Once the Microgrid Feasibility Study is completed and the decision to proceed has been made, thesystem design phase is crucial to ensure the microgrid is designed to meet technical, regulatory, and financial requirements, ensuring successful implementation and operation.

The detailed engineering design and planning phase will be tailored to both the Client and the application, below is an outline of what this phase typically involves.

 

1. Detailed Site Assessment

For the chosen site, a final site survey would be conducted to finalize the physical location and layout. A Geotechnical Analysis would assess soil and subsurface conditions for construction.

 

2. System Architecture and Design

The system layout is finalized developing detailed schematics and layouts for the microgrid, including generation, storage, and distribution components. Single-line diagrams will show electrical connections and components. Components will be selected specifying types of all major components (Generators, PV Panels, Batteries, Inverters, and Transformers).

 

3. Electrical Design

Engineering studies will be performed. Load flow studies will ensure the system can handle peak loads and identify potential bottlenecks, Short Circuit Analyses will ensure protection systems are adequately designed, Protection Co-ordination systems will be designed, and studies undertaken to ensure protection schemes are coordinated and ensure system safety and reliability.

 

4. Control and Communication Systems

Detailed plans for the Microgrid control system will be developed including hardware and

software requirements. The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time monitoring and control will be designed. The communication network for data exchange between microgrid components will be designed.

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5. Mechanical and Civil Design

Structures for mounting PV panels and other equipment will be designed. Cooling and Heating systems as required for temperature-sensitive components will be designed. Civil works plans are detailed and roads, foundations, and other civil infrastructure are designed.​

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6. Documentation

Detailed design documents will be prepared, engineering drawings, specifications, and other design documents. Operational and Maintenance Manuals will be developed manuals providing guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the microgrid. A plan for the As-Built Documentation will be prepared for delivery after construction.

 

7. Testing, Commissioning, and Training Plan

A plan for Factory Acceptance Tests for major components will be prepared to support at the manufacturer’s facilities. A commissioning plan for the step-by-step commissioning of the microgrid will be prepared ensuring all systems operate as intended. A Site Acceptance Test (SAT) plan will be developed for agreement with the Client for testing components and systems on-site after installation. A training plan will be developed specific to the Client's requirements.

 

8. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Measures designed to mitigate identified environmental impacts will be designed and this phase will ensure all designs comply with local, state, and federal regulations and standards. Detailed design documents will be prepared for submission to obtain the necessary permits.

 

9. Procurement Planning

Ahead of the Equipment Detail Specification, Procurement & Delivery Phase which typically runs in parallel with the Engineering Design and Planning phase once the system is approved and requirements confirmed, a detailed procurement strategy that outlines the approach for sourcing, including make-or-buy decisions, preferred vendors, and procurement methods (e.g., competitive bidding, direct purchase) will be prepared. Also, a procurement schedule created detailing a procurement schedule that aligns with the overall project timeline, including key milestones and delivery dates.