INDUSTRY SKILLS GAP - Wind Energy Network
INDUSTRY SKILLS GAP - Wind Energy Network
INDUSTRY SKILLS GAP - Wind Energy Network
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COMMUNICATION HUB FOR THE WIND ENERGY <strong>INDUSTRY</strong>Industry skills gapHydraulicsMarketing andbrandingCableprotectionInnovation andnew technologyAUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012 | £5.25
WIND ENERGY NETWORKEven if we are the leaderswe can still learnfrom othersThe front cover denotes the world and aswe learn more we see how inextricablylinked we are – it is very much, as thesaying goes, a small world.The wind energy industry is nowrecognised throughout the world asan enormous opportunity to not onlydecrease our dependence on other lessenvironmentally attractive energy sourcesbut can also expand global economiesat the same time – very much a win winsituation.The UK is also recognised as the leader inthe field however others can overtake usif we do not grasp the nettle and get onwith it.Rob Bell from Archomai explains in ourlead industry article, commencing onpage 4, a very important area in which wecan learn from global experiences howto move forward quickly – that of trainingand management within a sector which ismoving at an astonishing rate.<strong>Wind</strong> Industry Careers website– an update (more info in Editor’swelcome on page 1)Our steering group will have been formedby the time we publish with their firstmeeting planned to take place in earlySeptember 2012 with the website due togo live in October 2012.We are indeed honoured to boast somevery influential people guiding us to ouraim of bridging the wind energy industryskills gap and we will keep you all informedof progress.<strong>Wind</strong> Industry Careerspresentations – UK wideOur aim is to complement and not to be incompetition with others who have been/are doing great things within this subjectarea throughout the UK.Through our recent series of presentationsin the south, north, east and west of theUK this has been recognised.The first meeting of the steering groupwill discuss the setting of policy andtimescales so that we may move forwardquickly but effectively.Duncan McGilvrayEditor | <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong>02 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
GLOBAL <strong>SKILLS</strong> THINKINGWhen visiting arecent offshorewind exhibition andconference near Hull,we were introducedto Rob Bell from theconsultancy companyArchomai, who writesour lead industryarticle in this edition.Global skillshinkingReturning to the UK in 2005 after 25The company trades globally andRob, Archomai’s CEO, is very seldombased in the UK. It was enlighteningto listen to his presentation at theconference on how the skills agendaworks around the world and that wecan learn much from others.Archomai specialises in logistics andsupply chain thinking and practice inemerging and frontier markets – forinstance they have been developing skillscapacity, building programmes for theenergy industry in places like India andKurdistan.years overseas, he played a key role inthe launch and funding of the £20 millionlogistics institute at the University of Hull;is a Director of Hull Truck Theatre andis most proud of his involvement in theEmmaus Social Enterprise in support ofthe homeless.Educated at St Andrews and OxfordUniversities, Rob has worked inmanagement consultancy at board levelin diverse industry sectors such as steel,dairy, mining and utilities, to healthcareand retail in over 55 countries.04www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
GLOBAL <strong>SKILLS</strong> THINKINGSkillsmake a worldof differenceArchomai is a consultancyspecialising in logistics and supplychain thinking and practice inemerging and frontier markets.We have worked on several tradecorridors in Africa; mapping thesupply chains from agricultural ormining projects to the ports andimplementing improvements.Simulation and simulatortechnologyWe are working on energy projects inKurdistan and India where we map thesupply chain to identify training needsand deliver a Skills Capacity BuildingProgramme to tackle the issues. We setup a skills training centre and use leadingedge simulation and simulator technologyto assess and improve performanceon drilling, heavy lifting and all forms ofmaterials handling equipment.Maximising outputRight now the renewables industry relieson subsidy but innovation will drive better,cheaper and more commercially viabletechnologies to maximise output from allrenewables – including wind power. Thekey is that this power will be the motor fortransformations in the shape of our cities,homes and the industries in which wework.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk05
<strong>INDUSTRY</strong> NEWSIT’SYOU!ALL ABOUTHe believes in the ‘can do attitude’ andKurt Christensen from <strong>Wind</strong>power the importance of responding quickly,Support receives Knighthooda legacy of the fishing industry, whichimpresses his clients.A Pioneer in Grimsby’s offshore windenergy industry has received one ofthe highest honours from his homenation.Kurt Christensen has been given afirst class knighthood, recognising hiscontinued work as a consul for theGrimsby area, and also highlighting theefforts in an industry that Denmark is atthe forefront of.It follows an earlier honour eight yearsago for the former fish auctioneer, whois currently having a third crew transfervessel built for his town-based <strong>Wind</strong>powerSupport business.A week to rememberThe Cleethorpes resident, who cameto England as a three-year-old son of atrawler skipper, received the honour fromthe Danish Ambassador to Britain, AnneHedensted Steffensen, who presentedit on behalf of Queen Margrethe II, at theDanish Embassy in Sloane Street, centralLondon.It followed his 60th birthday celebrations,attendance at the RenewableUK GlobalOffshore <strong>Wind</strong> 2012 exhibition in thecapital, with the proud family manarriving back in town for Father’s Day.“It was quite a week,” he said. “I wasreally surprised to receive it, and thensurprised what a big thing was madeof the presentation when I went to theembassy. It was really nice.“I had a really successful show, thatfinished on the Thursday night, then onthe Friday morning I was there gettingthat.”Champagne receptionA dozen representatives from variousdepartments, including trade and consulardignitaries were present, with achampagne reception laid on.“I didn’t expect anything like that, and Iwas so pleased to have Carol, my wife,there and my cousin also. They thoughtit was great. We had a super day out.”It was rounded off with lunch at CarltonTowers, the iconic hotel across from theembassy.“This was one of the best weeks of mylife,” he said. “The show was a greatsuccess for us, I finally got to know whatsome of the big companies think of usand what we are achieving, which wasvery flattering. I might seem quite brash,but I am quite shy when people starttalking about me and what I have done.I said the honour was uncalled for, butthey begged to differ!”Championing GreaterGrimsbyMr Christensen, who is aproud advocate of GreaterGrimsby as well as hishomeland, is now workingwith the embassy to facilitatea visit to the town he hascalled home since the ageof seven, when his familycrossed the Humber.“The Ambassador was awareof the history, of the story ofGrim the Viking – or Grim theDane should I say!”<strong>Wind</strong>power SupportAs previously reported, Mr Christensenlaunched <strong>Wind</strong>power Support in 2008,based on a concept of taking the strain ofsmall but often complex issues out of thesupply chain for the major operators. Fromacting as ship’s agent to the growingfleet of crew transfer and standby/patrol vessels, he has worked with thephilosophy of ‘yes is the answer, nowwhat is the question’ – building up toemploying more than a dozen staff fromthe Lockhill base.Services to DenmarkPresenting the award, DanishAmbassador to Britain, Anne HedenstedSteffensen, who took up the position inSeptember, having previously served asState Secretary for Trade and CorporateAffairs at the Danish Ministry of ForeignAffairs, told Mr Christensen: “You havefor 18 years, since 1994, given service toDenmark as consul in Grimsby. Duringthese years you have promoted British/Danish relations in business and culture,as well as provided consular assistanceto Danish citizens when needed.“You have in particular been active inhelping Danish companies in the BritishPicture courtesy of Grimsby &Scunthorpe Media Groupmarket in the renewable energy sector,primarily wind power, which is a Danishcore competence. We are delightedthat you are accepting the Decorationof Knight, first degree of the Order ofDannabrog.”Kurt then concluded “I was really surprisedto receive it, and then surprised what abig thing was made of the presentationwhen I went to the embassy”.<strong>Wind</strong> Power Supportwww.windpowersupport.com08www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>INDUSTRY</strong> NEWSHigh Quality Pre-Cut TrenchingSolution for Skagerrak 4DeepOcean recently announced themulti-million pound pre-cut trenchingcontract award with Statnett &Energinet.dk on the Skagerrak 4HVDC Submarine InterconnectorProject.They will provide the engineering andproject management for the pre-cuttrenching workscope in Denmark, whichis expected to commence in July 2012.The scope of work will include mobilisationout of DeepOcean’s offshore base inMiddlesbrough, pre-trench survey andpre-cut trenching of 23 kilometres of theSkagerrak 4 route.Handled out of the UK office, they willprovide its heavy duty APP pre-cuttrenching plough for the project, whichprovides high control and instrumentationduring operation. This will be operated offthe high bollard pull TSV Maersk Assister,which has arrived at their offshore base tocommence mobilisation activities.Market leaderDeepOcean leads the market in the use ofpre-cut trenching for the protection ofsubmarine power cables. As the onlyindependent contractor with sophisticatedpre-cut ploughing capability, they offer anumber of ploughs for this solution andhave a proven track record in theiroperation.Its specialist ploughs offer a high level ofcontrol and precision, capable of navigatingalong pre-determined cable routes andtransitioning in and out of the seabed asrequired. These solutions eliminate anyrisk of product damage and provide a highquality trench for the protection of HVACand HVDC export cables.Managing Director, Tony Inglis, says ofthe pre-cut trenching contract, “We aredelighted to be awarded this pre-cuttrenching workscope, as DeepOcean ishighly skilled in this area and believe thisis the ideal solution for achieving the bestburial depth in hard ground regions, whilstremoving any risk of cable damage.“We have been using pre-cut trenching asthe technique of choice in the Oil & Gasmarket for many years and are pleasedto now be applying this to the Power &Transmission market with Statnett andEnerginet.dk. We are also looking toexpand this technique into the Offshore<strong>Wind</strong> market over the coming months.”DeepOceanwww.deepocean.noe = See enhanced entry online= See video library online10www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>INDUSTRY</strong> NEWSP&O Ferries toshowcase itsrenewable energyservicesP&O Ferries is to highlight its futurein the renewable energy sector in anindustry showcase in Hull.The company has moved into the sectorwith the conversion of the cross-Channelfreight ship, the European Seaway, into anoffshore wind farm accommodation vesseland has further signalled its intentions withmembership of Team Humber MarineAlliance.Alliances“It is all about forgingalliances and one of the mainreasons for becoming a TeamHumber member is becauseof the readily available supplychain the Alliance has amongits 160 member companies.We’re pleased to add thevoice of P&O Ferries to thecause.manufacturing plants on the Humbernew business is already here.”Joint ventureThe European Seaway has been suppliedto GLID, a joint venture between CentricaRenewable <strong>Energy</strong> Limited and EIG, ona three-month time charter for use bytechnicians working on the North SeaLynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm arrayfour miles off Skegness.The company provided an update andoverview of its plans for the renewableenergy sector when they hosted a TeamHumber Marine Alliance event aboard thePride of Rotterdam, at King George Dockrecently.Ideal support vessel“The investment we have made in theEuropean Seaway makes her the idealship for all offshore support work of this“The time is ripe to highlightthe region’s strengths anda business communityprojecting its merits carriesa lot more punch than theconstituent companies canaccomplish alone.”Mark O’Reilly, Director, TeamHumber Marine Alliance,said: “One of our members,type. As the renewable sector grows, weare perfectly placed to grow alongside itand we have every intention of securingfurther charter work for this ship andpotentially other similar ships in ourfleet,” said Stephen Weaver, P&O Ferries’Business Development Manager.Hull-based Best Service (Europe), hasplayed a prominent role in the refit of theEuropean Seaway and there is genuinepotential for us to be involved in furtherP&O Ferries projects.“P&O’s intentions are a real boostfor firms in the region and show thateven before any construction work onThe 23,000-tonne ro-ro vessel wasrefitted with new equipment and facilities,including hull access doors, cranes, andboarding ladders. Some of the ship’scabins were also upgraded and furtheroffices were installed.Best Service designed and installed thecabling and signalling to provide Sky TV ingeneral areas and cabins for 100 offshorewind technicians and 50 crew.The European Seaway is based atImmingham and returns to port once afortnight to pick up supplies.P&O Ferrieswww.poferries.comTeam Humber Marine Alliancewww.thma.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 11
