This is the third year that Phoventus has been part of the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 survey. Read more about Solar Module & Inverter Bankability 2019.
Our firm was founded as Lydan Partners Inc. in 2009 and merged with Phoventus in 2016 to become Phoventus Inc. Therefore, Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc.
Canadian Power Engineers is an Ontario-based, fully licensed, and accredited Engineering firm with a global reputation for excellence in power systems engineering. Above all, we are professional, independent, and focused on delivering value-added results to your renewable power or transportation project.
We provide engineering and procurement services to cover all aspects of your renewable energy, EV, or Remote Power project. Of course, our services are comprehensive, consisting of system engineering, design studies, and project management.
However, our firm is not a construction company and we don’t do installations ourselves. We do coordinate and provide engineering design and construction management for your chosen contractor. Unfortunately, we do not provide service to the single residence market at this time.
Our Mission is to provide an unparalleled technical focus on the core issues affecting the ownership, reliability, and profitability of power and energy projects.
Above all, we are a driven, passionate team. Our value is our insight into the latest technology and approaches needed to deliver our client’s projects on time and within budget. Renewable Power Specialist.
Get to know more about Solar Module & Inverter Bankability 2019.
Non-Pilot Protection of the Inverter-Dominated Microgrid.
Without utilizing costly communication systems, the existing protection strategies fail to reliably detect the occurrence and direction of faults in the inverter-dominated microgrid.
In order to address this issue, this paper introduces a selective and reliable non-pilot protection strategy. It addresses the inverter-dominated microgrid. In fact, the proposed protection strategy does not require communication signals. It incorporates phase- and sequence-domain protective elements for reliable detection of symmetrical and asymmetrical faults. Furthermore, it improves the existing sequence-domain directional elements. In particular, it effectively utilizes them for accurate determination of the fault direction.
Of course, this happens in the presence of inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources. In addition, it selectively protects the inverter-dominated microgrid against internal and external faults. Finally, it is robust against the grid-connection mode of the microgrid and enables fuse protection of laterals and non-critical circuits.
The acceptable performance of the proposed protection strategy is verified through comprehensive fault studies. They were conducted on a realistic study system simulated in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment. This paper also demonstrates that the proposed protection strategy can serve by using an off-the-shelf digital relay.
The proliferation of the alternating current (AC) microgrid holds down because of the lack of a cost-effective, selective, and reliable strategy for its protection against faults. The protection strategies used in traditional distribution networks are not generally applicable to microgrids. The protection challenges are further complicated in the inverter-dominated microgrid to which the majority, if not all, of the distributed energy resources (DERs), are interfaced through inverters. The issue is threefold.
First, the conventional over-current (OC) relays may fail to detect the limited fault currents contributed by the inverter-interfaced DERs (IIDERs). Second, coordinating the OC relays in the inverter-dominated microgrid is challenging, due to the significantly different fault current levels under the grid-connected and islanded operation modes. Third, the conventional phase- and sequence-domain directional elements fail to accurately determine the fault direction in the inverter-dominated microgrid. This happens under specific operating conditions, as demonstrated in this paper.
Different microgrid protection strategies are in place in order to address these issues.
To view the PDF, please click here.
Solar repowering is an overhaul of certain components in a solar plant such as modules, inverters, racking, etc. due to degradation, design mismatch, or destructive failure, resulting in reduced energy production or plant downtime. It is also an excellent opportunity for plants to improve operational efficiency and add ancillary services to the service portfolio by adding storage.
Although we are approaching the sunset period of some major government incentives, innovation in solar technology during the last decade has drastically reduced the capital expenditure of solar plants. Examples include the cost of modules, inverters, and even battery storage. Hence, Repowering may be able to restore the profitability of a plant at a minimal cost. Repowering initiatives can drastically increase energy production and export of solar plants by reducing downtime due to string power loss, repeated inverter failure, maintenance, or transfer trip.
The cost of adding energy storage or upgrading inverters can be directly offset by offering value-add grid services such as frequency regulation and black-start. Storage systems prevent losses due to inverter clipping when production exceeds the grid requirement, which may accumulate to a substantial amount over the plant’s lifetime. However, given the enormous financial implications, repowering should only be undertaken after a comprehensive cost-benefit evaluation of each case. Of course, all based on unique challenges and technological offerings at the time.
Solar farms have a design life span of 20 to 25 years. It corresponds to the average performance warranty period of most solar modules. However, plants may start underperforming as early as within five years of commissioning. This happens due to manufacturing defects and substandard engineering design of panels, inverters, or protection devices. Sometimes, manufacturer bankruptcy also dramatically reduces options for operators to ensure continued operation, due to voided warranty or O&M support. The need for repowering originates from one or more of these challenges occurring together.
