Industrial visit to Solar Power Plant, Shivanasamudra

An educational industrial visit, organized in collaboration with the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) and IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS), was arranged for 7th-semester EEE students to the Shivanasamudra Solar Power Plant. The goal was to provide practical insight into the generation, conversion, and grid-synchronization of utility-scale solar energy, complementing curriculum studies in Power Systems and Renewable Energy Technology.

The Solar Power Plant operates with a total installed capacity of 10 Mega Watt (MW), strategically divided into two functional units: a 6.5 MW unit and a 3.5 MW unit. The tour was conducted by the Site Engineer, who provided detailed explanations of all major equipment.

Key Technical Observations:

PV Array: Observation of the large Photovoltaic (PV) array field and the series/parallel configuration used to generate high DC voltage.

DC/AC Conversion: Detailed explanation of the Inverters, the core devices responsible for converting the high DC power from the arrays into grid-compatible three-phase AC power.

Step-Up Transformers: The function of transformers in stepping up the AC voltage (e.g., to 11kV or 33kV) was demonstrated, crucial for minimizing transmission losses before grid injection

Switchyard & Protection: Students observed essential high-voltage equipment, including Bus Bars, Circuit Breakers (for fault interruption), Isolators/Disconnectors (for maintenance isolation), and Lightning Arresters (for surge protection).

Conclusion:

The visit successfully linked theoretical concepts to industrial practice, particularly regarding grid synchronization and system protection in renewable energy facilities. Additionally, the students were able to view the historic Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power Station from outside, providing a contextual comparison between traditional and renewable generation methods.
The visit concluded with a strong appreciation for the Site Engineer’s time and expertise in guiding the RNSIT students through this critical facility.