t&d india (oct 2016): making india technology-ready

The very recent Global Competitive Index 2016-17 Report by the World Economic Forum

brought good tidings to the country. India improved its overall global ranking by 16 spots,

moving to 39 from 55 last year. Amongst the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and

South Africa), India was ranked second after China. In the global rankings, China stood 28th,

unchanged from last year. The report has observed improvements in India, on many fronts like

infrastructure development, health and primary education, macroeconomic environment and

market size.

It is of particular interest to note that on an important parameter like “innovation,” there has

been upward movement. It is equally pertinent to observe that on an aspect like “technological

readiness,” there has been slippage. In the context of power transmission and distribution,

these aspects need to be studied and appreciated carefully.

Power transmission and distribution is going to be the thrust area not just for India but all

over the world. Even in developed countries, power T&D is expected to see significant invest-

ment although the nature of upgrade in developed and developing economies will be different.

Power T&D in India has always remained bereft of adequate investment. For every rupee

invested in power generation, there should ideally be a matching rupee in the power T&D sec-

tor. However, India spends barely half of its generation investment in the T&D segment. For

the XII Plan period, India is expected to invest Rs.4,86,000 crore that will be the highest ever

in any five-year Plan period.

When investments in T&D are of such high magnitude, there must also be “efficiency” in the

investment. This efficiency can be achieved by better material, better products and better prac-

tices. The two parameters of innovation and technological readiness are linked. Innovation can

contribute meaningfully and very significantly in improving technology, resulting in technically

and commercially efficient products. In the context of power T&D, India has established its

technical competitiveness, for instance in the indigenous design and manufacture of 1,200kV

equipment, including transformers. India is also open to imbibe foreign technology in improving

its power T&D infrastructure. For instance, advanced power conductors are being deployed to

improve current carrying capacity and reducing technical losses.

At this interesting fusion of innovation and technology, it is heartening to note that Gujarat

government is organizing the mega “Switch Global Expo 2016” where foreign companies will

display their technology for adoption by India. It will also give domestic companies a platform

to find global avenues for their innovative products. It is only through events like these that one

can expect a meaningful two-way technology flow. Such events also give an opportunity to

witness how the overall industry has moved with respect to technology.

T&D India wishes every success to all participants of Switch Global Expo 2016. May this event

positively influence innovation and technology in the Indian power T&D industry!

October 20164T&D India

EDIT PAGE

Making India technology-ready

— Peter Drucker

Printed and published by Abhishek Mishra on behalf of

Amber Media LLP. Published at 412, Veena Chambers,

Clive Road No.4, Masjid (E), Mumbai 400009 and

printed at M/s Sanmitra Offset Printers, Gala No.219/B,

Sussex Industrial Estate Premises Co-op Society Ltd,

D.K. Cross Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400027.

Editor: Venugopal Pillai

EditorVenugopal Pillai

Chief Editorial AdvisorHarish Rao

Creative DirectorNitin Parkar

Head – Business DevelopmentAbhishek Mishra

Manager – Sales

Hemant Kumar

Head – Subscription,

Circulation & ProductionRaghuvansh Pandey

CONTENTS


8 NEWSPolycab JV places order on SMS for wire rod line

UP to get another 765kV substation

16 Q+A Microgrids can even facilitate infrastructure developmentLaurent Schmitt, Smartgrid Strategy Leader, GE Grid Solutions

36 NEW LAUNCHES

34 TECHNICAL INSIGHTVoltage and reactive power support in grid-connected solar plants

Baldev Raj Narang, CEO, Clariant Power System Ltd

30 INTERVIEW We are extremely bullish about the power transmission sector

Manish Agarwal,

Microchip solution for IoT applications

Centre launches apps, portal for power transmission

22 BREAKTHROUGH Siemens uses vacuum interrupter in HV applications

18 INTERVIEW Indian power sector is witnessing massive transformationDr Katsutoshi Toda,

24

26

RENEWABLES

LEAD STORY

Adani Group sets up world’s largest solar power plant

Tenth edition of REI concludes

Improving the utility value of solar plants

Cover Photo: ABB

38 IN CONVERSATIONRishabh has emerged as a force to reckonDeepak Thakur,

40 INTERVIEWThe B2C segment will be a major growth driverManish Bhatt,

Also: Alliances (37) Policy (47) International News (48) Short Takes (49)

45 INTERVIEWIndian solar tracker installations could reach 3 GW by 2020Vinay Gopal,

NEWS

T&D India October 20168

yker Base Pvt Ltd, a joint

venture of Polycab Wires

Pvt Ltd and Trafigura

Group Pte Ltd, has placed an order

with Germany-headquartered

SMS Group for the supply of a

CONTIROD® CR-3500 line. The

line for the casting and rolling of

wire rod in a single process will have

production capacity of 35 tonnes

of cast and rolled copper wire rod

per hour. Commissioning of the

CONTIROD® line at the JV’s new

plant in Gujarat is scheduled for the

first quarter of 2018, a release from

SMS Group said.

The new copper wire rod will be

located on a 40-acre site at Halol

in Gujarat, and will have an annual

capacity of 2.40 lakh tonnes per year.

The investment envisaged in the

plant is an estimated $25 million.

On the CONTIROD® CR-3500,

Ryker will produce predominantly

ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch)

copper wire rod as starting material

for its own cable production. The in-

house production of 8mm drawing

stock on the new CONTIROD®

line from SMS group will enable

Ryker to supply a consistently high

product quality for the existing

ultra-modern wire drawing plant.

Ryker will thus be able to achieve a

high product quality over the whole

process chain.

Thanks to the use of modern,

energy-efficient installations (such

as lambda control on the shaft

furnace, AC motors, deoxidization

and cooling section with separate

media circuits) and high

performance, the new CONTIROD®

CR-3500 from SMS group will

establish the preconditions for

achieving the aspired goals, the

release noted.

The scope of supply includes

a shaft melting furnace, a twin-

belt caster, a 12-stand rolling mill

with separate individual drives, a

deoxidization and cooling section,

a wire coiling station, a strapping

unit and a film packing station, the

release added.

Polycab JV places order on SMS for wire rod line

R

RI Pumps that recently

launched its wastewater

pumping solutions is

also eyeing thermal power plants

as an important application area.

Speaking to the media during a

press conference in Mumbai, G.

Soundararajan, Vice Chairman,

CRI Group, asserted that thermal

power plants will be a big business

opportunity as coal-fired power plants

are significant generators of polluted

water. An industry expert said that

wastewater generated in a coal-fired

power plant could typically include

ash handling wastewater, boiler

chemical cleaning waste, discharges

from flue gas desulphurization (FGD)

systems, etc.

CRI Group’s diversification into

wastewater solutions has followed

the recent acquisition of a four-

decade old Italian company Italiana

Pompe Sommergibili Srl (FIPS)

based in Milan. Equipped with this

technology, CRI Pumps can now

offer complete wastewater solutions

that include sewage pumps,

drainage pumps, mixers, agitators,

aerators, auto-couplings and other

accessories. CRI is now equipped to

handle raw water, sewage, effluent,

storm water and processed water

in municipal, utility and industrial

applications.

It is interesting to note that CRI,

some two months ago, entered the

wire and cable segment where

the focus would be on high-end

specialty products. According to

Soundararajan, offering complete

fluid management solutions has

been the company’s mission. To this

effect, it has launched cables used

in submersible pumps. These wires

and cables need to witness adverse

conditions in which they are placed

and operated. For instance, such

cables need to withstand chemical

corrosion as well. While specialty

cables will be the thrust, CRI also

plans to enter the building wire

segment to generate business

volumes, the top official said.

Soundararajan highlighted that

CRI Pumps was amongst the very

few pump manufactures worldwide

to use its own winding wires and

cables in its pumps. Speaking of

backward integration, it is also

learnt that CRI has its own steel

foundry where the pump bodies

are forged. In order to provide

more efficiency to its pumps,

CRI, earlier this year, introduced

XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene)

winding wires making it the first

company in India to do so, noted

Soundararajan.

CRI Pumps eyeing power sector for wastewater pumps

C

An illustrative image of the CONTRIROD line of SMS Group

G. Soundararajan at the inauguration of the CRI wastewater treatment pumps

NEWS


CESC Ltd, a fully integrated electrical company with over 2.9 million customer connections and serving over 17 million people in West Bengal, has won the ‘Smart Grid Project of the Year’ award at the Asian Power Awards for its program with Silver Spring Networks.

itsIPv6 public cloud IoTnetwork and data platform, for CESC in Kolkata for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Distribution Automation (DA) applications, a release from CESC said.

Through Silver Spring’s Operations Optimizer solution, a powerful analytics application that creates insights from a variety of data sources, the program will further help CESC improve grid reliability, reduce energy loss and ensure billing accuracy.

Silver Spring and CESC are also

smart grid and smart city services to other organizations in West Bengal

utilities and energy service providers access a reliable, secure and scalable IoT network and data platform, the release added.

CESC honoured with Smart Grid award

y deploying information

technology in the power

distribution sector, the

government is hopeful of saving as

much as Rs.10,000 crore per year,

a reliable media report said. The

power ministry is on course to award

IT-enabling works in the power

distribution infrastructure of as

many as 2,636 towns by December

2016. The project has an estimated

gestation period of two years. The

detailed project report for these

2,636 towns will be ready by around

November 2016, the report stated.

An investment of Rs.1 crore per

town has been envisaged. This

amount is over and above the

amount also invested in creating

basic IT-enabling infrastructure

like data centres, customer centres

under the Restructured Accelerated

Power Development and Reforms

Programme (R-APDRP).

The report quoted a study by the

power ministry, which suggested

that an estimated saving of 76 towns

with IT-enabled power distribution

systems across 14 states was Rs.185

crore per year. If this is extrapolated to

1,226 towns that have gone “online,”

the saving works out to Rs.3,000 crore,

based on calculations. Once all 4,041

towns (including 2,636 towns for

which works are now being awarded)

are covered, the total savings would

be an estimated Rs.10,000 crore per

year, the report said.

IT-enabled power distribution

systems help distribution companies

reducing aggregate technical and

commercial (AT&C) losses. This

aids them to monitor the feeders

online. Besides, an IT-driven

power distribution system provides

consumers with a host of services

like online bill payment, applying

for new connection and knowing

status of power supply situation in

these towns in real time basis.

As part of the project, as many as

48 engineers designated as ‘Urban

Vidyut Abhiyantas’ (UVAs) were

roped in July this year to assist

the discoms, facilitating better

consumer connect and monitoring

of Integrated Power Development

Scheme (IPDS).

IT-deployment in power distribution sector

Centre hopes to save Rs.10,000 crore annually

B

ower Grid Corporation of

India has completed the

construction of a new 756kV

substation in Mawai village of

Fatehbad block in Agra district.

Speaking to T&D India over phone

from Lucknow, a senior official of

Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission

Corporation Ltd (UPPTCL), the

state-owned transmission utility,

said that this would be the second

765kV substation in Uttar Pradesh

after that at Unnao in Lucknow

commissioned in 2011-12.

