Top-notch technology ensures the highest level of safety in power plants

Pranay Warhade, ESG, Fourth Partner Energy, and Paras J Savsani, Asset Management, Fourth Partner Energy, explain innovations and best practices that enhance reliability in solar and wind power plants.

The authors explain procedures and equipment used by solar and wind power facilities to ensure effectiveness, security, and compliance with legal requirements. It calls attention to innovative methods and cutting-edge remedies to meet operational and ensure plant efficiency. Automation is vital in improving safety by minimising human error and ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols.

Balancing maintenance schedules, safety standards

Our primary focus is scheduled maintenance and condition-based monitoring, prioritising activities based on OEM recommendations and equipment conditions. We analyse daily, weekly, and monthly downtime data to understand failure repeatability and nature. We use CMMS and predictive analytics to optimise scheduled maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime risk. All maintenance activities adhere to safety standards and procedures.

Pre-emptive problem-solving with predictive maintenance

Various technologies are utilised for predictive maintenance, including the IV curve test, PV panel thermography, and blade inspection using drones. Predictive maintenance is a proactive strategy that enables us to address potential component failures before they escalate into breakdowns. By harnessing data analytics and conducting Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), we can anticipate equipment failures, thereby reducing safety risks and ensuring the reliability of solar and wind power plant operations. This pre-emptive approach enhances safety and overall plant efficiency by minimising disruptions caused by unexpected equipment failures.

Mitigating risks linked with ageing infra, regulations

Our operations team diligently mitigates risks from ageing infrastructure and changing regulations. They conduct thorough checks during routine inspections to identify potential quality issues, safety hazards, or compliance concerns. Our high-quality installations give us confidence and a competitive advantage. We invest in upgrades and retrofits to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory mandates. We prioritise safety without compromising operational efficiency.

Innovations enhancing safety protocols, maintenance practices

Innovation is crucial to enhancing safety measures and maintenance protocols in solar and wind power plants. A key aspect of sustainability is water conservation. Monitoring is the first step, and water metering systems are implemented. Innovative approaches like robotic cleaning, pressure nozzle usage, and semi-automatic cleaning mops are introduced, reducing human exposure to PV modules. CCTV surveillance is integrated to monitor maintenance tasks and mitigate external threats. Our commitment to innovation and technology ensures the highest level of safety in solar and wind power plant operations.

Power plant operations must become more efficient and safe to meet the growing demand for renewable energy. Solar and wind plants meet performance targets through technical innovation, predictive maintenance, and regulatory compliance while maintaining environmental sustainability and worker safety.

Authored by Pranay Warhade, ESG, Fourth Partner Energy & Paras J Savsani Asset Management, Fourth Partner Energy