC series in a
combined cycle mode reach-
ing high total plant efcien-
cies with low emissions. It
also features a single-stage
turbocharger with variable
turbine area (VTA) technol-
ogy and many innovative
technological elements. The
spark-ignited unit, which is
ideal for combined cycle and
combined-heat and power
conguration with waste-
heat utilisation, complies with
all current emission limits
solely by in-engine measures.
IBC AeroFix a solid lightweight
mounting system
IBC Solar AG presents its IBC
AeroFix, a PV mounting sys-
tem especially developed for
at roofs with low load capac-
ity. The aerodynamic, material-
optimized system features top-
level stability, optimum surface
utilisation and ease of instal-
lation. IBC AeroFix is available
in three different versions and
suitable for a wide variety of
PV system sizes and roof align-
ments. Its installation does not
require any screw tting with
the roof, so the roof skin re-
mains totally intact. Therefore,
IBC AeroFix can also be used
for PV installations on bitumi-
nous and foil-sealed roofs.
The self-supporting IBC AeroFix
is made of corrosion resistant
aluminium and stainless steel.
It is especially designed for all
at roofs with a solar system
which do not tolerate addition-
al ballast. The innovative, aero-
dynamically optimised solution
showed impressive results in
tests carried out in approved
boundary-layer wind tunnels
which simulate realistic envi-
ronmental conditions accord-
ing to the strict specications
of the Windtechnologische
Gesellschaft e.V. (WTG), a Ger-
man wind engineering society.
Protection for the Motor
Control Centers of Spains largest
Biomass plant
Fanox, manufacturer special-
ized in protection and control
devices, has again been selected
to supply its latest generation of
motor management relays to
control and protect the motors
of large important installations.
This time the largest biomass
plant in Spain, located in San
Juan del Puerto (Huelva) have
opted to use Fanox for the sup-
ply of its reliable and important
protection & control system.
The Biomass power genera-
tion plant will have a capac-
ity of 50 megawatts, and will
be equipped with Fanox PBM
system. The PBM is a modern
and advanced protection and
control system for Motors, of
which exibility and versatility
ensures its perfect adaptation
to the needs of any type of
motor control centers.
Highly decorated - the DeltaSol SL
The DeltaSol Sl- the rst
controller from RESOLs
new series of the same
name- has just been hon-
oured with the coveted
Plus X Award in the cat-
egories High Quality, Ease
of Use and Functionality.
let us convince you of the
award-winning Plus X fac-
tors of the DeltaSol Sl:
High Quality: TV-certied
Germany-based manufac-
turing, 100% quality control
for an optimum reliability.
Ease of Use: lntuitive
through the new oper-
ating concept with the
lightwheel adjustment
dial; Micro buttons for the
quick access to the manual
mode and holiday function
menus; Comprehensive dis-
play for a quid< and easy
overview.
Functionality: Function
control according to VDI
2169; Multi-coloured con-
trol LED for extensive sta-
tus visualization.
Energy Solutions
Solutions beyond the product only
Energy Solutions are Development, EPC and O&M
services based on our technological platforms (Engines,
Steam Turbines, Echogen) in combination with Renewable
Energies (Solar PV) and Hybrids systems (Engine + Solar
PV) focus on Self consumption Distributed Energy &
sustainability concept (energy efciency, CO
2
footprint
reduction, alternative energy use).
THE SCOPE
Development
- Tech/Economic Feasibility Studies
- PLA (Permitting, Licensing & Authorizations)
EPC Construction
(Engineering, Procurement & Construction)
- Engineering
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing)
- SCM (Supply Chain Management)
- Construction
- Commissioning
O&M (Operation & Maintenance)
- Preventive & Corrective Maintenance
- Regular reporting
- Operational & Real Time Monitoring
- Spare Parts, Repairs
APPLICATIONS
Energy Solutions for Industrial Customers
- Waste Heat Recovery (Steam/ Echogen)
- Cogeneration (Engines)
- Biomass (Steam)
- Solar Photovoltaic
Isolated Areas Energy Solutions
- Diesel/Engines
- Solar Photovoltaic
- Hybridization (Engines+ Solar Photovoltaic)
EPC
Engineering,
Procurement &
Construction
DEVELOPMENT
Permitting,
Licensing &
Authorizations,
Feasibility
Studies
O&M
Operation &
Maintenance
Parque Tecnolgico Zamudio.
Ibaizabal bidea. Edif. 500
48160 - Derio (Bizkaia), Spain
T : +34 94 431 78 26
Uniex presents hose skiving machine at Hannover Messe Industrie
In many cases setting up the
machine to accomplish a task
takes a high proportion of
the time to actually produce
a product. Using pre-set tools,
