Improving O&M Operational EfficiencyPV Reliability, Operations & Maintenance Workshop, 07 May 2014Gina Binnard, Director of System Performance
OUTLINE
• Introduction– Belectric Introduction– System Performance “O&M” Introduction
• Operational Efficiency – Definition– Efficiency Control Knobs
• Examples – Contracting for Efficiency– Analytics for Efficiency– Communications for Efficiency
• Wrap Up
BELECTRIC: Company ProfilePrivately held PV system integrator: Development, EPC, O&MExperienced, with product patents dating back to 2001About 2,000 employees in 20 countriesPerformance Guarantees: Energy, Performance Ratio, Availability
8MW UNDER MAINTENANCE
0 0MW OF INSTALLED POWER
1 2 0 0YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
1 2
ReportingAsset
Management
O&M Contract
Negotiations
O&M Test Methods
O&M Budget + Scope
Contract Management
Optimal Plant Layout
Planned Maintenance
FieldMonitoring, Notifications
Performance Analysis
O&M Performance Guarantee
Plant Data
Engineering Field Support
EPC Contract Negotiations
CommissionPlant Testing
EPC Test Methods
EPC Performance Guarantee
PG Assessment
Emergency ResponseField
BELECTRIC: System Performance (“O&M“)
Energy Model
Efficiency: Definition & Control Knobs
Operational Efficiency => The capability of an enterprise to deliver high quality products and services in a cost‐effective manner.
Contracting For Efficiency
Analytics For Efficiency
Communication For Efficiency
General Approach is Easy:• Bolster Numerator• Drop Denominator• Special emphasis on topics that affect both
Operational Efficiency =Service Quality and Scope
Time, Effort, Cost
Example Control Knobs:
Performance Guarantee ‐Procedure• Procedure Complicated/Unclear => Excessive Analyst Hours
Ideally: Analysts quickly understand procedure and reach similar conclusions.
• Efficiency Improvements Via:– Data filtering, filling, and processing specified– Spreadsheet in advance, tested, included with contract– Test Uncertainty method spelled out– Flexibility granted to move quickly past obstacles– Performance Guarantee goals spelled out to guide decisions
Contracting For Efficiency
Performance Guarantee Process Settle Time
2011, new & novel PG 1+ years
2012, matured PG 1‐2 months
2013, streamlined PG 1‐2 weeks
2014, published standards 1‐2 weeks
Performance Bonuses• PG Targets to match Financial Targets => Given• Beyond PG Target => Share the Revenue Upside• O&M highly motivate to maximize revenue• Efficiency gains through innovative solutions
Bonus Structure Matters• Are bonus targets reasonably achievable?• Are bonus levels worthwhile?• Are bonus reasonably balanced with Penalties?
Contract Scope Flexibility Matters• Industry Basics => Specifying a baseline scope is good• Beyond Basics => O&M provider drives scope• Outcome => time & resources spent on best returns
Contracting For Efficiency
=> Module Washing
• Wash to meet Customer’s goals (Performance Guarantee)• Wash to avoid meaningful Penalties• Wash to gain meaningful Bonuses• Don’t wash if Outcome is not meaningful
Analytics for Efficiency
Flexibility
– Fast data analysis to rank lowest performers
– Field focuses on the worst offenders first.
– Lesser offenders addressed later to match performance guarantee, bonus, or budget
– Skip full field default testing approach
– Identify appropriate frequency
=> Low Performing ArraysAnalytics for Efficiency
Track/Quantify Failure Events and Error Codes to:• Develop a better preventative program• Reduce field troubleshooting time• Prevent over‐ or under‐ stocking spare parts• Focus training efficiently
=> Failure and Error Code StatisticsAnalytics for Efficiency
Communication Matters!
Internal Communications
Monitor
Field
Engineer
Contract
Communication for Efficiency
Documentation, Scheduling, and Protocols:
• Documentation => collection system for efficient sharing, training, collaboration
• Schedules => that make the most of truck roles and technical expertise
• Protocols => to push quickly past first level event verifications & responses
• Protocols => to engage technical and field expertise at appropriate times
• Protocols => to improve adherence to contract obligations & limitations
Communication Matters!
External Communications
Communication for Efficiency
Monitor
Owner
Utility
Energy Broker
Notification & Response Policies:• Reduces plant trip recovery time
(hours).• Helps quickly verify grid trips vs
plant events, and initiate appropriate response action
• Prevents information repeat• Provides energy brokers with
better plant output forecasts• Reduces response discussions
•Headquarters Germany: •BELECTRIC, Wadenbrunner Str. 10, •97509 Kolitzheim, Phone: +49 9385 9804 – 0, •Email: [email protected]
BELECTRIC – The better electric.Belectric Americas: Gina BinnardDirector, System PerformancePhone: +1‐510‐896‐3315
Email: [email protected]
Thank You for your time!