Course Catalogue.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Apply solar cell operation principles, ensuring compliance with local electrical authority and system operator standards.
• Conduct AC and DC system loss analysis, assess faults in combiner boxes, and evaluate the suitability of solar farm sites.
• Design layouts and orientation and perform financial evaluations while optimizing the operation of string and utility-scale inverters.
• Implement medium and high voltage AC distribution system designs, integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) effectively.
• Design medium-voltage AC collector systems and ensure safe, compliant installations using arc flash analysis, labelling, and interlocking protocols.
• Project scheduling, procurement impact and construction sequence of work.
• Interface with utility and interconnection requirements.

Description
With the rise of solar PV systems in Canada, many engineers are grappling with the complexities of power generation from these evolving technologies. This course covers essential aspects such as solar site assessments, installation techniques, and financial considerations related to design and operations. You will dive into DC and AC system losses, gain insight into the operation of string and utility-scale inverters, and explore project scheduling within the context of utility-scale solar farm projects.

In addition to technical designs, this course offers an in-depth understanding of grid-connected solar farms at both medium and high-voltage levels. Topics include medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) distribution, AC collector circuits, substation conceptual designs, and system commissioning. Participants will also address compliance with local utility requirements, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of solar PV system commissioning processes.

By the end of this course, you'll be fully equipped to tackle the complexities of designing and operating solar farms, from understanding civil works and environmental aspects to ensuring regulatory compliance. The course is structured to provide practical knowledge that enhances your ability to integrate solar technologies into grid systems and optimize performance.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for engineers, designers, and technical professionals in power generation, solar project management, and electrical system integration.

The practical insights and hands-on knowledge shared throughout the course will benefit electrical designers, project managers, electricians, and operating engineers. Additionally, sales engineers, installation teams, and solar project owners will gain valuable skills to enhance their expertise in PV solar systems.

Furthermore, individuals involved in solar farm development, utility compliance, or integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) will find this course particularly useful. Those responsible for designing or overseeing medium and high-voltage solar installations are also encouraged to attend.

Course Syllabus

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Methods

PV Modules

• Properties of light and PV modules
• Basic theory
• Commercial types and technologies
• Understanding PV modules’ technical specifications
• PV module IV curve

String Voltage and Current Sizing

• Case Study 1: VOC and ISC calculations
• Cable sizing and ampacity study
• Approved cable types and cable sizing
• Canadian Electrical Code requirements

DC system arrangement

• Circuit ampacity correction and derating Factors
• Sizing for combiners and recombiner boxes
• "Smart" combiner boxes
• Prewired combiner boxes
• PV system racking systems
• Rapid shut-down
• Trunk wiring design
• Solar array configurations (fixed and trackers)
• Fault analysis at combiner boxes
• DC arc flash assessment
• Case study 2: Voc and ISC calculations, sizing of combiner and recombiner boxes

Solar Farm Site Assessment

• Civil works
• Environmental aspect
• Array length
• Access road

Questions

Adjournment

Day II

DC System Losses

• PV module losses
• Environmental losses
• Cable voltage drop: I2R losses
• Case study 3: I2R losses calculation

DC to AC Transformation

• Understanding technical specifications for DC/AC grid tie-in inverters
• Grid tie-in inverter operation principle
• Inverter station e-house package
• Inverter AC short circuit contribution
• DC/AC ratio design consideration
• AC transformation for utility grade inverters: Inverter AC output to hydro medium-voltage
• Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Component
• MV collector system design
• MV and HV substation design
• Conservation of operational energy (“brown” power)
• Safety aspects (AC Arc flash analysis and interlocking)
• AC system losses (medium-voltage transformers no load and load losses and I2R cable losses)
• Summary of DC and AC losses
• HV and MV Substation design concepts for utility-scale and string inverters

Grounding

• Electrical Safety Code requirements
• Grounding potential rise (GPR)
• Resistance field measurements

Day III

Project Scheduling

• Design/construction sequencing
• Procurement
• Limited and Full notice to proceed with task orders
• 3rd party interaction

Testing and Commissioning of PV System

• Open circuit voltage test
• IV curve test
• Thermal image

Regulatory Requirements

• Electrical Safety Authority
• System Operator & Utility requirements

Questions and Answers, Feedback on Achievement of Learning Outcomes

Concluding Remarks and Final Adjournment