The official also explained

that more 765kV substations are

coming up in the state—some

developed under the public-

private partnership model, or by

Power Grid Corporation of India

Ltd, or by the state power utility

itself. One 765kV substation, for

instance, is coming up at Greater

Noida, associated with the

765/400kV Greater Noida-Noida

double-circuit transmission line

built by UPPTCL.

The new 765kV Agra substation

will be connected to the two

765kV single-circuit Lalitpur-Agra

transmission lines. The two single-

circuit lines, running around 335

km each, are also under advanced

stage of construction by Power Grid

Corporation of India.

Speaking of PPP in power

transmission, Uttar Pradesh has so

far awarded two power transmission

schemes under this model. These

schemes predominantly include

765kV and 400kV transmission

infrastructure. One scheme is

being developed by Spanish-firm

Isolux Corsan Concesiones while

the other has gone to a consortium

of Cobra Instalaciones (also a

Spanish company) and Hyderabad-

based Megha Engineering &

Infrastructures Ltd. Interestingly,

a third project (Lalitpur power

transmission scheme) that was

originally to be awarded under the

PPP model is now being developed

by Power Grid Corporation of India.

The change in modality resulted

from non-submission of price bids

by qualified bidders.

Uttar Pradesh to get another 765kV substation

P

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The unit has USB Flash Drive and a Bluetooth connection for communications

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Usability

Technology

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Very bright colour

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Internal Battery

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Power supply 85 V … 264 V (47 Hz … 63 Hz) and 12 V external supply

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Internal rechargeable battery 1 x 12 V / 7.2 Ah

Switch-off time on flashover < 5 s

Measurement of oil temperature 0 … 100 °C

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PC Software "BA Control Center" included

Printer Graphical output 44 mm (dot matrix)

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ORDERS & CONTRACTS


KNOWN for commitment to provide green safe and reliable solution to customers, DEIF introduced the Automatic Sustainable Controller (ASC), a solution that provides integrated solution for systems with utility, diesel and solar power source.

The system provides an interface between the diesel/gas genset and solar, with or without the presence of utility power — a solution that enables you to share the load between solar PV cell and diesel/gas genset with maximum solar penetration, thus resulting in maximised savings even during utility failure.

DEIF’s solar solution is available for both - as Power Management for systems with multiple sustainable power sources, or as

plants.The ASC supports interface with solar

PV inverter from a number of leading manufacturers namely ABB, SMA, Schneider Electric, Gamesa Electric, Fronius, Sungrow, Delta, Huawei and many more.

Our collaboration with ABB has resulted in a “Declaration of Compatibility”

capable of controlling and reading data from the ABB TRIO inverter series and that it can be applied without compromising inverter warranty.Similarly, other inverter manufacturers are in the process of

ASC.Schneider Electric launched their Conext

CL inverter series for the solar market which includes an interface with the DEIF ASC controller. This solution works with the grid and a diesel genset to form a complete grid management solution. Conext CL inverters

are designed to respond rapidly to power curtailment commands from controllers enabling integration of PV power in hybrid grids.

The ASC from DEIF controls PV power from the Conext CL inverters to integrate seamlessly with diesel genset powered loads. We offer a customization option to add an Automatic Genset Controller AGC -4, to provide a complete plant management solution.

Another inverter manufacturer -Fronius International GmbH, solar solution with DEIF’s ASC is presented in their product catalogues.

We are working more and more with all the different solar inverter companies to help the end customers enjoy a seamless integration of power. The future of the interface between Controller and Solar inverters will be Sun Spec and DEIF has already prepared its ASC to this protocol of the future. Green, Safe and Reliable control – the promise from DEIF

The power transmission and distribution business

of Larsen & Toubro has reported the winning of

EPC orders worth Rs.373 crore. These include

an order under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram

Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) from Odisha Power

Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL). The scope

includes electrification works in the WESCO utility

areas of Odisha. Another order has been received

from Power Grid Corporation of India for the

construction of the 400kV double circuit Mundra –

Bhuj Transmission Line in Gujarat. In a subsequent

development, Larsen & Toubro also announced that

it won a Rs.826-crore contract for construction of

projects under rural electrification. No further details

were provided.

Technofab Engineering, in a communication to

stock exchanges, has announced the receipt of

two new orders amounting to Rs.227 crore from

Power Grid Corporation of India. Both the orders

are in the electrical sector and involve construction

of substations and laying of lines. The orders have

a timeline of 32 months for completion. With the

company already undertaking 220kV substations

in Jharkhand and UP, these orders will substantially

enhance its business in the electrical substations

sector. The outstanding order book position

of the company stood at Rs.1,400 crore, the

communication added.

Transformers & Rectifiers (India) Ltd has received

an order of 29 power transformers up to 220kV

class from Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd

(PGCIL). The order is valued at Rs.103 crore and

has taken TRIL’s order book position to Rs.960

crore, the company said in a communication to

stock exchanges. In early September 2016, TRIL

had received its very first order for 765kV reactors.

PGCIL placed an order worth Rs.68 crore for 13

units of such reactors to be supplied within 18

months.

Suzlon Group has announced its maiden order

win from Oil India Ltd for a 52.50-mw wind farm

project. The order comprises Suzlon’s latest product

offerings — the S111 90m tubular tower and S97

120m hybrid tower with a rated capacity of 2.1-mw

each. The project is capable of providing power

to over 28,000 households and offsetting 0.11

million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, a Suzlon

release said. Suzlon will provide a comprehensive

range of services and dedicated life cycle asset

management services for an initial period of 10

years. The projects will be located at two sites,

Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The projects are

scheduled to be completed by June 2017. OIL, a

Central PSU engaged in hydrocarbon exploration

and production, diversified into renewable energy

in 2015.

Gamesa has received an EPC order from Indian

power producer ReNew Power for a 50-mw wind

project in Karnataka. According to the order,

Gamesa will install 25 of its G114-2.0 mw class

S-turbines at the project site in Bijapur. It will also

provide the infrastructure required to build and

operate the wind farm. Commissioning is scheduled

for March 2017. Gamesa has so far signed firm

orders with ReNew Power for the supply of nearly

300 mw. Overall, Gamesa has erected over 3,300

mw of wind turbines in India since entering the

market in 2009.

PROFILE

DEIF brings revolutionary solutions to solar sector

Microgrids can even facilitate

infrastructure development

GE is involved in several microgrid projects around the world. We

have in this quick interaction Laurent Schmitt who explains how

microgrids can be especially helpful in a country like India where

interesting point brought about by Schmitt is that microgrids can

be effectively linked up with renewable or distributed generation,

and that microgrids can ultimately be interconnected with the

Venugopal Pillai.

—Laurent Schmitt, Smartgrid Strategy Leader, GE Grid Solutions


Discuss in brief how micro-grids can help

cannot be hooked up to the main grid.

Microgrids are ideal concepts to develop remote rural areas where renewable or distributed generation is inherently available. They allow the grid system to be designed

residential consumers with limited loads into scalable architectures expanding microgrids to the supply of midsize enterprises and larger loads. Ultimately microgrids will interconnect with the main grid. This happens once this interconnection is deployed at later industrialization stages of these remote locations. Microgrids are typically composed of community solar photovoltaics with buffers of battery storage and diesel (or

layers of load management to balance these microsystems autonomously from the main grid. Once interconnected with the main system, the local backup generation capacity is completed with generation from wholesale

any time of the day from the cheapest source of power. In these interconnected scenarios microgrids usually remain as standby assets, feeding critical location areas (critical water

Tell us more on the various products and

services (solutions) offered by GE in the

GE’s Grid Solution business offers a comprehensive solution of integrated software, communication and automation technologies allowing to operate microgrids remotely from control centers managing asset maintenance, optimal generation, storage and local dispatch up to virtual power plant management dispatching microgrids into wholesale markets. These packages also incorporate other components from the GE store, such as standby generation unit from GE Power Generation, smart solar inverters from GE Power Conversion as well as integrated distribution infrastructures from GE Industrial Solutions. GE is today uniquely positioned on the market to offer end-to-end solution as well as integration and maintenance services throughout the lifecycle of the asset. GE’s Grid Solutions business in India has an existing geographical footprint capable to provide services in any area of the country.

complement each other in helping electrify

the rural India?

Both technologies are actually very complementary to each other. Microgrids allow solar photovoltaic PV to be rolled out in country areas where interconnections do not exist or do not provide the necessary quality of services required to ensure

grid feed-in tariffs. Ultimately, microgrids are required to properly phase investments in grid and distributed generation assets, avoiding over-investments in grid assets

services for areas where grid deployments are behind load developments. Microgrids also bring new technological solutions to remotely support operation which facilitates infrastructure deployment in areas where populations have not yet had the opportunity

Please give us a few illustrations of GE

microgrids

GE is employed into several microgrid developments across the world, some of

Semakau remote island around Singapore. GE has partnered in India with Tata Power Delhi to design and implement similar solutions (solar

delivery is expected within end of 2016.

Q+A

PH

OTO

CO

PY

RIG

HT:

GE

GE’s microgrid project at Corros, France


INTERVIEW

TTDI entered India by taking over

T&D business of Hyderabad-based

Vijai Electricals. It was also to

bring world-class Toshiba products

to India. Tell us about the key

products and services that TTDI

intends to offer India.

Toshiba entered the T&D business

to offer innovative products and

solutions to the Indian power sector

in the transmission and distribution

(T&D) segment.

To cater to this growing demand,

TTDI has enhanced its production

capacity for transformers up by

50 per cent, and has established a

new state-of-art manufacturing line

for production of new technology

switchgears like gas insulated

switchgears and solid insulated

switchgears in Hyderabad.

Trend has been observed towards

implementing gas insulated

switchgears for 400kV and beyond

due to the space constraints in

the transmission projects to be

implemented by PGCIL and other

state utilities. The challenges of

environmental concerns expressed

by the world community need for

environment-friendly products

like “Solid Insulated Switchgears”

will certainly get a boost. The

new policies like UDAY, IPDS will

witness new demands in distribution

transformer, TTDI has positioned to

cater to this needs.

The UHVAC segment will witness

growth and accordingly TTDI shall

have a very significant focus on

765kV transformers.

Toshiba is well known for its

high-voltage T&D equipment.

India is also moving to higher

voltage regimes like 765kV and

800kV. Tell us about how you see

the strategic fit.

Toshiba already had the presence

in the Indian power sector in 765kV

Part of the Toshiba Group, Toshiba Transmission & Distribution India Pvt Ltd (TTDI) was formed in late 2013 with the acquisition of a controlling stake in Hyderabad-based Vijai Electricals Ltd. In this exclusive exchange with T&D India, we have Dr Katsutoshi Toda

giving valuable insights into TTDI’s current operations and future plans. Drawing from the vast experience of its parent company, TTDI is fully geared to serve India’s power T&D sector with highly reliable and energy-

notes Dr Toda. An interaction byVenugopal Pillai.

