Bamako Solar PV Plant is a solar power project in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Devpan supplied the Dev24/36 medium-voltage switchgear, the LV boards that collect inverter outputs and the auxiliary distribution panels.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationBamako, Mali
- Building typeSolar power plant
- Installed power≈ 2,500 kVA
- Transformer configuration2 × 1,250 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 1,600 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)50 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeMedium voltage switchgear, low voltage switchboards and engineering
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
In a solar power plant, power flows the opposite way to a conventional facility: energy is generated on site, collected at low voltage, stepped up and exported through medium-voltage switchgear. Around Bamako, the Sahelian climate brings high ambient temperatures, Harmattan dust in the dry season and humidity during the rains. Inverter harmonics, grid-code reactive power requirements and voltage fluctuations on a weak network all directly influence protection and distribution design.
For a plant of this scale, the typical arrangement collects inverter outputs on LV boards in the 2 × 1,600 A class and exports through approximately 2 × 1,250 kVA step-up transformers at 15 kV. Metal-enclosed modular MV panels form the transformer protection, metering and grid connection bays. IP54 – IP55 enclosures protect against dust, and a generator of around 800 kVA supplies auxiliary systems at night and during grid outages.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
Devpan’s scope extends from the inverter outputs to the medium-voltage grid connection and the plant’s auxiliary systems.
- Medium-voltage switchgear (Dev24/36): 15 kV transformer protection, metering and grid connection bays in a modular metal-enclosed design.
- LV collection boards (DevPanel): typically 2 × 1,600 A, 50 kA / 1 s, Form 3b boards combining inverter outputs.
- Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): IP54 – IP55 boards for the control building, monitoring, CCTV and site lighting.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): stepped compensation supporting reactive power balance at night and during low generation.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 2,500 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 2 × 1,250 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 15 kV (Dev24/36) |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 1,600 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 50 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 3b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP54 – IP55 |
| Generator back-up | 1 × 800 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Reverse power flow
Protection settings account for power flowing from the site to the grid, with directional protection and selectivity planned around this export direction.
Inverter harmonics
Inverter switching frequencies can resonate with capacitor banks; detuning reactors and a harmonic study reduce this risk.
Heat and dust
LV boards are derated for high ambient temperatures, while IP54 – IP55 enclosures and filtered ventilation protect against Harmattan dust.
Grid connection requirements
Metering, protection and remote tripping on the MV connection bay are configured to meet the network operator’s connection conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical power figures for a plant of the scale of Bamako Solar PV Plant?
For a solar plant of this scale the transformer capacity is approximately 2,500 kVA, with a typical configuration of 2 × 1,250 kVA. The connection voltage is 15 kV; LV collection busbars are typically 2 × 1,600 A rated 50 kA / 1 s, and a generator of around 800 kVA serves the auxiliaries.
What does MV switchgear do in a solar plant?
It protects the step-up transformers, meters the exported energy and connects the plant to the grid, including remote disconnection when required.
Why does a solar plant need a generator?
At night or during a grid outage the panels produce nothing, yet monitoring, security, communication and control systems must keep running on an auxiliary supply.
Similar Reference Projects
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Nizhny Novgorod IT CampusTechnology campus · Nizhny Novgorod, RussiaDo you have a project of a similar scale?
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