FIELD REPORT
‘ELUVAITIVU’ POWER PLANT
DILMIKA K.H.
2020/E/215
GROUP C
SEMESTER 5
2/9/2023
BACKGROUND PART
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Jaffna
recommended and organized a one-day observation visit to a hydroelectric plant. The program aimed
to offer valuable experience to the students. The destination chosen for this educational tour was the
Eluvaitivu Plant. Alongside students from the electrical and electronic engineering department,
participants from the mechanical department also took part.
The excursion primarily aimed to provide students with an in-depth practical understanding of
electricity generation through various methods, including wind, solar, and generator-based
technologies. By actively engaging with these diverse energy production methods, the objective was to
enhance students' comprehension of the underlying technologies and operational procedures. This
initiative seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and its realworld application in the field.
INTRODUCTION
Several factors led to the decision to visit the Eluvaitivu Island power plant. Despite its size, this
power plant generates electricity using multiple methods like wind, solar, and diesel power, allowing
for the exploration of various scenarios. Additionally, the plant's technology is relatively straightforward
as it was built some time ago, which proves advantageous for students. Its small scale also makes it
easier to study.
The primary focus is on producing electricity on the island due to the high costs associated with
obtaining electricity from the country's main system and maintaining it. Given the island's exposure to
strong winds and ample solar energy, generating power through renewable means is cost-effective.
Thus, the power plant is designed to harness both wind and solar energy. Diesel generators are available
for instances when renewable sources are insufficient due to weather conditions or other factors.
Through effective utilization of these diverse energy sources, the Eluvaitivu Hybrid Power Plant
optimizes energy production while minimizing reliance on non-renewable sources and decreasing
carbon emissions.
This approach not only meets the island's energy requirements but also offers a model that other
regions can consider as they seek sustainable energy solutions.
Figure 01: Distributed Energy System In Eluvaitivu
Figure 02: Wind Solar Hybrid System in Eluvaitivu Island
OBJECTIVES
• Insight into Plant Operations:
Obtain insight into the operational processes of the Eluvaitivu hybrid power plant, including how
wind, solar, and diesel energy sources are transformed into electricity.
• Assessment of Energy Production Efficiency:
The efficiency of energy production methods used at the power plant will be evaluated,
considering aspects like output consistency, capacity utilization, and energy conversion rates.
• Study of Energy Source Integration:
The integration of different energy sources – wind, solar, and diesel – will be examined to ensure
a dependable and sustainable energy supply, even when the weather changes.
• Exploration of Energy Storage Techniques:
Discover the energy storage solutions implemented by the power plant to store extra energy
created during peak times for use when energy production is low.
• Understanding Grid Management:
An understanding of the smart grid systems and control methods will be gained, which manage
and distribute energy efficiently throughout the island.
• Evaluation of Environmental Impact:
The environmental effect of the hybrid power plant's operations will be assessed. This includes
comparing the carbon footprint of renewable and non-renewable sources and understanding how
sustainability practices are integrated.
• Identification of Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges faced by the power plant, such as maintenance concerns or fluctuations in renewable
energy production, will be identified. Potential solutions for tackling these challenges will also be
proposed.
METHODOLOGY
There was a structured approach for better understanding to visit the Eluvaitivu hybrid plant.
• Guided Explanations and Pointing Out Locations:
The locations of wind turbines, solar panels, and backup diesel generators were explained and
indicated by knowledgeable guides.
• Interacting with Experts:
Participants engaged in conversations with the staff during the tour. Staff members who manage
the plant provided insights into its operations, offering the students a clearer understanding of its
functioning.
• Informative Talks:
Following the visit, experts gave talks on different topics. They elaborated on the conversion of
wind and solar energy into power, management of the grid, and the functioning of energy storage
systems.
• Question and Answer Sessions:
Opportunities for questions were open throughout. Technical discussions took place, addressing
challenges encountered in plant operations and ways to overcome them.
• Observations and Note-Taking:
Participants were facilitated to closely observe machinery and make notes or take photos. These
observations and records later aided in writing reports.
By employing these methods, the participants gained extensive knowledge about the plant. They
witnessed, conversed, listened, engaged in activities, and formed a comprehensive understanding
of the operations and significance of the Eluvaitivu hybrid power plant in promoting green energy.
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Eluvaitivu Hybrid Plant is located close to the sea on Eluvaitivu Island. This location makes better
use of the island's wind and sunlight.
Figure 03: Sparsely located isolated islands in Northern Sri Lanka
 Location:
The location of the island allows for good use of the sun and wind. Being close to the coast and
open spaces helps to harness wind and solar power.