Indian power sector is witnessing

massive transformation— Dr Katsutoshi Toda, Chairman & Managing Director,

Toshiba Transmission & Distribution India Pvt Ltd


INTERVIEWfor the generation segment as it

had supplied 765kV generator

transformers to NTPC long back.

Currently the UHVAC transformer

manufacturing capacity has been

enhanced to cater to this segment.

With the technological backup from

Toshiba Group, TTDI is positioning

strongly in the UHVAC segment and

expect to get a sizeable share for the

same in the coming years. We are

currently executing a contract for

PGCIL in the 765kV segment.

Does TTDI intend to make

1,200kV equipment? We ask this

because Vijai Electricals has been

amongst the suppliers of a 1,200kV

transformer for the Bina UHVAC

test line.

Toshiba has the in-house technology

for 1,200kV transformers. State-

of-art manufacturing facilities

have been established with an

investment of over $30 million

to cater to the emerging needs

of UHVAC requirements for the

Indian power sector. As and when

there is a commercial requirement

of 1,200kV equipment, we will be

ready to supply the same.

Tell us about any expansion

and modernization of TTDI’s

Hyderabad facility.

Toshiba has been investing in

its Indian manufacturing unit

by bringing in new technology

products and solutions to address

the challenges of the power sector.

Our facility currently manufactures

small, medium and extra high

voltage transformers. We have been

focusing on developing safe, reliable

and efficient products and solutions

with strict control on quality and

design. Toshiba is having a vertically

integrated facility for manufacturing

key components which give us the

edge on maintaining quality and

competitiveness. Product Innovation

and understanding customer needs

and addressing it on time have been

the major focus at our end. Our

customers’ trust on Toshiba brand

keeps the momentum of continuous

improvement in our products and

solutions in the offerings at all

times.

A new line to start production of

ultra high voltage transformers up to

1,200kV, and improve manufacturing

and operating efficiency of

distribution transformers, was also

set up recently. We have established

the new line for manufacture of

gas-insulated switchgear and solid

insulated switchgear for Indian

and global market which will also

accomplish the anticipated demand

growth in this product, especially in

urban areas.

With manufacturing and supplying

of highly evaluated products, we will

continue to contribute to the growth

of industries for the “Next India.”

India is said to have a very

high failure rate of distribution

transformers. What is your

view? What are your plans

of promoting Toshiba’s high–

reliability amorphous distribution

transformers in India?

The high rate of failure of distribution

transformers leading to complete

shutdown in the distribution

networks is a big challenge for the

country. This is mainly caused due

to improper quality of the materials

used for the manufacturing of

transformers, overloading at

sites, improper grid protection

systems, etc. However the current

focus by the ministry of power in

reducing the AT&C loss will bring

in significant improvement in the

design, process, and quality of

the transformers in addition to the

measures taken to strengthen the

distribution networks.

Toshiba has been offering

energy efficient amorphous

metal distribution transformers,

which is very highly reliable

and competitive product when

evaluated on the basis of lifecycle

cost. We have been contributing

to the nation’s cause by producing

energy efficient transformers

which is reflected by TTDI being

awarded as the topmost energy

saver by NEC consistently.

TTDI recently won a project to

improve reliability of the Kenyan

power grid. Tell us about this order

and prospects for more such orders

from developing nations.

Yes, TTDI secured a contract worth

$34 million for a 3-year period for

supply of distribution transformers.

Prior to this, TTDI has also executed

a contract of worth $21 million of

distribution transformers to meet the

urgent delivery requirement of The

Kenya Power & Lighting Company

Limited (KPLC). KPLC derived the

TOSHIBA TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION INDIA PVT LTD

Continued on Page 47

BREAKTHROUGH


ollowing intensive research

and development, Siemens

exhibited high voltage

interrupters and gas-insulated

switchgear using vacuum technology

and so-called clean-air technology up

to a voltage of 145kV for the first time

ever at this year’s Cigré in Paris.

With this technology, a vacuum

interrupter unit performs the

switching and arc extinguishing

activities. Technically processed and

purified air with a mixing ratio of 80

percent nitrogen to 20 percent oxygen

– so-called clean air – provides the

insulation for the current-carrying

conductors inside the housing of the

metal-encapsulated, gas-insulated

switchgear (GIS). The new outdoor

circuit-breaker 3AV1 and new

switchgear 8VN1 Blue GIS, with

vacuum switching technology and

clean-air insulation are scheduled to

be launched on the market in 2018.

They are further developments of

the circuit-breakers and switchgear

that use sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

as insulating, switching and arc

extinguishing gas and which continue

to be still part of the product range.

With the combination of vacuum

switching technology for switching

and arc extinction and clean air as

high voltage insulating medium,

Siemens has further developed

existing insulation and arc extinction

technology to meet climate neutrality

requirements. “With this technology,

we are expanding our high voltage

portfolio and offering our customers

an alternative solution without SF6

for higher voltage levels as well.

The use of technical switching and

insulating gases with high global

warming potential can be reduced

or even avoided completely in many

application areas with the help of

vacuum switching technology,”

said Karlheinz Kronen, CEO of

the Business Unit High Voltage

Products within the Siemens Energy

Management Division.

Siemens has used vacuum

switching technology for more than

40 years in its medium voltage

switchgear as well as in high-

voltage circuit-breakers up to 72.5kV.

With the new circuit-breakers and

switchgear, Siemens is extending the

use of vacuum switching technology

up to a rated voltage of 145kV, a

rated short-circuit breaking current

up to 40 kiloamperes (kA), a rated

current of up to 3150 A and operating

temperatures from -55°C up to

+55°C. This wide service spectrum

makes the new circuit-breakers and

encapsulated switchgear suitable for

many applications in both outdoor

as well as indoor installations.

The lower insulating capability of

natural gases results in slightly

larger dimensions compared with

gas-insulated switchgear with

SF6. However, power transmission

efficiency in practice remains equally

as high as before. Vacuum switching

technology provides advantages for

the operator including, for example,

easier handling during transport and

installation and in operation as well

as during maintenance and when

recycling. There is also no obligation

to report the volumes of gas used.

Siemens uses vacuum interrupter in HV applications

While millions of vacuum interrupter units are

used in medium voltage switchgear worldwide,

until now they have come up against their limits in the high voltage sector

above 72.5kV.

WITH vacuum switching technology, when the contacts are opened the switching arc

burns in a metal-vapor plasma between the contacts inside the vacuum extinction

chamber. The metal vapor condenses back onto the contacts after the arc is extinguished.

No decomposition products occur and the arc does not affect the surrounding insulation.

This means that natural insulating gases such as dry air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide

that only have poor arc extinction properties, if any at all, can be used for high-voltage

insulation of current-carrying conductors. The use of technical insulating gases that have

to be able to insulate live parts as well as extinguish arcs effectively can be reduced or

even completely avoided by means of vacuum switching technology. The combination

of vacuum interrupter units up to 145kV for arc extinction and dry air (clean air) as high

6) to

supplement the existing insulating and arc extinction technology.

How it works

The new outdoor circuit-breaker3AV1 and new switchgear 8VN1 Blue GIS, with vacuum switching technology and clean-air insulation are scheduled to be launched on the market by Siemens in 2018.

F

RENEWABLES

In Brief


dani Green Energy (Tamil Nadu) Ltd, part of the Adani Group,

recently dedicated to the nation a mega grid-connected solar power

plant in Tamil Nadu. With an installed capacity of 648 mw, and

located at Kamuthi in Ramananthapuram district, the solar photovoltaic plant

is understood to be the world’s largest single-location solar plant.

The plant has been set up with an investment of around Rs.4,550 crore.

The company sourced equipment and machinery from various parts of the

world to set up the 648 mw capacity within a record time of 8 months. The

project implementation took place at an aggressive pace of around 11 mw

of installations per day with

8,500 personnel deployed on

the project.

The massive plant

comprises of 3,80,000

foundations, 25,00,000 solar

modules, 27,000 tonnes of

structure, 576 inverters, 154

transformers and 6,000 km

of cables. The entire 648

mw is now connected to the

Kamuthi 400kV substation

of state power transmission

utility, Tantransco.

It may be recalled that in

mid-June this year, ABB announced that it had commissioned five substations

to integrate the 648-mw Kamuthi solar project to the national grid. ABB’s

project scope included the design, supply, installation and commissioning

related to the solar plant electrification and automation systems. This

includes two 230kV and three 110kV outdoor switchyards to connect to the

local transmission grid.

Adani Group sets up world’s

largest solar power plant

EXHIBITION organizer UBM India has announced the successful conclusion

and International collaboration through the

The show brought together internationally

Tenth edition of REI concludes

A

Ganges Internationale Pvt Ltd announced its

partnership with PanelClaw, a provider of flat

roof mounting solutions in North America, to

offer world-class roof mounting solutions to

the Indian and international markets. Through

this association, Ganges’ global manufacturing

experience and logistics capabilities will deliver

superior manufacturing for PanelClaw’s Polar

Bear® platform globally. Ganges, with its

manufacturing expertise and local engineering

support, will supply Polar Bear® components

for PanelClaw and is going to be their exclusive

license partner for the sale of Polar Bear in

Southeast Asia, a release from Ganges noted.

Ujaas Energy Ltd has announced the

successful commissioning of 25-mw worth of

solar EPC projects, at three different locations.

These include a 9-mw project for Oil India Ltd

at Raghawa in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan,

a 6-mw plant for Daman & Diu Electricity

Department in Diu; and a 10-mw canal-based

solar power project for West Bengal Electricity

Company Ltd an Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal.

These three plants are expected to together

generate 898.90 million kwh of electricity in the

next 25 years saving 5,00,000 tonnes of carbon

dioxide emissions.

In order to achieve the 40 GW target in rooftop

solar installations, India will need 10 lakh

technicians by 2022, Ishwar Bhavsar, Chairman,

Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA),

was quoted in the media.

O

Improving the utility value of solar plants

India currently has 8 GW of installed solar power capacity, coming largely from grid-connected land-based solar photovoltaic plants


ne of the highlights of India’s

energy sector is the roaring

impetus being provided to

the solar industry. India’s solar sector

is expanding at a pace that was

unconceivable till even a few years

ago. In fact, India’s national goal of

having 100 GW of grid-connected

solar power capacity by 2022 has

taken world centre-stage. This

100 GW is envisaged to come from

grid-connected utility-scale plants

to the extent of 60 GW while the

remaining 40 GW will be accounted

for by rooftop solar plants. Solar is

bound to play a very important role

in reducing India’s carbon footprint.

Out of the 175 GW of green energy

targeted for 2022, as much as 100

GW will be from solar while another

60 GW will come from wind power

plants. The remaining 15 GW will

come from a myriad of sources like

small hydropower, biomass, waste-

to-energy, etc.

Installed solar power capacity is

definitely getting added rapidly and

several observers choose to believe

that the target of 60 GW of grid-

connected plants is tenable. However,

India will be truly successful when

solar power makes a meaning

contribution to the total electricity

consumption—and not just to total

installed power capacity. There are

several issues, including technical

and policy-related, which need to

be addressed in order to efficiently

harness the huge incumbent solar

power capacity.

