tnei.ie

A specialist energy consultancy

Specialist consultancy for Ireland

tnei.ie

Specialist consultancy for IrelandTNEI is an independent specialist energy consultancy providing technical, strategic, environmental and consenting advice to organisations operating within the conventional and renewable energy sectors. We have a range of skills tailored specifically to answer the issues associated with increased distributed renewable generation and the integration of low carbon technology.

We have been operating in Ireland for over 15 years and have established TNEI Ireland Ltd, to better serve our Irish clients and support them in delivering Ireland’s ambitious 2030 climate targets.

Our consultants have industry leading expertise in grid code compliance studies, noise assessment and modelling of innovative, smart grid technologies. These skills are complemented by a number of other technical services; from GIS and consenting, to civil engineering and energy market analysis, allowing us to confidently guide clients through projects from concept to delivery.

Our clients range from utilities, large and small project developers, industrial organisations and manufacturers, regulators, development banks, public sector bodies and community groups.

We thrive on excellence, passion and exceeding expectations in all that we do, providing high quality, industry leading services.

Our services across the project lifecycle include:

• Site finding and constraints mapping• Grid connection feasibility (including constraint/curtailment analysis)• Regulatory submissions and assessments• Strategic advisory services• Noise monitoring and assessment• Shadow flicker modelling and assessment• Power system analysis & Grid code compliance• Environmental Impact Assessment management• Due diligence (engineering and environmental)• Training and capacity building

TNEI has undertaken more than 100 grid code studies in Ireland, with a total experience of over 500 wind farm grid code studies and 200 solar PV grid code studies worldwide.

TNEI is an independent specialist energy consultancy providing technical, strategic, environmental and consenting

advice to organisations operating within the conventional and renewable energy sectors.

Specialist consultancyfor Ireland

Case studies TNEI has a strong track record in Ireland, having worked with clients to perform wind farm feasibility studies, network curtailment and constraint analysis, grid connections, noise assessments, and power system studies. More recently, we have been supporting on solar grid feasibility studies, co-location of solar and wind, energy storage and offshore wind.

Service: Technical due diligenceClient: K2 Management / CGN

TNEI undertook technical due diligence on a portfolio of 14 onshore wind farms (totalling 221MW) in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, some of which were under construction and others in operation. The review comprised a Phase 1 Red Flag Review and Phase 2 Detailed Review of grid connection, electrical infrastructure, planning, consenting, health and safety, noise and shadow flicker aspects. TNEI was subcontracted by K2 Management, who was responsible for delivering the wider due diligence review to CGN. Following successful completion of the due diligence works, CGN acquired a proportion of the portfolio.

Service: Wind curtailment and network constraint analysis Clients: TCI Renewables, SSE Renewables, RES, Windsource Ltd, SWS, Bord Gáis, DWC, Energia Renewables, Gaelectric and Brookfield Renewables

TNEI is regularly engaged to perform wind curtailment and network constraint assessments for controllable wind farms in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

TNEI has developed a modelling tool to perform network constraint analysis. It is a PSS/E and Python based tool and is a robust and flexible means to calculate the MWh and percentage of wind power reduction, based on a whole-year hourly simulation which includes unit commitment, generation dispatch, calculation of branch and nodal sensitivities, contingencies analysis and the minimisation of wind power reductions.

Service: Dynamic stability of all-island network with HVAC or HVDC interconnectionClient: EirGrid

TNEI was engaged, as part of a long running engagement with EirGrid, to undertake analysis work on the proposed new interconnection between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The dynamic performance of the all-island transmission network was assessed, considering either a single 400kV overhead line circuit, or similarly-rated VSC HVDC link. The major challenge for the System Operator was the implication of running the HVDC link in parallel to the existing 275kV AC interconnection, and the implication for system risk in the event of losing the AC interconnection.

The analysis of the systemic risk required a full appreciation of the transmission environment and the most appropriate outage, loading and operational considerations. It also required an in-depth appreciation of HVDC and WTG technology, as suitable technology models needed to be either developed or modified. The analysis required consideration of a wide range of operational configurations and loading conditions which was managed

through the development of automation, including in the dynamic studies. The automation was a key element which allowed the study engineers to investigate the full breadth of conditions as required for assessment of critical transmission infrastructure, whilst maintaining efficiency.

Service: Strategic transmission network assessment Client: Saorgus Energy

TNEI were commissioned to investigate the wider network benefits arising from the connection of the Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm and resulting greater connectivity within the Dublin Area. A detailed power system load flow analysis of the transmission network around the Dublin area was undertaken to determine system loading before and after the proposed connection of the wind farm. The modelling was carried out using PSS/E models of the all-island transmission system, with a number of generation and load scenarios under steady state intact and N-1 outage conditions.

The study also considered the demand growth in the area resulting from the proposed connection of data centres and how the offshore wind connection may help to meet these demand requirements.

We have carried out noise assessments for more than 160 wind farms at various stages of development, from initial site design through to operational compliance monitoring, supporting projects totalling over 3.5GW.