 Layout:
The goat hybrid plant is very creatively designed. It works well with mixed power sources. Parts
are designed to make it easy to create, send and save energy.
 Wind Turbines:
Wind turbines face strong winds. They stretch out to catch a big breeze. Spinning turbines turn
wind power into energy. They are connected to a center that converts these.
 Solar Panels:
In another part of the plant, solar panels cover the area. They are precisely arranged to capture
the sun's rays and convert them into energy. These panels convert sunlight into electricity in a simple
and effective way.
 Diesel Generator:
There is a diesel generator in the middle of the plant. It's like a backup when renewable energy
runs low or when people need more power. This generator helps to keep the power supply stable.
 Integration Center:
A special hub connects these various sources. It controls how energy moves between them, stores
extra energy, and powers the island. This center shows how the technology works in the plant.
ENERGY PRODUCTION AT ELUVAITIVU HYBRID POWER PLANT
The power plant consists of various components, including Diesel Generators (DG sets), a Wind
Turbine Generator (WTG), Batteries, a Converter (with inverter and rectifier), a Hybrid Controller,
capacitor banks, and harmonic filters. The primary goal of the design is to create an efficient and
stable power system to meet the energy needs of the island.
The preliminary technical design of the hybrid power plant for Eluvaitivu Island in Sri Lanka
involves a combination of power generation sources and control systems to ensure a stable and
efficient energy supply. The main components include DG sets, a WTG, Batteries, a Converter, a
Hybrid Controller, capacitor banks, and harmonic filters.
1. Power Generation Components:
- DG Sets: Two Diesel Generators operate in isolation or synchronously, ensuring consistent
power supply to meet the village load and support battery charging during low wind periods.
- WTG: A single Wind Turbine Generator (80kW capacity) is employed to harness the island's
wind resource, reducing the reliance on diesel fuel for electricity generation.
- Batteries: A battery bank stores excess energy generated by both DG sets and the WTG,
enhancing the efficiency of electricity generation and consumption.
2. Hybrid Controller:
- The Hybrid Controller optimally manages the power system by controlling DG sets, WTG,
Converter, battery charging, and the dump load.
- During abundant wind availability, the controller prioritizes wind power for supply and battery
charging while maintaining system stability through DG operation.
- Excess wind energy is dissipated using a dump load when the battery is fully charged.
3. Converter:
- The Converter facilitates bidirectional energy flow between the AC and DC bus bars using a
rectifier and an inverter.
- Utilizes semiconductor diodes and thyristors for efficient energy conversion with minimal
losses.
- A static converter design is chosen for its reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.
4. Additional Components:
- Capacitor Banks: Included to mitigate harmonics created by numerous Compact Fluorescent
Lamps (CFLs) in the system and maintain satisfactory power factor.
- Harmonic Filters: Address potential harmonic issues caused by CFLs and other non-linear loads.
- Dump load: device that absorbs excess electrical energy, often in renewable energy systems,
by converting it into heat. This prevents overloading of the system and ensures efficient energy
usage.
Figure 04: burnt-out Dump load
Figure 05: PV inverter, Wind inverter & Battery inverter
Figure 06: Wind Turbines
Figure 07: Diesel Generator
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS:
 Weather-Related Variability:
Challenge: Wind and solar energy production can be unpredictable due to changing weather. Calm
days or cloudy weather reduce renewable energy output.
Solution: Use better weather forecasts to predict low wind or solar periods. This helps manage
resources, store energy efficiently, and decide when to use the diesel generator.
 Maintenance of Wind Turbines:
Challenge: Wind turbines need maintenance, especially in bad weather or hard-to-reach places.
Solution: Plan maintenance based on weather forecasts. Install remote monitoring to track turbine
health and plan repairs quickly.
 Solar Panel Efficiency:
Challenge: Dust and dirt can lower solar panel efficiency.
Solution: Clean panels regularly with automated systems or by hand. Explore self-cleaning coatings
to reduce maintenance.
 Energy Storage Capacity:
Challenge: Batteries have limited storage capacity, and they can run out during long periods of low
renewable energy.
Solution: Look into expanding storage capacity with more batteries or newer tech that can hold
more energy.
 Grid Integration Challenges:
Challenge: Combining different energy sources into the grid can cause power fluctuations.
Solution: Use advanced grid management to stabilize energy flow. Consider grid-scale storage or
systems that respond to demand.