At the sidelines of a conference

announcing the launch of the

“Renewable Energy India 2016”

event that took place during

September 7-9, 2016, T&D India

interacted with several industry

experts to understand how solar

power can make a meaningful

contribution towards meeting India’s

growing energy needs.

Currently, India has around 8 GW

of installed grid-connected solar

power capacity coming from land-

based plants. Out of this, as much as

3.5 GW has been added during the

past year alone. Solar plants operate

at a plant load factor of around 20

per cent. This means that the actual

electricity generation from a solar

plant will only correspond to 20 mw.

The PLF of any power plant can be

taken as a measure of its efficiency.

On the other hand, thermal power

plants have a plant load factor of over

75 per cent, and coal-fired power

plants with supercritical technology

could have efficiencies of very close

to 100 per cent.

Anish Rajgopal, Director,

Chemtrols Group, observed that a

solar power plant of say 10 mw needs

transmission infrastructure of 10 mw

and not that corresponding to the

PLF. In other words, grid evacuation

infrastructure of 2 mw, just because

solar power plants operate on 20 per

cent efficiency, is simply not enough.

“To that extent, the investment that we

have in transmission infrastructure

is inadequate,” Rajgopal felt. There

are also technical issues that need

to be looked into. Generation from

solar power plants is inherently

intermittent; it peaks towards the

afternoon and subsides thereafter.

When such intermittent power is

fed into the grid, there is always a

concern of it causing instability to

the grid. It is learnt that transmission

companies sometimes refuse to

accept power from solar plants into

their grid, especially when the grid is

in a “sensitive” situation. Even solar-

centric countries like Germany did

face issues of grid instability during

their early days of solar power. In

fact, there are reports of solar power

generation even causing major grid

failures. Today, Germany has in

LEAD STORY

place advanced infrastructure that

takes care of all reasons for potential

imbalance in the grid.

In an independent interaction

with T&D India, Hartek Singh,

CMD, Hartek Group, a leading

EPC player that specializes in

substations and grid connectivity to

solar plants, observed that building

grid infrastructure for solar plants

needs scientific planning. There are

inherent technical issues in solar

plants due to which one cannot build

grid infrastructure conventionally.

Explaining this, Hartek Singh noted

that it is incorrectly perceived that

say a 10-mw solar plant will need

grid infrastructure of 2 mw just

because solar plants operate on 20

per cent plant load factor. “The grid

infrastructure has to match the solar

plant’s capacity,” asserted Singh. He

also explained why the presence of

harmonics in solar power generation

poses technical challenges that

need to be addressed scientifically

whilst grid evacuation systems are

developed.

All said, India is taking steps

to modernize its technology with

respect to grid-connectivity for

solar plants. Rajgopal explained

that Central transmission utility

Power Grid Corporation of India

has announced investment in the

renewable energy management

system. This is going to be a zonal

and national automation. This will

take data, including forecasts, from

all the solar plants and feed it to

transmission utilities. “Transmission

companies will be able to achieve

better balance and stability of the

grid,” the Chemtrols Group official

felt.

The Union power ministry is also

pursuing nationwide programmes

to build transmission and

distribution (T&D) infrastructure.

It is a well known fact that T&D

has traditionally been a weak link

in the power value chain and the

ongoing attention and investment

in this sector is only making up for

decades of neglect – an extended

period of time where the focus was

predominantly on setting up power

generation plants and plant-specific

transmission infrastructure. Part B of

the Restructured Accelerated Power

Development & Reforms Programme

(R-APDRP) has a very big component

for grid automation. Once these

projects are commissioned, there will

be much more data to scientifically

achieve better load forecasts and

grid balancing. There will also be

smart meters that will enable even

consumers to achieve better demand-

side management. For instance,

smart meters will have the facility

to control their power consumption

due to the “time-of-day” metering

concept. Power tariffs will be lower

during non-peak hours and higher

at peak hours. Once this awareness

sets in, power consumption can

be planned in such a way that the

overall grid condition is stable,

throughout the day. “All of these

put together, in the next 2-3 years,

one would be in a better position to

handle intermittency of solar power

generation better,” concluded

Rajgopal on the subject of grid

intermittency.

TRACKERS

In conjunction with improving grid

connectivity of solar plants, there

is also growing awareness to boost

solar power generation through

modern technology. This is more

so to make up the intrinsically low

PLF of solar plants. With respect to

solar photovoltaic plants, a modern

approach to boost generation is

through fitting of solar trackers. A

tracker “follows” the sun so that it

gets maximum sunlight throughout

the day. At the conference, Sunil

Rathi, Director—Sales & Marketing,

Waaree Energies Ltd, pointed

out to the growing incidence of

solar trackers. While referring to

large scale solar PV projects bid

out by of NTPC or Solar Energy

Corporation of India (SECI), Rathi

observed, “Nearly 20-30 per cent

of recent installations are equipped

with trackers.” He added that the

deployment of trackers was much


Building substations and power evacuation for solar power plants

is a scientific exercise.

India’s grid-connected solar capacity is on the rise.

However, the most important aspect is that solar plants

in terms of power availability, and not just in terms of installed capacity, notes

Venugopal Pillai.

higher in south India. With a solar

tracker, the internal rate of returns

(IRR) of the project is much better,

he said. “In the south, trackers have

improved generation by 22-25 per

cent,” was a pertinent observation

made by Rathi. He also emphasized

the fact that there was no downside

to the installation of trackers, and

that capital costs increased only

marginally, by 7-8 per cent. Power

producers with solar PV plants

equipped with trackers could also

afford to bid more aggressively with

respect to solar tariffs, felt Rathi. Even

on the technology side, a tracker has

no disadvantages. “If a tracker fails,

there is no loss of power generation.

The solar PV plant goes to its default

level,” explained Rathi.

In an independent exchange, T&D

India gained insights on the solar

tracker industry from Pune-based

Scorpius Trackers, a supplier of

trackers to solar PV plants. Shailesh

Vaidya, Chief Executive Officer,

Scorpius Trackers, and Kiran Shah,

Chief Technology Officer, Scorpius

Trackers, explained that the gain

in terms of electricity generated is

between 17 to 25 per cent, for plants

equipped with solar trackers. The duo

explained that their company was

planning to augment capacity from

the current 75 mw worth of trackers

per month, to 200 mw per month.

“The government has announced

ambitious targets of 100 GW by 2020

and we have a target of achieving

more than 10 GW of installations

both in India and abroad,” they said,

pointing to the bright future for solar

trackers.

A tracker basically does the job of

pushing and pulling rows of solar

panels. The mechanical part of the

tracker is called the actuator. The

wind load is what determines how

many rows of panels can be put on

the actuator. Generally, 800 modules,

which is around 250 kw, can be

handled by one tracker. Therefore in

a megawatt of solar PV panels, there

will be four trackers, the top officials

of Scorpius Trackers noted.

ROOFTOP SOLAR

Grid-interactive rooftop solar is

an important complement to grid-

connected land-based solar plants,

contributing 40 GW to India’s

projected 100 GW of solar capacity

by 2022. However, rooftop solar has

yet to gather steam and is today

showing much less aggression than

the utility-scale counterpart. Anish

Rajgopal from Chemtrols Group

estimated that currently less than 1

GW of rooftop solar capacity exists

in India. At this rate, the projected

40 GW by 2022 looks improbable.

Analyzing the reasons, Rajgopal

felt that out of the 8 GW of solar

PV capacity existing today, nearly

70 per cent has come up under

some government scheme – either

Central or state. Such schemes are

not too prevalent in rooftop solar,

as of now. He also said that for

rooftop solar, a large part needs to

come from industrial or commercial

establishments. However, industry

experts pointed out that the Central

government currently does not

offer incentives to industrial and

commercial rooftop plants, unlike in

the case of residential or institutional

projects.

Sunil Rathi from Waaree

Energies asserted that rooftop solar

WITH India envisaged to add enormous solar capacity, much of it coming from solar

photovoltaic plants, there is much deliberation in terms of operations and maintenance

of solar PV plants. One major aspect is that of cleaning of solar PV cells so as to

Gujarat and Rajasthan, many of them in arid regions of the state. An estimated 5,000

litres of water is needed per month to maintain a solar PV plant of 1 mw. With reverse

Rathi of Waaree Energies. It was also pointed out robotic cleaning of solar panels is

solar panels. An Israel-based company Eccopia is understood to be offering robotic

cleaning solutions for solar PV plants, even without the use the water.

O&M of PV cells

A solar tracker can improve efficiency of solar PV plants by 17-25 per centA solar tracker can improve efficiency of solar PV plants by 17-25 per centA solar tracker can improve efficiency of solar PV plants by 17-25 per centA solar tracker can improve efficiency of solar PV plants by 17-25 per cent

LEAD STORY


installations can become successful

only if there is a stable net metering

policy. In states like Andhra Pradesh

and Maharashtra where power tariffs

are high, grid-interactive rooftop

installations can be commercially

viable. “Because of no net metering

policy in place, rooftop solar

potential cannot be fully exploited,”

was Rathi’s view, clarifying that

though there is a net metering policy

is place, the implementation is slow.

For residential consumers, where

there is no net-metering policy in

place, the only way one can access

rooftop solar is through storage of

energy in batteries. This is because

the energy consumption is more in

the evening and night rather than

in the day. In the context of storage,

more on the utility-scale side, the

government has recently announced

a pilot project where storage is 5 per

cent of the total capacity. However,

utility-scale solar-based storage

projects are not prominent anywhere

in the world because of high capital

costs. Though lithium-ion battery

prices are set to drop as much as

30-35 per cent in the next 2-3 years,

riding on the back of cost-effective

technology, utility-scale solar storage

projects are not going to be very

prominent. “Utility-scale storage is

going to take much longer because

the economics are not going to be

favourable,” felt Anish Rajgopal from

Chemtrols Group.

In the context of net metering,

it may be mentioned that Mumbai

recently got its first such commercial

rooftop solar plant. SolarTown

Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd (known

as SolarTown), announced the

installation of a 41 kW net-metered

solar rooftop system at the historic

Bombay Presidency Radio Club, set

up in 1928. This will enable the Radio

Club to sell its excess electricity back

to the grid under Brihanmumbai

Electric Supply & Transport (BEST)

and further reduce its utility bill. The

Radio Club is estimated to save over

Rs.8.50 lakh annually from this new

solar plant. The Radio Club entered

into a 25-year lease agreement with

SolarTown at a rate that is 35 to 40

per cent lower than their tariff of

BEST. The installed system delivers

clean power at a fixed cost over the

length of the lease and includes

maintenance services. Radio Club

did not incur any capital cost except

for a nominal refundable security

deposit, a statement from SolarTown

noted.

In an exclusive interaction with

T&D India, Vikram Dileepan, CEO

and Co-founder of SolarTown,

observed that net metering was one

of the important catalysts for growth

of the rooftop solar segment in India.

“With a proper net metering policy

strictly implemented by the states,

deployment of rooftop solar is only

going to accelerate,” he noted.

Dileepan strongly felt that distributed

rooftop solar plants could contribute

in mitigating power T&D losses.