Service: Wind Farm Noise Compliance AssessmentClient: A Large International Wind Farm Operator

TNEI was appointed by to discharge noise-related planning conditions on a large wind farm scheme located in western Ireland. TNEI initially produced a compliance programme, outlining the work required and describing a detailed proposed assessment methodology. The Programme was approved by the Council, and subsequently used as the basis of a long-term noise measurement survey at a number of key noise-sensitive properties located in proximity to the wind farm. Due to the presence of a number of other wind developments in the area, it was necessary to undertake detailed data analysis in order to reliably extract the contribution of noise from the target wind farm from the overall noise levels measured. This was achieved through the use of multiple noise measurement kits at key locations within the wind farm in order to identify and accurately predict noise levels at locations where the signal to noise ratio for the target wind farm was poor. TNEI concluded that the wind farm was in compliance with the noise conditions, and the assessment was accepted and agreed by the Council.

Key contacts

Stephanie HayDirector of TNEI Ireland

Stephanie is a Chartered electrical engineer with 12 years of experience in the power industry, including a 4-year PhD on active network management and control of distribution networks and 8 years as a power system consultant. Her experience spans power system planning, design and operation, with expertise in modelling and performing system studies. In her 6 years at TNEI, Stephanie has been supporting

clients through the energy transition, providing technical and market advice on emerging technologies and delivering concept, innovation and strategy projects for utilities and other industry organisations. She is the main contact for companies wishing to discuss innovation, strategy, regulation, network design and modelling solutions.

Nathaniel CowtonDirector of TNEI Ireland

Director of TNEI Ireland, Nathaniel is a commercially aware engineer and project manager, with experience of HVDC schemes at all stages of the project lifecycle. He works well within multi-disciplinary teams, including interfacing with planners, EIA coordinators, lawyers, procurement specialists and land agents.

Nathaniel takes an active interest in energy regulatory and policy matters and has acted as a Senior Policy Advisor to the National Infrastructure Commission.

Jason BaldwinSenior Consultant

Based in Dublin, Jason works on noise related assessments for renewable energy developments. Since joining TNEI in 2013, he has primarily worked on wind farm noise projects (specifically site assessment, layout design, and noise and shadow flicker assessments).

His role involves the development of noise models, and the analysis of operational turbine data during compliance exercises (to understand better the conditions in which noise is an issue).

Get in touchWe are a specialist, independent company. That’s why we can offer a flexible, personal service and help our clients quickly and efficiently, without all the big corporate distractions.

But most of all, we love to solve problems.

For more information about our specialist consultancy services, please contact us by emailing info@tnei.ie or calling +353 (0)190 36445.

Service: Shadow flicker complaint investigationClient: A Large International Wind Farm Operator

TNEI was appointed to investigate complaints relating to shadow flicker at a five-turbine wind farm in south-east Ireland.

The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the relevant shadow flicker related planning condition and an associated protocol for the investigation of complaints. Detailed modelling was performed using specialist software, to predict periods when shadow flicker could theoretically occur at the complainant’s properties to enable a comparison to the complaints logs recorded by the resident.

Whilst the modelling was undertaken by our specialists, a flicker survey was also undertaken by TNEI’s technology partner, at the complainant’s property to measure the actual occurrence of shadow flicker at the site. The survey involved collection of high-resolution light data and short video clips which correlated very well with the modelling predictions. After identifying the turbines that were causing the shadow flicker, we designed a mitigation strategy in a format agreed with the turbine supplier to enable a shadow flicker control system to be implemented.

The mitigation strategy involved the relevant turbines being automatically switched off at the appropriate times to avoid future shadow flicker occurrence. A follow up shadow flicker survey was undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of the mitigation which showed that the control system had successfully prevented all occurrences of shadow flicker at the resident’s property.

Service: Technical Consultancy Services for Price ReviewClient: ESB Networks

TNEI provided support to ESBN in preparation of its PR5 price control business plan for the Regulator, specifically on Network Development and Electrification Strategy, across three main tasks.

Firstly, TNEI presented the rationale for the PR5 Growth Rate calculation methodology, including key inputs and assumptions. Additionally, a strategy and prioritised action plan were outlined for how the methodology could be enhanced going into PR6.

Following this, TNEI focused on providing a review of the UK DNOs spend levels on reinforcement at similar voltage levels. An assessment of the UK assumptions on the distribution demand growth rate out to 2025/2030 was provided.

Finally, TNEI provided supporting work related to PR5 for ESBN to cover the following: unit cost estimates for LV data network capture, a review of LV customer phase measurement technology and a review of pole mounted MV/LV substation monitoring.

Contact

We are a specialist, independent company. That’s why we can offer a flexible, personal service and help our clients quickly and efficiently, without all the big corporate distractions.

But most of all, we love to solve problems.

For more information about who we are and what we do, please contact: info@tnei.ie

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, without prior permission in writing from TNEI. All facts, figures, product and service information is correct at the time of print. All rights reserved. © TNEI Services Ltd 2020. Version: C1

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