<strong>INDUSTRY</strong> NEWSTATA Steel’s new online sales toolsector, this includes products and servicesfrom nacelle to foundations, as wellas including the additional processingservices available for plate and tubularsections at the company’s processingcentres in Scunthorpe and Hartlepool.Tata Steel has launched a new onlinesales tool, designed to help showcasethe organisation’s extensive offeringwithin the energy and power sectorwith increased ease.Interactive visual displayThe new interactive visual displayhighlights the cross-section of productsand services that they supply to a widerange of applications across the energyand power industries. In the wind powerRenewables sectorTata Steel supplies steel products andservices both within the oil and gas andpower industries and more recently therenewables sector, including onshore andoffshore wind, wave and tidal power. Thenew tool’s offering to each sector includesproduct details/manufacturing routes andanimations designed to better explainproducts and services available. Eachsub-section also includes links to datasheets for a more detailed breakdown ofinformation.Ease of useClear, quick and simple to use, the newtool allows organisations within eachsector to access Tata Steel’s targetedoffering more efficientlyTATA Steelwww.poweredbytatasteel.come = See enhanced entry onlineEnergi Coast steering group addsanother 5 influential membersEnergi Coast, North East England’sRenewables Group, has welcomedfive new industry specialists onto itssteering group.Experience and expertiseThe individuals bring a wealth ofexperience and expertise from the globalenergy industry supply chain to thegroup. They will support Energi Coast’sactivities to raise awareness of theregion’s innovative and integrated offshorerenewables supply chain.The latest companies to join theSteering Group- Gareth Ellery, Cathie Associates Ltd,based in Newcastle. Cathie Associatesprovides geotechnical engineeringconsultancy services to the energyindustries and uses appropriate offshoreoil and gas engineering practice within therenewable energy sector- Chris Jones, IHC EngineeringBusiness based in StocksfieldHall, Northumberland with facilities inMiddlesbrough and South Shields. IHCEngineering Business delivers bespokeengineering solutions for complex offshoreapplications, working with clients across theoffshore oil and gas, submarine telecomsand renewable offshore power industries- Dr Tony Trapp, OSBIT PowerLimited, based in Northumberland. OSBITPower provides innovative engineeringsolutions in many offshore markets withparticular emphasis on offshore wind- Jim Pyrah, Senergy Surveyand GeoEngineering Ltd, basedin Newcastle. Senergy Survey andGeoEngineering Ltd is an internationalsolutions provider with experience in allaspects of renewable power, including onand offshore wind- Dominic Abraham, Sure <strong>Wind</strong>Marine, based in Corbridge,Northumberland. Sure <strong>Wind</strong> Marine ownsand operates safe, reliable vessels for theoffshore wind industryExpanding renewable supplychainThese companies are part of North EastEngland’s expanding offshore renewablesupply chain, which offer a growingportfolio of specialist products andservices to the global renewables industry.Energi Coast’s Steering Group alone hasinvested around £400m in their offshorerenewables activities and have a combinedturnover of £200m in offshore wind. Thegroup forecasts the turnover of theiroperations in this sector will double as theoffshore renewables market expandsfurther.North East England is an excellent positionto support upcoming projects, particularlythose in the vicinity of the region, HumberGateway, Westermost Rough and Race12www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>INDUSTRY</strong> NEWSFendercare Marine Olympic Torch bearerOn Wednesday 4 July 2012, PaulRowlands, Marketing Executive forFendercare Marine was given thehonour of being an official OlympicTorchbearer and carrying the flamethrough Fakenham, Norfolk.Fundraising effortsPaul was nominated to carry the torchin recognition of his fundraising efforts,following the death of his daughter, Aliceat just 15 days old in 2007. Alice wasborn six weeks early and with a rare livercondition, neonatal hemochromatosis,at the Norfolk and Norwich UniversityHospital in September 2007.Alice Rowlands MemorialSociety (ARMS)After just five days she was movedto King’s College Hospital in Londonwhere she died. After her death, Paul,his wife Miranda and son Sam set upthe Alice Rowlands Memorial Society toraise money for the Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities (RMHC), which providesaccommodation for families whose lovedones are in hospital miles from home.Bank.Global energy sectorsIn addition, the region’s supply chain,through its experience and reputationin other areas of the global energysectors, such as oil & gas, is perfectlyplaced to serve European markets aswell as those further afield.Alex Dawson, Chairman of EnergiCoast, said: “The strength of NorthEast England’s offshore wind supplychain is growing rapidly and theexperience the new members of thesteering group bring to Energi Coastwill further enhance our reputation inthe UK and internationally.“As well as possessing valuableindividual experience in the offshoreindustry, each company on thesteering group represents NorthEast England’s overall innovativeoffering to the offshore windsector, demonstrating the region’sincreasing presence in the market.”Energi Coastwww.energicoast.co.ukTo date the family has raisedalmost £50,000 for RMHC throughtheir website www.justgiving.com/teamrowlands.Paul said “It was an amazing honour tocarry the torch and a day that I will neverforget. As soon as I got off the bus, Iwas mobbed by people wanting photoswith it and just wanting to touch thetorch. The crowds in Fakenham wereamazing – the torch relay seems to havecaptured the nations imagination and Istill can’t believe that I was part of it.“I have only been with FendercareMarine a short while but was reallytouched by the support of all mycolleagues. I brought the torch into workrecently and nearly everyone wantedphotos with it and very kindly arranged acollection for the charity I support whichwas a lovely gesture.“Since the day I ran with the torch, I seemto have been inundated with requestsfor appearances at fetes, scouts groups,schools…the list goes on. I think my wifefeels more like my agent at times! I havebeen really amazed by the magical effectthat the torch has on children (and adults)and really want to make sure that it isshared with as many people as possible.”Just Givingwww.justgiving.com/teamrowlandsFendercare UKwww.fendercare.come = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13
WHAT’S NEWEvents and what’s newAs you see below we continue to feature some ofthe most important events in the calendar, so thatyou can, at a glance, consider which events tosupport. A more detailed listing is available online.There continues to be issues with the amount, scale and cost of events laid on for this fast growing industry. We will only feature thoseevents which we believe are organised in the best interests of the industry as a whole.<strong>Wind</strong> Turbine and <strong>Wind</strong> Farm training courseWhen 11 – 13 September 2012Where GlasgowCONTACT www.actc-control.com/events/meetings/meet120911.aspThe <strong>Energy</strong> and Low Carbon TechnologyConference 2012When 18 – 19 Sep 2012Where Bloomsbury Hotel, LondonContact www.tuvnel.comCore <strong>Energy</strong> Conference 2012When 3 – 4 Oct 2012Where Cunard Centre, Halifax, Nova ScotiaContact www.otans.comRenewableUK 2012When 30 Oct – 1 Nov 2012Where GlasgowContact www.renewable-uk.com/events/annualconference<strong>Wind</strong> Turbine Noise: source to receiverWhen 11 – 12 December 2012Where OxfordContact www.ewea.orgEventhighlightThis is a ‘free to attend’seminarImprove Your <strong>Wind</strong> Farm Performanceand Efficiency SeminarWhen 3rd October 2012Where EdinburghContact enquiries@its-ltd.co.ukOrganised by ITS and ICONICShttp://www.its-windenergysolutions.co.uk/events.aspxe = See enhanced entry online14www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
WHAT’S NEWForthcoming features• Maintenance Services• Spotlight on Wales• Crisis Management• Coatings and Corrosion Control• Navigation Aids• Skills Gap: 6th form Schools & CollegesPlease contact us if you would liketo be involved in any of these features.<strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong><strong>Network</strong> TV channelThese invaluable industry resources continue to build and weare very pleased with the interest and support of our proposedsponsors. Please give the team a call and find out how to getinvolved in both.Online LibraryThe sections are listed below and will become live as each areais populated with the various articles and features supplied byour experts in the various fields...• Law & Insurance• Health & Safety• Ecology &Environmental Impact• Events &Conferences• Education &Training• Business Development &Management• Research & Development• Careers &Recruitment• Community Engagement/Planning• Engineering• Survey & Archaeology• Innovation & New TechnologiesRemember they are free tocontribute and free to accessTo place your videos or library items online please contactour team and they will do the rest – there is no charge for thisservice, however the decision on what will be accepted is atthe discretion of our editor. As with all our contributions in thepublication and on our website, material must help the industrycommunicate and/or help the industry as a whole.Emailduncan@greenenergypublishing.co.ukPhone01765 644224<strong>Wind</strong> Industry CareerswebsiteThe new website is scheduled to be live in October 2012 and wewill keep you all informed as we progress.Magazine and websiteinteractionAs we have progressed we have realised just how important ourinteractive website is to the industry. In short a magazine has avery limited scope in what it can do – it is out of date as soon asit is printed.The website however is limitless in its scope and can houseall sorts of information, animations, videos, presentations,brochures, technical papers etc etc – the list is endless.Just click on these flashes online.....e = See enhanced entry online= See video library onlineDuncan McGilvray | Editor<strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong>www.windenergynetwork.co.uk15
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong>aninsightExisting ProvisionThere is an Skills Sector Council (SSC)for <strong>Energy</strong> and Utilities, however they onlycover Gas and Waste, the national SkillsAcademy for Environmental Technologiesrun courses in Heat Pumps and Solarenergy only, nothing for wave, tidal or gridbasedwind —they do “Micro-<strong>Wind</strong>”, ietiny domestic but that is all.The problemTo remain insulated against importedenergy and fuel costs we need to provideelectricity within our own shores, thisreinforces the need for renewable energyand ergo personnel trained to provide suchschemes — we have experienced extremedifficulty in recruiting suitable personnel andam sure that we are not alone in this. Thecombined situation of being fully exposedto foreign pricing and time delays in buildingnew plant is not a good situation, if wethen factor in the lack of home-grownknowledge to be able to develop a morerapid, renewable energy response then wehave a recipe for disaster.An article in the May 2012 edition ofQuest magazine (Magazine aimed atthe re-learning of personnel leaving thearmed forces) confirms that the CIPD haveacknowledged an “employment gap” andstates that by 2020, 36% of the workingpopulation will be over 50. Whilst we mustwelcome experience it reinforces the needfor training courses to be designed for PreGCSE students.Suggested solutionTo avoid this we have been activelyworking on the development of a multiagencyapproach to address the issue,negotiations are under way with the SectorSkills Council (SSC) with the ultimate goalto develop a SSC Skills Academy, basedin our offices in Spalding, Lincolnshirespecifically addressing potential knowledgeshortages for the renewables industry.We are currently in discussions with JohnHayes MP (Minister for lifelong learning)who has been extremely supportive, inaddition we are developing accreditedqualifications with a nationally knownuniversity (training will be split between ouroffices, field work and on their campus).Schools ActUnder the Schools Act a single companycannot run such courses, as such itneeds a combined approach fromdevelopers, CPRE, RSPB and so on tocreate a sensible course structure andtrain teachers accordingly. From this wewould need to develop 6th form and SSCbased braining for students who wish tospecialise in specific fields.Joint approachFellow developers must understand thatsuch an approach has a significant lead-intime, there is no quick-fix solution. Whatis required is a joint approach and wewould be delighted to champion such anincentive to ensure we all have access tosuitably trained individuals coming from arobust infrastructure of specialist courses.Only then will we be able to confidentlyrecruit personnel with the requiredknowledge.The costsTo develop a SSC takes not just timebut personnel and office resources, wehave the facilities and office capacitywithin our Spalding base to be able toaccommodate all staff required to developthe SSC, there will be costs involvedin such administration and we must allacknowledge that the resultant knowledgepool will only be beneficial post training.I acknowledge this delay and thatresources may have been allocatedelsewhere.Investment opportunityThe fact is that your future businessneeds will be the driver for all coursedevelopment and as such it is hoped thatyou will see this as a potential secondmentopportunity. Whatever your level of inputI urge fellow developers to acknowledgethis as an investment opportunity, not justto providing training for a new generationof personnel who will greatly enhancefuture business but also an opportunity todemonstrate our industry’s commitmentfor social development.An invitationDear Developer / Interested party – Youare cordially invited to work with us todevelop a sensible approach to the issueof training for Pre – GCSE students, andto assist in developing a sensible structureof courses so that the potential of a skillsgap can be addressed.Keith BrooksProwind (UK) Ltdwww.prowind.co.ukGrowing skills gapThere is a well documented skills gapin the wind energy sector. Last year,a £1.2 million training initiative waslaunched between Government andthe renewables industry to tackle theshortage of skills in our sector.Facts and fuguresThe number of people working in the UK’soffshore sector alone has grown from 700people in 2007 to circa 3,200 in 2011 andacross Europe, more than half a millionpeople will be working for the wind powerindustry in Europe by 2020.RES Group investmentThe wind energy industry has a major roleto play in the economic recovery of theUK economy and RES is playing its partin investing in training and developmentprogrammes to attract new people to ourorganisation and retain existing talent.Electrical engineeringOne of the areas most affected by theskills gap is electrical engineering. Aspart of the RES Group graduate schemewhich has been running since 2009,we have taken on two graduates thisyear. There is no scarcity of graduateelectrical engineering candidates howeverwhat RES and the industry needs mostat this time is experienced engineers.Currently, it can take between seven andeight months to fill a role requiring anexperienced engineer.Finding industry specificinformationWhat both graduates and experiencedcandidates say is that it is difficult to find oneplace to look for information regarding careeropportunities within the renewables industry.While there are a number of initiatives in placewhere companies are coming together tohighlight available roles, there is still a needin the industry and specific to the windenergy sector for one source of informationto be available as careers guide for multiexperiencedjob seekers.RES Groupwww.res-group.co.uke = See enhanced entry online16www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong>Yes we have a skills gapThe National Fluid Power Centreprovides an extensive range of vitaltraining for 18 sectors of industryincluding the sector covering windand renewable energy.All of these sectors are greatly in need ofskilled craftsmen and technicians at a timewhen advances in technology demanda greater range of skills and knowledgeto maintain and manage our integratedsystems.Synergistic teamToday’s power and motion controlsystems require today’s maintenance staffto be part of a synergistic team able todeal with...Structured education andtraining programmeEvery company must align its future bytaking on apprentices and formulating aproper 4 year structured education andtraining programme.Right from the start such anapprenticeship should include educationand training to develop the systems basedengineersI myself started my engineering career asa National Coal Board Craft Apprenticeand was very fortunate to receive anoutstanding 5 year education andtraining programme leading to a formallyrecognised and valid qualification.• Hydraulics• Electrics/electronics• Pneumatics• Mechanical transmissions• Lubrication• ContaminationmanagementIt is now time to bring back the realapprenticeship programmes and this muststart with the employer.John R SavageDirector of the National Fluid PowerCentre (UK)www.nfpc.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinePlus various control andonboard management systemsand more.Demanding roleThis is a demanding role and in manyinstances technology has overtaken thecapability of our workforce in both skillsand actual numbers of trained staff to fullfilsuch roles .ApprenticesSuch places as the NFPC are workinghard to introduce these higher levels ofsystems engineering into their trainingcourses but the ultimate goal of reestablishinggrowth within all sectors is totake on apprentices.The Apprentice is one of the major buildingblocks for the future and absolutely vital.At present we are running ApprenticeSummer Schools and Taster Days tointroduce young apprentices to the world offluid power but this is the tip of the iceberg.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk17
