Tharindu Chamara Herath

Project Status: Concept Development / Technical Consulting

A technical consulting and concept-development project focused on a nuclear-free thermal power generation facility for the Australian energy sector, with emphasis on electrical engineering, power-system integration, plant configuration, energy efficiency, sustainability, and professional engineering documentation.

The concept represents an indicative 1,200 MW-class natural-gas-fired thermal power plant, incorporating major generation, auxiliary, cooling, electrical, and grid-interconnection systems. The project was developed to support technical understanding, engineering communication, and portfolio-level documentation of large-scale power-generation infrastructure within the context of Australia’s evolving energy landscape.

⚡ Project Overview

The concept integrates key power-generation and electrical infrastructure including:

• Boiler / heat-recovery section and Turbine hall
• Natural-gas fuel and storage systems
• Air-cooled cooling system
• Power transformers, MV/HV electrical infrastructure
• Switchyard and grid interface
• Electrical rooms, auxiliary buildings, and Control building
• Plant monitoring and control systems

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

• Power plant concept review and technical documentation
• Electrical system understanding for generation and auxiliary systems
• Switchyard, transformer, and grid-interface considerations
• Review of plant equipment arrangement and system integration
• Development of engineering-focused presentation materials
• Technical research supporting Australian energy-transition narratives
• Preparation of professional engineering and portfolio documentation

🔌 Technical Scope

The project focused on plant layout visualization, generation and auxiliary power systems, MV/HV electrical infrastructure, grid connection and switchyard systems, power transformation and distribution, plant control and monitoring concepts, energy-efficiency considerations, sustainability and energy-transition positioning, and professional technical communication.

📊 Indicative Project Parameters

• Country: Australia
• Plant Capacity: ~1,200 MW-class | Fuel Type: Natural Gas
• Grid Connection: 330 / 275 kV
• Design Focus: Efficiency & Sustainability
• Deliverable: 3D Project Visualization + Technical Portfolio Summary

🌱 Design Philosophy & Outcome

The concept places particular emphasis on reliable power generation, efficient plant operation, electrical-system integration, and sustainability considerations, positioning thermal generation within the broader context of Australia’s energy transition.

The project resulted in a professionally structured technical concept and portfolio-ready engineering presentation that communicates the major systems, electrical infrastructure, plant configuration, and grid-integration requirements of a large-scale thermal power facility.

Project Status: Preliminary Engineering / Sales Proposal

A modular Containerized Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage Microgrid concept developed for a remote off-grid installation in South Africa. The system is designed to provide a reliable, autonomous power supply for remote accommodation, dining, sanitation, monitoring, and supporting infrastructure operating in harsh and isolated environments.

The proposed microgrid combines solar PV generation, containerized battery storage, hybrid inverter/charger systems, and automatic generator backup through a common AC bus architecture. Each container is equipped with a dedicated PV array and integrated battery storage, creating a modular and scalable power system that can be adapted to the site’s operational requirements.

⚡ Project Configuration

The proposed installation consists of 2 × Large Accommodation Modules, 1 × Large Dining Module, 1 × Sanitation Module, 1 × Large Monitoring Module, 1 × Power Generator Unit, and a 30 m communication mast.

🔋 Preliminary Design Basis

• Location: South Africa
• PV Capacity: ~52.0 kWp (100 × 520 W high-weight PV modules)
• Connected Load: 14.84 kW | Operating Load: 7.05 kW
• Battery Autonomy Target: 15 hours
• System Voltage / Frequency: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Operating Mode: Off-grid

🏗️ System Architecture

PV Generation → Battery Storage → Hybrid Inverter/Charger → Common AC Bus → Site Loads

An automatic generator backup is integrated into the common AC bus to provide additional reliability during extended periods of low solar generation or high demand. The architecture allows each container to operate with dedicated PV and battery resources while maintaining coordinated power distribution across the overall microgrid.

