In the renewable energy sector, particularly at the deployment stage, managing performance degradation is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of projects. Keystone Engineering, leveraging its proficiency in EPCM and Owner Engineering, has developed robust methodologies and solutions, aligned with industry-leading research, to combat performance degradation in wind, solar, and BESS projects.

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Integrating Industry Research into Practice Our approach is underpinned by key findings from renowned industry bodies:

The Role of Owner Engineering and EPCM in Preventing Performance Degradation

-  Technical Expertise: Keystone’s team excels in identifying and assessing potential performance degradation issues, applying their deep technical knowledge.

-  Project Management: We implement comprehensive project management plans, minimizing the risk of performance degradation across all project phases.

-  Maintenance and Monitoring: Our proactive maintenance and monitoring strategies are crucial in preemptively addressing performance degradation.

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Preventing Component Failure in Renewable Energy Projects

-  Quality Assurance: Keystone conducts rigorous quality assurance audits, ensuring the highest manufacturing and installation standards.

-  Risk Management: We systematically identify and mitigate risks to renewable energy components, safeguarding project integrity.

-  Training: Our focus on training project personnel ensures optimal operation and maintenance of renewable energy components.

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Case Study: Owner Engineering and EPCM in Solar PV Panels

-  Site and Component Selection: Keystone’s expertise in selecting optimal sites and components minimizes risks like shading, soiling, and weather impacts.

-  Installation Supervision: We supervise installations meticulously to comply with manufacturer specifications, thus preventing performance degradation.

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Keystone's Proven Track Record in Mitigating Performance Degradation

Large-Scale Solar Farm Project in Northeast Texas

-  Implementation and Innovation: Keystone's role in this ambitious project was multi-faceted. Our team provided comprehensive support in civil, structural, and electrical engineering, ensuring each of the seven solar farm facilities was designed to optimize performance and minimize degradation. The project's success is attributed to our innovative use of local LV inverters and a power collection network, which were crucial in maintaining consistent power output and reducing losses.

-  Advanced Monitoring for Sustained Performance: The integration of a sophisticated SCADA system allowed for real-time monitoring and rapid response to any potential issues, significantly reducing the risk of performance degradation. This proactive approach ensured that each of the 130+ acres of solar farm development not only met but exceeded expected performance metrics.

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Small-Scale Commercial Solar Systems

-  Customized Solutions for Commercial Settings: Our approach to integrating solar systems into commercial buildings demonstrated our ability to tailor solutions to specific environments. The systems, approximately 30kW in size, were designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing electrical infrastructure, minimizing any potential for performance degradation.

-  Net Metering and Efficiency: By implementing a utility net meter, Keystone ensured that the solar systems could provide power more efficiently than the buildings' electrical demands, exemplifying our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. This strategic design not only supplied energy needs but also contributed to the grid, showcasing a successful balance of performance and sustainability.

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Battery Energy Storage Project

-  Strengthening Solar with Storage: This project represented a significant advancement in integrating battery storage with solar energy production. By adding a battery energy storage system to an existing solar facility, Keystone was able to stabilize energy output and reduce the likelihood of performance fluctuations due to variable solar conditions.

-  Robust Control Systems for Optimal Performance: The deployment of a dedicated MV electrical over head tap, along with a pole-mounted recloser and primary meter, exemplified our technical prowess. The local PQM and SCADA systems were pivotal in monitoring, controlling, and providing remote shutdown capabilities, ensuring the battery storage modules operated at peak efficiency and reliability.

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Conclusion

Keystone Engineering's track record in mitigating performance degradation in renewable energy projects is a testament to our innovative approach, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainable project outcomes. Our tailored solutions in large-scale solar farms, commercial solar integrations, and battery energy storage projects underscore our capability to address complex challenges and deliver exceptional performance in the renewable energy sector.

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To learn more about Keystone Engineering's impact and capabilities in renewable energy, visit our website and explore a world of innovative engineering solutions. For direct inquiries or to discuss how Keystone can support your renewable energy goals, feel free to reach out to Mauricio Guzman at mguzman@keystone.email. We're here to bring your renewable energy vision to life with expertise and dedication.