Experience in on-site commissioning of energy storage projects

What happens during energy storage project commissioning?

During energy storage project commissioning, every team involved feels the heat: For the EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) team, it’s their final stretch of construction and they’re eager to finish.

What is a commissioning plan?

Commissioning is a required process in the start-up of an energy storage system. This gives the owner assurance that the system performs as specified. A Commissioning Plan prepared and followed by the project team can enable a straightforward and timely process, ensuring safe and productive operation following handoff.

How does a system commissioning process work?

Once all mechanical and electrical components are complete, system commissioning can begin, where all the electrical and mechanical equipment works together as a system for the first time. Auxiliary systems are brought online followed by major apparatus, and interfaces are verified for all equipment.

What are the challenges of commissioning?

The challenges of commissioning are compounded by an often-compressed timeline caused by construction delays, unforeseen equipment problems, and the complexity of bringing many systems online simultaneously.

What are pre-commissioning activities?

For mechanical systems, pre-commissioning activities consist of cleaning and flushing of pipes, pressure testing, and leak testing. Any rotating equipment such as a pump are bump tested, which means rotating for the first time on site to verify current draw, pressure, and flow rates.

What activities take place off-site before the commissioning team mobilizes to site?

There are several activities that take place off-site prior to the commissioning team mobilizing to site during the design and construction phases of a project. During design and construction, the schedule and sequence of activities during commissioning are used to define the required construction milestones, in order to plan the project schedule.