the new hose skiving machine
USM 10 S by Uniex dramati-
cally reduces set up time. The
result: Increased productivity
for a more rapid return on in-
vestment. At the Hannover
Messe Industrie (8th to 12th
March 2013) the experts show
their new machine at stand
C39 in hall 21.
Uniex presents a new hose
skiving machine which under-
lines the companys slogan
The Best Return on Invest-
ment. Due to its pre-adjust-
able tools, the skiving of differ-
ent types of hydraulic hoses up
to 2 inches in diameter is com-
pleted in signicantly shorter
times than with previous so-
lutions. The skiving tools may
be exchanged in the machine
quickly and easily by means of
a catch bolt. This eliminates
complicated adjustment and
setting procedures for each
hose change as had been pre-
viously required. The machine
is capable of internal skiving
from 5/8 and external skiving
from 3/16.
Consistent with all Uniex
machines, the USM 10 com-
bines user-friendly operation
and maximum safety for opti-
mum results. The CE-compliant
machines are designed to be
safely mounted on a work-
bench and operated by means
of a foot pedal. The machine
guarding ensures operator
safety. Gas springs assist for
easy opening and closing of
the guarding minimizing effort
by the operator.
PRODUCTS
Icosolar backsheets with innovative 3rd generation
polyamide certied worldwide
Isovoltaic has further enhanced
its polyamide backsheets
which are already used suc-
cessfully throughout the world
and can offer an outstanding
price/performance ratio with
the Icosolar 3G product range.
The backsheets using 3rd gen-
eration polyamide are about to
conquer the global market.
Icosolar APA 3G is UL recog-
nized and TV type approved
and has already been certied
by several module manufactur-
ers for use in their modules.
Icosolar FPA 3G and Icoso-
lar TPA 3G were also certied
for the Japanese market with
the JET Component Registra-
tion in February 2013. This is a
certication which, in addition
to the successful existence of
strict conformity testing, also
includes auditing of the pro-
duction processes and the pro-
duction environment.
The certication of solar
modules in accordance with
standard IEC 61215 species
1,000 hours of weathering in
the damp heat test. Isovoltaic,
however, is not satised with
that. The benchmark for Ico-
solar products is 3,500 hours
of damp heat. A test which is
passed without delamination,
blisters, wrinkles or cracks.
As a result, both relevant pub-
lic certication institutes and
also the stability and quality
tests conrm the outstanding
properties of Icosolar products.
The fastest single-track system in the world
The teamtechnik Group presents
its Stringer TT1200 HS which
solders solar cell strings in a 2.5
second cycle on just one track.
It thus outpaces its predecessor
by 200 cycles and is currently
the fastest single-track stringer
system on the global market.
A single track means one single
soldering process per stringer,
less complexity, a lower require-
ment for replacement parts and
fewer operators.
With a proven availability at
over 95%, the system ensures
stable production 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Our com-
petitors machines only achieve
the per-formance of Stringer
TT1200 HS with two tracks.
Latest AC Moog wind turbine pitch system
Innovative modular systems
and products from Moog for
wind turbine pitch control
provide extra advantages in
safety, reliability and reduc-
ing the overall cost of energy.
A pitch system monitors and
adjusts the angle of the wind
turbine blades that controls
the rotation speed of the ro-
tor.
Moogs pitch platform
provides several innovative
features that will benet tur-
bine manufacturers and op-
erators. Moog set four goals
when developing the new
pitch systems and products:
1) Improve turbine reliability
2) Reduce the overall cost to
the turbine operator of pro-
ducing energy 3) Meet glob-
al safety certication require-
ments and 4) Create modular
designs which are easy to
integrate into the customers
turbines.
Some enhancements to the
existing pitch system plat-
form are the additions of the
proven Moog Ruggedized
Motion Controller and Re-
mote Terminal Software to
the wind energy portfolio.
The IP67 class motion con-
troller has an extended tem-
perature range from -40 C
up to 70 C (-40 F up to 158
F). It is designed for extreme
environmental conditions
such as high shock, vibration
and humidity.
Delta launches
a new 10 kW
transformerless
inverter
Delta Energy Systems (Germa-
ny) GmbH has extended its ad-
vanced transformerless inverter
series for the European market
with a 10 kW inverter ideal for
residential or small to medium
commercial PV systems.
The three-phase Solivia 10
TL inverter has been designed
