A competitive bid process was held to select the wind turbine equipment and constructor. A nominal baseline of three (3) 660 kW induction type wind turbines with a battery energy storage system was identified for the Feasibility Study purposes. Bidders were given performance based criteria and invited to propose solutions to meet the criteria of the Project. The results of the bidding process resulted in a selection of a configuration of three (3) 800 kW variable speed, synchronous wind turbines with no energy storage provisions.
MADE of Spain will supply the wind turbines, diesel automation, control equipment, and provide technical support, and SANTOS-CMI of Ecuador for construction and logistics.
The Projects wind turbines will be located on El Tropezon Hill (in some official maps referred to as Cerro El Niño) located in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. A new transmission line approximately 12 kilometers in length will connect the wind park area with the existing Elecgalapagos S.A. Distribution Substation at the existing Elecgalapagos S.A. Diesel Plant. It is expected that the Control Building for the hybrid system will be installed adjacent to the existing Elecgalapagos S.A. Diesel Plant.
The Project includes the installation of three (3) 800 kW wind turbines, MADE Model AE59 with 59 meter diameter blades and 51.5 meter hub height. Provision for a fourth unit was included in the EIAD, however the site layout will be optimized for three wind turbines and the fourth wind turbine will not be installed. The Wind Turbines will be coupled to the existing diesel generator system. Information on the wind turbines is available on the MADE website www.made.es.
The wind turbines will be installed on the ridge of El Tropezon Hill. An electrical collector system will gather the power from each wind turbine through underground cabling and transport the power down the hillside to the wind park boundary where it will interface with a transmission line via a disconnect switch. Output at the wind park will be nominally at 13.8 kV to allow for voltage drop in the transmission line.
A new transmission line will be installed to transport the power from the wind turbine park to the existing Elecgalapagos S.A. Diesel Plant substation. Leaving the wind park, the first 3 km of the line will run underground to minimize the possibility of endangered Galapagos Petrel collision with the line. The transmission line will then convert to an aerial conductor for approximately 9 km where it will tie-into the current distribution system at the Diesel Plant. Voltage at the Elecgalapagos S.A. substation is 13.2 kV. Where the transmission line passes through the Galapagos National Park (for approximately 800 meters), the environmental requirements require that the new transmission line be run on the same side of the road as the existing 13.2 kV distribution line.
A new Control Building will be built adjacent to the existing Elecgalapagos S.A. Diesel Plant control room area. The Control Building will include a control room, archives room, and an office/meeting room dedicated for the use by the Wind Project General Manager.
The hybrid wind system will operate in conjunction with the existing three (3) 650kW units installed in the existing Powerhouse at the Elecgalapagos S.A. Diesel Plant. The system will be a combination of new equipment, controls upgrades, and re-used existing equipment. Upgrades to the existing system will be provided by MADE and installed by the Contractor with respect to grid interface, breaker control, metering and control, remote control and monitoring, hot standby conditions, and frequency and voltage regulation. MADE shall provide the necessary equipment and control hardware to make the three (3) existing 650 kW diesel generators automated and operable from the new Control Room. An engine block-heater, and other measures if needed, will be provided by MADE and installed by the Contractor to provide for quick start of the 650 kW diesel generators.
The new transmission line will interface with the Elecgalapagos distribution substation at the Diesel Plant. The Wind Project will install a circuit breaker, metering/protection, and revenue metering at its interface to the distribution substation.
The wind project will install two (2) shipping containers for locked storage of tools and spare parts belonging to the Wind Project.
Provisions will be included in the Wind Project for remote monitoring and troubleshooting of the wind turbine equipment. Details are to be considered with MADE as part of the overall O&M Approach.
Access roads to the wind turbines and other equipment will be constructed as necessary, following the requirements of the environmental license. Erection / laydown pads will be provided for the wind turbines. All equipment associated with the wind turbines, including transformers, will be contained within the wind tower, which will be kept locked.
The Wind Project does not include any energy storage provisions. Energy storage concepts may be considered in later years.
SANTOS proposes to erect the wind turbines with a 400-ton crane. There will be two (2) voyages made from Guayaquil to San Cristobal for transport of construction equipment and materials. The barge will dock at La Predial. A concrete batch plant will be employed with aggregates and sand mined on San Cristobal to prepare the concrete. Each wind turbine foundation will be 250-300 cubic meters of concrete.
