PVE GROUP invests in smart energy management

Highlights

• Central management of distributed RES facilities and energy storage

   

• Visualization of parameters and alarms in real time

   

• Automatic and joint control of reactive and active power

   

• Output prediction based on weather stations and forecast servers

   

• Optimized installation performance according to changing energy prices

   

• Connection with the national power grid and the Polish Power Exchange (TGE)

   

• Price arbitrage

   

• Full security in line with IEC 62443

In light of the dynamic growth of RES, increasing numbers of operators and owners of RES installations are grappling with the challenges of managing distributed energy infrastructure. For RES operators, output variability depends on weather conditions. This and the growing need for flexibility, grid integration, and remote control capabilities drive the need for modern technical solutions. ECONTROLoze answers these needs. The integrated tool supervises the operation of photovoltaic farms, wind turbines, energy storage facilities, biogas plants, heat pumps, cogeneration systems, energy clusters, and other components of electrical infrastructure.

Answering the demands of the energy market

The team at SPIE Energotest has drawn on years of experience to develop its ECONTROLoze system based on the zenon software platform. It integrates all types of RES facilities in a single, unified environment. The system supports the topological distribution of the facilities, generation prediction, installation management, off-grid balancing, management of energy storage facilities, advanced reporting, performance analyses, and a maintenance module with notifications and tickets. Leszek Bussler, Electrical Project Manager, PVE Construction, emphasizes: “The system implemented using the zenon software platform provides centralized and scalable supervision of our RES facilities, enabling monitoring, control, and regulation according to NC-RfG requirements. Used for individual generating units across our entire asset portfolio, it supports output planning, KPI monitoring, and efficient operations management.” The system monitors, controls, and manages RES installations and supervises connection with substations and switchgear.  At PVE Construction, ECONTROLoze is currently used to manage several dozen distributed facilities with an overall capacity of 163 MW. Data from the equipment is archived and the system follows the implemented control, regulation, and interlock algorithms to ensure secure and cohesive operation of the facilities. The system is now being extended with aditional facilities successively added, as well as new modules and features in line with the requirements of PVE Construction. 

Topological layout of RES facilities. 

Energy prices under control

The ECONTROLoze system offers advanced functions that help fully optimize the operation of distributed energy sources. The system supports the ongoing monitoring of technical parameters, immediate response to signals from grid operators, and dynamic adjustment of output to changing weather conditions. By enabling operation in response to real-time current market information and weather data, it makes the management of distributed energy sources more predictable, secure, and profitable. 

For example, using weather stations and connections with weather forecast servers, the system can predict generating capacities of the individual installations within horizons of 24, 48, and 72 hours. It then compares the forecasts to actual energy generation by source. The automatic adaptation of operating parameters, such as active and reactive power, helps maximize revenue during periods of high energy prices and reduce output when prices turn negative.

The system supports integration with energy storage facilities to enable automatic charging when the prices are low and discharging when they are at their peak. The support of individual or group mode, scheduling of operations, and automatic response to signals from the balancing market significantly improve operational flexibility and enable fast reactions to energy shortages or surpluses in the grid.

Main screen of a PV farm.

As a result, operators can efficiently manage an entire fleet of installations, minimize the financial risks caused by energy price fluctuations, and improve the operating profitability of the photovoltaic farms, wind turbines, and energy storage facilities. 

Energy storage management: price arbitrage 

A system immune to cyberattacks

By automating control and monitoring processes, the ECONTROLoze system significantly reduces the need for operator intervention, minimizing the risk of operating errors. Remote setpoint adjustment and integration with local systems support the ongoing monitoring and optimization of the facilities, reducing operating costs and improving the reliability of the installations. ECONTROLoze is aligned with the requirements of IEC 62443-4-1 for cybersecurity and the ongoing secure and compliant development of the system. The system protects against unauthorized access, ensuring stable communication and resistance to modern cyber threats, helping to guarantee business continuity and the stability of the energy supply. For example, encryption between the client and the application server uses TLS1.3 or later. This protocol improves privacy by encrypting the Server Name Indication (SNI) extension. 

Site development plan for the individual farms: GIS view on an interactive map

Full control of the system 

Operating point monitoring for PV panels.

Unique solution

The implementation of the ECONTROLoze solution at PVE Construction is a unique achievement in the local market. Thanks to its innovative features, scalability, strengthened security, and the stability it brings to the energy supply, the solution opens up new possibilities for the management of distributed renewable energy sources and the optimization of operating processes. It enables fully automatic photovoltaic farm management, output prediction, and quick response to changing market conditions. In this way, PVE Construction can improve its operating efficiency, minimize risks, and implement a sustainability strategy.

Joint control of RES facilities.