“Rooftop solar is the answer to many

of India’s energy challenges and

provides one of the best solutions for

the consumer, the country and the

environment. Combined with a zero-

down lease model, this solution is a

viable reality for a large swath of the

population,” he emphasized. When

asked about the implementation of

the metering policy across India,

Dileepan said that some cities have

done very well on this count. “Delhi

NCR and Hyderabad are two major

cities implementing the net metering

policies promptly. A lot of other states

are trying to put the systems in place,”

remarked Dileepen. Incidentally,

SolarTown has implemented several

grid-interactive rooftop solar projects

in Hyderabdad, including those for

RBL Bank and a retail giant.

EPILOGUE

Evacuation of power from renewable

energy sources is today an important

component of India’s overall power

T&D grid upgrade. Solar and wind—

two renewable sources on which

India’s renewable energy ambitions

squarely rest—are both intermittent

sources of energy. Injecting power

from solar and wind cannot be done

conventionally. There can arise

issues, and very serious ones, of grid

imbalance and instability. As India

moves to the Smart Grid architecture,

much automation is expected in the

power T&D infrastructure as well

as at the consumer’s end. With

this, feeding renewable energy into

the grid is expected to be a

progressively improving effort in the

coming years.

By 2022, India has targeted to have 40 GW of grid-interactive rooftop solar installa-tions. Seen here is the 41-kW net-metered rooftop solar plant recently installed by SolarTown for Radio Club in Mumbai.



INTERVIEW

We understand that the power

conductor and cable business of

Sterlite was recently hived off

into a separate entity. Tell us more

about the reorganization and the

rationale behind the same.

In May 2016, Sterlite Power

Transmission Limited (Sterlite

Power) was born out of the demerger

of the power business from Sterlite

Technologies. This was done based on

the feedback from investors, who felt

that power and telecom businesses,

which were earlier housed under the

unified Sterlite Technologies, attract

different set of investors. To serve

their interest, the management took

the decision of demerging the two

entities. This has provided a sharper

focus and dedicated management

bandwidth to the fast growing power

transmission business.

Sterlite Power today is a leader in

providing integrated transmission

solutions for the power sector globally.

It has three business verticals –

Products, System Integration Projects,

and Infrastructure. In Products, Sterlite

Power is a leading manufacturer of

MV, HV and EHV power cables and

power conductors, supplying to all

major state and private utilities. It has

four state-of-the art manufacturing

assets in Odisha, Dadra and Nagar

Haveli, and Uttarakhand. In Projects,

the company undertakes bespoke MSI

(Master System Integration) projects

including upgrading, uprating,

strengthening ring main & access

networks etc. in power delivery space.

In Infrastructure, Sterlite Power sets up

intra and interstate power transmission

infrastructure (transmission grid).

Sterlite is the largest power

conductor manufacturer globally.

Tell us about your current

manufacturing facility and your

plans of capacity expansion.

Sterlite Power has been

This year, Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd (Sterlite Power) was born by the demerger of the power business from Sterlite Technologies Ltd. Sterlite Power if focused on the power transmission business through three business lines—products, solutions and infrastructure. We have Manish Agarwal

discussing the rationale behind the demerger whilst giving insights into the various business lines. Agarwal feels that the country’s planned investment of $50 billion in the power transmission

years, presents a huge business opportunity.

We are extremely bullish about

the power transmission sector— Manish Agarwal, - Policy,

Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd

INTERVIEW


manufacturing overhead T&D

conductors since 2006 and has a

manufacturing capacity of over

1,60,000 tonnes annually and

over 12,000 km for OPGW cables

annually. We export to over 40

countries.

We have three power conductor

manufacturing facilities catering

to domestic and international

markets. These units are in Rakholi

and Piparia (UT of Dadra & Nagar

Haveli), which are well connected

with national highways and located

close to the largest port of India,

and in Jharsuguda (Odisha), which

is close to Vedanta’s aluminum

smelter, its raw material supplier.

We plan to invest in research

and development of high

performance conductors and other

new technologies to be prepared

for the technological strides that

India envisages to take in the near

future. As of now, we have sufficient

capacity to cater to the country’s

T&D needs. However, if need arises,

we can add more capacity.

When it comes to power cables, we

understand that Sterlite currently

makes cables up to 220kV. What is

your plan of moving to even higher

voltage rating?

Currently, we have commercialized

up to 132kV and this year we plan

to commercialize 220kV. We do not

have any plans to move to a higher

voltage grade as of now.

How do you see the demand for

EHV cables given that power

utilities are inclined to replace

overhead lines with underground

cables to obviate power theft?

Obviating power theft is applicable

for lower voltage grades. However,

cities are going for undergrounding

power cables for safety, aesthetics

and space saving. This certainly

leads to increase in the demand for

EHV power cables.

Sterlite, as we understand, is

focusing on high performance

conductors. Tell us about your

HPC offerings and how you see the

market for various types of high

performance conductors.

There is an increased demand of

High Performance Conductor (HPC)

including HTLS (High Temperature

Low Sag) in the domestic market

and we would like to be a part of

the growth and be a significant

player in this segment. Currently,

transmission line addition with

HPC is merely 1 per cent of the total

circuit km installed in the country

(around 20,000 ckm) annually. At

the central and state transmission

and sub-transmission levels, there

is an increased consciousness

about corridor intensity (MW

transfer/meter). HPC will find their

application in reconductoring as

well as new line offering increase

in corridor intensity, relieving

congestion and future proofing. We

estimate that HPC will increase to

anywhere between 15-20 per cent

of the total ckm installations in the

country in the foreseeable future.

Sterlite has partnered with CTC

Global for ACCC conductor. How

is the partnership shaping up?

What have been recent projects for

deployment of ACCC conductors?

In pursuit of providing its customer

with proven technologies, Sterlite

Power entered into a committed

partnership with CTC in December

2010. Ever since, Sterlite Power

has maintained a relentless focus

on changing the customer buying

behaviour from least cost component

to best value solution. We have six

public power utilities (including

consultancy project of PGCIL) and

two private entities that have been

using ACCC conductors.

Sterlite Power has offered ACCC

solution at distribution voltage of 33kV,

which is the first of its kind across

the globe. Furthermore, our ACCC

conductors have been deployed in

Europe and Latin America.

STERLITE POWER TRANSMISSION LTD


Sterlite Power has also been an

active exporter of power conductors.

Tell us about your key markets.

Sterlite Power exports to over 40

countries. Although each main

market has very different dynamics,

global transmission growth outlook

is robust in general. Drivers of

growth vary i.e. transmission

growth in Asia is witnessed on

account of the changing regulatory

environment, unbundling of power

utilities and implementation of

tariff reforms resulting in increasing

participation of private companies.

Africa is another region to take

centre stage for investment in T&D.

African countries are investing to

build their intraregional network

and cross border projects. Cross

border electricity connection has

been planned in Europe, CIS and

Latin American countries. Rapid

economic activities warranted

policy liberalization in energy

sector and growth in transmission.

NERC reliability compliance,

Renewable interconnects etc. are

some of the factors for investment

in transmission in North America.

Apart from conductors, we have

started exporting OPGW to various

countries globally.

What impact do you see goods &

services tax (GST) having on the

power conductor business?

The new GST regime will be

beneficial as a reduction in tax

cascading may lead to a lower

cost of production. Also, we will

be able to get tax credit of central

taxes which we are not able

to avail in current tax regime.

Similarly reduction/elimination of

checkpoints will reduce transport

hassles and will help in smooth

flow of goods within the country.

Power T&D is seen to be receiving

much investment and interest

from both government and private

players. With this, how do you see

the market for Sterlite cables and

conductors in the years ahead?

We are extremely bullish about the

sector. Over the last decade or

so, while India has addressed the

generation problem, the transmission

sector has not kept pace. Now all

stakeholders are serious about

addressing this problem and at

least $50 billion of investments are

lined up to spruce up India’s power

transmission sector over the next 5

years. This represents a huge market

opportunity. Being present in the

entire value chain, we will work

with all stakeholders in realising the

government’s mission of providing

24x7 Power for All.

INTERVIEWSTERLITE POWER TRANSMISSION LTD


TECHNICAL INSIGHT

34

raditionally voltage support

in the grid is provided by

synchronous generators.

There is increased penetration of

solar plants in the grid but when it

comes to supporting reactive power

needs of the grid, there is not much

clarity as to how the solar plants

need to contribute to voltage support

by supplying reactive power needed

for the purpose.

There are no clear guidelines or

norms in this regard resulting in

confusion and halfhearted efforts.

There is great disconnect between

utilities and solar plant operators

on the issue. There is no uniform

policy across states. Most solar plant

developers are unaware of the issue.

Many come to know of it while

seeking to get approval for grid

connections. Sometimes, they realize

the existence of the issue when

discoms (distribution companies)

start billing them for drawl of

reactive power from the grid. There

is also vagueness about the type of

reactive power support needed of a

grid-connected solar plant.

Some utilities ask for dynamic

reactive power support while others

are silent on the type of requirement.

Utilities need to specify the reactive

power source dynamic range and

also the complete range. The cost of

these systems is almost invariably not

factored in the budget by developers. If

a fully dynamic system is to be installed

the additional investment makes the

plants economically unviable. If the

guidelines are clearly defined and

known to the solar developers at design

stage a combination of measures can

help in achieving the objective at a

judicious and a workable cost. The

measures are:

operating parameters of grid

inverter

consisting of dynamic active

component and passive fixed or

auto controlled component

It has been observed that for

installing an additional reactive

power support for an existing

solar generation facility to avoid

reactive power billing by discom the

investment needed pays back for

itself in 12-24 months depending

upon the tariff structure and the range

of reactive power source over which

the dynamic operation is built into

the system. Grid inverters can also

be adequately sized and configured

to both supply and absorb some

amount of reactive power as needed.

This will proportionately reduce cost

of additional reactive power source

required for the solar plant.

Grid-connected solar plants

present unique issues of grid

stability and additional reactive

power burden on the grid. To have

a smooth and consistent evacuation

of power from a solar plant a stable

grid is essential. Utilities have been

insisting on installation of dynamic

reactive power system at solar

generating plants to maintain grid

stability.

Voltage and reactive

power supportBALDEV RAJ NARANG

T

GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN INDIA

TECHNICAL INSIGHT

October 201635T&D India 35

The main purpose of the dynamic

compensation system is to ensure

that there is no drawl of reactive

power from the grid and all

additional reactive power burden as

a result of export of power by solar

plants is shared by these plants on

real time basis.

challenges related to reactive power.

There are strict regulations by

some utilities like Karnataka State

Electricity Board for grid-connected

solar plants. Some other discoms,

where no such regulations exist, are

charging solar plants for reactive

energy units drawn from the grid as

a result of additional reactive power

burden on the system where solar

plants are exporting power to grid.