🛠️ Engineering Scope

• Microgrid architecture evaluation
• PV system sizing and MPPT allocation
• Battery sizing and technology selection
• Hybrid inverter and generator integration
• Protection and earthing design
• Cable sizing and routing
• Preliminary single-line diagram development
• Load schedule preparation
• Bill of materials and equipment schedule

🎯 Project Objective

The primary objective is to develop a reliable, modular, and autonomous renewable-energy solution for remote South African operations, reducing dependence on conventional generation while maintaining sufficient battery autonomy and generator backup for operational continuity.

Project Status: Completed

A comprehensive technical documentation and content development project focused on Australia’s energy, sustainability, renewable energy, energy-efficiency, carbon accounting, and ESG reporting requirements.

The project involved transforming complex engineering and sustainability information into clear, accurate, professionally structured documentation suitable for Australian businesses, investors, engineers, executives, sustainability teams, and other stakeholders.

The work incorporated recognised approaches for energy savings assessment, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, carbon accounting, ESG performance, and net-zero strategy, with particular focus on Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.

Key Project Scope

• Review and analysis of technical, engineering, energy, and sustainability documentation
• Development and restructuring of professional technical reports
• Energy-efficiency and renewable-energy technical documentation
• Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System documentation
• Energy-audit and energy-saving content development
• Carbon-emission reduction and GHG reporting documentation
• Scope 1, Scope 2 & Scope 3 emissions analysis
• ESG performance and sustainability reporting content
• Net-zero strategy and sustainability documentation
• Energy-saving and carbon-reduction calculation methodologies
• Adaptation of technical terminology and content for Australian audiences
• Development of investor-friendly and executive-level technical summaries

ESG & Carbon Accounting Focus

The project addressed key ESG and carbon-accounting areas including:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with purchased electricity and energy
• Scope 3: Other indirect value-chain emissions
• Annual energy savings and efficiency improvements
• GHG emissions reduction (tCO₂-e)
• Baseline energy-consumption comparisons
• Project-life carbon-reduction projections and ESG performance indicators
• Alignment with Australian sustainability requirements and Net-zero targets

Project Deliverables

Energy-efficiency technical reports, renewable-energy project reports, Solar PV & battery-storage documentation, carbon-emissions reduction reports, net-zero strategy content, sustainability proposals, technical product descriptions, and investor-oriented technical summaries.

Project Outcome

The final documentation established a clear connection between energy-efficiency technologies, measurable energy savings, financial benefits, carbon-emission reductions, ESG performance, and Australian net-zero objectives. The resulting documents were structured to be technically accurate, professional, easy to understand, and ready for use in reports, proposals, websites, investor presentations, technical communications, and sustainability documentation.

Built from Scratch | Solar Detach & Reset Operations | Texas, USA

Built and managed the complete business infrastructure for DTRS PRO from the ground up, establishing the systems, workflows, automation, documentation, technology stack, and operational processes required to support a scalable solar detach-and-reset service business.

My role covered the end-to-end development and management of business operations, from entity setup and foundational systems through workflow design, CRM implementation, project coordination, reporting, client communication, marketing operations, and continuous process optimization.

Key Contributions

• Built the company's core business infrastructure and operational framework from scratch.
• Designed end-to-end workflows covering lead intake, estimating, scheduling, project execution, documentation, invoicing, and closeout.
• Implemented and managed business systems across Monday.com, CompanyCam, HubSpot, Kommo, and Jibble/Apploye.
• Developed automated processes to reduce manual work, improve consistency, and increase operational efficiency.
• Configured CRM systems for lead management, sales pipelines, customer communication, and follow-up automation.
• Created SOPs, checklists, templates, forms, proposals, agreements, reports, and operational documentation.
• Managed day-to-day operations, resources, schedules, contractors, vendors, and project coordination.
• Developed real-time dashboards and reporting systems for operational visibility and decision-making.
• Managed website content, SEO, digital presence, and marketing workflows.
• Established structured client communication systems for clear and professional project updates.
• Supported marketing planning, campaign coordination, lead generation, and business growth initiatives.
• Continuously optimized systems and workflows for scalability, quality control, efficiency, and customer experience.