to extract maximum prot-
ability from the PV system.
With a maximum efciency of
98.3%, combined with 2 MPP
trackers that support asym-
metrical loading (33/67%), the
10 TL can increase the yield in
such applications as east/west
roof installations, where mod-
ules are orientated in different
directions. The asymmetrical
loading operating with dual
MPP trackers is a new standard
feature for the complete three-
phase TL-series, including the
updated Solivia15 TL, 20 TL
and the new Solivia 30 TL.
The wide input voltage
range of 250V to 1000V gives
the system planner a high
exibility in combining mod-
ules and strings for a PV sys-
tem without a compromise on
the efciency of the inverter.
The Solivia 10 TL is compat-
ible with major types of PV
modules and the IP65 rated
enclosure protection class al-
lows outdoor installation in
harsh environments.
energtica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
CLASSIFIED
+INFO: +34 902 36 46 99
Single module
Double module
Dimensions
55 mm. width x 65 mm. height
Price
600 euros / year
Dimensions
55 mm. width x 150 mm. height | 117 mm. width x 65 mm. height
Price
800 euros / year
ENERGTICA INTERNATIONAL offers the most practical way to locate
your suppliers. The most comprehensive service pages with
manufacturing and service companies in the sector of power
generation.
INTERESTED IN PLACE YOUR ADV HERE?
4 issues per year / 10.000 printed copies / 75.000 professional reading digital versions
Smart ideas for responsible comfort
HEATING
HOT WATER
CLIMATE CONTROL
RENEWABLES
www.ariston.com
9Market representation for special
system producers
9Dispatching Center certifed by REE
9Electricity and gas supply
9Leader in energy trading in
the Iberian Market
9Management and logistic of biomass
Axpo Iberia
P de la Castellana n 66, 6 pl. | 28046 Madrid
T +34 91 594 71 70
www.axpo.com
63
64
CLASSIFIED
energtica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
La energa
del conocimiento
NATIONALRENEWABLE
ENERGY CENTRE
CENER
The energy
of knowledge
Applied Research, Development, and Innovation
Carries out studies, energy audits, and resource
(sun, wind and biomass) assessment
Highly-skilled services for testing and certifying
components and systems
Development and technological transfer
Technical training
It is a member of International Standardisation Committees
www.cener.com
E-mail: info@cener.com
Phone: +34 948 25 28 00
65 energtica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
HERE YOUR
ADVERT
FOR 600
YEAR
SUBSCRIPTION FORM AND ADVERTISERS
energtica XXI N 129 MARCH13 66
VISIT www.energetica21.com
ADVERTISERS
ONLINE ADVERTISERS
ARISTON THERMO Classied
AROS SOLAR Classied
AXPO Classied
BORNAY Classied
CENER 23
CENER Classied
CHAUVIN ARNOUX Classied
DEHN IBERICA 15
DRESSER RAND 5
DRESSER RAND Classied
EGTICA-EXPOENERGTICA 7
EU PVSEC 2013 35
FILTROS CARTS 12
FILTROS CARTS Classied
FLIR 17
GES 33
GES 45
GES Classied
GPTECH Backcover
GRUPO CLAVIJO ELT 19
GUASCOR SOLAR CORPORATION 61
HANNOVER MESSE 17
HIMOINSA Cover
IBERDROLA INGENIERA Y CONSTRUCCIN Inside backcover
INDUSTRIAS ELCTRICAS SOLER 21
INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY 9
INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY Classied
INMESOL 13
INTERSOLAR 2013 Inside cover + 3
INTERSOLAR INDIA 53
POWER ELECTRONICS ESPAA 46
POWERGEN EUROPE 30
PRAXIA ENERGY Classied
PROAT 25
RESOL 11
SANTOS MAQUINARIA Classied
SAUNIER DUVAL Classied
TOGNUM AG 29
VAILLANT Classied
ZIGOR CORPORACIN 19
ZIGOR CORPORACIN Classied
CENER Web
FC BUSINESS Web
FLIR Web
Subscribe to
our magazine
Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 euros/year
Rest Europe . . . . . . . . 160 euros/year
Rest world. . . . . . . . . . 280 euros/year
Use our on-line form:
http://www.energetica21.com/suscripcion
Subscribe free to our e-newsletter:
More than 80.000 professionals
are already receiving our e-newsletters.
Join our e-subscribers groups.
http://www.energetica21.com/boletines/suscripcion
Visit our Web sites:
Spanish language
www.energetica21.com
www.guia.energetica21.com
English language
www.energetica-international.com
www.energetica-india.net
Our goal is to overcome all challenges
And to apply all our technical know-how to drive those projects that
once seemed impossible.
Iberdrola Ingeniera, one of the most important energy engineering companies
in the world.
Combined Cycle Qatar (3000 MW)
One of the largest in the Middle East.

129

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Исходное описание:

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

129

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Diesel and gas: gensets

Global scope. Local focus.

26 energetica INTERNATIONAL N 129 MARCH13

Вам также может понравиться