In the world of renewable energy engineering, the operational stage presents unique challenges, particularly regarding the intermittency of sources like solar and wind power. At Keystone Engineering, we're deeply invested in addressing these challenges through our expertise in EPCM and Owner's Engineering services.

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The Challenge of Intermittency

‍Intermittency in renewable energy refers to the non-continuous nature of power generation from sources like solar and wind. This inconsistency can create difficulties in grid integration and demand management, making it a crucial aspect to manage for successful project operation.

‍Keystone's Approach: Drawing on insights from reports by IRENA and NREL, we recognize the importance of early involvement of owner's engineers and investment in advanced forecasting technologies. Our team focuses on optimizing project design to manage intermittency and ensuring seamless grid integration through collaboration with stakeholders.

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Real-World Applications: Large and Small Scale Projects

At Keystone, we've successfully applied our expertise in various projects, each with its own set of challenges and solutions:

Large Scale Solar Farm Project, Northeast Texas: We developed over 130 acres of solar farms producing 16MW of power. Our approach involved integrating local LV inverters, power collection networks, and a comprehensive SCADA system for effective monitoring. The project underscored the importance of a well-planned electrical design to manage variability in solar power generation.

Small Scale Commercial Solar Systems: In these projects, we incorporated solar systems of approximately 30kW into commercial buildings. These systems were directly tied to site electrical distribution systems, using utility net meters to balance power production and building electrical demands. This project highlighted the efficacy of tailored solar solutions in a commercial context.

Battery Energy Storage Project: We added a battery energy storage system to an existing solar facility, emphasizing the value of storage in mitigating intermittency. The project included a dedicated MV electrical overhead tap and a robust SCADA system, demonstrating how energy storage can provide stability and reliability to renewable energy sources.

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EPCM Services: A Comprehensive Solution:

Drawing from ASCE's insights, our EPCM services are designed to anticipate and mitigate intermittency risks from the get-go. We emphasize the importance of selecting experienced contractors and maintaining clear communication channels among all stakeholders. This approach ensures that our projects are not only resilient to the challenges of intermittency but also efficient and cost-effective.

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Conclusion

Keystone Engineering's Commitment: The operational stage of renewable energy projects demands a sophisticated approach to managing intermittency. At Keystone Engineering, our blend of expertise in EPCM and Owner's Engineering, combined with our successful project track record, positions us to effectively address these challenges. We remain committed to advancing renewable energy solutions, ensuring they are reliable, efficient, and seamlessly integrated into the energy grid.