Project Impact

Established an end-to-end, technology-enabled operating system that connected sales, project management, field documentation, workforce tracking, CRM, marketing, reporting, and customer communication into one structured business workflow—creating a foundation designed for growth, operational control, real-time visibility, and consistent service delivery.

Nuclear-Free Thermal Power Plant Project | Confidential Client

Provided engineering consulting, technical advisory, and project development support for a confidential thermal power generation project in Australia, focused on delivering reliable, efficient, lower-emission, nuclear-free baseload power aligned with Australia’s clean-energy transition and long-term energy security objectives.

My role covered technical and commercial feasibility assessment, plant concept evaluation, technology selection, performance and efficiency analysis, fuel sourcing and logistics, environmental and sustainability assessment, and regulatory/compliance planning. I also supported preliminary engineering reviews, mass-balance considerations, risk identification and mitigation, stakeholder/government liaison, and preparation of technical reports and presentations.

The engagement contributed to identifying practical, high-efficiency and lower-emission generation solutions, strengthening project feasibility and bankability while supporting regulatory approval pathways and long-term energy reliability.

Key Contributions

• Conducted technical and commercial feasibility assessments for the proposed thermal power plant.
• Evaluated plant configurations, generation technologies, efficiency, reliability, and performance considerations.
• Assessed fuel supply, logistics, emissions, environmental impacts, and sustainability requirements.
• Supported regulatory, environmental, and compliance gap assessments against applicable Australian requirements.
• Reviewed preliminary engineering concepts and mass-balance considerations.
• Identified project risks and developed mitigation strategies.
• Supported stakeholder and government liaison activities.
• Prepared technical reports, presentations, and decision-support materials.
• Contributed to project strategy, feasibility, and investment-readiness discussions.

Project Focus

High Efficiency • Lower Emissions • Reliable Baseload Power • Environmental Stewardship • Regulatory Compliance • Energy Security

Confidentiality: Project undertaken for a private energy developer under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Technical details, project data, and documentation are confidential.

Project Status: Ongoing

A utility-scale 110 MWp DC / 100 MW AC Solar PV Power Plant being developed in Siyambalanduwa, Monaragala, Sri Lanka, as part of the country’s renewable energy expansion programme. The project is designed to generate approximately 219 GWh of clean electricity annually, supporting Sri Lanka’s growing demand for sustainable and reliable power generation.

The project incorporates a large-scale ground-mounted Solar PV generation system, central/string inverter technology, a 33 kV collector network, 132/33 kV collector substation, and a 27–27.5 km, 132 kV transmission line connecting the plant to the national grid at the Monaragala Grid Substation. The development also includes a 12–12.5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to enhance grid flexibility, energy management, and system reliability.

Our scope of involvement covers engineering review, PV system and performance analysis, electrical system design, grid interconnection studies, protection and SCADA concepts, equipment technical compliance, construction coordination, testing and commissioning planning, and coordination with consultants, suppliers, contractors, and utility stakeholders.

Key Project Highlights

• Capacity: 110 MWp DC / 100 MW AC
• Annual Energy Generation: ~219 GWh
• Battery Energy Storage: 12–12.5 MWh BESS
• Collector System: 33 kV
• Transmission System: 132 kV (27–27.5 km Transmission Line)
• Project Location: Siyambalanduwa, Monaragala, Sri Lanka
• Contract Model: Build, Own & Operate (BOO)
• Status: Ongoing

Involved in the engineering, design coordination, construction supervision, testing, commissioning, and grid integration of a 10 MW / 40 MWh utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Sri Lanka, developed under the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) – 16 MW BESS National Program.

The project was designed to support peak shaving, renewable energy integration, frequency support, voltage support, and overall grid stability through a reliable four-hour energy storage system.

