Reliance Power 125 MW LFR (2016)
Information
Scope: Consulting to solve and optimize the problems with plant efficiency at the World’s largest Linear Fresnel Solar Thermal Plant.
Location: Dhursar, Rajasthan, India
Client: Reliance Power
Solar and Process Consulting: Empereal
Status: Completed in 2016
Rajasthan Sun Technique Energy Private Limited (RSTEPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Power Limited, had installed a 125 MW CSP solar thermal power plant at Dhursar, Rajasthan, India based on the CLFR (Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector) technology. This plant has been in commercial operation since November 2014. M/s AREVA Solar was the CLFR technology provider of this plant.
After erection, testing, commissioning and commercial operation, the plant faced technical and operational challenges related to LFR components and control systems for smooth operations and target energy generation. Reliance Power engaged various consultants but did not achieve the expected improvement in energy generation. Thus, Empereal-KGDS Renewable Energy Private Limited was engaged as a third-party technology consultant to improve the performance and achieve reliable operation.
After implementing the new control philosophy in all 35 SSGs, there has been a significant improvement in synchronization time and electricity production as shown in the table below:
October 2016
October 2017
Synchronization time
10:37 AM
9:41 AM
De-synchronization time
5:15 PM
5:32 PM
% Increase in gross kWh/day
56.6%
% Increase in net kWh/day
62.6%
It took extensive scientific and technical analyses, discussions, understanding, as well as constructive and constant exchanges of ideas between Reliance Power Limited and Empereal- KGDS to produce these outstanding results. The design and execution of control system logic are very important to ensure successful performance and operation of an LFR based CSP plant.
