Enel EGP, a global company operating renewable power plants in Brazil, is encountering significant difficulties in standardizing the identification of failures and underperformance in the inverters of their solar power plants. These challenges result in frequent downtimes and inefficiencies that hinder optimal power generation.
Currently, the process of classifying and addressing these inefficiencies is predominantly manual and time-consuming. This manual approach not only delays the resolution of issues, but also increases the risk of recurring problems due to the lack of a systematic identification method. Moreover, operating seven solar power plants adds complexity to the challenge, as it amplifies the need for a standardized and efficient system to manage and monitor performance across multiple locations. As a result, Enel experiences substantial losses in power generation, impacting overall performance and reliability.
To overcome this, there is a critical need for an automated system that can monitor key performance indicators, reduce downtime of critical equipment, and provide an immediate view of each plant's unavailability. Such a system should allow users to efficiently navigate through different plant levels, identify root causes, and address issues promptly, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing power generation losses.
Using AVEVA PI System, and mostly PI Eventframes and analysis, it was possible to start monitoring the performance of stringboxes, inverters and feeders, fastening failure identification and maintenance response. Seven plants were standardized on PI Asset Framework, according to previous asset hierarchy and O&M team goals, using PI Vision to show eventframes and most important indicators.
Located in the state of Piauí, Brazil, the São Gonçalo Solar Center (SGL) is one of the largest solar park in South America, with total capacity of 867 MW. The complex is compounded of three plants, and two substations, SGLI and SGLII (that use the same substation) and SGLIII. SGLI plant asset monitoring and event management system will be showcased to fully understand the PI System implementation on ENEL EGP O&M Solar.