- May 4, 2021
- 2,398
| TYPE | Infrastructure |
| CLIENT | Thailand |
| PROJECT | National Renewable Energy Grid Phase 1 |
| PROJECT COST | 4,406,000,000.00 |
| COMPLETION DATE | 24/10/2024 |
| PROJECT INFORMATION | In response to the rising demand for clean energy in Thailand and the need for sustained economic development, the Ministry of Energy has initiated the first phase of the National Renewable Energy Grid (NREG). This initiative focuses on leveraging the Bhumibol Dam, which was originally commissioned in 1964 and underwent modernization in 1996, as the cornerstone for constructing a large-scale hybrid renewable energy farm. The Bhumibol Dam, with its current installed capacity of 779.2 MW, will be expanded to include 3,600 MWp of solar capacity and 1,704 MW of wind capacity. This expansion will utilize 300 square kilometers of the dam's surface area, totaling 963.8 hectares for the construction of floating structures. The solar farm, covering 836 hectares, will employ Solar PV System technology, utilizing 800W monocrystalline PV modules. The project will install one million solar panels, with an investment of $600 million, aiming to generate approximately 8 GWh of solar energy daily. Each solar panel unit would be installed with a single-axis tracker. Which will adjust the panel tilt throughout the day to maximize sunlight exposure, thus ensuring consistent energy generation. The floating structure would be built upon the platform of tension leg moorings method to ensure consistent stability, and minimal movement, especially given the significant area its cover and the needs for maximizing the efficiency of solar panels. The floating structure itself would be constructed with High-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is chosen for its durability, buoyancy, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Solar irradiance sensors will be mounted alongside solar panels, in which they will measure real-time sunlight intensity, thus enabling the tracker to adjust the panel tilt for optimal energy capture throughout the day. Data acquisition systems (DAS) will be implemented to collect data from the irradiance sensors and other sources like wind speed and temperature. The control algorithms will be developed by highly experienced individuals to process the collected data to determine the optimal tilt angle for the panel under varying weather conditions. On top of the floating structures, the wind farm will occupy an area of 127.8 hectares. It will feature 213 locally produced 8 MW horizontal-axis wind turbines, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of the floating structures due to the dam's height. This segment of the project is estimated to cost $2.706 billion, with an expected daily wind energy generation of 14.34 GWh. Each installation of the wind turbine would be approached with consideration of the wake interaction management. Which also includes proper turbine spacing to maximize overall energy output. Advanced yaw control mechanisms comprised of each turbine motor and drive would be implemented to move the nacelle and blades according to the optimal wind direction. Moreover, the Ministry of Energy would invest $1.1 billion into the establishment of the energy storage system as well as the grid integration. Lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) with the capacity of 4,000 MWh would be installed to manage the energy generation of both solar and wind farm. Coupled with the substations and transmission lines for grid interconnection, this part would ensure seamless functionality of the new hybrid renewable energy farm. The integration of hybrid renewable energy farm to existing grid is augmented with the implementation of Smart Grid approaches, which includes real-time monitoring and dynamic power flow management to optimize overall grid stability and efficiency. The Hybrid Renewable Energy Farm on the Bhumibol Dam is expected to generate 22.34 GWh in daily energy generation. Upon completion of this project, Thailand is estimated to produce additional 8,154 GWh of annual energy generation. In addition, this renewable hybrid energy farm is built within the foundation of the NSST 1.5 Architecture. |
| ENCRYPTED | No |
