Substation Automation System brings solar energy to Defence bases

Background

Two solar farms are being installed adjacent to defence sites in the Northern Territory. One solar farm has approximately 4MW of solar and 700KW of batteries while the other has approximately 10MW of solar and 2MW of batteries.

The outputs from the solar farms are connected to the defence 11KV HV networks. The power from the solar farm is used to support the defence site load.  Any excess power generated by the solar is exported to the grid via the defence HV network site incomers.

SAGE was contracted to augment the defence HV networks and control systems to support the solar farms.

Solution

As part of a critical infrastructure project, SAGE Automation delivered the following for defence sites:

• Installation of new HV switchboards for PV connections
• Replace existing HV protection relays with IEDs
• Installation and commissioning of new site-wide fibre optic network
• Creation of simulation system to fully bench test each incremental change to GCS system
• Modification of existing SCADA systems.

Outcome

SAGE Automation worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the goals of the project were achieved while minimising disruptions to the facilities and ensuring that site operators had full control of the facilities after each incremental cutover. This was achieved through extensive consultation, careful planning and rigorous testing of all changes.

SAGE's willingness to collaborate, question, and go the extra mile ensured a successful outcome.

Project Highlights

• Design, construction, installation and commissioning of seven RTU panels
• Design, construction, installation and commissioning of new mimic panel
• Progressive cutover of multiple substations with incremental changes to site control systems to support intermediate HV network configurations.
  
  

Technology Utilised

• Brodersen RTU32M and LB2 IO Modules
• Allen Bradley SLC PLC
• Micom P341, P143 IEDs
• SEL 751 IED
• Hirshmann Greyhound IEC61850 Network Switches
• Tekron GPS Network Time Server.
  
  

SAGE Automation has a proven history of delivering control solutions for remote solar needs. See more of our work here.