The transmitted load often varies

considerably in the grid from

one hour to another; the reactive

power balance varies as well. The

result can be unacceptable voltage

amplitude variations, a voltage dip,

or even a voltage collapse. Voltage

unbalance, poor power factor and

flicker are some of the other issues

confronted by the grid.

with STATCOM can resolve all

the above issues by improving

the power factor or compensating

for the voltage instability. The

normal reactive power control by

generators or capacitor banks alone

is too slow for the sudden load

changes. STATCOM also has the

capabilities of harmonic mitigation

and unbalance control. It is a

voltage source converter device and

acts as a step less variable source of

reactive power. It also has distinct

advantages over standard reactive

power compensation systems and

is ideal for demanding applications

such as those prevailing during

highly fluctuating grid conditions.

In order to optimize the cost a

hybrid solutions involving a passive

unit consisting of fixed Reactive

Compensation and an Active unit

consisting of fully controllable

IGBT based power electronic device

called STATCOM can be employed.

STATCOM is capable of providing

both capacitive and inductive

power. This feature is used to retain

step less control over the entire

range in a hybrid installation

Baldev Raj Narang is an Electrical

Engineering Graduate from Delhi

College of Engineering, University

of Delhi and is currently CEO of

Pune-based Clariant Power System

Ltd, a company which in association

with FRAKO Germanyis engaged in

providing solutions in reactive power

systems and power quality management

to Indian and overseas customers in

diverse fields. Narang has previously

worked for Indian Oil Corporation and

Century Enka Ltd among others. He

can be reached at baldevrajnarang@

clariantindidia.co.in or on

+91-77-19-99-68-68.

NEW LAUNCHES


icrochip Technology Inc, a

provider of microcontroller,

mixed-signal, analog and Flash-

IP solutions, has announced the

industry’s first end-to-end security

solution for Internet of Things (IoT)

devices that connect to Amazon

Web Services IoT (AWS IoT).

Microchip and AWS collaborated

to develop this integrated solution

to help IoT devices quickly and

easily comply with AWS’s mutual

authentication IoT security model.

Using Microchip’s new security

solution will help companies

implement these security best

practices from evaluation through

production. The solution adds a

high level of security, simplifies

the supply chain, and is now one

of the fastest ways to connect to

the AWS Cloud. Currently, third

party manufacturers of devices that

connect to AWS IoT service must

take specific actions to comply with

the advanced security model. First,

they must pre-register their security

authority to AWS servers in order to

establish a trust model. Second, for

each IoT device they must generate

unique cryptographic keys that are

mathematically linked to the pre-

registered security authority. Finally,

the unique device keys must remain

secret for the life of the device. In

volume production, the generation

and secure handling of these unique

keys can be a daunting challenge

in the chain of manufacturing

especially where third parties with

different trust and compliance levels

are involved.

Microchip solution for IoT applicationsM

Centre launches apps, portal for power transmission

WITH a view to enhance transparency in power transmission sector, the Union power ministry recently launched the ‘TARANG’ Mobile App, ‘e-Trans’ & ‘DEEP’ e-bidding web portals, developed by REC Transmission Projects Company Ltd (RECTPCL), a

The Union power minister, at the launch, informed that with the perspective of good governance, and keeping in line with the “Digital India” initiative of Government of India, ‘TARANG’ (Transmission App for Real Time Monitoring & Growth) mobile app and web portal has been developed by RECTPCL, under

platform shall enhance ease, accountability and transparency

TARANG is a powerful monitoring tool that tracks upcoming transmission projects and monitor the progress of inter-state & intra-state transmission systems in the country, being developed through Regulated tariff mechanism as well as tariff based

TARANG shall also include status of stalled/delayed transmission systems in country which would enable the stakeholders like Union ministry of power, state governments, all private sector transmission developers and PSUs like Power Grid Corporation of

Green Energy Corridors, an important component of our renewable energy mission, would also be monitored through

Apart from Tarang, the Union power minister, Piyush Goyal, also unveiled the ‘e-Trans’ web platform for e-bidding and e-reverse

providers have been participating in transmission bids through

Further, he added that on the lines of coal sector, reverse auction is being introduced in transmission sector to facilitate better price


ALLIANCES

enowned transformer bushing manufacturer

Yash Highvoltage Insulators Pvt Ltd recently

announced a technology collaboration with

Switzerland-based Moser Glaser AG for localised

India.

to offer them highly customized solutions & hence

Yash Highvoltage Insulators collaborates with Swiss company

R


IN CONVERSATION

38

Tell us about the range of Rishabh’s T&M equipment

that finds application in the power transmission and

distribution sector.

Rishabh has been a leading player in Test & Measurement

industry since 1987 serving many different customer

segments across power generation, T&D, railways,

industrial & commercial verticals, EPC and service

verticals, panel building, process automation integration

etc. The TMI product range of Rishabh encompasses

multi-meters, clamp meters, insulation testers, and earth

testers in addition to Industrial Control Product range

which covers analogue meters, digital meters, multi

function meters, transducers, power quality analysers,

power supplies, current transformers, shunts and cam

switches. Usually in T&D, multi-meters and clamp meters

of Rishabh with CAT IV rating and insulation testers &

earth testers for field test, find applications.

Traditionally, what have been RIPL’s leading products,

and application areas?

RIPL’s foundation has been built on its Analog Panel

Meter (APM) business portfolio which goes back almost

30 years. Today it is the world leader in design and

manufacture of APMs. Through technology acquisition

and collaborations, combined with intense R&D efforts,

Rishabh, over last two decades has expanded its product

basket in the digital and electromechanical product

category as well and emerged as a force to reckon within

Indian and in certain cases, global arena also.

We appreciate that R&D and product development are

critical aspects for a T&M leader like Rishabh. Tell us

about your R&D set up.

Rishabh’s state-of-the art R&D facility is perpetually

driving advancements and adoption of new technologies

to deliver solutions aligned to market expectations. Our

robust and structured development process complimented

by complete end to end in-house R&D infrastructure

from mould design and manufacture to PCB design and

manufacture to testing labs. Our highly energized and

capable R&D team has year on year ensured successful

product launches for Rishabh. At Rishabh Instruments,

we have invested in R&D infrastructure, human resources

and capability building consistently over the years. Our

R&D facility is approved by the Department of Scientific

& Industrial Research (DSIR) and the certification lab

is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for

Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

It is evident that these facilities and resources provide

Rishabh an unique advantage for developing and honing

our offerings from time to time. We also leverage our

European subsidiary Lumel to augment our own insights

of solution requirements in the global arena and keep

ourselves abreast of international trends in addition to

using the facilities there to supplement our own design

and testing efforts.

We learn that there are low-cost Chinese T&M

equipment brands available in the market. What is your

view, and what impact does this have on the Indian

T&M industry?

Chinese products as competition is a phenomenon

across various product categories, right from minerals

to toothbrush. This is true in most countries, including

India. The situation is no different for T&M equipment

domestically. Conceptually speaking, competition is

good per se for the industry since it pushes players to be

agile and responsive to market needs with their products

and services. Most importantly, presence of multiple

products enables users to differentiate attributes and

Rishabh has emerged as a force to reckon

—DEEPAK THAKUR, CEO, RISHABH INSTRUMENTS PVT LTD

Rishabh Instruments Pvt Ltd, with a standing of nearly three decades is a reputed

name in the manufacture, design and development of test & measurement

instruments and industrial control products. We have in this exchange,

Deepak Thakur, taking us through the value system that has made Rishabh a

leading brand today. On industry matters, Thakur notes that the penetration of

T&M equipment in India is gradually improving. Excerpts of the interview:

IN CONVERSATION


value proposition of a specific product vis-

à-vis other offerings as assessed from his/

her need point of view. With the above

conviction, we perceive competition from

all foreign countries equitably, provided

the products in question, meet Indian and

global standards and commercial practices

followed are as per law of the land. That

being said, entry of certain products

of questionable quality and without

certification, into India, does ruin the market

to a large extent with lower price being the only selling

proposition. However, we believe that the customer who

looks for reliable and quality industrial grade products

definitely understands the value provision of Rishabh

product and opts for it. While onus is on industry players

to educate user group on various technical aspects when

buying and using T&M products, statutory authorities are

expected to enforce pertinent provisions and reprimand

Indian firms importing non adhering material into the

country as also ensure all business transactions aligned

to relevant Indian law.

The penetration of T&M equipment is generally low in

India. What is your opinion? Do you feel that awareness

of scientific practices and the use of T&M equipment is

slowly improving in India?

The penetration of T&M equipment in India is

gradually improving. Responsibility is with companies

like Rishabh which operate in this field to increase

awareness of best practices with the user and potential

user groups for these products. At Rishabh, we

continuously drive in-house seminars and corporate

events with customers so as to increase awareness

of functionality of T&M equipment, training for

following best safety and usage practices and usage of

right equipment for each application. In the education

sector, Rishabh has since several years being driving

a special campaign ‘Fun N Learn’. This focuses on

increasing awareness among students on best safety

practices and standards for T&M equipment. These

are primarily conducted at technical and engineering

campuses and we are overwhelmed with the response

from students and faculty to this initiative of creating a

better informed younger generation.

We perceive that the Indian T&M industry has

been dominated by foreign names with very few

homegrown domestic brands. What is your view?

Yes, the Indian T&M industry has been dominated by

foreign brands across the entire product spectrum.

However, Rishabh has made its mark in this space

over the years and gained significant market share,

with its ‘Make in India’ approach adopted since its

inception. Unlike the industrial control products

business domain, wherein several home grown

companies with either end-to-end or partial

value chain from design to manufacturing,

are operating, there are less than a handful

of Indian companies like Rishabh which

develop and manufacture T&M products.

Most of the T&M products being sold

by Indian companies are imports from

China or Taiwan which are merely white-

labeled. Indirectly this is also adding to

the dominance of imported products in the

country.

How do you see the road ahead for RIPL in terms of

new T&M products related to the power sector?

Rishabh has this year launched its 5kV digital insulation

tester. This product is extremely suitable for field testing

and has proven operation in switchyards where there is

induction voltage present up to 600V. Along with this,

Rishabh has recently introduced advanced multimeters

with blue tooth communication facility and Android app

which has made taking measurements safe and easy.

We have plans to come up with more products required

by transmission and distribution sectors over the next

few months so as to position ourselves as a prominent

player in power T&D vertical with respect to their test &

measurement equipment expectations.

RISHABH INSTRUMENTS PVT LTD


INTERVIEW

Tell us how your “SAFE” brand

for domestic wires and wiring

devices is performing. Which are

the regions that you are currently

present in, and how do you intend

widening your presence?

We continue to strengthen our

distribution network. We now cover

north, west and south region with

different degrees of penetration. We

cover 19 states and Union territories

including 83 cities with 5 lakh-plus

population.

We have also introduced switches

and MCB to the market. We continue

to strive to get larger market share of

the electrical outlets.

When it comes to choosing cables

and wiring devices for real estate

products, who are the major

decision makers?

In the case of real estate, architects,

contractors, real estate owners and

electricians are the major decision

makers and influencers for choosing

cables and wiring devices. We

continue to demonstrate the USP

of our products to them. We are

encouraged by their response to our

product quality.

