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.

What Type of Approval is Required to Set up a Solar Power Plant in India?

 

India is a country blessed with enormous amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The increasing innovation in the solar industry and the hazardous effect of fossil fuels for power generation are encouraging more people to go solar. However, people need to follow certain rules laid out by the government to install a solar power plant.

You can choose either a rooftop solar power plant or a ground-mounted solar plant to generate sustainable electricity. Both these systems have different approval and permit requirements. Moreover, people need to deal with government agencies who guide them throughout the installation process.

Here are the major approvals and permits people need to install solar power plants. Approvals for Rooftop Solar Power Plants

The permits needed for installing rooftop solar plants vary with state laws, the capacity of the solar plant, and the building sector, such as industrial, commercial, or domestic. However, in most Indian states, people need peppermint in two folds. These include the following:

• Submitting the application form to DISCOM along with the application fee.
• After reviewing the application, the authorities decided to give approval for the applied capacity of the solar plant.
• In the next step, the rooftop owner registers for installing solar power plants with the required documents and makes the payment of registration charges. Here people also need to apply for the net metering facility for their solar plant.
• Following this, the customer signs the connection agreement with DISCOM for the initiation of the installation process.
• Once the installation of the solar plant completes, DISCOM officials evaluate the standard compliance and sanction the project.

Approvals for Ground-Mounted Solar Plant

The permission procedure for ground-mounted solar projects also depends on the state in which it is installed, similar to the solar power plants on rooftops. In addition, people need the following permissions for the ground-mounted solar power plants as a form of standard registration procedures:

• After the feasibility analysis of the site from the local substation to ensure the ability of the grid to handle the power level of the solar power plant, people need to get a permission letter for power evacuation from the DISCOM.
• Requirement of a land conversion certificate when using agricultural land. This certificate is necessary to prove that the land will no longer be used for agricultural purposes.
• License for contract work issued by the labour department.
• Approval for sewage treatment facilities.
• Permit of the environment clearance by the pollution control board.
• Fire department’s certificate of fire safety.
• Clearance permit from the forest department.
• Chief Electrical Inspector’s approval for project commissioning.
• MNRE approval for the solar power project’s tax exemptions.

Conclusion

SWRE is a leading solar EPC solution provider, which has succeeded in setting up large solar power plants throughout the globe. The company initially started as a combined effort of Shapoorji Mistry Sr. and Mehervan Daruvala. By 1920, Wilson Electric Works managed the electrical contracts at Shapoorji Pallonji Construction. Later in 1971 Wilson Electric Works got investments from Sterlings (Shapoorji Pallonji Group) and took up large projects in the Middle East, the Asian subcontinent, and several other countries.

Looking at the rising demand for solar energy, SWRE started its operations in this industry in 2017 and became the leading service provider at the global level. Through the years it has bagged multiple awards with the latest recognition from RenewX as Leading EPC in 2022.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 28, 2022.

Shapoorji Pallonji EPC Projects

 

Are you looking for a company to handle your EPC projects? In the field of EPC, i.e., Engineering, Procurement, and Construction projects, Shapoorji Pallonji Group is an experienced and dynamic EPC Company. Highly skilled and trained professionals manage the EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji’s projects and execute the best outcomes. You can get world-class engineering solutions for your projects as per your requirements.

Dive in to know more about the EPC projects of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd!

Overview of Shapoorji Pallonji EPC Services

Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. have established their name in the real estate field at the worldwide level. It is not limited to real estate only. Whether you are looking for Engineering & Construction, Infrastructure, Water, or Energy and Financial Services, Shapoorji Pallonji provides end-to-end solutions for you.

It has highly experienced and trained professionals that manage various EPC projects of Shapoorji Pallonji with their multidisciplinary skills and various experiences. Among all its EPC projects, it has executed the SAIL project. Apart from its research-based market knowledge, Shapoorji Pallonji’s EPC team focuses on maintaining the employee-client culture and ensuring high-quality standards every time.

EPC Projects of Shapoorji Pallonji

All the construction, erection, and commissioning of different dimensions of huge equipment are handled by the in-house professional EPC team members of Shapoorji Pallonji. It has delivered several successful projects that provide it with world-class prestige.

Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. has more than 10,000 tons per hour of Bauxite handling capacity. Some of its famous EPC projects are given below:

1. Bauxite Handling Capacity:

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji built one of the largest plants of Bauxite Handling Capacities in Guinea in 2019. This EPC project has been completed by following all the Equator Principles, GAC standards, the IFCP Standards, and regulatory demands of the Guinean government.