Phoventus serves its clients with insightful knowledge of technical, financial, and regulatory affairs that impact the long-term viability of reenergizing solar projects. It draws on the vast experience of its team on renewable energy technology, to navigate through the details and dependably support a project at all stages of development.
Phoventus was contracted to provide engineering support of Solar project ARC Flash Assessments for 3 Ontario Utility-Scale Solar Projects.
Between December 3ʳᵈ, 2018, and February 28ᵗʰ, 2019, Phoventus provided a full-wrap arc flash study, including prerequisite studies and data collection. A site inspection took place between January 3ʳᵈ, and January 6ᵗʰ, 2019. The study was completed using ETAP 18.1.1 and included both DC and AC studies.
This work conformed to the following standards: ANSI (1/2 Cycle), IEEE
946, IEEE 1584-2002, DC Arc Flash (Stokes & Oppenlander).
Several regulations, codes, and standards define requirements for Arc Flash safety, including OSHA, NFPA 70E, CSA Z462, IEEE 1584-2018, and NESC. Article 130.5 of NFPA 70E requires employers to perform an Arc Flash risk assessment for electrical equipment and to update the study every five years.
July 11, 2019 Stewiacke, Nova Scotia Natural Resources Canada
Canada’s climate plan is working for our planet, and it is working for Canadians. In particular, Zero-emission vehicles play a key role in our clean energy future. While families continue to make greener choices, Canada is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go. In fact, the aim is to reduce pollution and make life more affordable.
Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $4.6-million investment for Petro-Canada, a Suncor business. The plan is to build 92 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers in its coast-to-coast network.
In fact, the first completed station, in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, will be part of a larger network of more than 50 Petro-Canada locations. In particular, each will have two charging units on site.
So, this is part of the Government of Canada’s $182.5-million investment to build a coast-to-coast charging network for electric vehicles, And, in order to support other zero- and low-carbon demonstration and deployment projects. Also, over 500 fast chargers are built or planned this year. Moreover, hundreds more are expected over the next two years. Through Budget 2019, a further $130 million is being invested in charging infrastructure. Furthermore, a new incentive, worth up to $5,000, is available for Canadians who purchase or lease a zero-emission vehicle.
Also, Canada’s climate plan includes over 50 measures to protect the environment and leave a healthier planet for future generations, including actions to protect our oceans, phase out coal-fired electricity, invest in renewables and public transit, and reduce plastic pollution.
Therefore, zero-emission vehicles are a key part of Canada’s plan to combat climate change while growing the economy and making life more affordable for Canadians.
“Our government is making historic investments in green infrastructure, helping us to move from traditional fuels to cleaner choices that will power our future while lowering costs for families. With more electric vehicles on our roads, we will reduce pollution and create strong and sustainable communities.”– Bill Casey
Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester
“Keeping Canadians moving is what we do. We know that our customers’ needs are changing, and with more than 1,800 retail and wholesale locations across the country, we have the network in place to address some of the challenges being faced by electric vehicle drivers. By combining the elements from our top-tier national network with the fastest technology available, we will be able to meet the needs of our customers today and into the future.”
– Deborah Gullaher
Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Suncor
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca
Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-543-7645
Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca
Suncor Energy
Media Relations
403-296-4000
media@suncor.com
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
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Our Redwood California office
We are excited to open our newest office in Redwood California.
REDWOOD, CALIF. (PRWEB) JULY 15, 2020
Phoventus is an engineering and consulting firm specializing in solar, wind energy, and energy storage. In fact, our team is now backed up by solid local experience in California.
We continue to experience significant interest from clients for feasibility engineering technical and advisory services in support of the Energy Storage market and ongoing Solar Re-powering. Moreover, it is clear to Phoventus that the California market is a durable, long-term market for these projects and our services.
The fact remains that clients need to see local support for their projects. This is especially important in this time of social distance and reduced mobility. Our team is confident our new location in the Bay area helps advance these client interests while maintaining the quality of service they have come to expect.
About Phoventus (http://www.phoventus.com)
With offices in Toronto and California, Phoventus is an engineering and advisory consultant to the distributed energy market. Above all, it offers value-added services to renewable power and energy storage developers and end-users. The firm provides services through all stages of a project’s life-cycle, starting with early-stage environmental, technical and financial feasibility assessments through to developer risk management and safeguarding the interests of power producers/operators and long-term ownership stakeholders.
The Phoventus management team has advised on more than 500 renewable energy projects globally. Also, Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc.
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“Technical due diligence companies like Phoventus do a great job working to ensure PV products work in the field as they are supposed to. We appreciate Phoventus’ participation in our annual survey.” Cecilia L’Ecluse, Bloomberg ( BNEF)
REDWOOD CITY, CALIF. (PRWEB) AUGUST 26, 2020 | Bloomberg PV Module & Inverter 2020 Survey
Our participation this year includes six quotes from our team. In fact, the report is commonly referred to as the Bloomberg PV Module & Inverter 2020 Survey. Indeed, it is a benchmark for the PV industry.
The Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) “Tier One” survey remains one of the most influential industry ratings available for the Bankability of PV Modules and Manufacturers. In particular, the team at Bloomberg relies upon input from select external experts to round out their view of the market and establish its rankings. Also, the team at Phoventus is proud to support this effort. Our participation includes editorial content and bankability voting. For instance, this year, BNEF has significantly expanded the scope of the report. It includes inverter manufacturers and battery integration.
Every year, we look forward to collaborating with the team at BloombergNEF. It is great to see the expanded coverage of technologies and manufacturers and the progress of the industry over the last decade.
With offices in Toronto and San Francisco, Phoventus is an engineering and advisory consultant to renewable power and energy storage developers and end-users. In addition, the firm provides services through all stages of a project’s life cycle. It starts with technical and financial feasibility assessments through design engineering and owners engineering management.
Also, Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc. Renewable Power Specialist.
Alberta Loadflow – Interconnection Engineering
Performed due diligence, review and capacity assessment for interconnection of a 150MW solar facility to the transmission system in Southern Alberta Region. Recommended the most viable and cost-effective connection point to the transmission system following detailed calculation of stability limits, thermal ratings and load-generation capacities in the designated planning area. Alberta Loadflow and Capacity analysis was a success.
Phoventus is a fully licensed, and accredited Engineering firm with a global reputation for excellence in power systems engineering. In fact, Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc.
Phoventus was contracted by Recurrent Energy in order to provide engineering support in assessing the Energy Storage System (ESS) Integrators’ bids for the 45MW/180MWh Slate Project in Kings County, California. The quality and quantity of documents submitted by the bidders differed significantly. In addition, the level of conformance to the RFP was varied, and the underlying assumptions in each bid diverged from each other.
• Vendor as well as technology evaluation
• Integrator bid review and scorecard
• Lithium-Ion, battery performance specifications
• Controller selection
• Warranty as well as remedy review
• System safety and ARC flash conformance
• System Design and modeling
• Grid interconnection specifications as well as engineering
• Electrical, instrumentation & controls
• Ramp Rate and C rate calculation
• Permit and ITC compliance
• Protections and control
• Modeling and System Design
• Engineering as well as Grid interconnection specifications
• Instrumentation, electrical & controls
• C rate calculation and Ramp Rate
• ITC compliance as well as Permit
• Control and protections
Phoventus is a fully licensed, and accredited Engineering firm with a global reputation for excellence in power systems engineering. Also, Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc.
The Climate-Smart Mining Facility will help resource-rich developing countries benefit from the increasing demand for minerals and metals. That is while ensuring the mining sector is managed in a way that minimizes the environmental and climate footprint.
The Facility supports the sustainable extraction and processing of minerals and metals to secure supply for clean energy technologies. It is by minimizing the social, environmental, and climate footprint throughout the value chain of those materials. Scaling up technical assistance and investments in resource-rich developing countries will enable that.
While the growing demand for minerals and metals provides economic opportunities for resource-rich developing countries and private sector entities alike, significant challenges will likely emerge if the climate-driven clean energy transition is not responsible and sustainable.
The Climate-Smart Mining approach has been developed in concert with the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals. The goal was to ensure that the decarbonization of the mining and energy sectors also benefits resource-rich countries. These countries host these strategic minerals and their extraction directly impacts communities.
Climate-Smart Mining builds on the work the World Bank is doing to help ensure resource-rich developing countries benefit from their mineral resources and manage them in a sustainable manner while fostering economic growth and development. Our technical support also helps governments improve the investment climate by strengthening governance and building the capacities of key institutions, policy frameworks, and legislation.
Canadian Power Engineers is the newest member of the family and a wholly-owned division of Phovetus Inc. We are an Engineering firm with a global reputation for excellence in power systems engineering. Above all, we are professional, independent, and focused on delivering value-added results to your renewable power or transportation project. Our mission is to provide technical focus on the core issues. Our value is our insight into the latest technology and approaches needed to deliver our client’s projects on time and within budget. Renewable Power Specialist.