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Client Schneider Electric

Location Cestas, France

Sectors Utilities

 
The challenge

Test the high-voltage output of a solar farm before go-live

As 2015 drew to a close, the developers of Europe’s largest photovoltaic solar farm were getting ready to flick the ‘on’ switch. There was just one more thing to do, though: Schneider Electric needed to test and validate the system off the grid due to delays in grid connection. To do so, a simulation of the 33 kV grid connection was required – so our high-voltage experts were called in to help.

 

Project fact file

300 MW

Output of solar farm

300 ha

Size of site

33 kV

Local grid connection

 
The solution

Expert design puts solar farm through its paces

Drawing on vast experience in the renewables sector, our high-voltage engineers worked closely with Schneider Electric to design a load testing system. Power generators, inverters, a loadbank and a 33 kV transformer were connected to the high-voltage cables of the solar farm – mirroring the eventual connection to the local transmission network. Remote monitoring of the generators ensured their continual availability during the testing phase.

 

the aggreko difference

No other company can match Aggreko's experience in the renewables sector.

 
The impact

Solar farm up and running quickly

Our multi-megawatt load testing project was a final step in the commissioning of the Cestas solar farm. It happened efficiently, and to high safety standards. The loadbank test assured Schneider Electric that the solar farm was ready to connect to the local network – giving them the confidence to finally flick the ‘on’ switch.

 

“I was delighted by the excellent service delivered by the French on-site project engineers.”

Marc Berard Project Manager ,
Schneider Electric

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