There is a general perception that

Indian Railways, due to its massive

upgrade and electrification drive,

can be a good business driver for

wire and cable manufacturers.

What is your take on the matter?

Yes, there will be huge demand for

wire and cable in Railways due to its

massive upgrade and electrification

starting with catenary wires right up

to signal cables.

We intend to bring Cu-Mg (copper

magnesium) catenary wires instead

of the presently used Cu-Cd (copper

cadmium) which are not RoHS

compliant. We are also in the process

of approving our other offerings in the

wire and cables segment in railways.

Starting with RF cables in 2006, Shilpi Cables has become a specialist across varieties of cables widely used in telecom, automotive and energy segment. Manish Bhatt, in this interaction with T&D India, touches upon the growth strategy of Shilpi Cable. Apart from furthering its newly-launched“SAFE” brands of wires and wiring devices, Shilpi Cable is also entering the Railways segment with copper-cadmium wires. Bhatt also discusses the importance of the B2C segment in driving the company’s growth.

The B2C segment will be a

major growth driver— Manish Bhatt, CEO,

Shilpi Cable Technologies Ltd

INTERVIEW


Talking about your collaborations,

when do you expect the JV with

Eyecom of New Zealand to be

formally incorporated? What

products will the JV manufacture?

We would be manufacturing base

station antennas in our facility at

Chopanki in Rajasthan. The capacity

planned currently is 300 antennas

per day. We are in parallel getting

the field and lab trials done with

the operators in India, for approval.

Eyecom has other products like

repeaters, IBS products that we

are evaluating currently. Based on

market potential of these products,

we would take a decision to

manufacture these also.

We also learn of your copper

products plant coming up in UAE.

Tell us more.

The company is planning to set

up a project at Abu Dhabi, UAE

through its subsidiary, with a

capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year

for manufacturing copper products,

with an investment of $150 million.

Out of this amount, $50 million will

be invested through equity and the

balance through debt.

Talking about your telecom

operations, we understand that due

technological changes, there is now

an increased demand for energy

cables for telecom antennas. Please

discuss this technological change

and the impact that it would have

on RF cables and energy cables.

A traditional cellular site deployed

RF cables (primarily 7/8” size).

They also required infrastructure

like shelter, ACs to house the base

station. The RF cable, due to its

inherent characteristics, attenuates

signals. So OEMs like Ericsson,

Nokia, Huawei and ZTE started

developing base stations which were

split mount type containing two

units: base band unit and remote

radio unit (RRU) containing the RF

module. The RRU was placed close

to the antenna.

Instead of RF cable, they now run

an optical cable between baseband

unit and RRU, besides energy cable

to power the RRU. Optical fibre

does not have any losses and hence

maximum power is made available

at the antenna. Also the new base

stations developed by OEMs do not

require air-conditioning. They also

consume less power compared to

older systems. Thus the traditional

use of 7/8” RF cables is expected to

come down gradually.

However, there would be a good

requirement of ½” cable used to

make jumpers used to connect the

RRU to the antenna. We also expect

that with increase in data usage, the

need for IBS will also grow for better

coverage inside the building. This

will continue to strengthen demand

for RF cable.

With the 4G market expanding,

how do you rate opportunities for

your telecom products, in general?

We expect good business for energy

cables which are used in a big way

in 4G rollouts. Besides ½” cable

business used to make jumpers will

also be big. As mentioned earlier,

we are entering the antenna space

soon. Antennas would be deployed

by all operators irrespective of the

technology used.

How do you rate demand from

other sectors like consumer goods

and automobiles?

As our economy is showing robust

overall growth and continuing

prospects for steady growth,

the demand for consumer and

automotive goods will keep on

increasing. We are also looking to

increase our market share in both

the sectors.

Considering that Shilpi Cable

is active in several sectors like

telecom, home wires, automotive,

etc, what will be your most

important growth drivers in the

coming years?

Though we are well positioned to

grow in each segment, the most

important growth driver will be B2C

segment. We are targeting 30 per

cent of our revenue to come from

the B2C segment, in the next two

years.

Specifically, how would you like to

see the “SAFE” brand faring in the

next, say, 5-7 years?

The company’s vision is to

make “SAFE” among the top

three brands in this category by

providing complete end-to-end

house electrical solutions with

good quality products and strong

distribution network.

SHILPI CABLE TECHNOLOGIES LTD

SS E C T R U MPS E C T R U MP


SS E C T R U MP


S E C T R U MPS


Abbas Daudbhai & Co 42

Anand Engineering Corpration 44

Apar Industries 52 (BC)

Cast And Coap 43

Daril Lighting Pvt Ltd 37

DEIF India Pvt Ltd 51(IBC)

Electro Care (India) Pvt.Ltd. 42

Elektra Precisioion Systems 43

Epcos India Pvt Ltd 17

Gurud Industries 42

Hertz Elctronics 37

Jay International 42

Konkan Electric Corporation (N.M) 42

KVTEK Power Systems Pvt Ltd 27

Lamco Industries Pvt Ltd 33

M & I Materrials India Pvt Ltd 25

Madhav Engineers Pvt Ltd 1 (FC)

Mathura Switchgears Pvt Ltd 42

39

Mtekpro Technologies Pvt Ltd 13

Myriad Industrial Solutions LLP 43

Nakoda Products 35

Neutronics Manufacturing Company 42

Om Indutries 43

Precision Services Centre 42

Precision Wires India Ltd 2 (IFC)

R R Enterprises 43

Ramakrishna Associates 43

Reliserv Solutions 44

Rishabh Instrument Pvt Ltd 11

Sardar Steel Industries 35

Shree Digvijay Cement Co Ltd 19

Shree Trading Syndicate 21

Sigma Galvanging Pvt Ltd 23

Spark Electrosystems 43

Swati Switchgears Pvt Ltd 7

Trak Enterprises 43

Vishay Components India Pvt Ltd 9

Wika Instruments India Pvt Ltd 15

Yash High Voltage Insulators Pvt Ltd 5

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Contact: Hemant Kumar

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S E C T R U MPS

INTERVIEW


INTERVIEW

Please discuss your current range

of products and services offered in

the field of solar power.

GIPL is a leading manufacturer of

fabricated and galvanized structures

for solar mounting solutions in India

and continuously evolving to provide

best products. Our range of products

includes ballast-based roof top

solution (Polar Bear III and Panda

Bear) with different tilt angles; fixed

ground mount solution; single axis

solar tracker solution, and car port

solution.

Our services comprise supply

of material (module mounting

structures); design and engineering

of the solution; civil and foundation

work; erection of structures; module

installations, and designing of

electrical DC work for solar parks

along with fencing, road and

drainage services.

What has been the rationale of

partnering with SunLink for solar

trackers?

The Indian renewable energy

market is growing rapidly and as

a developing country the demand

of energy is also increasing. GIPL’s

partnership with Sunlink is a

strategic move to gain economies of

scale on the existing running projects

by increasing energy output.

We have always looked out for best

solution for our customer to harness

maximum energy from the sun thus

GIPL’s world-class engineering and

manufacturing capability along with

Sunlink’s proven tracker technology

together will set a new benchmark

for the solar industry.

Is the collaboration technical or

is there is financial partnership

involved?

The collaboration is a technical

partnership under which GIPL will

manufacture, install and provide

O&M support for SunLink‘s single

axis tracker in India while SunLink

will provide its excellent technology

and engineering services to deliver

a robust, reliable product to GIPL

customers.

Very recently, Ganges Internationale announced a partnership with SunLink to foray in the solar tracker business. Solar trackers are making their presence felt as developers are now convinced of

their ground-mounted solar installations. Giving a technical and commercial insight into solar trackers, Vinay Goyal feels that 25 per cent of ground-mount solar PV installations in India will be equipped with solar trackers.An interview by Venugopal Pillai.

Indian solar tracker installations

could reach 3 GW by 2020— Vinay Gopal, CEO,

Ganges Internationale Pvt Ltd

INTERVIEW


Please describe the mechanism of

a solar tracker and its functioning.

Stationary ground-mount solution,

which holds the panels in a fixed

position, compromises on their

productivity when the sun passes

to a less-than-optimal angle.

Compensating for this, solar trackers

automatically move to “track”

the progress of the sun across the

sky, thereby maximizing output.

Solar tracker has a centralized

drive that capitalizes on proven

hydraulic technology mechanism

which simplifies the functionality

and maintenance of single axis

solutions.

It is a device that orients a module

toward the Sun. This system helps

in harnessing solar energy for the

longest period of the day. It also

helps in setting up most accurate

alignment as the Sun’s position

shifts with the seasons and also

minimizing the angle of incidence

between the incoming sunlight and

a photovoltaic panel.

Can you quantify the gain in solar

power generation for solar PV

plants with trackers?

Tracking increases power

generation by 15 per cent to 25

per cent over fixed tilt per DC watt

peak in normal weather conditions

according to our calculations.

Tracker allows PV panels to follow

the sun’s movement and produce

over 15 per cent to 25 per cent

more electricity as compared to a

stationary array. Single axis solar

trackers are less expensive and

more reliable because they don’t

require as much maintenance and

they aren’t as complicated as dual-

axis trackers.

Under what solar conditions are

trackers best suited? Therefore,

what are the Indian regions/states

of potential demand for trackers?

The higher energy produced by solar

trackers depends on a clear view of

the horizon so they can leverage

their rotational capacity to capture

energy from sunrise to sunset.

Ideal tracker sites have at least

90 per cent annual solar exposure,

requiring a relatively clear view

of the horizon to the east, south,

and west. Under these conditions,

systems produce electricity early

to late in the day, which are times

during which fixed roof-mount and

ground-mount systems don’t face

the sun.

In India, Punjab, Karnataka,

Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,

Gujarat and Rajasthan are some of

the states having potential for solar

trackers.

What is the increase in capital cost

when trackers are installed on

solar PV plants?

Tracking is a novel technology for

Indian energy market. As the solar

industry progresses, developers are

also getting aware of the enhanced

CUFs (capacity utilization factor)

that tracker implementation can

bring about. Solar system with

trackers can bring about a CUF of

21 per cent. In comparison with

solar plants without trackers, this

means an increase in performance

of around 20-25 per cent over fixed

structures.

Initial capex increases by 8 per

cent to 10 per cent of the project cost

per DC watt peak. Whereas in case

of power generation equal to fixed

tilt per watt peak tracking reduces

capex by 6 per cent to 8 per cent.

Will the SunLink trackers be

manufactured locally or sourced

from SunLink’s facilities?

GIPL will manufacture the

tracker locally in our state of

class manufacturing facility, fully

equipped with a capacity of more

than 36,000 tonnes per year, located

in Pondicherry.

What is the estimated penetration

of solar trackers in the Indian

market? Is the awareness level of

trackers improving?

Yes, the industry is now aware of the

solar trackers and its advantages

over the fixed mounting. It is

estimated that Indian solar tracker

installations will reach 3 GW by

2020, or 25 per cent of total installed

ground mount installations,

estimated at 11.7 GW.