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong> FEATURE - SCHOOLS TO GSCE<strong>Wind</strong> energy industry Skills gapTarget area number 1Getting downwith the kids!Featuring organisations andcompanies who have already madesignificant progress in spreading theword about the industry to primaryand secondary schools up to GCSElevel, with a view to changing theperception of engineering generallyand specifically to attract the desiredwind industry workforce for the futureOur regular readers will have seen theintroduction to our initiative in previouseditions of the magazine.We make no excuses for repeating thatthe main point to get over in this importantindustry feature is that there are a numberof initiatives happening throughout the UKbut we have found that there is very little‘joined up thinking’.As planned we now feature the 1st ofour target areas, which is the next stepin our progress with the ultimate goal ofsatisfying the now recognised future skillsgap within the industry.<strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong> ‘roadshows’It is our intention as we progress totour the UK and organise road-showsat appropriate venues suited to the4 target areas i.e. selected schools,colleges, universities and company sites/forces bases – all decision makers fromthe relevant areas of the industry areenthusiastic about getting involved withthis initiative.<strong>Wind</strong> Industry Careers –interactive websiteWe are now well on our way in setting upa very interactive and informative websitewhich will be useful in attracting people ofall ages and abilities into the wind energyindustry. Please also read our <strong>Wind</strong>Industry Careers initiative update in thisedition to see how we have progressed.We will keep you informed ofdevelopments – in the meantime enjoyreading about some of the initiativespresently happening within this interestingfeature.18www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong> FEATURE - SCHOOLS TO GSCERES Group shows supportfor Global <strong>Wind</strong> DayThe RES Group, one of the world’sleading renewable energy developers,marked Global <strong>Wind</strong> Day with anevent as its UK headquarters inKings Langley recently to showcaseits commitment to wind energy asa secure, clean and cost effectiveoption for current and futuregenerations.SchoolsThe event wasattended by MikePenning, MP forHemel Hempstead,and 120 localchildren fromRedbourn Infant andNursery School andJohn F KennedyCatholic School.The schedule for the event included...• Sessions teaching the children aboutrenewable energy technologies,including wind power• A tour of the RES Group’s state-ofthe-artheadquarters• Four Sixth form students fromnearby JFK secondary school will beawarded with the RES YoungEngineering Excellence AwardRES Group commitmentIan Mays, CEO of the RES Groupcommented: “The RES Group firmlybelieves that wind power is essential tothe UK’s energy mix. We face an energygap when more than 20% of the UK’selectricity generating capacity – ageingcoal and nuclear power stations – willbe retired over the next eight years. Wehave to fill this gap in a secure, lowcarbonand cost-effective way and thereis no better alternative than wind.“Britain’s inexhaustible supplies of windenergy will keep bills down for homesand industry as foreign gas pricescontinue to increase. <strong>Wind</strong> power alsocreates jobs and investment, puttingthe UK at the forefront of the greeneconomy, which is why time and timeagain opinion polls show that the publicare in favour of British wind power.There are many myths about windpower, which need to be dispelled. Theunparalleled benefits of wind energy,along with other sustainable sources,have the power to secure this country’sfuture energy needs.”RES Groupwww.res-group.come = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk19
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong> FEATURE - SCHOOLS TO GSCEAlderman Peel High School andScira Offshore <strong>Energy</strong><strong>Wind</strong> energy skills partnershipsupport from MPNorth Norfolk MP and Business MinisterNorman Lamb visited Alderman Peel HighSchool in Wells-next-the-Sea recentlyto show support for a new partnershipbetween the school and Scira Offshore<strong>Energy</strong>, operator of the Sheringham ShoalOffshore <strong>Wind</strong> Farm, which focuses onwind energy industry career opportunities.Practical initiativesThrough a range of practical initiatives,the partnership will teach studentsabout employment opportunities inthe growing offshore wind sector,and help them find pathways to thoseopportunities. For example, it will includethe introduction of lessons, particularly inScience, Technology, Engineering, Maths(STEM) that use real life examples fromSheringham Shoal and interactions withpeople who carry out the work there.Sheringham Shoal operationalbaseThe wind farm operational base is inWells-next-the-Sea and Mr Lamb, along-term supporter of renewable energy,said it was exciting to see both Sciraand Alderman Peel working together toencourage local young people to look atentering an industry likely to provide somany opportunities to the area in future.Norman Lamb commented, “It is greatto see Alderman Peel High School andScira working together in this way.Renewable energy can bring jobs toNorth Norfolk and we need to ensurethat our young people are equipped withthe skills and awareness that will allowthem to benefit in future.”Alderman Peel headmaster, Alastair Oglesaid the partnership would enhancelearning opportunities for students byenabling them to develop projects withinput from people working in a local, yetglobal, industry, and learn first hand aboutmodels of effective partnership. One suchproject will involve two Scira engineersworking with year 7s on their annual STEMchallenge and facilitating a wind energypractical exercise.“It is fundamentally about ensuring ourstudents develop the abilities and skillsthat wind industry employers like Sciraactually want while providing them withthe educational opportunities, advice,guidance and support to progress furtherinto this expanding industry,” he said.Natural fitScira General Manager, Einar Strømsvågsaid the Alderman Peel partnershipis a pilot of a schools engagementprogramme, which in turn is part ofthe organisation’s broader long termeducation strategy aimed at supportingthe development of skills locally, inpartnership with other groups andeducation facilities in East Anglia.“It is a natural fit for us to start withAlderman Peel as it is such a focal pointin the town where we will have our longterm home,” he said.Future potential employmentDr Marie Strong, County CouncillorWells Division, also lent her support tothe partnership, saying, ”The projecthas important potential for the studentsof Alderman Peel High School. Thereare likely to be a number of outcomes,one of which I believe will be youngpeople able to visualise a whole rangeof careers. Hopefully, with furthereducation, some of these young peoplewill find employment here in Wells.”Sheringham Shoal Offshore <strong>Wind</strong> Farm isnearing its final stage of construction withcompletion scheduled for late summer2012. The project is owned equally byStatoil and Statkraft through joint venturecompany Scira with Statoil the projectmanager during construction.Sheringham Shoal Offshore <strong>Wind</strong>Farmwww.scira.co.uk20www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
<strong>SKILLS</strong> <strong>GAP</strong> FEATURE - SCHOOLS TO GSCECerys, 8,names latestAlicat vesselFor eight-year-old Cerys Jones it was the thrill of choosing the name for thenewest Alicat Workboat built in Great Yarmouth – for the company it was thelatest leg in a £10.5m contract to provide crew transfer vessels for the LondonArray windfarm.Gardline Travelling Teddy BearprojectCerys and her family were joined bythe Mayor of Great Yarmouth, ColleenWalker, and Shelby Allen, 8, representingGreenacre School, Great Yarmouth, oneof 12 local primary schools in the GardlineTravelling Teddy Bear project whichencourages youngsters’ interest in thewider world.Scroby Sands tripAll the guests enjoyed a trip on the EllidaArray to one of the Scroby Sands turbinesbefore the girls were treated to moretraditional rides at Great Yarmouth’sJoyland, courtesy of owner David Cole.“It was all great,” said Cerys, afterwards.Ellida ArrayThanks to Cerys, the new boat will becalled Ellida Array and the schoolgirl andher family were guests of honour for thename unveiling and blessing at TrinityQuay, Great Yarmouth recently.Gardline charterThe 18m catamaran will shortly startwork off Kent, the third and final Alicat tobe chartered by London Array, throughGardline, to work alongside sister vesselsMarian Array and Smeaton Array on around-the-clock 3-5 year contract.The trio of boats, two equipped with Mannengines and Rolls Royce jet units, andone with Caterpillar engines and fixedpropellers are the most advanced yet tobe produced by Alicat.The Ellida Array is the 11th Alicat to bebuilt in Great Yarmouth over the past twoyears and another four are presently underconstruction.A VikingconnectionKent schoolgirlCerys came upwith the name ina competition foryoungsters. Shechose it because infolklore, when theVikings landed inKent, Ellida was thename given to thefirst Viking to stepashore. It is also the name of a moth.Michael Martins, Gardline Coastal Servicesbusiness manager, said he was impressedby the research Cerys put into her choice:“We had many great suggestions butEllida Array stood out for its historicalconnection and the imagination ofbeing named after a moth which alsoharnesses windpower.”“I never dreamed I would see the nameon a real boat.” Now she will be pointing itout to all her friends and family whenever itsails in to Ramsgate.Before the sea trip, the vessel was blessedby the Rev Peter Paine, chaplain toGardline.Gardlinewww1.gardline.come = See enhanced entry online= See video library onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 21
youngshipMersey MaritimeYoungShippresentationWe were recently invited to a new initiative from YoungShip originally foundedin Oslo, Norway, but with global intentions, to encourage young people to jointhe maritime industry.Matt Treadwell who gave the presentationhas worked for some years in Oslo and isnow heading up what will effectively be theUK base in Liverpool.Various interested parties came alongto find out more and this is just anotherproject which fits well with our Skills Gapinitiative so is well worth highlighting forthe benefit of the industry.Companies and organisations in the windenergy industry based in Norway see thebenefit of an organisation like this andit would seem very relevant to the UKbecause of the opportunities involved foryoung people.We will be reporting on YoungShip as itprogresses in the UK but also featuringsome of their leading lights based inNorway in future editions.In the meantime Matt Treadwell letsus know about the background to theproject......24www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
youngshipYoungShipYoungShip was formed topromote competence and networkdevelopment, and promote youngprofessionals in the global maritimeindustry. We also promote equalityand social responsibility.The Liverpool branch was initiatedby myself, Matt Treadwell who was aformer board member of YoungShipOslo. YoungShip Oslo has been a greatinspiration for the Maritime community inNorway and realised the great opportunityLiverpool also had to help promote thecurrent maritime expertise as well as itsmaritime heritage (over 750 years!).Fantastic responseAfter carrying out meetings with variouscompanies since September 2011,the response from the local Maritimecommunity has been fantastic and wewould like to thank everyone who hasbeen involved in the development so far!We would also like to make a specialthank you to the Mersey Maritime Groupfor their support and facilitating theYoungShip Liverpool launch.Global contactsYoungShip currently has over 2500members with branches in Norway,Singapore, Brazil, Cyprus and nowthe UK! The work carried out byall the local board members isvoluntary and any sponsorship/membership fees goes directlyinto helping the younggeneration of tomorrowdevelop.20 year global maritimeindustry age gapAt the moment there is a 20 year age gapwithin the Maritime Industry globally withexperience retiring to the new youngertalent/professionals coming in.Therefore one key area for YoungShipis to initiate and promote mentoringprogrammes with the experience fromthe industry and the ambitious younggenerations who will follow in theirfootsteps. Another area is to promotethe shipping industry to the educationalinstitutions from a young perspective andmake more people aware of the careeropportunities which are out there.Other industry challengesIn addition to the age gap, the shippingindustry at the moment faces a numberof other challenges to reduce fuelconsumption, air emissions, bio-foulingand general costs which is why innovationis an important area for investment.<strong>Wind</strong> industryOne area in which a lot of investmenthas been shown is within the windsector which is why we will continuediscussions with the <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong><strong>Network</strong>. Although this is apopular topic there is a limited source ofinformation out there to provide a goodunderstanding of the challenges as wellas the benefits of choosing this sourceof energy to the shipping industry. Withthat said it also identifies a number ofopportunities for young people to look intoand take control of going forward.The future generationYoungShip shall encourage, motivate,innovate, inspire and aspire the futuregeneration in the maritime industry andwe thank the <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong> forallowing us an insight into this sectorwhich we will continue to work togetheron and explore.Matt TreadwellYoungShipwww.youngshipmore.nowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk25
