What do we have to do to install a solar plant?

 

Solar panels convert solar energy into generating usable electricity. Photovoltaic panels capture sunlight to generate energy and are generally mounted on roofs. They provide energy for both residential and industrial uses. Installing a solar plant may seem daunting at first, but the more information you gather, the easier it will seem.

So, here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process you should follow for the easy installation of your solar plant.

The solar panel mounting brackets are first positioned in place. Flush mounts or roof-ground mounts are to be installed on the roof. Mounts should be installed carefully with precision as they are structures that support and stabilise the solar panels.

It is also vital that you understand the optimum direction towards which the PV panels should be positioned to gain the most amount of sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the South is the best direction as it receives the maximum sunlight, while panels installed in countries of the Southern Hemisphere should ideally face north.

The mounting framework must be tilted at an angle of 18 to 36 degrees to receive maximum sunlight. You can also use a solar tracker for higher efficiency.

Next, the solar panels are secured to the mount with nuts and bolts to ensure the structure stays intact and is long-lasting and durable.

A universal connector like MC4 is compatible with all types of solar panels. You can use the sequences given below to establish the connection:

Series Connection: The positive (+) wire of one PV module is linked to the negative (-) wiring of the next module in a series connection. This type of wiring helps the voltage match with that of the battery bank.

Parallel Connection: Connect positive (+) wires to positive (+) wires and negative wires (-) to negative (-). The voltage on each panel’s wiring remains the same.

Connect the positive wire from the solar panel to the inverter’s positive terminal and the negative wire to the inverter’s negative terminal.

The next step is to link the solar inverter to the solar battery. Again, the positive terminal of the inverter is connected to the positive terminal of the solar battery, and the negative terminal of the inverter to the negative terminal of the solar battery. Solar energy storage is needed to store surplus electricity for backup in an off-grid system.

A standard plug can connect the inverter’s main power switchboard to the power grid. An output wire is linked to the electric board that delivers electricity.

Finally, turn the inverter on when all the wires are in place and connections have been established. The solar inverter has a digital display showing statistics regarding the solar panel’s power generation and use. Hoorah, you have now completed the installation of the solar panel.

Conclusion

Yes, installing a solar panel is that easy. It is a one-time investment that generates electricity for free and it is one of the best “green” choices you can make. Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited is a large-scale solar EPC contractor offering green energy solutions such as the complete installation and maintenance of the solar plant.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.

What are the Types of Civil Engineering?

 

Civil engineering is a vast field of specialisation. Information on the five major categories of civil engineering is presented here.

• Infrastructure Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Transportation Engineering

Infrastructure Engineering

Infrastructure engineering involves building roads, bridges, and railroads and providing utilities such as drainage and electricity. The main goal of infrastructure engineering is to build fundamental frameworks and mechanisms that enable society to function in the most effective, secure, long-lasting, and ecologically acceptable manner.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineers contribute to constructing all kinds of structures, including skyscrapers, towers, bridges, residences, and public utilities.

They work with other engineers, builders, and architects to analyse and design these structures considering such factors as safety, sustainability, economic feasibility, and aesthetics. Similar to infrastructure engineering, structural engineering involves the complete study of physics and maths involved in the project. For instance, a complex calculation is necessary to ensure the resulting structures are stable with enough durability to withstand loads for long service life.

Structural engineering is the most important component for project design and material selection.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering covers fields of study such as soil science, engineering, biology, and chemistry.

Using their theoretical knowledge, environmental engineers undertake in-depth assessments of various environmental problems and develop the best possible solutions. They work to achieve recycling, waste management, air and water pollution reduction, and public health improvements. For example, they invent novel energy-saving methods to reduce pollution, thereby improving the ecosystem.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering aims to comprehend how a project interfaces with the ground.

The main task of this type of engineering is to support project design and construction by conducting multiple on-site tests to determine the risk to people and the environment. These tests will reveal potential risk factors such as rock falls, avalanches, sinkholes, and earthquakes, among other natural disasters.

Geotechnical engineers work on various construction projects, including highways, canals, dams, and bridges.

No two geotechnical engineering projects are the same, as each project is affected by the nature of the ground substrate under testing such as rock, sand, and other natural materials.

Transportation Engineering

The goal of transport engineering is the improvement and upkeep of transportation infrastructure.

A transport engineer uses technology and scientific principles to plan, design, operate, and manage transportation facilities and systems. Their main responsibility is to identify secure, eco-friendly options for all transportation operations of the general public to be carried out in a safe and smooth manner.

Today, we have various transportation options, including boats, trains, highways, bicycle lanes, and planes. The responsibility of a transport engineer is to ensure that each of these modes of transportation complies with a designated set of requirements.

Sustainability and the concept of green energy have become pivotal global issues. More now than ever, transportation engineers are working hard to lower emissions, decrease energy consumption, and improve the environment.

About Shapoorji Pallonji

Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering and Construction offers civil and structural engineering services under the Shapoorji Pallonji brand. Civil and structural engineers employ effective engineering principles, technology, and other resources, as well as comply with pre-approved standards of health, safety and environmental practices to build the various structures we see around us. Civil engineering is one of the significant reasons our society has reached the level of development it enjoys today.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.