Key Project Features

• 10 MW rated power / 40 MWh usable energy capacity (4-hour full-load discharge)
• 8 × 5.015 MWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery containers
• 2 × 5 MW bi-directional Power Conversion Systems (PCS)
• 2 × 5 MVA, 0.69/33 kV step-up transformers with 33 kV grid interconnection
• Integrated BMS, EMS & SCADA systems with IEC 60870-5-104 communication
• Liquid-cooled battery system with advanced thermal management
• Integrated fire detection, gas detection and suppression system
• Underground 33 kV XLPE cable grid connection with redundant fiber-optic SCADA

My Scope of Involvement

• Project feasibility, technical studies, and system electrical engineering
• Single Line Diagram (SLD) development and equipment specification
• Protection and coordination studies, grid interconnection and cable routing design
• SCADA, communication system design, and tender documentation
• Construction supervision, engineering coordination, and CEB technical approval

Testing & Commissioning

The project involved comprehensive pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, including insulation resistance testing, high-voltage testing, relay secondary injection, protection end-to-end testing, SCADA point-to-point testing, charge/discharge performance testing, four-hour capacity testing, round-trip efficiency testing, and final acceptance and handover.

Project Outcome

Successfully delivered a 10 MW / 40 MWh grid-connected BESS capable of providing four hours of full-load energy discharge, supporting reliable grid operation and renewable energy integration. Handed over in accordance with required performance, safety, and grid compliance requirements.

Provided electrical engineering and tender-stage technical support for the Defence Headquarters Complex at Akuregoda, Sri Lanka, with a focus on low-voltage electrical distribution, 33 kV ring network coordination, tender documentation, technical review, and stakeholder coordination.

The project involved supporting the electrical engineering requirements of a large-scale institutional defence infrastructure complex, consisting of multiple buildings, substations, standby power systems, and interconnected electrical distribution networks.

My involvement covered the tender and technical coordination stages, including review of electrical drawings, specifications, distribution arrangements, equipment interfaces, technical documentation, and coordination between consultants, contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.

⚡ Key Engineering Responsibilities

• Provided electrical engineering and tender-stage technical support for the project.
• Reviewed and coordinated LV electrical distribution systems across multiple buildings and facilities.
• Reviewed single-line diagrams, distribution layouts, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Supported coordination between the 33 kV incoming supply, ring distribution system, substations, and LV distribution networks.
• Reviewed transformer, switchgear, panel board, and standby generator arrangements.
• Supported coordination of standby power integration and emergency power systems.
• Reviewed cable routing, load distribution, and utility coordination requirements.
• Assisted with BOQ, technical documentation, and compliance reviews during the tender process.
• Coordinated technical matters with consultants, contractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.
• Supported testing, commissioning, and site-level technical coordination.
• Contributed to maintaining electrical design quality, documentation accuracy, and project compliance.

🔌 Electrical Distribution Scope

The project included coordination of a 33 kV ring distribution network serving multiple substations and facilities, including:

• Other Ranks' Mess, Sewer Treatment Plant, Water Sump, Security Building, MOD Block
• Navy Block, Air Force Block, Auditorium, Army Blocks, Officers' Mess
• Communication Tower, Standby Generator Station

The electrical infrastructure incorporated 33 kV incoming supply, ring distribution substations, standby generation, transformers, MV/LV switchgear, distribution boards, and building-level electrical systems.

🛠️ Key Engineering Contributions

• Tender Engineering: Supported tender preparation and bid-stage technical evaluation through drawing, specification, BOQ, and compliance review.
• LV Distribution Planning: Reviewed electrical distribution arrangements, load allocation, panel configurations, cable routing, and building-level interfaces.
• Substation Coordination: Coordinated electrical interfaces between substations, transformers, switchgear, standby generators, and downstream LV systems.
• Standby Power Integration: Reviewed standby generator integration and coordination with the main distribution network to support reliable electrical supply.
• Technical Documentation: Reviewed and organized engineering drawings, specifications, technical submissions, BOQs, and project documentation.
• Site & Stakeholder Coordination: Supported communication and technical coordination among consultants, contractors, suppliers, and site teams.

🎯 Project Contribution

The engineering support contributed to establishing a structured, reliable, and coordinated electrical distribution framework for a complex institutional environment, while maintaining focus on technical compliance, documentation quality, system reliability, and tender-to-execution coordination.

