Short Term Consultant
Terms of Reference (TOR)
Consultancy Services for the Data validation, load flow, short circuit and
transient stability analysis and Training on these and Generator/
Transformer and the 33/11kV Network Protection.
1. Background and Sector Context
The Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) trading as Solomon Power (SP) is a
vertically integrated state owned enterprise that owns, maintains and operates the national
electricity grid in the Solomon Islands. We’re currently experiencing an exciting time of
capital infrastructure development, network expansion and transformational change,
undertaking SBD $1bn capital works program to building an electricity network model that
allows us to better service our customers, improve affordability and accessibility and hence
future proof the network.
Solomon Power (SP) is focused on Nation building. We are working with our stakeholders to
increase the footprint of the electricity network and make electricity accessible and affordable
to more people in Solomon Islands. Currently 17% of Solomon Islanders and 65% of denizens of
Honiara have access to electricity. We are targeting to increase this to 25% and
75% respectively by 2021.
SP has embarked on an ambitious plan to increase electricity access to more Solomon
Islanders in not just Honiara and other urban centers, but also at other outer islands and rural
locations, and to improve affordability.
The four challenges for SP are the following:
- Increasing affordability
- Increasing accessibility
- Deliver a SBD 1 billion capital infrastructure program
- Human Development and Sustenance
The majority of SP’s assets are located in Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal, the capital of
the Solomon Islands. Its 33/11/0.4kV, 11/0.4kV and 0.4kV electricity networks are largely
concentrated in twelve (12) town centers serving the main urban/industrial areas on eight of
the nine provinces. They include Guadalcanal Province (Honiara) as noted above, Western
Province (Noro, Munda, Seghe and Gizo), Malaita Province (Auki and Malu’u), Central
Province (Tulagi), Makira Province (Kirakira), Temotu Province (Lata), Isabel Province
(Buala) and Choiseul Province(Taro).
The largest electricity network in the Solomon Islands (both in terms of coverage and in
electricity sales) is in Honiara, with a maximum demand of approximately 16 MW. The
main generation plant for Honiara is located at Lungga, about 8km from the Honiara CBD.
The Honiara network consists of the following:
- Diesel power stations at Lungga and Honiara (34.2MW installed capacity)
- A 1.0MW grid connect Solar Farm, south of the Henderson International Airport.
- A 50kW grid connect solar at the Ranadi Head Office car park.
- Six 33kV feeders interconnecting the power stations and substations
- 33/11kV substations at Lungga, Honiara, Ranadi, Honiara East, White River and East Kola’a Ridge.
- Thirteen 11kV distribution feeders
SP is investing extensively in the design and installation of grid connect solar farms in
Honiara and mini hybrids (solar, battery storage with diesel back up) systems with associated
11 kV and 415V distribution network in the Outstations (located in the Provinces) with the
aim to increase the penetration of renewable energy to displace fossil fuels and drive the
electricity tariff down. During the latter part of 2019 SIEA will also develop a strategy for the
introduction of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for Honiara. Furthermore, SP has
embarked on an ambitious program to extend the existing distribution network in Honiara
and at the Outstations with a view to increase accessibility and increase the existing customer
numbers from 19,500 to 30,000 by December 2021.
In December 2018 SIEA signed a power purchase agreement with a developer from South
Korea for a 15 MW hydropower plant in Guadalcanal. It is anticipated that the plant will be
commissioned in the early part of 2024 and generate and supply on an average 78 GWh of
energy annually into the Honiara grid.
SP has 30 personnel with qualifications in engineering, some with very little or no
experience, having joined the organization recently as graduate trainees or with just 2 to 3
years on the job experience. These 30 are within the divisions of engineering (generation,
electrical, distribution, transmission, regulatory and customer services) and capital works and
planning.
SP has procured DiGSilent (with Power Factory) software wherein the generation,
transmission and distribution network has been modelled in the system enabling load flow
studies, steady state and transient stability studies. Some of the engineers have had basic
training in the utilization of this software. However, the existing protection systems have not
been modelled in PowerFactory. Furthermore, it is considered necessary to validate the
existing power system data in DiGSilent.
In view of the above developments/future growth in the network, existing generation,
introduction of BESS and penetration of renewable energy generation into the system, it is
imperative that the engineering staff is well trained and upskilled in power system modelling,
load flow studies, short circuit and transient stability analysis and develops an in-depth
understanding of protection and control. Additionally, SP is committed to ensure that its
technical staff is provided the opportunity to be trained to a level at which they would be in
the position to assess, review, reset and test the protection systems for the generators,
transformers and both the HV and LV network protections in Honiara and at the Outstations.
For purposes of the engagement, key input data is readily available and will be provided to
the consultant; including: plant data (generators, transformers, switchboards, circuit breakers,
feeders, protection relays etc. and also the Consultant will be provided access to the power
system model in the existing software.