2. 70MW Peat-fired Thermal Power Plant:

This project ends in 2021 in Rwanda in East Africa. The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji executed a 2×35 MW Peat-fired Plant comprising Finland-based BFB (Bubbling Bed boiler) technology based on Turnkey.

3. Ore Bedding and Blending Plant at SAIL:

This project ended in Rourkela in 2016. Shapoorji Pallonji EPC team executed this New Ore Bedding & Blending Plant & Base Mix Facilities (OBBP) project for SAIL. This project utilised the labour of more than 100 engineers and supervisors and about 1200 workers.

4. World-class Turnkey Solutions:

Shapoorji Pallonji EPC provides turnkey solutions to industrial projects with expertise in Power, Minerals & Metals, Fertilisers, Bulk Material Handling Facilities in Mines & Ports, Chemical Plants, Petrochemicals, Green Energy, Cement, and other Industrial Plants.

5. Inline Hot Strip and Thin Slab Caster Mill at NMDC:

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji established this plant at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh. It is a 3 million tons p.a. Integrated Steel Plant and is one of the most technologically advanced and largest plants. The collaboration of partners of Shapoorji Pallonji in Italy, the USA, and India co-executed this project.

Some Other EPC Projects of Shapoorji Pallonji

Apart from the EPC, as mentioned earlier projects, some other EPC projects ended by Shapoorji Pallonji are given below:

• In 2019, Shapoorji Pallonji EPC executed 1 Million Tons per annum, Combi Caster, at RINL, VIZAG.
• In 2022, a Lime & Dolomite Calcination Plant of RML-III was executed in Bhilai.
• In 2017, the Musandam Mine project ended in the Musandam peninsula of Oman.

In a Nutshell

The EPC team of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd. aims to deliver cost-effective and project-specific EPC solutions that ensure high-quality standards every time. It provides the best materials certified by ISO globally at unmatched prices to make all projects successful in India and internationally.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 27, 2022.

Explain the Challenges Faced by Developers of a Solar Power Plant

 

The abundant availability of solar energy provides great opportunities for the growth of the solar power industry. Moreover, solar technology can use solar energy for multiple purposes, such as generating electricity, heating water, providing a comfortable interior environment, etc. However, the most attractive feature offered by solar power is that it is completely sustainable and leaves zero carbon footprint.

Despite the benefits of solar power systems, industries face multiple problems producing and setting up solar panels. The most common challenges are discussed in this blog.

Solar Radiation Intensity

One of the greatest barriers to the widespread use of solar electricity is the intensity of the sun’s radiation. The intensity keeps changing according to the geographical location of a place. The poles receive the least amount of solar radiation each year, while the equator receives the most. Climates that are dry receive more solar radiation than those that are cloudy. Moreover, the amount of usable solar energy that is incident at any given area depends greatly on its latitude and climate.

Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels use photovoltaic effects to convert sunlight into usable electricity. However, the panels are able to convert only 17% to 19% of the captured light into electricity. This means nearly 80% of the solar energy gets wasted during the process. Therefore, industries need to develop solar panels that offer high efficiency so that more units of power can be generated from every single panel in the solar system.

Reliability

Another significant issue faced by solar panel manufacturers is the reliability of solar electricity. A solar panel can produce electricity merely for a maximum of 12 hours daily. Moreover, it reaches its maximum output briefly around noon when the sun’s rays are highly intense.

To solve this issue, solar manufacturers provide trackers to rotate the solar panels in the direction of the sun. However, this system also depends on the intensity of sunlight, which is maximum during noon. Another way to get access to solar power when the sun is not out is storage batteries, which charge during the day to provide an uninterrupted power supply at night.

Requirement of Land

Although solar panels can be installed on rooftops to meet domestic power requirements, large-scale solar power production requires a vast land area free from shading. This brings challenges for small countries with limited open areas or large countries with open areas reserved for farming or agriculture. However, to solve this problem, manufacturers have developed solar panels that can be installed on water bodies.

Environmental Concerns

Although solar power generation creates zero pollution, the manufacturing process of solar panels and storage batteries leads to environmental degradation. Nitrogen trifluoride, a common byproduct of solar cells, is more dangerous than carbon dioxide. However, manufacturers all around the world are labouring hard to develop more environmentally friendly ways to develop solar panels.

Conclusion

Similar to any industry, solar also faces multiple challenges. However, leading manufacturers like Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy are taking steady steps to tackle all the problems relating to solar power generation to restore the disturbed atmospheric balance.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on October 27, 2022.