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTWelcome to our extendedbusiness development sectionThis area of interestcontinues to grow, probablybecause there are manySMEs who are either inthe industry already or arelooking to expand theirhorizons to take advantageof the opportunities availableto them.In many cases these SMEs have foundthe business management materialvery useful and we have also receivedvery favourable comments fromlarge multi- national companies andorganisations – ‘short and to the pointcontributions which make us thinkabout how we manage our company’was just one comment made directlyto us at a recent conference.John Britton – BCG BridgepointLtdWe open our business developmentsection in this edition by introducingyou to John Britton, whom many will beaware of his contribution to business,predominantly in the Humber area butJohn has also worked internationally in avariety of business advisory positions.His introductory article we are sure you willfind thought provoking, so please feel freeto contact us with your comments.Renewables <strong>Network</strong>management workshopsJohn will be running a series of workshopsfor Renewables <strong>Network</strong> and you willfind more detail of these at the end of hisfirst article – we will be reporting on theworkshops in future editions so that it willnot only be those who attend who willbenefit from his advice.BCG Bridgepoint LtdJohn Britton established BCG BridgepointLtd with colleagues in 2007 to supportprivate sector SMEs in the promotion oftheir businesses to public sector buyers inthe e-procurement environment.Quality Management SystemsprincipalsAs the market has changed to becomemore private to private over the recentpast the nature of BCG Bridgepoint’ssupport has developed as well, to becomemore concerned with the degree of teamownership of QMS principles, as the basisfor sustainable profitable performance.Renewables <strong>Network</strong> LtdMore recently John and the team atBCG Bridgepoint have worked closelywith Renewables <strong>Network</strong> Ltd in thespecific sector of renewable energyproduction. Their combination of supplychain management expertise and industryknowledge is increasingly in demand fromcompanies who have ambitions to besignificant suppliers in the market.26 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTRenewable <strong>Energy</strong>Sector ExpansionMuch has been written to drawattention to the significantopportunities for the United Kingdomas a whole, and the Humber regionin particular, that are presented bythe growth of Renewable <strong>Energy</strong>production over the next two decades.Offshore windThese opportunities are no moredramatically quantified than in theparticular sector of offshore wind. Figure 1shows the changing status of UK offshorewind capacity between 2010 and 2030.CapacityFigure 1 shows that the installed capacityof UK offshore wind will be approximately4 times bigger in 2016 than it was just twoyears ago in 2010; and 8 times bigger in2030 than in 2016 (i.e. 32 times biggeroverall). That doesn’t necessarily mean32 times more nuts and bolts, or steelladders, or pieces of lifting equipment; butit does mean ‘a hell of a lot’ more of allthese things.If I was an SME making steel ladders Iwould be asking myself NOW...Source: EWEA Report ‘<strong>Wind</strong> in Our Sails’ July 2011In truth, every source of renewable energywill experience a challenging degree ofgrowth in the next decades as we realisethat carbon, as a source of energy, isunaffordable for economic, environmentaland political reasons.However, the cleanly defined offshorewind sector contains all the lessons thatwe need to know and master if we are toreap the benefits of this transformation.Capacity and cultureIf a company, in any part of the supplychain, hopes to win its part of theeconomic explosion that UK offshorewind energy production will deliver it willneed to ensure that two aspects of itsperformance are ‘fit for purpose’. Theseare capacity and culture.• “How can I make my productioncapacity 10 times bigger than it isnow?”• “How much bigger will my factoryneed to be?”• “Can it be that big in this location, orwill I have to move?”• “What technical investments areavailable to transform myproductivity?”• “How many people will I need toproduce 10 times more?”• “What competence will my team needthat it doesn’t have now?”• “How much working capital will Ineed to maintain a positive cash flowin transition?”10 times moreI chose 10 times because, even allowingfor the more fierce competition that a 32times market growth will inevitably attract,any business worth its salt should be ableto benefit by at least this much. Also 10times allows you to picture the ‘scale up’quite easily.Even though you can now picture 10times more machines on the factory floor,10 times more people in the canteen, 10times more cars in the car park, or 10times more raw materials in the store, I betyou have never let yourself indulge suchthoughts until now.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk27
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTCONT...Reality not fantasyThe point is that this is not fantasy. Ifyou are to get what you deserve fromthis opportunity this is the minimum ofplanning that you must do.And if you are the company that suppliesthe steel ladder maker with the rods for histreads, then the same applies to you. Howwill you supply him with 10 times more?Capacity is quantitative, but Culture isqualitative. You may be reading thispuzzling over the issues of quantitativechange, even to the point of realisationthat time is short to meet the challenge.And you would be right to draw such aconclusion, time is indeed short.If you wish to improve yourcompetitiveness then these changes needto be made in time. Otherwise it is yourcustomer service that will suffer.And when the end product of the supplychain is a perfect, on time installation ofa turbine 100 kilometres out in the NorthSea then poor customer service will bepunished without mercy.But the quantitative capacity change willbe the easy bit.CultureWe all know that the culture of anorganisation cannot be ‘traded in’ and anew culture installed over the weekendready for start-up on Monday morning.But it can be developed from its currentstatus, at a natural pace, so that everyindividual can take ownership of newprinciples.Individual ownershipIndividual ownership is the key phrase,particularly in a quickly growingorganisation – it is the decisions takenand executed by each individual in theteam that delivers the performance thateveryone else evaluates as the culture ofthe organisation.No one individual can control thatperformance to the extent that thedecisions of all other individuals areimmaterial.Why am I getting so ‘heavy’?Because the qualitative evaluation ofyour team by the companies at the headof this supply chain is the toughest GO/NO GO decision to which you are everlikely to be subjected. In the businessof installing and maintaining a hugelysophisticated production machine (windturbine) in a hugely hostile productionenvironment (North Sea) the principlesof risk minimisation and performancemaximisation take on a significance that,culturally, any business in the supply chainneeds to embrace.Experience and lessons learnedAny company that has had experienceas a third tier supplier in the automotivesupply chain is well aware that theprogress chaser in the car factory maynot necessarily pay a call on him; but thatthe progress chaser is minutely aware ofhis production schedule and of any risksto continuous supply that is posed by hisperformance.Badges ‘stuck in the window’Companies that culturally dwell in thebelief that ISO9001 is merely a badgethat has to be bought and ‘stuck in thewindow’ in order to satisfy a buyer thatthe company is driven by, and benefitsfrom a Quality Management System(QMS) are non-starters in a supply chaingoverned by risk minimisation.Sadly, there have been and there still arefar too many procurement officers whoallow this charade of a badge ‘stuck inthe window’ to pass as a satisfactoryevaluation; and far too many qualitymanagement consultants who ensure thatthe only thing that is sold is the badge tostick in the window. It is their fault thatso many suppliers have lost sight of thecultural requirements of performing inprofessional supply chains.More than just QMSBut these cultural requirements demandmuch more than just QMS. They alsodemand environmental responsibility,social responsibility, and robustoperational continuity management.Have I persuaded you that the time yourequire to develop your organisation’sculture from the one it is now to the onethat...• Ensures clear objectives cascadedfrom sound strategic goals• Demands individual understanding ofand commitment to these objectives• Invests in the expertise, equipmentand work environment required toexcel• Provides the opportunity for individualambitions to complement team goals• Concentrates on building strengthsinstead of trying to convertweaknesses• Invests in its community• Is a transformation that you need tobegin today?28 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT‘short and to thepoint contributionswhich make usthink about howwe manage ourcompany’No?If that is because this is your culturealready then congratulations, you arealready attracting the attention of the bestclients in many supply chains, but youknow that already.If that is because this is the first timeyou have realised that these will be thedemands made of you then give me a ringtoday and we can start to address theissues together.If that is because you don’t believe it then Icongratulate you for having read this far – Iam surprised that you have the time.John’s workshop programme forRenewables <strong>Network</strong> is scheduled to be...2012• Sep 12th - Knowing the Market• Oct 10th - Your Goals andCompetence• Nov 14th - Decreasing Waste• Dec 12th - Increasing Performance2013• 5. Jan 9th - Securing Continuity• 6. Feb 13th - Management QualityJohn BrittonBCG Bridgepoint Ltdwww.bcg-bridgepoint.co.ukRenewables <strong>Network</strong>www.renewablesnetwork.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk29
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTTurningAppraisals IntoReviews ThatWork!Focus on the positiveWhy is it that in many organisations,both employee and managergenerally dread “appraisals”, whenthey’re meant as such a positivetool and offer such great potentialfor developing people? Perhaps it’sbecause the whole concept of amanager sitting in judgement of anemployee and telling them the good,the bad and the ugly, just doesn’t sitwell in modern times.Performance DevelopmentReviews (PDRs)Re-framing “appraisals” as PerformanceDevelopment Reviews (PDRs) with anemphasis on coaching and re-enforcingpositive behaviours, can have a materialeffect on driving performance andengagement from staff. To get the bestout of PDRs, both sides need to investtime in preparation – we find a simple2-page form acts as an effective tool tostimulate discussion.Employees should do most ofthe talkingDuring the PDR, it’s important for the onusto be on the employee to do most of thetalking, with the manager asking open(how, what, etc) coaching questions. Twowayfeedback is of course critical, and thefocus should be on highlighting positiveachievements, attitudes and behavioursgiving specific examples of each. Everyone(without exception!) will of course have2-3 specific areas for improvement andhighlighting these, again with specificexamples, can really give the context tomaking this feedback less emotionallysensitive.Personal development plansAll PDRs should always ask the question,“How can you improve”, followed by “Howelse”, “How else” - it’s good to recordany support and development actionsthat come out of these discussions ina form of “personal development plan”.PDRs are a great opportunity to set/re-setexpectations and perfect for promotingalignment with company values andorganisational goals.However you go about the reviews, theone critical aspect of the experience forthe employee is that they feel challengedin a positive way during my PDR meetingand at the end, feel motivated aboutworking towards achieving their newobjectives and embracing their personaldevelopment actions.Why not try morphing your “appraisals”into PDRs and see what a difference it canmake!Paul Luenwww.martek-marine.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 31
