by Jimmy Li, RRC Companies
The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry is a young and rapidly evolving sector in the world of renewable energy. With the growing demand for clean energy solutions, the BESS industry has seen substantial growth. However, this growth comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in markets like the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) regions, which are among the most active and lucrative for BESS projects. One of the significant challenges faced by developers and owners is ensuring the security and efficiency of their systems, which often involves implementing advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. In this article, we will delve into the top challenges faced by developers and owners in these regions and explore potential solutions to address them.
Commercial Operation vs. Scope of Work Document
One of the primary challenges in the BESS industry, particularly in the ERCOT and CAISO markets, is aligning the commercial operation of the project with the initial Scope of Work (SOW) document. Often, the commercial terms and logistics are not fully established when the project’s scope of work is put together. As a result, developers and owners may realize during the commissioning phase that adjustments are needed to meet their commercial requirements at the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
This challenge can lead to significant risks and delays during construction, as the project schedule and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contracts are already set. To mitigate this challenge, RRC’s experts recommend that the operation team gets involved in the project’s design phase as early as possible. Simon Chee, Senior Vice President of RRC SCADA, explains that “collaboration between SCADA engineers and the commercial team can ensure a clear understanding of how the plant needs to be operated, under various scenarios such as PV priority and BESS priority. Involving end-users at the project’s design stage can help finalize the Scope of Work requirements, reducing schedule delays and uncertainties.”
Additionally, having a dedicated SCADA project coordinator from day one can help manage the testing requirements and deliverables effectively. This coordinator should ensure that all parties involved in the SCADA-related aspects of the project work together seamlessly.
CAISO and SCE Testing
In California-based projects, interfacing with Southern California Edison (SCE) can introduce unique challenges related to testing requirements. As more BESS projects are added to the California market, CAISO and SCE are evolving their testing requirements. Owners and developers may find themselves unaware of certain tests that need to be performed, leading to last-minute scheduling and potential project delays.
Furthermore, CAISO point testing in California requires full telemetry data from the actual source device, rather than using forced values. Coordinating the availability of this data, such as MET station data, can become a rush demand, as it needs to be online before CAISO point checks can take place.
To address these challenges, RRC recommends experienced SCADA coordinator or project manager dedicated to the commissioning phase is crucial. This individual can manage and monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure they are on schedule. Additionally, incorporating a detailed SCADA schedule into the construction schedule with clear milestones can help avoid last-minute surprises.
Fast Frequency Response in ERCOT
In ERCOT, fast frequency response (FFR) is a critical requirement for BESS projects. ERCOT’s ancillary services demand that power plants respond within 250 milliseconds after receiving a command. Achieving this rapid response is challenging, as it requires coordination and communication between power plant controllers, meters, and inverters at an incredibly fast rate.
The default communication protocol for inverters, robust TCP, is slow and can hinder the ability to meet the 250-millisecond requirement. To address this challenge, manufacturers are developing high-performance MODBUS drivers that enable faster communication between inverters and power plant controllers.
Additionally, some manufacturers are working on inverter-level support for fast frequency response, allowing inverters to respond without explicit commands from power plant controllers. However, this approach is still in development.
Another solution, as implemented by RRC, involves using unique communication protocols and efficient control systems to achieve fast frequency response in BESS projects. This approach can help meet ERCOT’s demanding requirements.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful implementation of BESS projects in ERCOT and CAISO markets. Challenges related to commercial operation alignment, testing requirements, and fast frequency response can impact project schedules and substantial completion dates. Failure to address these challenges can lead to significant financial losses for project owners.
RRC stands out among engineering firms as it can support BESS projects from inception to completion. With a comprehensive range of services, including project development, geotech, civil, structural, electrical, and SCADA engineering, as well as land surveying, field services, and Construction Materials Testing (CMT), RRC covers every aspect of a BESS project. Our expertise and track record in addressing the challenges faced in ERCOT and CAISO markets make us a valuable partner in the rapidly evolving BESS industry.
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