The first-phase 300MW photovoltaic hydrogen production project of Sinopec in Kuche was hit by a rare level-13 sandstorm, which caused nearly 100 megawatts worth of photovoltaic panels to be overturned
Thread Content
On November 27, the first-phase 300MW photovoltaic hydrogen production project of Sinopec in Kuche was hit by a rare level-13 sandstorm, which caused nearly 100 megawatts worth of photovoltaic panels to be completely overturned. According to the footage from the scene, numerous photovoltaic mounting structures collapsed, and the vast majority of photovoltaic panels were damaged to varying degrees; some of the more severely damaged panels were almost split in half. There are two main reasons for the extensive damage to this photovoltaic array during strong winds: one is that it was exposed to extremely severe weather conditions. According to the warning issued, the city was under a red wind warning on November 27, 2022, with gusts reaching level 13 or higher; it is expected that gusts of level 13 or higher from the north will continue to occur in the surrounding areas within the next 12 hours. The individual also said that the wind strength at the project site was expected to be between level 13 and level 14, with these strong winds lasting for nearly 12 hours. According to experts, choosing manually adjustable brackets in such areas with extremely high wind pressures is a mistake; these brackets create a large area that blocks the wind in high-latitude regions. When facing against the wind, the back side of the components is subjected to significant positive pressure, which inevitably leads to problems. If tracking brackets are used, the system can automatically adjust to an angle that allows it to face the wind, thereby reducing losses significantly! On the other hand, the strength of the support steel is insufficient. Due to the large size of the photovoltaic modules, the design of the support structures may not have been adequate. Based on past installation experience, if 450W modules are used this time, the losses might be reduced. It is understood that in the design of photovoltaic power plants, the bracket design proposals are usually provided by the bracket manufacturers, with design institutes responsible for reviewing them; obviously, the design plan for this project did not take into account the potential impacts of extreme weather conditions in the area. In September of this year, the media reported on the latest progress of the project, stating that 82% of the total work had been completed, and completion and connection to the grid were expected by October 30. It is reported that the project features 95 arrays of fixed adjustable mounting structures, with 546,928 monocrystalline silicon dual-glass, dual-sided modules with a capacity of 650/655 MWP installed. As seen from this disaster, the string-type fixed adjustable brackets used in the project were not able to withstand the forces of a level 13 sandstorm; the losses caused by this disaster are likely to affect the overall progress of the project.
Sinopec’s Kuche green hydrogen project is located in the Kuche Economic and Technological Development Zone in the Aksu Region, which is one of the areas in China with abundant solar energy resources. The construction of this project allows for full utilization of the local solar energy resources, taking advantage of these resource advantages. Reporters from 21st Century Business Herald have learned that the project will involve the construction of a photovoltaic power plant with an installed capacity of 300 MW and an annual power generation output of 618 million kWh, a hydrogen production facility capable of producing 20,000 tons of hydrogen per year, hydrogen storage tanks with a capacity of around 210,000 standard cubic meters, hydrogen transport pipelines with a transport capacity of 28,000 standard cubic meters per hour, as well as associated power transmission and distribution facilities. The project is expected to be completed and put into operation in June 2023. The green hydrogen produced will be supplied to Sinopec Tahe Refining & Chemical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Tahe Refining & Chemical Company”), replacing the current method of producing hydrogen from natural gas; it is estimated that this will result in a reduction of 485,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Cong Yu, general manager of Tahe Refining and Chemical Company, said in a media interview last year that this demonstration project makes full use of Xinjiang’s resource advantages and is a key project for Sinopec’s goal of becoming a leading hydrogen energy company. It will contribute 130 million yuan to the local GDP on an annual basis and generate over 18 million yuan in taxes. ” A senior figure in the photovoltaic industry told a reporter from 21st Century Business Herald that the demonstration project consists of two facilities: one for hydrogen production and the other for photovoltaic power generation. “It is located on the Gobi desert in a town called Yahaha, to the northeast of the hydrogen production facility.” ” A \"Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project\" obtained by a reporter from 21st Century Business Herald shows that the project’s hydrogen production facility is equipped with 52 alkaline electrolyzers; during periods of photovoltaic power generation, both the electrolyzers and other electrical devices are powered by electricity generated through photovoltaic systems ； During periods when photovoltaic systems do not generate electricity, purchased green power is used to keep some electrolyzers running continuously. The hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production unit is sent to the storage tank area for storage; it is then pressurized to 3.2 MPag using a hydrogen transmission compressor and transported via pipelines to the Tahe Refining and Chemical Plant for use. ” “Prior to this project, large-scale commercial applications of photovoltaic hydrogen production had not been implemented in China, let alone any related demonstration projects. ”An analyst in the new energy sector at one of the aforementioned securities firms believes that Sinopec’s Kuche green hydrogen project is of great significance; it not only opens up new pathways for the development of green hydrogen in the refining industry but also serves as a valuable model for refining companies to make use of green hydrogen on a large scale in order to reduce carbon emissions. It eliminates the costs associated with long-distance storage and transportation of green hydrogen, and this approach can be applied to more industries in the future. ” In fact, not only does it have a demonstration effect and social benefits, but the project also enjoys good economic returns.
The design risks associated with project construction need to be thoroughly reviewed
On February 28, 2007, Train No. 5807, traveling from Urumqi to Aksu, derailed due to sudden strong winds; the cars numbered 9 to 19 at the back of the train were affected by this incident, resulting in 4 deaths, 1 person seriously injured, and 32 people lightly injured. As a result, traffic on the South Xinjiang Railway had to be suspended. According to the wind meters on the South Xinjiang Railway, the wind speed at the location where the train derailed was over level 13 at that moment.
It must be the Yellow Wind Monster causing trouble; only by using magic can the Great Sage capture this monster