The project provided practical exposure to the engineering coordination of a large-scale multi-building electrical infrastructure, including MV distribution, LV systems, standby power, substations, technical documentation, and construction-stage coordination.

Engineered comprehensive Building Management Systems for Shangri-La Hotels in Colombo & Hambantota, integrating HVAC, lighting, security, and energy optimization for 5-star luxury hospitality.

I supported Primacy Roofing & Construction from the early stages of the business by designing and implementing structured business processes, operational workflows, job management systems, documentation standards, and automation strategies. The project focused on transforming day-to-day roofing and restoration operations into a scalable, organized, and measurable business operation.

The workflow was structured across the complete customer and project lifecycle — from lead capture and inspection to estimating, contracts, scheduling, project execution, quality control, payment, closeout, and customer follow-up.

Key Areas of Development

• Lead Capture & CRM Management – Structured lead intake, customer communication, pipeline management, and follow-up processes.
• Inspection & Assessment Workflows – Standardized roof inspection, damage assessment, photo documentation, and reporting procedures.
• Estimation & Proposal Management – Developed structured estimating, proposal preparation, contract, and documentation workflows.
• Job Management & Scheduling – Organized job creation, crew assignment, project scheduling, and operational tracking.
• Project Execution – Coordinated roofing, exterior, solar-ready roofing, and paintless dent repair (PDR) related workflows.
• Quality Control & Documentation – Implemented inspection, progress reporting, QC documentation, and project records.
• Payment & Project Closeout – Structured payment tracking, documentation, warranty handling, and job completion processes.
• Customer Care & Follow-up – Developed post-project communication, warranty support, review generation, and referral workflows.
• Automation & Productivity – Introduced automated reminders, workflow automation, document management, e-signatures, time tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Business Reporting – Established dashboards and reporting structures for job progress, productivity, operational performance, and management visibility.

Business Impact

The project helped establish a professional and scalable operational foundation, improving workflow organization, lead and job visibility, scheduling efficiency, team accountability, customer experience, documentation, and management reporting.

A comprehensive ETAP-based power system modeling and analysis project developed for a 200 MW industrial electrical installation, covering system design, load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, motor starting, and harmonic analysis.

This project involved the development of a complete industrial electrical power system model in ETAP, representing a 200 MW facility supplied from a 220 kV utility grid. The system was structured with 220/33 kV power transformers, 33 kV and 11 kV distribution networks, large industrial motors, emergency generators, capacitor banks, LV transformers, and auxiliary loads.

The study was carried out to evaluate the system under different operating conditions and verify voltage stability, equipment loading, fault withstand capability, protection performance, electrical safety, motor-starting performance, and power quality.

System Design & Modeling

• Developed a complete single-line diagram (SLD) for the 220 kV / 33 kV / 11 kV / 0.415 kV electrical network.
• Modeled a 200 MW peak industrial demand supplied through a 220 kV utility connection.
• Integrated 3 × 100 MVA, 220/33 kV power transformers, configured with standby capacity.
• Designed a 33 kV double-bus distribution system with bus-coupler functionality.
• Modeled 6 × 40 MVA, 33/11 kV transformers for medium-voltage distribution.
• Integrated large 11 kV industrial motors ranging from 15 MW to 25 MW.
• Included 3 × 20 MW, 11 kV emergency diesel generators.
• Modeled 11/0.415 kV, 2.5 MVA transformers for auxiliary and building loads.
• Incorporated 11 kV capacitor banks for reactive power compensation.

Key Study Results

• Total Generation: ~201.6 MW | Total Load: ~200 MW | System Losses: ~1.6 MW
• Average Bus Voltage: ~0.98 pu | Minimum Bus Voltage: ~0.95 pu
• System Power Factor: ~0.97 lagging
• 33 kV Bus 3-Phase Fault Level: ~25.18 kA
• Verified protection coordination across multiple voltage levels and evaluated arc-flash incident energy boundaries.