2. Objectives
The key outcomes of the engagement are:
To review the existing data in the model (in Digsilent), validate it and ensure it is fit for
purpose for carrying out load flow, short circuit and transient stability analysis.
To conduct lectures on basics of protection with a view:
- For the engineers and technicians to have an understanding of the per unit system,
fault levels, unsymmetrical and symmetrical faults and symmetrical components - For the engineers/technicians to have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the
various types of protections used in generation, transmission and distribution
networks with special focus on overcurrent, earth fault, restricted earth fault, distance
and differential protection schemes and generator protection schemes. - For the engineers/technicians to be able to assess, review and analyse, reset and test
the protection systems for the generation and transmission/distribution systems.
Also conduct lectures to teach a group of personnel of SP the basics of power system
modelling analysis.
Also update the protection model in Power Factory (Digsilent) and in the process teach
and train the engineers.
3. Scope of Works
The Consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outcomes:
1. To conduct sessions on the basics of protection focusing on overcurrent, earth fault,
restricted earth fault, distance & differential and the generators protection schemes.
2. Review the existing generation, transformers and network protection schemes and
also conduct lectures in the process.
3. Review the existing data in Digsilent and validate it and ensure it is fit for purpose for
load flow, short circuit and transient stability analysis during which lectures and
demonstration are to be conducted.
4. Prepare and implement assignments to participants of the training and conduct tests at
the end of the training sessions.
5. Prepare and deliver a report on the training conducted highlighting the areas covered
and in particular the level of achievements by participants.
4.0 Schedule of Deliverables
The table below sets out the main deliverables with expected duration.
Major Deliverables No. of Days
Visit 1: Review the existing data in 7
DiGSilent, validate it and ensure it is fit for
purpose for carrying out load flow, short
circuit and transient stability analysis.
Conduct lectures to teach a group of
engineers the basics of power system
modelling analysis.
Provide lecture notes.
Prepare and implement assignments to
participants of the training and conduct tests
at the end of the training sessions.
Visit 2: Update the existing protection model in 7
PowerFactory. Conduct lectures on the basics of
protection with special focus on overcurrent,
earth fault, restricted earth fault, distance and
differential protection and generator protection
schemes.
Provide lecture notes.
Prepare and implement assignments to
participants of the training and conduct tests
at the end of the training sessions
Report on the training and the review of the 2
existing protections schemes.
Report on the training and revalidation of 2
the data in DiGSilent and carrying out of
load flow studies, short circuit and transient
stability analysis.
5.0 Qualifications & Experience of the Consultants/Trainers
The Consultants should possess the follow qualifications, skills and relevant experience:
Essential
At least 15 years’ experience in a leading role on load flow, short circuit and transient
stability analysis for power systems of various sizes.
At least 15 years’ experience in a leading training role in protection and control, load flow
studies, short circuit analysis and transient stability analysis
At least a Masters’ Degree in Electrical Engineering
Demonstrated experience in conducting validation of generation and network data in power
system modelling software, carrying out of load flow studies, short circuit analysis and
transient stability studies
Demonstrated experience in the conduction of lectures in protection and control, power
system modelling
Demonstrated experience of working in the Pacific region
Comprehensive knowledge of various power system soft wares
Excellent communication skills in the English language
6.0 Submissions
The Consultant is required provide the following information as part of its submission:
1. Detailed resume of staff (s) addressing the qualifications, skills and experience
requirements stipulated in section 5.0
2. Comprehensive list of projects undertaken and delivered, include scope and budgets
and referees for recent 5 years’ projects/assignments/engagements completed
3. Company profile, including key contacts, business address, public liability insurance
details etc.
4. Budget proposal and fee structure
7.0 Schedule of payments
Description Date % Amount in Foreign Currency (USD$)
1. Payment upon completion
and delivery of report on
Visit 1 assignment.
2. Payment upon completion
and delivery of report on
Visit 2 assignment.
Total
Invitation to Bid (IFB) for Consultancy Services for the Data validation, load
flow, short circuit and transient stability analysis and Training on these
and Generator/ Transformer and the 33/11kV Network Protections.
BACKGROUND
Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) trading as Solomon Power hereby invites suitably qualified firms or individuals to bid for the Consultancy Services for data validation, load flow, short circuit and transient stability analysis and training on these and the generator/transformer and the 33/11kV network protection schemes.
Details of the objectives, scoped of work and schedules of delivery are contained in the Terms of Reference (TOR) which can be obtained upon request by email to: Martin.Sam@solomonpower.com.sb or can be collected at our Head Office at Ranadi in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Submissions can either be hard copies which are to be delivered to the Tender Box located at the Head Office at Ranadi in Honiara or by electronic copy to a dedicated email address: Tenders@solomonpower.com.sb
All submissions are to be addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Solomon Power
PO Box 6
Honiara
Solomon Islands
Attention: Martin Sam
Chief Engineer
Bid Submissions will close at 12.00 pm (Honiara Time) on 7th May 2019. Submissions received after the above time and date will not be considered.