Operating and Maintenance
To increase efficiency and improve the performance of high-capacity solar stations, one of the most necessary and necessary actions is to monitor the correct operation and maintain the generation and to carry out preventive and corrective maintenance procedures and to develop plans to check transformers and inverter devices periodically, as well as to inspect the solar cells for any malfunction, whether Theoretically or by using specialized examination devices such as:
The necessary procedures for the optimal operation of the station
Washing the panels every specified period to ensure efficient production and no hot spots on the solar panel as a result of dust, through specific periods distributed throughout the year.
Maintenance Approach: There are many main operating and maintenance methods available on the market today, and each comes with trade-offs. In simple words, each approach aims to achieve the three main objectives of an effective operation and maintenance process.
Energy saving
Increase productivity
Reduce costs
Competency standard
We at Saudi Energy are keen to provide the best operational performance and prepare maintenance plans based on the size of the plant in order to provide capabilities, effectiveness and team experience.
Maintenance strategies
Preventive Maintenance (PM)
This strategy includes routine checks and maintenance of equipment to prevent unnecessary breakdowns and losses in production. PM strategies can reduce the possibility of unplanned PV system being interrupted. However, the initial costs associated with project management program are moderate and require more work time, and the increased inspection and maintenance activity contributes to site improvement and significantly disrupts the system.
Corrective or reactive maintenance
This strategy addresses equipment malfunctions after they occur to mitigate unplanned downtime. This strategy allows for lower costs in advance, but brings with it greater risks of component failure and higher costs on the back (negotiating warranty terms). A certain amount of interactive maintenance will be required over the life of the system, but this strategy can be reduced if more effective conditions-based maintenance (CBM) strategies are adopted.
Condition-based maintenance (CBM)
This strategy uses real-time data to prioritize and improve maintenance and resources, and this can be done through third-party integration companies and turnkey providers. Various CBM systems have been developed by third parties to provide greater operational and maintenance efficiency. However, this comes at a high upfront cost due to communication requirements and software and hardware monitoring.
Cell examination
With regard to the item on cell examination, Saudi energy is a pioneer and distinguished in the field of examination using thermal or handheld thermal cameras. The most important characteristic of this examination is the identification of cells that affect system productivity and the presence of damaged or inactive cells.
The Saudi Energy undertakes a comprehensive and developing survey of each of the cells of the solar panel accurately and determines the malfunction and the necessary procedure in terms of monitoring the panel, its maintenance or replacement