OBSERVATION AND FINDINGS
During our visit to the Eluvaitivu Hybrid Plant, we saw the wind turbines efficiently spinning to
generate electricity from the wind. Solar panels also worked well, converting sunlight into power.
Although not activated, a backup diesel generator was ready for use.
The staff we spoke with were very knowledgeable and focused on keeping power production
running smoothly. They explained their roles and emphasized the importance of a reliable hybrid
system.
The plant effectively combines wind, solar and diesel sources to provide stable energy using a
smart grid system. The extra energy from renewables is stored for later use, which shows smart
energy management.
Our discussion with the staff revealed a variety of energy needs on the island, from homes to
businesses. A hybrid setup was found to be well suited to effectively meet these requirements.
We learned about the challenges of maintaining solar panel efficiency and dealing with varying
weather conditions. Maintenance planning and equipment monitoring were highlighted as key
solutions.
Figure 08: Schematic Drawing of Distributed Energy System in Eluvaitivu
DISCUSSION
1. Why is it conceivable that electrification of isolated islands like ‘Eluvaitivu’ will be highly
dependent on off-grid technologies
Since Jaffna is an island far away from the city, it is difficult and expensive to provide electricity to
the island from the main grid. Therefore, it makes more sense to use off-grid technologies such as solar
panels and wind turbines.
1. No major power lines: The Island is far from regular power sources. Building long lines to bring
electricity is difficult and expensive.
2. Cheaper and Better: Off-Grid technology is cheaper. It is good to save money.
4. Solar and Wind Power: Islands often have sun and wind. Off-grid technology uses these to generate
power. It does not harm the environment.
5. Helps Nature: Using off-grid technology is good for the island's environment. It does not interfere
with land or sea access to fuel.
6. Fast and Flexible: Off-grid technology is quick to set up. Larger power lines can start delivering
electricity faster.
7. GROWS WITH NEEDS: If more people come or more power is needed, grid technology can easily be
scaled up.
2. What are the data collected from micro grid; and how data logger collect or measure the data?
The Eluvaitivu hybrid power plant's microgrid collects important data to manage its energy
sources effectively. This data includes details about wind energy production from the turbines, solar
energy production from panels, and diesel power usage from the generator. It also tracks how
much energy is being used by devices, the state of battery charge, voltage levels, and energy
demands. Data loggers, special devices, gather this information from sensors placed in different
parts of the microgrid. These sensors measure things like wind speed, sunlight intensity, electricity
flow, and more. The data logger stores this data, helping operators keep track of how everything is
performing and make informed decisions for efficient energy management.
3. What is the total (annual) electricity demand of ‘Eluvaitivu’ Island?
365*42 kWh = 15330 kWh
4. What are the electricity generating sources in this hybrid system, and how much capacity, each
of them have?
Solar – 260Wp*178 = 46.26kW
Wind - 3.5 kW*6 = 21 kW
Diesel Generator – 38kVA
5. In this hybrid system, how many photovoltaic panels (&their ratings) are used, and what type of
connection is implemented between solar modules?
 Number of panels: 178
 Rating: 260 Wp per panel
 Type of connection: series between panels, parallel between arrays
6. What type of Wing Turbine Generation technology is in this system, and how big is it in terms of
capacity?
 Type: Horizontal-axis turbines
 Capacity: 3.5 kW for each
 Number of units: 6
7. What type of converters used in this hybrid model and the capacity? You may marked it in the
micro grid circuit diagram too.
Type of converters The converter will act as an inverter to convert the DC voltage from the Solar
PV and the DC battery to supply to the AC electricity load on the island. And it will act as a rectifier
to converts the excess energy generated by both Diesel generators and a Wind Turbines.
 Solar inverter: 12 kW*3 + 15 kW*1
 Wind inverter: 4.2 kW*6
 Battery converter: 8 kVA*12
8. How the hybrid controller controls the system for operation?
The hybrid controller manages the system based on data from sensors. It looks at how much power is
needed and how much the battery can hold. First, wind power gives power directly. If there's more
power needed, the battery helps. The battery gets energy from solar panels and the generator. If
there's still not enough, the generator starts to give power. When the battery has less energy, the
generator takes over. The controller handles all these actions in the system.
9. What types of technical issues do you see in this system on a regular basis?
 Because of a cooling problem, the Generator can't run all the time.
 A few Wind Turbines are out of order. This happened because they got damaged or didn't work
properly.
 The Generator's power isn't sufficient.
 Broken parts can't be changed because there are problems with the documents.
 The Battery pack doesn't have enough capacity.
