Generation of Digital Twin in Nudo Norte, Madrid

CEMOSA is carrying out the Technical Assistance to the Project Management in the remodelling of Nudo Norte of the M-30 in Madrid.

In this project, CEMOSA is developing its own BIM models for the digital control of construction and the contracting activity.

To this end, CEMOSA uses augmented reality technology to support and complement its Technical Assistance to Project Management Construction activity. Thanks to the existence of project and site BIM models, and in parallel to the BIM monitoring models that CEMOSA is carrying out, we can use augmented reality through the use of topography and laser scanner devices to make automated checks and carry out agile monitoring.

 

In this way, augmented reality allows us to combine the real world and the virtual world, providing real-time interaction.

The digital twin generated in the works of the M-30 North Junction has been developed together with the Madrid City Council and ESRI.

You can find out more about the work on this high-capacity road axis at the following link: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/d7cdd44445404ea2b5c3f8cd0a7ac73e/?draft=true&views=view_17

Flexibility in electrical networks. A new way to improve energy management

Uninterrupted electric power supply has always been a challenge for governments, businesses and the general public. Due to the numerous blackouts that have occurred, emphasis needs to be placed on the importance of the electricity supply’s safety and reliability. On the other hand, the growing degree of electrification of modern societies, a high penetration of renewable energy generation, the development of new forms of electric mobility and the increase in digitalization, make the modernization of distribution networks a strategic priority.

At present, many networks suffer from problems due to lack of investment. In addition, the continuous deregulation process following the functional and regulatory uncertainty existing in the sector, together with the destabilizing effect on the grid as a whole due to the rapid growth of the generation of renewable energy sources (especially wind energy), has worsened the problem. For all these reasons, CEMOSA focuses its efforts on developing flexibility mechanisms that make energy transmission networks more efficient and reduce the investments required in electricity supply infrastructures.

40% of energy consumption and 32% of CO2 emissions in Europe are due to buildings, i.e., to final consumer daily activities.

This new scenario seeks to decarbonize power generation by incorporating renewable generation units into the electricity grids, and the electrification of energy end-uses (such as electric vehicles and heat pumps). In this sense, the European Clean Energy Package rules recognize the distribution system operator’s (DSO) capacity to make distribution more flexible.

There are a number of technical aspects that must be taken into account to offer a flexibility solution:

  1. Nature of the problem: Control of voltage, congestion, island operation (microgrids).
  2. Quantification of flexibility needs (in MW, MVA), direction (energy injection or absorption), time and frequency of the problem.
  3. Network characteristics (topology): Capacity, configuration, meshed or radial system, etc.
  4. Network location area: Determine if it is a generalized, localized or third-party need.
  5. Degree of predictability: Identify whether it is an issue that is predictable (structural) or difficult to predict.
  6. Time horizon for flexibility contracting: Perform the planning of the operations involved to determine the time required.
  7. Degree of coordination between transmission and distribution networks: Level
    of coordination required between the transmission system operator (TSO) and
    the DSO, or between DSOs.
  8. Distribution energy resources (DER) response times: The DERs connected to the distribution network allow to provide rapid response services (balances) or conventional response services (technical restrictions).
  9. Network monitoring level. With the aim of obtaining more information on flexibility needs.

From an economic point of view, the following aspects must be taken into account:

  1. Degree of standardization of certain flexibility service parameters. Their standardization makes it easier to facilitate the enabling of flexibility providers and reduce entry barriers.
  2. Liquidity. Determined by the number of potential offers to provide the service.
  3. Transaction costs. Related to the costs of commercial transactions in the relevant market.
  4. Entry and exit barriers. Entry barriers are mainly given by the legal framework or by the authorities’ regulatory decisions, while exit barriers include the cost of leaving a market and the ability to take advantage of the systems or investments made in other markets.
  5. Information access and availability. It is essential for relevant information to be accessible and available to all providers in order to be able to make decisions based on it.
  6. Phases of the creation of markets and incentive schemes depending on the type of need.
  7. Study the effectiveness and efficiency of flexibility mechanisms.