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTMaking the Most ofMeetings at WorkPart One: The Executive Secretary RoleWe introduce franknewberry to ourextended businessdevelopment featureFrank Newberry picturedleft, at a meetingFrank is fairly well known in a number of diverse industriesand just recently has built up a following in the Nuclearindustry.Frank has been helping people to get better results in theworkplace for over 30 years.Please do not hesitate to get in touch through Frank’s website(link at the end of his article).32www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTTrainer andMotivationalSpeaker FrankNewberry isconvincedthat we canall contributeto makingmeetings atwork moreproductiveand moreenjoyable.Voluntary sector involvementI was recently asked to stand for electionto serve on a number of brand newcommittees and Boards in the voluntarysector. I could try for Chair or Vice Chairof a Congress size group of people (morethan 20 members) or to serve on one offour smaller committees (less than 20members each).Once elected to one of the smallercommittees I might then be asked tostand for election as that committee’schair or vice chair. The organisationrunning these elections was also lookinginformally for minute-takers.Government initiativeThese committees are one of the waysthe current government is trying to engagepeople in decision making locally. Youmay already be serving on one of thesecommittees yourself.Most of us hardly knew eachotherI should point out that, at this early stage,we were effectively electing each other.Everyone was being asked to stand foreverything so that people had somesort of a choice of candidate. Again, atthis state most of us hardly knew eachother or quite understood what the newcommittees’ powers would be.A conscious decisionIt was for this reason (the ignorance andthe unfamiliarity) that I decided againststanding for any of the jobs on offerpreferring instead to suggest that therewas another way that I might help theCongress level people at their monthlymeetings.Accordingly at the next meeting - underthe heading of ‘any other business’- I waselected unopposed and unanimously tobe the Executive Secretary to Congress.I was also asked if I would be the MinuteTaker but I declined. I figured will have myhands full enough because it is the jobof the Executive Secretary to assist theChair by working to make the meetingsthemselves more productive.My job was to be the ‘engine oil’When I first worked as an ExecutiveSecretary I was told that the committeeI would serve was ‘like an engine’ whichmade all the decisions and carried outthe action points. My job was to be the‘engine oil’ that ensured the smoothrunning of the engine.My roleMy job, in a nutshell, will be to work withthe Congress Chair - before, during andafter meetings - by helping him or her to...• Prepare and circulate meaningfulagendas (before the meeting)• Determine who does which actionpoints (during the meeting), and then• Chase up the action points (after themeeting) so that progress is made asintendedIn my first stint in this role I served onthree church charity committees whosemembers included foreign bankers fromthe City of London and top businessmen- all of whom were very busy in their ‘dayjobs’. I quickly realised why they were atthe top of their profession.They worked hard and appreciated otherswho worked hard.Fortunately for me they all seemed to thinkthat I was a hard worker so they werevery responsive to me and my regular‘reminders’ to them about their actionpoints.The best job I ever hadNowadays if I am asked, I say it was thebest job I ever had.Why? Because I had all of the power(in these relationships with committeemembers) and none of the responsibility. Itwas also the best job I ever had becausethe committees got so much more workdone and this benefited many, manypeople in need.So if your meetings at work need aboost then consider giving someone theExecutive Secretary role. In Part Two, I willlook at decision making in meetings andsome ground rules to keep them on track.Frank Newberrywww.franknewberry.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk33
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTBusinessdevelopmentwelcome again to Andy McLaughlin...34www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTProspectingwith a planA good pool of prospects is one of the keys to a successful selling career.Knowing how to prospect effectively keeps a career vital, and is truly thelifeblood of sales. Yet, so many sales professionals overlook the crucialelement of having a prospecting plan. With a plan to follow, you can measureyour efforts and results.The MixA good prospecting plan includes severaltypes of activities. Some examplesinclude: cold phone calls, referrals, talks,mailings and networking. While mostsalespeople have a variety of activitiesavailable to them, they tend to use onlya few, either because they have a certaincomfort level with some activities, ora discomfort with others. Mixing youractivities takes the pressure off any oneactivity to provide your livelihood. If you’renot comfortable with an approach, investtime to improve your skills, and ultimatelyyour comfort level, to make other activitieswork for you.“If you don’tknow whereyou’re going,how will youknow when youget there?”The ActionProspecting activities are either active orpassive. Active prospecting gives youcomplete control over how the activity iscarried out. For example, making coldcalls is active. You control who you call,how often you call, how many calls youmake, and what you say. Advertising ispassive as you can’t control whether apiece gets to its intended destination, isread, or generates a response. Althoughyou can increase your response rate byoffering free samples, a bonus or otherpremium, you give up most control byadvertising.To achieve desired results, mix youractive and passive prospecting. Passiveactivities may be more comfortable, butcomfort may not be the answer to yourprospecting challenge.The PlanWhen you’ve decided which activitiesto pursue, put them on your calendar.Schedule your activities according to time,budget, resources and target audienceconsiderations. And be sure to put yourpreparation activities (preparing a seminar,writing your newsletter or composing yourmailing) in no-pay time. A budget shouldaccompany your prospecting calendar.Will there be labour, equipment, facility orprint costs? These elements all factor intoyour choice of prospecting activities andtheir weight in your mix.The ResultsOnce you’ve chosen your mix, plannedyour actions, scheduled your activitiesand carried out your plan, what werethe results? Where did your leads comefrom, and which activities generated theleads that translated into appointments?Although different activities may producevarying results, you’ll probably find that aplan that reflects a variety of methods willpay off. And you may even find successwith an activity you thought wouldn’t workfor you, or that you were reluctant to try.Each prospecting plan is unique, but allhave elements in common: they shouldinclude a mix of activities that are feasiblefor your situation and have action stepsfor those activities based on resourcesavailable and scheduling constraints. Asthe saying goes, “If you don’t know whereyou’re going, how will you know when youget there?”Andy McLaughlinSanders Trainingwww.centralnorth-east.sandler.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk35
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTUsing businessAs a force forGOOD!RICHARD BRANSON madea great statement that Iheard when taking part insome training recently, hetalks about ‘USING BUSINESSAS A FORCE FOR GOOD’ as anunderpinning philosophy inVirgin.I have borrowed that phrasebecause positively impactingupon the health and wellbeingof individuals by carrying outinterventions in the workplace,and in creating both health andwealth in our communities, issurely about using business as aforce for good.MY PASSION FOR WELLBEING......becoming the focus of all my workstarted about 7 years ago when Icame to my own conclusions thatthe corporate world was an excellentplatform that could positively affect thehealth and wellbeing of individuals.Back then my focus was fairly narrowwith the emphasis on how leaders andmanagers could truly make a differencejust by being good skilled leaders ofpeople. That is of course still essential toany organisation’s strategy for influencingthe wellbeing of their workforce. Over theyears the amount of support that can beprovided for companies to give a muchmore extensive approach to the subjectarea has grown immensely. Organisationscan access a great deal of support tohelp them influence this vital area, anddepending upon the company size, formany organisations this can be gained forFREE.WELLBEING CHAMPION COMPANIES......are popping up regularly now in mygeneral day to day work and it is great towalk into a premises and see evidenceof this and the impact that it doeshave on those people employed there.Whether this is the bowls of fruit available,pleasant thoughtful surroundings or easilyaccessible information on health fromstopping smoking; to getting your five fruitand veg a day and having a healthy heartit is truly great to see.WELLBEING FRAMEWORKS......are a great way to provide the strategicdirection and the way in which to embedwellbeing in day to day business practices.In my last article I said I would focus onwriting about using the frameworks andsupport that are available to organisationsin their efforts, and these can be for thesmaller company right through to thelargest. I have provided some contactdetails for in particular the North East.AS A WELLBEING CHAMPION......in one of the small marine /manufacturing North East businesses Isupport, employing 20 people, recentlywe undertook the process of a healthneeds assessment with the workforce.The employees had the opportunity tocomplete questionnaires about healthconcerns in general and at work, leadingto a feedback report and discussion onthe results and how the company couldbe supported in delivering this.TARGETTED ACTION......is now being taken relevant to employeeneeds, thereby removing the issue of‘why’ there is often a poor take up inbusiness of interventions that are simplythought to be needed or seemed like agood idea. There were some interestingand unexpected comments, fromconcerns on lone working and workingat heights as well as back care and moregeneral health issues. This has raisedawareness of health related factorsaffecting people in the company thatmanagement were not aware.THE PROCESS IN EASY STEPS• The Company contacts a provider• A confidential health needsassessment questionnaire is providedand completed by employees on theirgeneral and workplace healthconcerns• These are submitted to a NHS HeathImprovement Practitioner• A report on staff responses iscompiled with identified health andwellbeing concerns and a feedbackmeeting with the Organisation iscarried out with plans for relevantaction• Support can be provided in the formof information and booklets as wellas a FREE NHS Health Check that cantake place in the workplace forpersons aged between 40–74. Thistakes 20 minutes and could add yearsto the lives of individuals taking part asit checks a number of things andidentifies a risk score36www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
SPONSORS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTThis particular company I referred to isnot currently considering seeking a formalaward. For those organisations that areready, an awards framework can providethe building blocks for a great plan andstructure, as well as valuable resources toassist in achieving successful outcomes.NORTH EAST BETTER HEALTH ATWORK AWARDThis is unique in the North East givingthe opportunity for organisations to worktoward an award that has been developedto give recognition to workplaces whichactively promote workplace health.A partnership between workplaces, publichealth departments and other healthimprovement specialists, there are levelsof bronze silver and gold leading toincreased excellence in the organisationdemonstrating evidence based practiceachieving some of the well documentedbenefits for employers including:• Improved workplace health• Improved staff morale, loyalty andretention• Improved corporate image• Reduced absenteeism• Increased productivityThe award is managed by an organisationcalled Amacus who will supportorganisations from diagnostic through toimplementation; there is access to FREEresources to support organisations in theirimportant efforts.INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD andTHE HEALTH & WELLBEING GOODPRACTICE AWARDWhether new to Investors in People, ora seasoned achiever, there is much toassist here. Again, there are a number oflevels that organisations can achieve asthey implement their wellbeing practices inincremental easy to manage stages.There are workshops to inform andsupport through the process, case-studiesof organisations that have achieved thestandard and will share the benefits totheir company and people of this. Thereare useful downloads, hints, tips, andthoughts easily accessible that show thewell-known standard for IIP and the Healthand Wellbeing Good Practice AwardAnd so to close, no matter what stageyour organisation is in its journey regardingthe health of your workforce, or the sizeof company from small to extremely large,there is an extensive amount of resourceto support efforts. Collectively we canmake a huge difference to creating bothwealth and health in our communities.Amacuswww.amacusltd.co.ukInvestors In Peoplewww.investorsinpeople.co.uk/healthandwellbeingPartnering4Performancewww.partnering4performance.come = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk37
HEALTH & SAFETYThe BOW-TIE MethodIn a previous issue, Risktec discussed the steps of an effective risk managementprocess and highlighted the importance of risk assessment/analysis withinthis process. A number of differing techniques are available for assessing oranalysing risk (e.g. risk assessment matrices) and in this issue, Risktec focusesupon a powerful and increasingly popular risk assessment technique, the Bow-Tie method.Figure 1: The Bow-TieWhat is a Bow-Tie?The Bow-Tie method, so called because it describes the management of risk in theshape of a bow-tie, is an extremely powerful way of clearly illustrating how risk is beingmanaged within an operation, business etc. It helps ensure that risks are managed ratherthan just analysed, partly by going beyond the usual risk assessment ‘snapshot’ andhighlighting the links between risk controls and management systems.38www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETYAn Elegant Solution?Figure 2: Building the Bow-TieA bow-tie diagram provides a readilyunderstoodvisualisation of therelationships between the causes ofbusiness upsets (hazards which, ifrealised, could compromise businessobjectives e.g. impact on health, safety,the environment, operations etc.), theescalation of such events, the controlspreventing the event from occurring andthe preparedness measures in place tolimit the impact (see Figure 1). The powerof a bow-tie diagram is that it provides anoverview of multiple plausible scenarios ina single picture.Building the Bow-TieA bow-tie diagram is built by asking astructured set of questions in a logicalsequence (see Figure 2). The completedbow-tie illustrates the hazard, its causesand consequences, the controls tominimise the risk, and a list of the criticaltasks undertaken to ensure ongoingintegrity of these controls.Bow-Ties are best constructed viafacilitated workshops involving people whoare regularly confronted with the risks.This is proven to be the most effective wayof identifying real controls and capturingcurrent practice. Honesty is an essentialingredient during these sessions if anyweaknesses in controls are going to beuncovered. To encourage honesty, theworkshop needs to be run in an open andengaging fashion, and an independentfacilitator can often help to create such anenvironment.To provide a practical example of acompleted bow-tie, we can again lookat our multi-purpose “Tiger in Cage”analogy. In this example, wild animals (i.e.tigers) are the hazard, with the top event(i.e. when control of hazard is lost) beingtiger escape from the cage. The threats,consequences, barriers and recoverypreparedness measures for this scenariocan be easily understood at a glance asillustrated in Figure 3.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk39
HEALTH & SAFETYFigure 3: “Tiger in Cage” Bow-Tie40www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETYBenefits of the Bow-Tie Method1. Logical, structured understandingRisk assessments can have atendency to concentrate on thelevel of risk only, rather thanconsidering all aspects of themanagement of risk. The structuredapproach of the bow-tie forces anassessment of how well all initialcauses are being controlled andhow well prepared the organisationis to recover should things start togo wrong. This logical approach oftenidentifies gaps and issues that aremissed by other techniques.2. Clear communication andimproved understandingBy visually illustrating the hazard,its causes and consequences, and thecontrols to minimise the risk, the bowtiecan be readily understood atall levels, from senior managers andoperations personnel, to regulatorsand members of the public.3. Greater ownershipBow-tie workshops encourageparticipation and stimulatecommunication between keystakeholders, whether from thecompany, contractors or externalparties, who all have a role to playin managing risk and yet may not beinvolved in more traditionaltechniques. When people feelinvolved they tend to ‘buy-in’ to theprocess. When action is takenbased on what they say, people willtake ownership. All of which lendsitself to more effective riskmanagement.4. Efficiency gainsBow-ties help identify where resourcesshould be focused for risk reduction(i.e. prevention or mitigation), thusreducing the volume of safetyanalysis, leading to a potentialreduction in unnecessary/lowerimportance barriers.5. ALARP DemonstrationBow-ties are an effective tool forqualitative demonstration that hazardsare being managed to a level whichis As Low As Reasonably Practicable(ALARP). The bow-tie diagramclearly identifies all existing barriers inplace to prevent realisation of ahazard, and prompts operators to ask“is there anything more we canreasonably do?”6. “Future Proof” Risk ManagementUnlike other risk assessmenttechniques, the bow-tie illustrates notonly what controls are currently inplace, but, through the use ofcritical tasks, why they will still be theretomorrow.So where do Bow-Ties fit in?Bow-tie diagrams can be generated forevery hazard identified for any particularoperation at any point in its life cycle.However, it is clearly not appropriate,efficient or cost effective to constructdiagrams for all identified hazards. Bowtiediagrams are most commonly used,and realise the largest benefit in analysingmajor hazards.The Risk Assessment Matrix, discussedin a previous issue (see February/March2012), can be utilised as a “screening”tool to identify major hazards requiringfurther investigation, with bow-tiediagrams clearly identifying the controls/mitigations against such hazards.Limitations of the Bow-TieMethodOf course bow-ties are not the panaceafor all risk management problems. Ifyou want to quantify your level of risk inabsolute terms then the bow-tie methodwill not help directly. Similarly, if you wantto model complex inter-relationshipsbetween your risk controls, there arebetter ways than using bow-ties.As with all risk assessment techniques,the quality of the information output isdependent on the quality of the individualsleading the workshops/assessmentand the team assembled to assist. Thedanger exists that, due to the apparentsimplicity of the bow-tie diagram,such assessments are undertaken byinexperienced personnel and withoutthe direct input from all involved parties(operations, maintenance etc.). Insuch a scenario, bow-ties could begenerated which do not represent theon-site operations and omit key threats,consequences or controls.In summary, a number of differingtechniques are available for assessingrisk. However if you want to removethe mystique of risk management andobtain insights into your risk controlsthat are easy to understand and easyto communicate, then there is no bettermethod than bow-ties.James SneddonRisktec Solutions Ltdwww.risktec.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk41
LAWPatentsPatents give their owners the highest levellegal protection in the area of intellectualproperty rights. Patents are very much acommercial IP right and protect inventions.Please do be aware that patents can alsoprotect an improvement or an idea.It may also be the case in this sector that apatent has been obtained for one functionbut can be used in a completely differentcontext, such as a bearing protection orfluid protection system which is enhancedand adapted for offshore use. In certainsituations, this would also be capable ofpatent protection in its own right.A patent gives the holder a right to amonopoly right for twenty years. Patentis derived from “letters patent” meaning adescription of the inventions made publicin return for the grant by the Crown ofthe period of protection. The reasoningbehind this is that an individual who hasexpended time and effort in inventing anew concept should have the benefit ofthis.Please note that the information relatingto a patent does have to be kept in thestrictest confidence before the patent canbe filed. This comes on to the next area ofconfidential information.Confidential InformationIt is perhaps misleading to have thisheading in an article on IP as the law ofconfidence is not an IP right in the truesense. Given its significance however, it isoften classified along with the other rightsand it is clearly associated with them.It is imperative in the renewables sector inlight of its “newness” that ideas are keptconfidential. Certainly before businessesagree to meet or discuss concepts orideas, strong confidentiality agreementsshould be put in place. To the extentthat intellectual property rights need to beprotected then this should be specificallynoted in the confidentiality agreement.Awareness and protectionThe key issue for businesses operatingin this sector is going to be awarenesswhen considering intellectual propertyrights. It is also worth reiterating that IPwhich may have been protected in thepast, but which is going to be used in anew context, should also be reviewed andconsidered.The advice is to register where possibleand certainly take steps to protectintellectual property or ideas by usingconfidentiality agreements or othermethods where rights are unregistered.Marie Kell (head of commercial andintellectual property)Andrew Jackson Solicitorswww.andrewjackson.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 43
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREInnovation andNew TechnologyFeatureInnovation is the by word forthe wind energy industry. In noother industry have we seensuch growth in such a shortspace of time. Engineeringproblem solvers continue toastound us with their ingenuityand ‘the answer is yes now whatis the question’ attitude.We start this substantialfeature with ZF Services whosaw an opening way back in2009 and had the foresight toprepare for this massive marketplace.Unique <strong>Wind</strong> TurbineGearbox Overhaul andTest Facilities Keep UK<strong>Wind</strong> Farm Operators inGenerating ModeOperating in a wind energy market that’s not only oneof the most productive in Europe but also a world leaderin establishing off-shore wind farms, the UK’s windturbine operators are dependent on a sound supportinfrastructure. To assist the industry in this respect,ZF Services UK Ltd set up a new wind turbine gearboxrepair and overhaul facility in 2009 at its Nottinghamheadquarters. Now firmly established in the wind energymarket, the company continues to invest in the facility tocope with the growing demand for a UK-based service.Unique implementation44www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREAlthough the basis of the service isstraightforward, the implementation isunique, providing facilities unavailableelsewhere in the UK and enablingsignificantly faster turnaround timesthan available from original equipmentmanufacturers situated elsewhere inEurope. TheNottingham sitefor exampleboasts the onlypurpose-builtwind turbinegearbox validationtest rig in theUK and the onlyone in the ZFGroup outside ofits wind turbineheadquarters inDortmund.Scope of activitiesTo date, the smallest gearbox servicedin the ZF Services UK wind turbineoverhaul facility is three tonnes in weightand the largest 11.5 tonnes, but thelifting gear and test rig are capable ofhandling gearboxes of up to 30 tonnes.Maintenance and repair of gearboxes caninclude items such as brakes, oil coolers,torque arms, rotor shaft repairs, gearanalysis using video endoscopy, vibration/oil analysis and equipment updates.Overhaul processDuring disassembly, the condition ofeach internal component is inspectedand recorded. Failure mode and causeare noted where applicable, helping tominimise the risk of repeat or prematurefailure. During overhaul, bearings and sealsare replaced with OE parts. Gears, shafts,and bores are measured against OEdrawings to assess whether componentsare within tolerance and can be safely reused,or require specialist refurbishmentor replacement. To save cost and time,damaged gears within tolerance canoften be reground using the latest CNCtechnology and machinery, but where thisis not possible they are replaced with OEquality gears. Similarly, bores and shaftscan be brought back within specificationusing proven and accepted recoverytechniques.Gears and shafts beyond the limits for saferecovery are replaced by OE standardcomponents meeting the rigorousstandards demanded by the wind turbineindustry. In instances where parts areobsolete or prove hard to obtain, ZFServices UK’s specialist suppliers arecapable of reverse engineering these toOE standards.Updates and upgradesZF Services has access to the latest OEupgrade information, and through itscentral wind turbine gearbox design anddevelopment facility can also offer bespokesolutions to gearbox problems. Theseservices include updating gearboxes tothe latest design standards, upgradinglubrication systems, and reprofiling gearteeth to ensure optimum efficiency andincreased component longevity.Unique test facilityEvery wind turbine gearbox overhauledat ZF Services UK undergoes a rigoroustest procedure of around eight hours’duration before release to the customer.This is achieved using a unique, purposebuiltvalidation rig designed for partial loadtesting of gearboxes from turbines of up toapproximately 2.5 megawatts generatingcapacity. Capable of delivering more than64,000 Nm torque, the test rig appliesa load through the gearbox via a slavegearbox and output motor. Adjustabledrive and load motors are used to copewith the variation in height and width ofdifferent gearboxes.The equipment can analyse oil flow andpressure, gearbox temperature, toothcontact pattern, and noise and vibrationprofiles, and thermal imaging is used toensure that there are no local hot spots inthe gearbox. Current draw, temperature,vibration and torque figures are recordedon the test rig’s human-machine interface(HMI) panel, with a data logging frequencyof at least 10 Hz.Vital checks<strong>Wind</strong> turbine gearbox bearings may failprematurely if not correctly installed, soparticular attention is given to monitoringthat all bearings are precisely set and notpreloaded. Cleanliness of the gearboxoil is another critical factor in componentlongevity. The oil filtering unit checks forcorrect oil flow and filters oil down to atleast 14/11 cleanliness code as definedby the ISO4406:1999 standard, ensuringthat the gearbox is free of any particulatecontaminants prior to despatch.Future enhancementsThe ZF Services UK wind turbine gearboxoverhaul facility will shortly have a fullyautomateddata logging system in place tocollect all data and enhance the productivityof the overhaul validation test rig.ZF Services UKwww.zf.com/uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk45
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURElaunch of safe,reliable andeffective continuousjacking systemBosch Rexroth’s new highperformance, continuous jackingsystem is safer, more reliable andensures the effective installation andmaintenance of wind farms.IntegrationA modern operator will benefit from thetight integration of the jacking system tothe crane, mooring, handling and seafastening systems. This integration addsto the reliability of the vessel and to overallcost savings. Secondary controlled drivesystems for the vessel crane combinehigh performance with reduced powerconsumption, occupied space and weight.In-house design and expertiseThe software, cylinders, power unitsand control systems are designedand manufactured in-house. SystemsThrough this latest development, BoschRexroth has set a new standard for thefuture installation and maintenance of windturbines at sea.Expertise, in-house developmentand productionBosch Rexroth has provided leadingcompanies in the offshore andconstruction industry with advancedjacking systems for many years.Purpose-built integrated drive andcontrol systems with a jacking force of23,000 tons upwards are the result ofprofound application expertise, in-housedevelopment and production. They nowmeets modern demands through theirnew high performance continuous jackingsystem.Tough environmental conditionsThe service life of a jacking system needsto be 25 years or more to withstand toughenvironmental conditions. In cooperationwith certifying bodies and knowledgeinstitutions, Bosch Rexroth has developednew standards and innovative solutionsto tackle the problem of fatigue risks. Theadvanced control system is characterisedby a tight control of accelerations,decelerations, parallel and oppositecylinder motions, smooth transfer of thehigh loads and an automatic four quadrantprocess, in which the system automaticallyswitches from leg lowering to platformlifting operation and vice versa. This resultsin a constant jacking speed of 1 m/minand higher.Additionally, specifically integrated featureslead to more reliability, safer operationsand a considerable reduction of requiredpower.Ceramic Integrated MeasuringSystem (CIMS)Rexroth jacking cylinders are equippedwith CIMS which provides an accuratesignal. This allows the control systemto evaluate the status of the system inrelation to the precision, motion patternand levelling of the vessel or platform.The cylinder rods are protected by aceramic coating which is suitable for harshenvironment conditions.are thoroughly examined by FMEA,simulations and shop tests. Theyare installed (with prefab piping) andcommissioned on location by BoschRexroth experts. A robust lifecyclemanagement programme ensures thatall systems remain in top conditionthroughout their service life, anywhere inthe world.Bosch Rexrothwww.boschrexroth.co.uk46www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREThe <strong>Wind</strong>s of InnovationThe wind turbine industry is a drivingforce for advancing high-performanceindustrial lubricants, says Shell’s JoeO’Connor...Advances in wind turbine technology haveresulted in dramatic changes to standardgear oil used for wind turbines. Thepressures wind turbines place on lubricantsare now greater, and the operatingconditions can be very harsh. To maintaina high level of operational reliability againstthe elements, and to keep up with industrytechnology advances, lubricants have hadto become increasingly sophisticated.Rigorous testingUnique insight is being developed intothe challenges of producing lubricant thatmeets the requirements of the wind turbineindustry. It is an expensive process andinvolves more than 300 separate laboratoryand rig tests before it is even consideredfor a field trial. These tests measure amultitude of parameters such as wearprotection, load carrying capability, shearstability, resistance to foaming, filterability,and micropitting protection.Clearly, developing a lubricant that meetsthe exacting standards of wind turbineequipment manufacturers is a substantialchallenge, but it has led to a wide range ofhighly advanced lubricants that are usedacross other industrial sectors.A growing power generator thatneeds top protection<strong>Wind</strong> turbine installations and structuresare increasing in size to maximise powergeneration capacities, and some turbinescan stand up to 150m high and have a rotorspan of 100m – this requires high durabilitylubricants to ensure maximum protectionand smooth running of the machine.Lubricant developments are helpingto maximize returns on investment byreducing the costs of producing electricityfrom wind power. This is achieved throughensuring the equipment works reliably andrequires minimal maintenance, as well aslimiting downtime, in part through lubricantswith longer operational life spans.Designed to meet challengesThe main gearbox of a wind turbine,which drives the generator, comes underenormous strain every day, and reliabilityof the working functions is imperative. Amajor concern is gearbox micropitting,which results from factors such as casehardening and the surface roughness ofthe gear teeth, as well as inappropriatelubricant selection and application.Given the gearbox’s size, the lubricant’sshort recirculation times and the potentialfor air entrainment in the system, good airreleaseand anti-foaming characteristicsare vital properties for the gear oil.Excessive foaming can cause the oil levelto rise above the maximum, which mayresult in unplanned turbine shutdown andloss of power to the grid.Temperature varianceFurther, wind turbines sit on top of highcolumns, and many installed units have tobe robust enough to withstand both veryhigh and very low temperatures. In theUK wind turbines have to contend withcold temperatures and wet weather whichcan lead to rusting. The rotors can alsobe static for periods of time, all of whichplace specific challenges on the lubricantsto provide maximum protection for thelongest time period.Shell Omala S4 GX 320To deal with all of these challengesShell Lubricants has developed ShellOmala S4 GX 320, a synthetic gear oilthat provides excellent performance inthe areas requiring added protectionagainst common failure modes, includingmicropitting and bearing wear. Theproduct offers distinct advantages overconventional gear oils, particularly forproduct life. Field trials have shown it hasup to four times the oil life of conventionalmineral oil-based products, which enablesthe intervals between maintenance tobe extended. The lubricant also givesexcellent wear protection and is designedto reduce micropitting wear on gear teeth,which helps to extend the life of gearboxcomponents and prolong operation.A wind turbine’s lubricant-relatedchallenges are not limited to the gearbox.The massive blades of a wind turbine aresupported using grease-lubricated bladebearings that, if insufficiently lubricated,can fail through fretting and false brinelling.Again, the lubricant must be able tooperate at temperature extremes andhave corrosion-protection qualities.Shell Rhodina BBZ greaseIn reaction to this Shell formulated anotherlubricant from their experience in developinggreases for helicopter rotors: Shell RhodinaBBZ grease. This is designed to protectbearings against fretting corrosion, moisturecontamination, and false brinelling attemperatures as low as –55ºC.Shell Rhodina BBZ is establishing atrack record with both customers andmajor wind turbine manufacturers. It islubricating the blade bearings of manywind turbines globally through listings withleading blade bearing suppliers includingIMO, Liebherr, Rollix and Rothe Erde,and wind turbine manufacturers includingVestas, Acciona, Gamesa, Dongfang New<strong>Energy</strong> Equipment, Sinovel <strong>Wind</strong> Group,and Siemens <strong>Wind</strong> Power.Joe O’ConnorProduct Application SpecialistShell Lubricantswww.shell.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 47
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURE3M’sinnovative approachThe approach to innovation at 3Mcomes in a number of approachesand formats.The latest <strong>Wind</strong> Blade Protection Coatingis one of many technologies leveragedfrom the company’s core competencies inthe fields of films, adhesives and coatingsand the inventive power of its 40 plustechnology platforms.<strong>Wind</strong> Blade Protection CoatingBuilding on these key technologiesplatforms enables 3M to make innovativeadvances with new solutions for windturbines, specifically for the blade surfaceand the blade structure. Adds StevenPowell, Business Manager for 3MRenewable <strong>Energy</strong> Division in the UK,“This has enabled 3M to develop newsolutions such as the new <strong>Wind</strong> BladeProtection Coating to improve resistanceto erosion, a key industry need as bladesare getting longer, with higher tip speedsand increasingly deployed in morechallenging environments”.The development of this new BladeProtection Coating started with theobjective of having a liquid erosionprotection solution with superior productperformance compared to existingcoating solutions, combined with ease ofapplication.<strong>Wind</strong> Blade Protection TapesAnother path to innovation for 3M is to tunein to industry needs and challenges andadapt already existing products from othermarkets it serves. An example of this wasthe <strong>Wind</strong> Blade Protection Tapes adaptedfrom over 40 years of experience in theaerospace market, protecting aircrafts andhelicopter rotor blades. “Even moderateerosion and pitting can lead to increaseddrag, decreased lift and a reductionin Annual <strong>Energy</strong> Produced (AEP) ofaround 4% to 10% and up to 20% whendelamination occurs. This means loweroutput and returns for the asset ownerunless preventative maintenance stepsare taken”, adds Powell.<strong>Wind</strong> Blade Bonding AdhesiveAnother driver of innovation can beresponding to industry needs such as theneed for more reliable and cost effectivesolutions, helping <strong>Wind</strong> to compete moreeffectively with other established energysources. The development of the <strong>Wind</strong>Blade Bonding Adhesive is an example ofthis and can help improve crack resistanceand can save up to six hours cure timein the mould for blade manufacturers,helping to improve efficiency in themanufacturing process.3Mwww.3m.com48www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREReducing therisks of windpowerprospectingHelikites are extremely steady,very tough, all-weather aerostats.Aerodynamic Helikites are actuallypushed up by the wind, rather thanpushed down. They are excellent atoperating at sea and for measuringmeteorological data at high altitude,for long periods.They have successfully operated fromanchored barges, survey ships, navalships, high-speed ribs, and USV’s.Helikites have flown from all types ofvessels, above the Arctic Ocean, SouthAtlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, and manyother seas.• Minimal upfront cost greatly reducesrepayment and interest risks.• Met-Helikite construction is all onshorewith no risks.• Met-Helikites can be easily transportedon a boat with negligible risk.• Met-Helikites can be brought onboardship for maintenance.• Maintenance boat cannot be damagedby tiny, soft, Helikite barges.• Helikite barges have soft surrounds soas not to damage boats.• No environmental risks with Met-Helikites.data from the altitude sensor and thencommands the winch, via the radio-link,to let out, or take in, flying line. This keepsthe Met-Helikite at the same requiredaltitude - with 1 metre tolerance.<strong>Wind</strong>-turbines do not operate above 50knots, so wind speed data is not requiredfor winds over this. If the wind speed goesabove 50 knots, then the microprocessoron the Helikite sends a message to thewinch on the barge, to command thewinch to bring the Helikite down safelyonto its Helibase on the barge, to awaitless powerful winds.7 foot Barge specifications andequipment• Multiple anchor chains to sea-bed• Helibase launch pad for Helikite• Remote-control electric winch• Meteorological sensors• Data recording• Battery charged by solar panels• Iridium satellite link.Comparisons between Met-Masts Met-Helikite AerostatsMet-mast• High installation cost (£5M - £10M).• Unreliable data collection due to mastsway• Equipment failure due to infrequentmaintenance.• Slow installation creates constructionwindowrisks.• Immobile site creates risk of incorrectsensor positioning.• Small number of sites gives high risk ofincomplete data.• Loans for mast construction createinterest-rate & repayment risks.• Health and Safety mast constructionrisks.• Health and Safety mast transport risks.• Health and Safety mast maintenancerisks• Damage to maintenance boatsaccessing masts platform.• Collision risks to sea traffic• Environmental risks duringconstruction and placement.Helikite• Low installation costs (£0.2M)• Steady, reliable Helikite aerostatplatform gives excellent data.• Easy access to Helikite barge allowsfrequent maintenance visits.• Instant installation eliminatesconstruction time risks.• Helikite can be moved easily to ensurecorrect placement.• Fifty Met-Helikites can be sited for oneMet-Mast. Much more data.Worldwide, Helikites have been liftingmeteorological equipment for many years.Recent work done has been done by aworking group in Germany to compare theresults between sensors on Met-Helikitesand on adjacent 50 metre tall Met-Masts.The results are favourable and lead to theconclusion that a Met-Helikite is a goodsubstitute for a fixed mast.Met-helikite deployed for windprospectingMet-Helikite can fly steadily in windsfrom 0 - 50 knots however there will beslight differences in line angle at differentwind speeds. In order to keep the heightof the Helikite the same, whatever thewind speed, the microprocessor obtains4m Barge long Met-Helikiteat over 100m+ altitude withmicroprocessor, radio-linkto the barge and sensors tomeasure:• <strong>Wind</strong> speed• <strong>Wind</strong> direction• Air temperature• Barometric pressure• Altitude (to 1 metre)• Relative Humidity• Dew-PointAllsopp Helikites Ltdwww.allsopp.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 49
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREInnovation indesign andconstructionAlthough offshore renewables is anindustry in its infancy, significantinnovation has been seen over thelast four years in both design andconstruction.Cost reductionOne area which has seen significantinnovation and cost reduction is in thecable pull-in process and foundationinterface design.Historically, a j-tube would house thecable and route it from the hang-off pointdown to the seabed. From the aperture ofthe j-tube, the cable would be protectedwith retrofitted cast-iron split pipe androck dumping would prevent scourdeveloping which resulted in vulnerable,free suspended cable.Although this method was relativelyeffective, it required up to three installationactivities creating a lot of room forimprovement and cost reduction.Design challengeIn 2008, Tekmar were presented with adesign challenge to remove j-tubes fromoffshore monopile foundations and createan optimised solution for cable pull-in andprotection over a 25-year design life. Thekey challenge was that without a j-tube,the cable was at risk of being permanentlydamaged during the pull-in process alone.Teklink® Cable Protection SystemTekmar consulted with experienced cablemanufactures and offshore installersand then developed the Teklink® CableProtection System which has now beensuccessfully installed in over 8 operationalOffshore <strong>Wind</strong> Farms (OWF), with a further9 OWFs currently in the installation, designor engineering stages.Significant cost savingsThis solution saw significant cost savingsby removing the j-tubes and convertedup to three installation activities into onesingle activity as the Teklink® CableProtection System is installed during themain cable pull-in operation.The cost savings in removing j-tubesalone on a wind farm with 100 turbinesis estimated to be over £5m, a significantfigure which, when added to the reducedinstallation activities, could be expected tomore than triple.Tekmar <strong>Energy</strong>www.tekmar.co.ukHutton’s Helps ImproveEfficiency of <strong>Wind</strong>farmsHarbour Chandlery Marine Services,the new renewables division ofHutton’s, is pleased to announce ithas been appointed as sole UK andIreland Distributor for the Bladezil<strong>Wind</strong> Turbine Cleaning System toboth the offshore and onshore windpower market sectors.HCMS will be responsiblefor the marketing, salesand distribution of thisnew advancement incleaning technology.ProductdevelopmentThe speciallyformulated cleaner wasdeveloped by Ensearchto clean wind turbineblades. However, theBladezil <strong>Wind</strong> TurbineCleaning System canalso be used with equalease on turbine towers.Bladezil is friendly to the environment sinceit is biodegradable and complies with EURegistration, Evaluation, Authorisation andRestriction of Chemical (REACH) regulations.When diluted, Bladezil is sprayed on tothe blade, using a back-pack if necessary,gradually working down the fin. Theproduct, loosens dirt and contaminantswithout damaging the blades and isthen spray-washed off with clean or seawater. Bladezil penetrates and loosenscontaminants from blade surfaces includingdeposits which may have eaten into thesurface and become time, weather or sunhardened such as airborne pollution, mouldand mildew, adhered dust, salt, oils andpetroleum deposits and bird droppings.Hutton’s sales manager Jon Hickeysaid: “Cleaning wind turbine bladesusing Bladezil can save two per cent inefficiency which can amount to millions ofpounds worth of power generation overa year!”Designed for the task in handThe highly concentrated, low-viscosityliquid is designed to meet the challengingtask of cleaning in a vertical position, usuallyin a roped support and often in high winds.Bladezil can also be applied via the newautomated cleaning systems currently onthe market and in development.Harbour Chandlery Marine Services willalso be distributing a wide range of biodegradableproducts from the sameinnovation team at Ensearch.Hutton & Co. (Ships Chandlers) Ltdwww.huttons-chandlers.com50www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREFTL Technology offers Sealing Solutionsfor <strong>Wind</strong> TurbinesProduct programme for windturbinesWell proven radial lip seals, speciallydesigned for wind turbines are available inNBR, HNBR and viton materials.Seals are available from Ø200 to Ø1,700diameter, and dimensions up to Ø3,000can also be manufactured through aspecial jointing process.For offshore applications, seals are alsoavailable in NBR or HNBR with corrosionproofAramid Fabric, to resist aggressivemedia, including ozone and salt water.Potentially, seals from their standardprogramme can be equipped with aleakage sensor.Profile rings - the specialsolution for Pitch and Yawbearings.Their profile rings are batch vulcanized ina unique manufacturing procedure andoffer lasting advantages over glued rings,and offer extended lifetimes, low torques,high resistance, and secure installationfor the wind industry. They also offer theprofile programme in length form, formaintenance and repairs. Other productsavailable for wind turbines include...• Magnetic Filters• Hydraulic Seals• Hydraulic Accumulators• Rings• Special Sealing Products• Vibration Control MountingsServiceProgramme for<strong>Wind</strong> TurbinesMuch of FTLTechnology’sexpertise involvesthe re-specification ofsealing systems wherethe performance is less thansatisfactory, in arduous applications.Many companies can offer alternativeseals but few offer an investigation ofthe problem from first principles and acompletely engineered solution.They take a ‘hands on’ approach tosealing problems, and offer optimisedsolutions in areas where leakage hadbecome an accepted inconvenience. Splitand jointed seals can be fitted ‘in situ’.FTL Technologywww.ftltech.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk51