We also perceive that solar trackers

in gaining traction in India and

that the number of suppliers is

slowing growing. What is your

view on the imminent competition

in the solar tracker business?

Being a nascent market, however

there is a lot of uncertainty in

selecting the best trackers for a solar

power plant, especially with regard

to cost savings and generation

output per MW they could bring

about.

Ganges has chosen SunLink

as a technology partner because

SunLink has proven technology

along with the largest installed

capacity and longer years of

installation experience, globally

including India.

How do you gauge the way

forward for the Ganges-SunLink

partnership in India?

Government of India’s target is to

achieve 100 GW by 2022, which is

enabling huge domestic demand

for solar installations on the back

of several incentives from the

government and thus convincing

several companies to invest in

India. Technology is the main factor

in driving big projects which will

actually drive the generation of

stable power supply from the sun

and eventually relieving consumers

from dependence of unstable power

grid.

GIPL is expert in proving

mounting solutions with best design

and least product cost, whereas

SunLink has the advantage of

delivering best technology to

harness sun’s energy dawn to dusk

efficiently. The partnership shows

a huge advantage to people, who

are carefully understanding

the solar power economics and

demanding best product with latest

technology.

GANGES INTERNATIONALE PVT LTD


POLICY

How do you view the evolving Smart

Grid market in India for TTDI’s related

products and services?

What would you regard as your biggest

growth drivers for TTDI in India?

Indian power sector is witnessing massive transformationContinued from Page 20

he steel ministry has brought more steel grades —

cold-reduced (CR) low carbon sheets and strips,

hard-drawn wire and cold-rolled strips — under

the Quality Control (QC) order. The move is expected to

check the rampant import of cheap steel products into the

country, especially from China, Japan and South Korea.

Under the Steel and Steel Products (Quality Control)

(Second Amendment) Order, 2016, which amended

the Steel and Steel Products (QC) Order, 2015, Bureau

of Indian Standards (BIS) has increased the grades of

CR low-carbon, CR strips and hard-drawn steel wire, a

fresh notification said. This is the second amendment.

The original notification, which was first published in

December 2015, was earlier amended in March 2016.

Under the latest amendment, the ministry has included

all grades of hard-drawn steel wire, certain grades of CR

low carbon steel sheets and strips and those of CR steel

strips. To ensure only quality steel is produced or imported

into the country, the government notified Steel and Steel

Products (QC) Orders, 2012 in March 2012 and Steel

and Steel Products (QC) Orders, 2015. To check imports,

India had slapped a minimum import price (MIP) on 173

steel grades in February this year, but shrank the list to 66

while extending the safeguard measures in August.

More steel grades under scanner

T

INTERNATIONAL NEWS


ydro Aluminium AS is

building the most climate-

friendly, energy-efficient

aluminum smelting plant in the world

on Norway’s Karmoy peninsula, for

which Siemens is supplying a VB1

high-current switchgear with vacuum

switching technology and the high-

current supply unit for production.

Measuring 34m long and with

26 switchgear panels, it will be the

longest high-current and generator

switchgear ever built by Siemens.

This type of system protects

equipment such as generators and

transformers from overvoltage and

short-circuits. To ensure the supply

of electrical power for the production

process, Siemens is also providing

six large converter units, including

the associated control and protection

systems and the requisite cooling

systems. The converters convert AC

current to DC current for operating

the power-intensive smelting

furnaces. The scope of supply also

includes automation technology with

the PCS7 process control system

and distributed I/O systems as well

as operator control and monitoring

systems.

The high-current switchgear is

to be delivered by the end of 2016,

while the high-current supply

unit will be handed over by the

end of 2017. Siemens was already

commissioned last year to supply the

main transformers for this project.

High-current and generator

switchgear with vacuum switching

technology are important for protecting

transformers and generators used in

generator switchgear applications

with high thermal and mechanical

loads. Vacuum switching technology

and maintenance-free components

in generator switchgear guarantee

minimum maintenance costs. Unlike

gas-insulated circuit-breakers, vacuum

circuit-breakers interrupt the arc in a

high-vacuum interrupter tube.

With its double busbar design,

Siemens’ VB1 fulfills the special

requirements for high plant

availability. Thanks to its arc fault

consistency, it ensures a high degree

of personal safety. It has a short-

circuit breaking capacity of up to

50kA at 24kV and can handle rated

currents of up to 5000 amperes (A)

without forced cooling.

NEXANS in a release said that its cable technology has been selected by VBMS for

subsea connection between the offshore turbines and the onshore grid for the Blyth

offshore wind farm

Siemens’ VB1 high-current switchgear with vacuum switching technology

H

KT Cables has entered into

a purchase agreement to

acquire ABB HV Cables, a wholly

owned business of the ABB Group,

at an enterprise value of 712 million

Euros. Including ABB HV Cables’

committed investment in a new,

cutting-edge cable-laying vessel of

124 million Euros, total enterprise

value amounts to 836 million Euros.

ABB HV Cables is a supplier in

the premium segment of AC and

DC HV cable systems for on- and

offshore power transmission. The

combination of NKT Cables and

ABB HV Cables creates a leading

on- and offshore high-voltage power

cables company. ABB HV Cables is

a leading player within DC high-

voltage power cables, a position

which allows NKT Cables to enter

this market, which has strong growth

potential. Since 2012, ABB has made

significant investments in the high-

voltage cable industry with best-

in-class manufacturing facilities in

Karlskrona, Sweden.

N

PH

OTO

: NE

XA

NS

An illustration of Nexans 66kV cables


SHORT TAKES

The board of Power Grid Corporation of India,

on September 16, 2016, approved investment

of Rs.562.25 crore the “System Strengthening in

Southern Region – XXI” project. Commissioning will

take place progressively over 30 months from the

date of investment approval, PGCIL said in a stock

exchange filing.

Powergas Energy Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK-

based Gentec Energy PLC Ltd, recently inaugu-

rated its first production unit in India. Located at Sri

City SEZ in Hyderabad, the plant will manufacture

gasifier, assembly and power plant equipment in-

cluding acoustic, air handling, heat exchangers,

electric panels and light fabrication items. Pow-

ergas Energy is known for project execution of

natural gas-based power and gas compression ap-

plications. The company started trading operations

in India in 2010.

In a communication to stock exchanges, Jyoti Struc-

tures Ltd announced that its wholly-owned subsid-

iary Jyoti Americas LLC (JAL), has been advised in

compliance with applicable laws, to inform all em-

ployees not to report for work effective September

16, 2016 until further notice, as JAL will not be able

to meet payroll due to temporary cash flow situa-

tion. JAL, in May 2012, commissioned a transmis-

sion tower manufacturing facility in Texas, with an

annual fabrication capacity of 50,000 tonnes.

Hitachi India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd

recently organized the Hitachi Social Innovation

Forum 2016 in partnership with Times Network in

Mumbai towards an effort to support India’s infra-

structure development. This event served as a plat-

form for Hitachi to bring together thought leaders to

deliberate on themes pertaining to “Transition from

Traditional” to digital banking, increasing railway

capacity and reliability through IT and ICT, building

robust IT infrastructure, and digital transformation

for India.

ABB India has commissioned a state-of-the-art so-

lution for shore-to-ship power supply for ships at the

V. O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly the Tuticorin

Port. This solution will enable ships docking at a

port to plug for power instead of running on polluting

diesel generators and using expensive power. The

Indian grid delivers power at a frequency of 50Hz.

So ships, most of which adhere to European stan-

dards of 60 Hz, have to depend on on-board diesel

generators for power. For an average docking time

of 60 hours for a commercial vessel at a port, the

diesel generators produce 360 tonnes of carbon

dioxide, a release from ABB India said.

The Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project

(BEEP), in collaboration with the Karnataka state

government, launched the guidelines for energy-

efficient and thermally comfortable public buildings

in the state. The guidelines have been developed

keeping in view different climatic regions found in

Karnataka and provides a step by step approach

to designing efficient public buildings. The project

BEEP is a bilateral cooperation project between

the Ministry of Power, Government of India and the

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Gov-

ernment of Switzerland.

NTPC Ltd and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd have

joined hands for implementation of energy efficient

LED lighting solutions for all NTPC’s projects, sta-

tions and offices across the country. An MoU to

this effect was signed between the two compa-

nies. The objective of the MoU is to enable EESL

to provide end-to-end state-of-the-art energy ef-

ficient LED lighting and solutions in accordance

with the requirement of NTPC, a statement from

NTPC said.

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd has made its maid-

en issuance of bonds in the domestic market to

fund energy efficiency projects in India. Domestic

bonds worth Rs.500 crore were issued to inves-

tors on private placement basis at a coupon rate

of 8.07 per cent. For FY17, the capex requirement

of EESL is Rs.3,500 crore. Aiding this require-

ment, these corporate bonds will be the first of

many tranches. EESL is also planning to introduce

Green Masala Bonds worth $100 million in Novem-

ber this year.

India Power Corporation Ltd (IPCL) has reportedly

entered into a partnership with US Trade & Devel-

opment Agency (USTDA) to implement smart gird

technology on IPCL’s distribution network - particu-

larly to its Gaya franchise in Bihar. The opportunity

to conduct USTDA sponsored technical assistance

for IPCL will be completed by interested US firms

through Federal Business Opportunities, it is further

learnt.

GE Renewable Energy has completed construc-

tion of 30 GE 1.7-103 turbines for Mytrah Ener-

gy’s 51-mw Aspari wind farm in south-east India.

The wind farm, which is the first of a three-phase

project that will total 200 mw, is now ready for

commissioning. The remaining two phases are

expected to feature 52 GE 2.3-116 machines and

47 GE 1.7-103 units and will be completed in the

coming months. The project, which is located in

Kurnool in the state of Andhra Pradesh, will also

use GE’s new digital wind farm energy forecast-

ing system.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a

wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, has com-

pleted acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in

Welspun Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd (WREPL)

and its subsidiaries. WREPL has about 1,141 mw

of renewable power projects comprising about

990 mw solar power projects and about 150 mw

of wind power projects. TPREL currently operates

312 mw of renewable power capacity and 500 mw

of renewable assets are being carved out of Tata

Power into TPREL through a court process. In

addition, about 400 mw of solar and wind power

projects are under implementation. Thus, TPREL

with all these assets, will have renewable assets

portfolio of about 2,300 mw, making it the largest

renewable power company in India, a release from

Tata Power said.

POWER utilities BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd

(BYPL) have launched an innovative service, wherein consumers can shoot videos and

photographs of power theft and Whats App them (along with the location address) to

a company release said. The service has been primarily targeted at high power theft

areas. Centralised teams have been set-up to monitor and take appropriate action basis

the photographs and videos received. The initial response has been encouraging.

To promote the service, BSES will soon start engaging with RWAs and residents. Posters

are also being put-up by BSES in high power theft areas. Consumers will also be educated

on how to capture evidence of power theft while shooting videos and photographs.

Both BRPL and BYPL are joint ventures between Reliance Infrastructure and government

of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

Innovation in tracking power theft

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Last date for booking: October 29, 2016

November

2016

Published on 10th of every month