Bearing in mind the technical and economic characteristics discussed above, different solutions are offered for a DSO to have the capacity to provide flexibility mechanisms and services. These solutions are the following:

  • Solutions based on the TSO-DSO coordinated common market. Intended for situations that have a potential impact of flexibility service on the network.
  • Local market design-based solutions. For situations that have a lower potential impact on the network.
  • In situations of low liquidity, there are other options:
  • Employ long-term flexibility products such as bilateral contracts or auctions.
  • Implement a price control supervised by the regulator.

Additionally, there is a set of regulatory recommendations for DSOs to use flexibility: a) implementation in the national regulation of Article 32 of European Directive 2019/944, which allows DSOs to incorporate and activate flexibility services and develop operating procedures to resolve technical restrictions in the network; b) regulation of the relationship between the new flexibility mechanisms with existing mechanisms (current markets and operating procedures); c) integration of the access and connection criteria of the different flexibility mechanisms; d) revision of the
remuneration framework for DSOs to develop incentives capable of adopting flexibility services.

CEMOSA is committed to leading this change and being a benchmark in the energy sector

In this context, CEMOSA is committed to leading this change and being a benchmark in the energy sector. The company is firmly committed to a completely flexible and reliable electricity network, which guarantees a high-quality energy supply, since it collaborates in the development of the necessary technology and has the resources and capabilities to address the flexibility of the electricity networks.

Framework Agreement for OWNER ENGINEERING services in the photovoltaic sector in Portugal by IBERDROLA

Following the adjudication of CEMOSA’s Framework Agreement for the execution of OWNER ENGINEERING services in the execution of photovoltaic plants in Portugal, CEMOSA has a relevant participation in the renewable energy sector in Portugal, where it already participates through the execution of the Quality Control in the Alto Tâmega Hydroelectric Development works, one of the largest hydroelectric complexes in Europe in the last 25 years.

This Framework Agreement, which will enable the development of photovoltaic renewable energy in Portugal, will involve the implementation of 149 MW in the Algarve and Tagus Valley regions. It has five photovoltaic plants: Paderne (30 MW), Setúbal (20 MW), Sobreda (10 MW), Alcohete (39 MW) and Carregado (50 MW).

Aerial view of photovoltaic plant

This opportunity strengthens CEMOSA’s presence in the so-called clean energy sector, providing great experience in quality control and management and supervision of large projects.

In 2020, CEMOSA completed the property engineering services for the 500 MW Núñez de Balboa and 50 MW Andévalo photovoltaic plants, both of which have already been executed and energised, while it is currently carrying out the property engineering services for the 100 MW Campo Arañuelo I – II photovoltaic plant, the 328 MW Ceclavín photovoltaic plant and the project that is currently the largest photovoltaic park in Europe with 590 MW: the Francisco Pizarro photovoltaic plant.

All in all, CEMOSA is involved in the execution of more than 1,500 MW of clean energy through the construction of photovoltaic projects, which gives the company a great deal of experience in the sector and confidence in the success of its work.

Aerial view of photovoltaic plant

Granada Airport: renovation of the terminal building and extension of the airfield drainage system

The Federico García Lorca Airport (FGL) Granada-Jaén has started the reform and enlargement of the terminal building, as reported by several media.(see here). 

This work involves the enlargement and remodelling of the current terminal building in order to increase its capacity and services in view of the airport’s expected increase in traffic. The work began in May this year and has a completion period of 13 months.

Works on the extension and renovation of the current terminal building

CEMOSA’s functions in this action are: 

  • Technical Assistance for the Control and Surveillance of the work.
  • Site Management (ATDOCV).
  • Health and Safety Coordination Services.
  • Environmental coordination and auditing of operational safety/aeronautical safety.

For this purpose, CEMOSA has set up a joint venture with the company INSERAIL, thus forming the so-called CEMOSA-INSERAIL joint venture as the successful bidder of the DIN 125-2018-6 contract entitled “Project Management and ATDOCV for the airports of the so-called southern region – Lot 6” of AENA. 

In addition to these works, this joint venture is carrying out the ‘Extension of the drainage of the airfield’ of the Granada-Jaén airport. The aim of this work is to improve the current drainage system of the airfield (construction of a new network of collectors and a storm tank). The works began in February of the present year and, although the execution period is 12 months, it is expected that they can be completed in the next 12 months. 

