Cost-Effective, Scalable, Smart Energy Management Systems
Date:
10/25/2021 12:00:00 AM
Abstract
BBR Greentech Pte Ltd (BBR) focuses on the supply, installation, and leasing of solar panels and grid-connected systems, with a mission to improve sustainability through better energy, environment monitoring, and management.
Partner: Mirai Electronics Pte Ltd | Region: Singapore
Climate change and the growing demand for energy and resources
significantly affect global sustainability. Addressing the issue of
sustainability requires action and solutions on local, regional, and global
levels.
From an energy perspective, there is a strong dependence on depletable and non-renewable energy sources, which negatively affect the environment and pose severe health and environmental consequences. Accordingly, the monitoring and assessment of energy consumption are critical for achieving global sustainability. This also ensures adequate, reliable, and affordable energy options in line with social and environmental requirements.
Affordable and sustainable energy is a critical driver for the growth
and prosperity. To put it into perspective, Singapore faces the unique
situation of being extremely vulnerable to climate change while also having
limited means to mitigate it. However, they are aware of their vulnerabilities
and have continually made efforts to minimize the impact of climate change. An
example of such efforts is the recent implementation of a carbon tax and the incorporation
of nature-based solutions to deal with the effects of climate change. Additionally,
Singapore has made considerable investments in the research and development of
solutions to decarbonize its grid, industries, and even building structures.
As a positive outcome, access to sustainable energy and
environmentally-friendly electricity improves the well-being and livelihoods of
citizens. In addition, it provides employment opportunities, improves the
overall economy, and benefits the environment.
BBR Greentech Pte Ltd (BBR), Singapore, focuses on the supply, installation, and leasing of solar panels and grid-connected systems. The group also implements green technology as part of its total solutions package for potential project bids to tap into the rising demand for greener and more sustainable buildings. With a mission to improve sustainability through better energy, environment monitoring, and management; BBR was tasked by Singapore’s National Water Agency to carry out the supply, installation, commissioning, and integration of two 1.5 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar PV systems. To accomplish this monumental task, the following criteria had to be met:
- Provide a full range of hardware and software platforms.
- Data collection and transmission to cloud-based monitoring systems, including meteorological sensors, inverters, energy meters, and LV transformers.
- Integrate live monitoring to maximize maintenance response and output efficiency.
- Cost-effectiveness.
- Adaptability and scalability.
In the grand scheme, the project correlated with customer’s effort to
continuously seek ways to make operations more sustainable, reduce the carbon footprint,
and contribute to Singapore’s climate change mitigation effort.
BBR designed a solution to extract data from meteorological sensors,
inverters, and DC combiners and convert it to Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP) to safeguard the reliable process of packets. The system uses an energy
gateway device to collect Modbus/TCP data from the field. The data is then
obtained using Advantech’s data logger (IPC ESRP-UNO-2484). The data is locally
stored, and information is processed in the required format to the respective
authority.
Furthermore, the data is sent by way of 4G and ICR3231 router to a virtual
server where the cloud monitoring system WebAccess/SCADA is installed. Data
from the energy meters are collected (ECU-1051) and pushed to the cloud
monitoring system. In addition, the data collection, warehousing, alarm
notifications, analytics, and dashboard management are carried out using the WebAccess/SCADA solar plant monitoring system. Thereafter, the dataset is analyzed
and evaluated using cloud-based algorithms.
The live monitoring technology allows key energy management tasks such
as timely scheduling of electrical systems, detecting energy use anomalies, and
maximizing solar power output efficiency. Another major advantage is the use of
a web-based platform makes immediate access to data possible.
- Inverters
- DC combiners
- Temperature sensors
- PV soiling sensors
- Water quality sensors
- Weather sensors
- Pyranometers
The rapid rise in global energy demand highlights the urgency for
immediate environmental actions. Therefore, the development and implementation
of innovative technologies are vital for tackling climate change. Businesses
and industries are focused on smart building solutions, which makes buildings
more energy-efficient by using affordable and environmentally-friendly energy
sources.
These systems and solutions will power Bedok Waterworks and the raw
water pumping stations at the reservoirs. This also entails an existing rooftop
solar array at Bedok Waterworks, which will produce enough green energy to
supply 30% of the total energy requirements for the installation.
The monitoring of these type of systems provides real-time information,
which allows for proactive and predictive maintenance. The system also provides
dynamic energy solutions whilst ensuring adaptability and scalability. A live energy
monitoring system provides new ways of making operations more efficient and
sustainable while still providing environmental protection through the
reduction of CO2 emissions.