 Diesel is brought by boats for supply
10. What are the current social and environmental advantages and consequences of this system
Advantages:
 Social:
-Better Life: People have more reliable electricity for homes, schools, and services.
- Stronger Community: Having their own power makes the island more self-reliant and independent.
 Environmental:
- Less Pollution: Using wind and sun power means less dirty air and pollution.
- Helps Nature: Wind and sun power use less of the island's natural resources.
Consequences:
 Social:
- Weather Matters: Wind and sun power depend on the weather, so sometimes there might be less
electricity.
 Environmental:
- Sun and Wind Limits: When there's no sun or wind, there's less power.
- Fixing Problems: If wind turbines break, it might take time to fix them.
- Backup Generator: Using the backup generator sometimes can make pollution.
11. What is the energy management strategy used in this micro grid?
The microgrid on Eluvaitivu Island uses a smart plan to handle its energy. It likes to use wind and sun
power first because they're clean. Extra power from them goes into batteries for later. When people
need more power than wind and sun can give, the batteries help. If the batteries are low, a backup
generator starts. Clever computers watch everything and decide what power to use. People also keep
an eye on things and help when needed. This plan keeps the island powered up without harming the
environment.
12. Comment on the feasibility of implementing these micro grid in other nearby island?
Making similar microgrids on nearby islands could work, but it depends on a few things:
1. Wind and Sun: Islands with lots of wind and sun, like Eluvaitivu, can do this well because they have
good energy sources.
2. Land and Space: Islands need the right space for wind turbines and solar panels. If the land isn't
right, it might not work.
3. People's Needs: If an island needs power regularly, like Eluvaitivu, a microgrid could be useful. But if
an island doesn't use much power, it might not need this setup.
4. Money and Skills: Making a microgrid needs money, skills, and experts. Islands need to find the
resources to do this.
5. Taking Care: Microgrids need people to take care of them. Islands should have experts who can fix
things if they break.
6. Backup Power: Having a backup plan, like the generator, is important. Nearby islands need to think
about this.
7. Helping Nature: Microgrids are good for the environment. Islands should care about nature and
want to use clean energy.
8. Working Together: People on the island should want this and help make it happen.
13. How do you feel this system could be improved further for optimum operation while delivering
best quality and reliability power to the people?
Sure, here are the ideas in simpler sentences:
1. Better Monitoring: Use smarter systems that can predict changes in weather and energy needs to
keep things running smoothly.
2. More Batteries: Add bigger batteries to store more energy when there's lots, so there's enough
during quieter times.
3. Smarter Control: Make the computer that manages the energy even smarter, so it knows when to
switch between sources for best results.
4. Keep Things Fixed: Have a plan to regularly check and fix things like wind turbines and solar panels to
avoid problems.
5. Battery Care: Take good care of the batteries so they last longer and work better.
6. Predict Issues: Use data to find out if something might break, so it can be fixed before causing big
trouble.
7. Backup Plans: Have extra machines for important parts, so if one breaks, there's another to take
over.
8. Teach Energy Saving: Tell people how to use energy wisely, so less is used and more is saved.
9. Better Machines: Work on making wind turbines and solar panels even better and stronger.
10. Quick Backup: Make sure the backup generator starts fast when needed and uses fuel wisely.
11. Join the Bigger Grid: Think about connecting to the main power system to share extra energy and
make things even better.
12. Work Together: Talk to the island's people and get their ideas, so everyone helps make the energy
system great.
CONCLUSION
Finally, our field visit to Eluvaitivu Hybrid Plant highlighted its critical role in meeting energy
needs. The uninterrupted operation of the wind turbines and solar panels, along with the potential
of the backup diesel generator, demonstrated the plant's ability to ensure a stable power supply.
Interacting with knowledgeable plant staff underscores their commitment to maintaining efficient
operations and promoting responsible energy practices.
Integration of various energy sources in the plant through a smart grid management system is
important to meet the energy needs of the island.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on what we saw in the plant, we suggest a few things to make the plant even better:
 Keeping Solar Panels Clean:
Regular cleaning is required to keep solar panels working well and capturing sunlight effectively.
 Wind Turbine Monitoring:
Using technology to closely monitor wind turbines and quickly resolve any issues.
 Storing more energy:
Focusing on more ways to store extra energy when the wind and sun are low.
 Using Energy Smart:
Expanding the system that manages energy to require less diesel power.
 Searching for new ideas:
Consulting those in the know to find new ways to store energy, better turbine designs and
improved solar panels.
We think that implementing things like this will help the Eluvaitivu Hybrid plant to perform better,
help the environment and continue to provide electricity to the island.