Work on the extension of the airfield drainage

CEMOSA strengthens its presence in Zamora with a new technical assistance and quality control contract worth more than 4 million euros

Located in Los Llanos industrial area, CEMOSA Zamora puts its knowledge and experience at the service of the province for various works in the field of engineering, including actions in linear infrastructures, wind farms, hydraulic installations, with Public Administrations such as the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, the Junta de Castilla y León or the Zamora Provincial Council.

Team at CEMOSA Zamora office

Located in Los Llanos industrial area, CEMOSA Zamora puts its knowledge and experience at the service of the province for various works in the field of engineering, including actions in linear infrastructures, wind farms, hydraulic installations, with Public Administrations such as the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, the Junta de Castilla y León or the Zamora Provincial Council.

At the beginning of June, CEMOSA signed the contract for TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES FOR WORKS EXECUTED BY THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL’S WORKS DEPARTMENT.

With this contract, CEMOSA will provide technical assistance and quality control for all types of works and activities promoted by the Zamora Provincial Council. These actions mainly include the construction, repair, refurbishment and reinforcement of roads, works that require earthworks, foundations, pours, spreading of bituminous mixtures and structures, among others.

The contract also includes, in the municipal area, work on supply, sanitation, reservoirs, drinking water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants.

The budget for this contract is €4,188,686.66 (VAT included)

The total contract execution period is 48 months, during which time all the necessary services will be provided, including taking the samples required for quality control, carrying out the relevant tests, as well as technical assistance in the drafting of studies and preliminary projects, the preparation of reports and the redimensioning of calculations.

 

CEMOSA collaborates to offer Dual Vocational Training internships

CEMOSA participates in the scholarship project for students of the Higher Degree in Laboratory Analysis and Quality Control in the DUAL Vocational Training modality, with the aim of showing our commitment to the training process, which recognises the student’s productivity achieved during their training. In addition, the scholarships cover the students’ travel and meal expenses. CEMOSA has signed a collaboration agreement with the IES No. 1 “Universidad Laboral” in Malaga, whose chemistry department is interested in teaching the aforementioned Higher Degree tutored by Jose Luis de Posadas.

This grant encourages the motivation of the students, whose training process of 2,000 hours spread over the two years that the cycle lasts, will be fruitful, as well as reinforcing the involvement and the feeling of belonging to the company.

This cycle provides quality education that stands out for its 1,100 hours of practical training and gives students the opportunity to focus their professional opportunities on working in companies or laboratories in different fields where it is necessary to carry out physical and physico-chemical tests, chemical and instrumental analysis of materials and products for quality control and research, as well as in those where it is necessary to carry out microbiological and biotechnical tests in environmental or food areas, among others.

Dual FP student during his internship

 

We invite you to the final conference of our R&D project eTEACHER

After almost 4 years of exciting work, the eTEACHER project, led by CEMOSA, is coming to an end and we would like to share the results we have obtained.

The eTEACHER project has intensively researched on new ICT tools for the improvement of energy efficiency and comfort in buildings taking into account user behaviour.

During the final conference that will take place next Wednesday 30th June 2021, from 10:00 to 13:00, we will present the methodology used and the set of tools developed for user energy savings. In addition, the speakers will offer recommendations to policy makers to incentivise behavioural change and share lessons learned.

 

If you are interested in energy efficiency strategies to improve the energy behaviour of energy users, this Webinar is not to be missed.

To register, click here.

The staff of CEMOSA Panama receives training on special in-situ tests: pressure and dilatometer.

CEMOSA is committed to the continuous training of its employees.

In this way, the geotechnical department of the Panama office received training in which the test execution methodology, equipment recognition, functionality and importance of the test, data acquisition, processing, interpretation and analysis of results were explained. This training was given by geologist Avelino Suárez, from the company Geocivil98.

Special tests training: Pressuremeter

Training visit with students from the University of Granada

Training visit with students of the University of Granada

CEMOSA collaborates with several universities to help train the best professionals.

On May 24th, CEMOSA guided some students from the University of Granada to learn about geotechnical tests focused on the definition of geological risks in the field of urban planning. With this visit, they were able to observe everything from the execution of a borehole and the tests that can be carried out on them to geophysical methods, which allow us to define discontinuities in depth.

The geologist in charge of the visit was our colleague Juan Manuel Rodríguez and the professor of the University of Granada Jesús Garrido.

Below are some of the photographs taken during the visit: