Renewables

Arriscar provides support studies and analysis for renewable energy projects throughout the feasibility, planning approval and design phases of the project. These studies include, Hazard Identification, HAZOP, Hazard Analysis, EIS support, Fire Safety Studies, compliance reviews against codes and standards, etc. utilizing correlations and hazard assessment software packages PHAST/SAFETI, and FDS (Fire Dynamic Simulator). Many renewable energy projects involve an integrated network of sources and deliver methods including the following: 

Hydrogen 

Green hydrogen generation seeks to solve the problem of intermittent power generation of renewables by storing the electrical energy generated from renewable sources as chemical energy. Renewable power electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen gas which is then either stored as compressed or liquefied hydrogen, or converted to another chemical for ease of transport (see Ammonia). Hydrogen may be then used to fuel a power generator.. The electrolysis process, which splits water into its constituent atoms, requires a significant power input which under a green hydrogen model is sourced from renewable sources such as wind and solar. The potential for fire and explosion with a loss of containment exists with hydrogen. Furthermore, hydrogen explosions within the electrolyser are possible. 

Ammonia 

Ammonia is a growing approach to aiding in the storage and transport of hydrogen for use in power generation. Hydrogen is converted to ammonia for both storage and transportation. This requires suitable storage, pipeline and jetty facilities for cryogenic materials. Ammonia is then converted back to hydrogen before use for power generation. Ammonia is a toxic material with significant potential for fatality, injury and irritation. 

Wind Farm 

The key hazards associated with wind turbines are blade throw, tower collapse, nacelle collapse, turbine fires and ice throw. Arrsicar have the capability to determine both the potential consequence and likelihood of these events. 

Solar 

Solar farm power generation utilizes photovoltaic cells to convert solar radiation to an electrical current which is then fed into a BESS. Solar panel fires can be caused by a Series DC Arc Fault, a Parallel DC Arc Fault, or a Ground DC Arc Fault. 

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) 

Lithium ion batteries, which are used in BESS facilities, are classified as a Class 9 dangerous good (UN No. 3480). The following potential hazards exist: overheating with toxic and flammable gas generation, battery fire with potential escalation to adjoining equipment and property and battery storage container explosions.  

Electrical Infrastructure 

The integration of electrical power between various sources of renewable energy and the power grid involves significant electrical infrastructure, such as, transformer substations, switchboard kiosks and transmission lines.   

There is potential for fires in electrical transformer substations, particularly involving large pool fires of transformer oil. Modelling of these fires can determine suitability of separation distances and fire risk mitigations such as fire walls. 

Electro Magnetic radiation (EMR) assessment from all equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation and compliance with ICNIRP Guidelines for limiting exposure to Time-varying Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields.