A2A chooses MRP for photovoltaics: check-up and design for revamping and repowering
A2A spa, the Italian multi-utility with activities in the production, distribution and sale of energy, has chosen MRP as technical advisor for the analysis and diagnosis of the photovoltaic systems installed at some of its thermoelectric sites.
Step 1: field tests and diagnosis
MRP was selected to perform in-depth technical check-ups using advanced investigation and diagnosis techniques. The plants, which are installed in strategic sites for the production / transmission of energy in Italy, have been subjected to:
Daytime checks
- visual inspection of main components pf PV system, modules, cabling, structures, stringboxes, cabins, inverters
- thermal IR analysis modules and critical points of the system
- electrical tests for safety and performance of modules & inverters
Night checks
- analysis and classification using electroluminescence EL over 100% of modules
- inspection using UV-f fluorescence
Dana analysis and corrective actions
- data collection, processing and analysis
- final report describing the results obtained and the outcome of the diagnosis
- description of the interventions to be carried out to obtain a restoration of the plant performance
Step 2: concept design of the PV systems for A2A and final design
MRP has identified the possible intervention options for restoring the correct operation of the plants. A study of possible technical solutions, components to be installed and estimation of the new plant power focused on the following interventions:
- revamping – replacement on existing section
- repowering – creation of a new section of the plant using the existing structures
The study therefore identified the main technical (power, energy) and economic (cost of interventions and return times) parameters obtained by restoring the original performance of the plant and by increasing the overall power for each site.
Finally, the drafting of the final projects and of all the project documentation for A2A on the revamping and repowering sections was carried out, for a total of over 4 MWp, including metric calculations, technical reports and producibility estimates with the certified pvSyst software.
Step 3: final checks and and testing for A2A
As a consultant for A2A, MRP is in charge of supervising the testing with indication of the tests according to CEI 82-25 regulations and guides.
Article by Giovanni Guiotto and Mark Rossetto – MRP Srl
January 2021
