Typical requirement of a control room in a solar power plant

In a solar power plant, the control room is one of the most critical components. It’s the hub of all operations, where the plant is monitored and controlled, and it’s essential to ensure that the control room building meets certain requirements to ensure smooth and efficient plant operations.

The control room building in a solar power plant usually consists of different areas, such as the SCADA room, battery room, store room, office cum meeting room, water closets, bathroom cum toilet, pantry, and lobby. Each area has specific requirements that need to be met to ensure the safety and functionality of the plant.

SCADA Room: The SCADA room is the heart of the control room building. It houses the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which is responsible for monitoring and controlling the entire solar power plant. The SCADA room should be large enough to accommodate all the necessary equipment, including servers, workstations, and communication equipment. The room must be designed with a focus on security, with restricted access, CCTV cameras, and other security measures to ensure the integrity of the system.

Battery Room: The battery room is where the batteries used to store the solar power are housed. The room should be well-ventilated and equipped with a fire suppression system to ensure the safety of the workers and the equipment. It’s essential to keep the battery room clean and dry to prevent any damage to the batteries.

Store Room: The store room is where all the spare parts, tools, and equipment required for maintenance and repairs are stored. The room should be organized and kept clean to ensure easy access to the equipment when required.

Office cum Meeting Room: The office cum meeting room is where the plant’s administrative work is carried out, and meetings are held. The room should be equipped with all the necessary amenities, including desks, chairs, a projector, and a sound system.

Water Closets and Bathroom cum Toilet: The control room building should have at least three water closets and two bathrooms cum toilets. The water closets and bathrooms should be well-maintained and hygienic to ensure the comfort and safety of the workers.

Pantry: The pantry is where the workers can take a break and have their meals. The pantry should be equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and other necessary amenities.

Lobby: The lobby is the entrance to the control room building. It should be well-lit and designed to make a good first impression on visitors. The lobby should have seating arrangements, a reception desk, and other necessary amenities.

The MCR room, which is the primary control room, should be at least 150-200 sq.m in size. It’s essential to ensure that all areas of the control room building are well-designed and equipped with the necessary amenities to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the solar power plant. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning are also essential to ensure the longevity of the equipment and the safety of the workers.