What are MEP and EPC?

 

What is MEP?

MEP is short for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing. The backbone of any building, MEP systems determine the safety of the property depending on the design and implementation of heat and ventilation circuits, electrical systems and plumbing.

• Mechanical: This deals with the building’s air conditioning, heating and ventilation. Mechanical aspects are carefully designed and installed to set optimum temperatures and for comfortable living. MEP engineers build unique designs for each of the different types of buildings to address specific ventilation, heating and air conditioning requirements while trying to make it as cost-efficient as possible.
• Electrical: MEP engineers use special MEP software to plan wiring and conduit layout structures to minimise total circuit length and avoid conflict with the plumbing and mechanical installations. The main purpose is ensuring the electrical system is simple, cost-effective, and functions efficiently.
• Plumbing: This refers to planning a plumbing structure for optimum, smooth water flow, wastewater disposal, acid waste systems, water supply, etc. Each building has a different plumbing layout requirement, and MEP engineers work to address them respectively.

MEP design is essential for the success of the project. Coming up with a plan, cost-estimate, construction, performance and maintenance of the structures is done by professionals to ensure no overlapping between the three different systems occurs and the structures are specific and error-free.

What is EPC?

EPC is short for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction. EPC is a part of the construction industry where the project owner enters into a contract with a single EPC company, called an EPC contractor, who takes sole charge of the whole design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover of the project to the project owner.

• Engineering: Consists of initiation, planning, estimation and design development.
• Procurement: Includes purchasing, expediting, receiving and invoicing.
• Construction: Involves the construction schedule, on-site material handling, building activities, on-site client communication and finally, the closing of the project.

EPC Contracts are used mostly for large-scale industrial projects and developments like companies that deal with the power sector, oil and gas projects or renewable energy.

An EPC contractor hires the team needed for the successful completion of the project. He also hires sub-contractors, suppliers, consultants and service providers for a smooth workflow. An EPC Contract transfers the risk responsibility to the contractor, and a contractor carries all the liability while being obliged to deliver a complete facility to the project owner, who only needs to “turn a key” to start the project. Such projects are called turnkey projects.

Conclusion

Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering, Procurement & Construction (SP EPC) provides EPC contract services. As an EPC contractor, Shapoorji Pallonji undertakes all responsibility for the project, coordinates between multiple teams handling every aspect of the project, maintain quality and ensures that it is completed on time and no delays are suffered. Shapoorji Pallongi brand has long been associated with the highest industry standards and a strong commitment to the flawless execution of EPC projects. As a brand, SP services are epitomised by their technology-led, resource-rich approach that strictly adheres to world-class Health, Safety and Environment best practices.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.

The function of voltage regulator in solar biomass hybrid power plant

 

What is a Solar Biomass Hybrid Power Plant?

The combination of two or more power production cycles to generate more electricity than a single power generation system while minimising the disadvantages of single power cycles is called a hybrid power plant. One of the more popular hybrid power generation systems available in the market is the solar-biomass power generation system.

What is a voltage regulator?

The power generated from solar panels is stored in solar batteries. A solar voltage regulator ensures that these solar batteries do not overcharge and thus controls and modulates the voltage from the solar panels to the solar batteries and connected electronics.

Types of voltage regulators

There are essentially two types of voltage regulators — Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

PWM regulators act as a link or switch between the solar panels and solar batteries and employ a transistor rather than a relay to open the array. They also single-handedly adjust the width and speed of the pulses transmitted to the battery. They are less expensive and commonly used in small solar panel installations.

MPPT voltage regulators allow the array voltage to differ from the battery voltage, making it simple to determine the point at which the solar array provides the most electricity. However, heat dissipation is an issue with larger solar panels.

Since MPPT controllers are primarily step-down converters, the array voltage must always be greater than the battery voltage. The primary function of MPPT solar regulators is to prevent the solar power system from losing power generated by solar panels while simultaneously obtaining the maximum power from the solar array. MPPT controllers are more expensive than PWM controllers, but they are also more efficient in terms of system losses.

Why is a voltage regulator needed?

According to the intensity and the position of the sunlight, the voltage received from the solar panels differs and is inconsistent. If unregulated, this voltage may end up causing unnecessary heating of the solar battery while charging. Thus, to regulate the voltage, a voltage regulator is necessary between the solar panel output and the battery input.

The solar panel’s voltage regulator operates as a blocking diode when the battery voltage exceeds the solar array voltage. It guarantees that the voltage from the solar panel never exceeds the safe charging voltage of the battery. A voltage regulator is generally not required if the solar panel output is 2 watts or less for every 50 battery amp hours.

Conclusion

Solar voltage regulators are critical components of off-grid solar power plants. Without them, batteries will be unable to keep up with the solar array’s current variations. Furthermore, when choosing a solar voltage regulator for your solar power plant, it is important to ensure compatibility between the regulator and the voltage of your solar power system so that the former can withstand the maximum output current of your solar panel or array.

As one of the largest providers of Solar EPC solutions globally, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited is renowned for its dedication towards green energy. A pioneer of solar power plants in India, SWRE has developed many large-scale, innovative and cutting-edge solar projects across the nation.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.