BHEL commissions India’s largest Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant in Lakshadweep.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned the country's largest Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant at Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.

Being a sought-after tourist destination, Bangaram will benefit immensely with the commissioning of the system by BHEL’s Electronics Division, Bangalore, which will efficiently supply power, besides considerably reducing the consumption of High Speed Diesel and conserving the ecology & environment of the tourist island.

Boasting of one of the world's most eco-friendly beaches, with facilities for Scuba diving, snorkeling & water sports, Bangaram Island attracts a number of international tourists which calls for reliable, uninterrupted power supply for Cottages, Restaurants, Community Lighting etc.

Hitherto, Lakshadweep Administration was depending entirely on Diesel Power Plants, which posed a threat to the environment due to air as well as groundwater pollution. Transportation of diesel from the mainland (Kozhikode) also depended largely on sea conditions. Besides, storage of large quantities of diesel on the tiny island was a major safety hazard.

To overcome these problems as also to meet the increasing demand for power, the Electricity Department of Lakshadweep embarked on a mission to use Solar Photovoltaic technology. Initially, a 10 kW Solar Power Plant was commissioned by BHEL in the island. Based on its success, Lakshadweep Administration decided to commission a 50 kW Solar-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant to ensure round-the-clock power supply.

The SPV-Diesel hybrid system at Bangaram comprises a 50 kW SPV array containing SPV modules manufactured with high efficiency single crystalline solar cells, maintenance-free Lead acid battery bank, 2 numbers each of 75 kVA diesel generators, besides a Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) and other associated auxiliaries.

The system works in fully automatic mode by prioritizing on solar power. Depending on the site load, solar availability and the Battery state of charge, the diesel generator set automatically turns ON and feeds power to site loads and also charges the battery bank. A unique software algorithm ensures SPV array to operate at the maximum power point so that the solar modules deliver maximum power at the given solar radiation at that instant.

The intelligent three-step battery charger monitors the battery state of charge, battery temperature and the rate of charging is regulated accordingly. The system also has a unique built-in feature to monitor the system performance from a remote location via a telephone line.

Spurred by the success achieved at Bangaram Island, the Electricity Department of Lakshadweep is planning to install such systems in other islands as well. BHEL has already commissioned Solar Power Plants adding over 1 MW to Lakshadweep’s generating capacity.