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREInnovation to more accurately assess the impact ofwind turbines on aviation stakeholdersAerostat Surveys Ltd is a new company that hopes to change the way theimpact of many wind turbines on aviation is assessed though the innovativeuse of technology.Former QinetiQ and CAA AirTraffic Systems engineer AdrianClough, explains...It is not uncommon for those in thewind energy sector to come up againstobjections to planning applications fromAviation stakeholders, and these issuescan sometimes be ‘show stoppers’.<strong>Wind</strong> turbines have the potential tocause significant problems for aviationstakeholders; they can interfere with radar,navigation and communications systems,or present a physical obstruction thatimpinges upon an airport’s safeguardedvolume of airspace.Constraints, cost andcomplexityWhilst flight paths can be changed,radars repositioned, and aircraft reroutedaround wind turbines, all of thesesolutions present aviation stakeholderswith additional constraints, cost andcomplexity. There are cases where theabove solutions have been implemented,however as a rule, many aviationstakeholders are concerned about theneed for a consistent approach to windturbine planning applications that doesnot result in their own operations beingcompromised.Airport proximityFor proposed turbines that are more than15km from an airport, any objection islikely to stem from a belief that the windturbine will be ‘visible’ to aeronauticalradar, navigation or communicationsfacilities. The aviation stakeholder willalmost certainly have used a softwaretool to predict the path loss between theaeronautical system (e.g. primary radar)and the proposed wind turbine structure.This in turn enables the strength of theaeronautical signal incident on the windturbine’s structure to be estimated, andany consequential effects (e.g. clutter,bearing errors or shadowing etc.) to bequantified.Computer modelsThe problem with computer modelsis that they are only as good as theinformation they are given. For example,all digital elevation models have a limitedresolution and can ‘miss’ some of thehigh spots along the signal path. In thereal world, there are literally thousands ofadditional physical objects (buildings andstructures, foliage, vehicles etc.) and otherfactors such as the actual performanceof an installed antenna (rather than themanufacturer’s specification) that caninfluence the amount of signal reachingthe wind turbine.However, aeronautical stakeholders usinga computer model to determine whether awind turbine will be visible to aeronauticalsystems will not be concerned aboutsuch factors, as the result provided willbe suitably conservative – in other words,these assessments should predict moresignal than would exist in the real world.Whilst this may not be a problem foraeronautical stakeholders, the problemwith this approach is that there willinevitably be objections to some windturbines that if built, would not be ‘visible’to aeronautical systems as a result ofreal world factors. At the same time,if incorrect parameters are used in themodelling, it is also possible for predictionsto be overly optimistic, and this can leadto problems downstream for the aviationstakeholder.Aerostat Surveys’ solutionRecognising the limitations of desktopradio propagation modelling assessments,Aerostat Surveys has developed aninnovative way to measure the actualstrength of aeronautical signals at a givenpoint-in-space, thereby ensuring thatall factors are taken account of in theassessment.Extremely lightweight signal measurementequipment is carried by a small tetheredhelium balloon to heights of up to 500feet above the site of the proposedwind turbine. Precise data relating tothe frequency and magnitude of signalsmeasured is then fed down to the groundvia a fibre-optic cable, where it is storedand subsequently analysed. In additionto the signal data, we also use GPS tomonitor the balloon’s position, and abarometric altimeter to provide heightinformation in real time.By knowing the signal strength ata given location with a high level ofcertainty, aviation stakeholders will bein a far better position to assess theimpact of a proposed wind turbine, anddevelopers will have greater visibilityof the constraining factors. Becausemeasurement is better than prediction, wefirmly believe that this approach will help allstakeholders understand the issues, andwork together to find mutually acceptablesolutions.Aerostat Surveyswww.aerostat.co.uk52www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREProtectingInnovation and Identity throughIntellectual PropertyCompanies in the energy sector, andthe wind energy sector in particular,invest a significant amount oftime and money in developing newproducts and processes.These innovations can help to distinguish one company from the competition, and drivethe industry forward, and it is important that these companies consider protecting theirinvestment.ExperienceDummett Copp LLP are a firm of Patent and Trade MarkAttorneys based near the Suffolk coast. They have particularexperience in the renewable energy sector and have been onthe judging panel for the East of England <strong>Energy</strong> Group (EEEGR)Innovation Awards for a number of years. They are able to adviseon all aspects of intellectual property including obtaining patentprotection for innovative new products and registering brandnames as trade-marks.PatentsPatents can be used to protect ideas or inventions of a technicalnature. These innovations may not only lie in the equipmentused to harness and generate energy, such as wind turbines,but may involve control systems, associated safety or monitoringequipment or methods of installation, and often an invention willconsist of an improvement to a known product or process.A granted patent gives the owner exclusive rights over theinvention and allows the owner to take legal action againstanyone who uses the invention without their permission. Patentprotection can, therefore, provide a monopoly right, which willgive any business an advantage in an increasingly competitivemarket place. In addition, a patent is a property right which canbe bought and sold, or licensed to another company, and whichcan form a key part of the assets of a company.Trade MarksCompanies may also consider registration of their company nameor product name as a trade mark. A trade mark gives brandrecognition and helps guarantee the origin and quality of goods orservices. Registering a trade mark gives the owner the exclusiveright to use the mark for the goods or services for which it isregistered, and allows them to take action against another companywho is using a mark that that is the same as or is confusingly similarto their trade mark. A registered trade mark may, therefore, be avaluable asset to a business.DUMMETT COPP LLPwww.dummett.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk53
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURENewgenerationCLX chainhoist fromKonecranesSpeeds up the work cycle andmaintenance work, improves securityand doubles the service life of themachine.Summer 2012 sees Konecranes introducea new-generation, cutting-edge CLXelectric chain hoist that will reduce theoperating temperature, enable larger loadcapacity and double the life cycle of themachine. The new chain hoist is a modernand completely redesigned version of thecompany’s previous chain hoist.Not only does the CLX chain hoist containnew technology; it also incorporates newinnovations to speed up and facilitateoperations by the end-user.The new 6:1 speed ratio enables a safeand accurate installation speed and anextremely fast movement speed. Thewider speed range makes the CLX chainhoist 25% faster than its predecessor,which helps speed up the work cycle andimproves work efficiency.Easy maintenanceAll components that require maintenanceare easily accessible and do not requirethe removal of any parts. All electronicsare located compactly on reliable circuitboards, minimising the amount of internalwiring. The new design solution makesmaintenance work significantly easier andfaster.SafetyThe safety functions have been integratedinto the standard characteristics of thehoist. For example, the brake and theclutch have been installed on the sameaxle preventing the load from droppingeven if the clutch fails for some reason.This feature takes the safety of the CLXchain hoist to a completely new level.Versatility and durabilityThe new, steel-framed and sturdy CLXchain hoist is particularly suitable forindividual workstation applications, suchas assembly cells in a process industry.Other applications include jib cranes,track systems and monorails and EOTcranes. The particularly sturdy structure ofthe hoist enables a larger load capacity,while doubling the life cycle of themachine compared to the current hoist.The durability of the lift chain was also akey element in the design. The patentedchain sprocket dramatically improves thedurability of the chain.Redesigned transmissionThe chain sprocket’s transmissionhas been completely redesigned. Thenew, oil lubrication-based transmissionreduces the operating temperature,enabling increased power. Furthermore,the new transmission is maintenancefreeand much quieter to operate. Thenew transmission increases the speedratio between low and fast speeds.Increased temperature rangeThe designers at Konecranes havemanaged to increase the temperaturerange of the CLX chain hoist; it nowoperates from -20 degrees to +50 degrees.The new-generation CLX chain hoist hasbeen designed to be energy efficient, andit meets all the requirements of the RoHSDirective. The hoist’s circuit boards donot contain any hazardous materials suchas lead used in soldering material; justone example of the hoist’s eco-friendlyfeatures.Available specificationsThree versions of the CLX chain hoist willbe introduced initially: Type CLX02 with alifting capacity of 63-320 kg, type CLX05with a lifting capacity of 250-630 kg andtype CLX10 with a lifting capacity 500-2500kg.Konecraneswww.konecranes.co.uk54www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREheightecRaising the standard withthe Cyclone Pro LockingPulleyheightec have worked closely with height safety andrescue professionals within the onshore and offshorerenewable industry for over 15 years and providedRenewableUK accredited training for over four years.Recurring issueA recent recurring issue has been the difficulty offshoretechnicians experience when moving relatively light loads fromthe deck of the transfer vessel, up onto the deck of the TransitionPiece (T.P.).SolutionAs designers and manufacturers of specialist technical work atheight and rescue equipment, heightec set about designing acost effective solution to this manual handling and lifting issue,with the aim of reducing the risk of dropped loads onto thevessel and crew below.Simplicity, performance and ease of use were specificrequirements in the design of the Cyclone Pro. Within sixmonths they had conceived, designed, tested and manufacturedthe Cyclone Pro Locking Pulley.Simplicity, performance and ease ofuse were specific requirements in thedesign of the Cyclone Pro.Minimising costsTraining in the use of the Cyclone Prois very simple and the running costsare virtually nil. It is also flexibleenough for situations where anelectric hoist is either impracticalor dangerous. Being highlytransportable the Cyclone Pro isa very cost effective solution toelectric hoists.In this economic climate,minimising costs isparamount and, if therenewable industry isto continue its rateof growth, even thesmallest of savingsmatter.The heightecGroup Ltdwww.heightec.comFeatures include...• Stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance• Simple clean design for ease of rigging• Low friction integrated pulley wheel• Utilises our unique X-CamTM locking mechanism• 100kg working load• For use with 10.5 mm to 11.0 mm diameter rope• Lightweight and portableThe stainless steel Cyclone Pro locking pulley has patentedX-Cam technology and is designed to operate in the hostileoffshore environment. It provides a safe, quick and cost effectivemeans to lift loads of up to 100kg safely from vessel to turbine.Innovative new designX-Cam is a completely new design giving a considerableimprovement over “traditional” sharp too cams. The X-cam hasexceptional grip without causing damage to the rope, yet hasimproved ability to remove the device from the rope after loading.It will never jam, even when pushed hard against a knot.There are now hundreds of Cyclone Pros on wind farms in andaround the UK, making the day to day task of lifting personalequipment from vessel to T.P. quicker and more safely thanbefore, reducing the risk to all involved.SpecificationsFrom its initial development for offshore applications the CyclonePro has become a firm favourite. It is now also used widelyonshore for lifting equipment in areas inaccessible by the WTGcrane or hoist. This allows technicians to perform safe andcontrolled lifting operations in restricted spaces and unusualplaces.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk55
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURELaunch of two new exciting products to assist in thesafe transfer of personnel during offshore wind farmoperationsVessel Motion MonitoringSystem (VMMS)VMMS provides accurate motionmonitoring, improves safety during vesseltransfer operations and offers impact loadmeasurement combined with additionaldata logging capability.Eco-FenderEco-Fender provides enhanced turbinetransfer performance and safety.High quality, in-house developed solutionsusing the proven technologies andcapabilities of companies within JamesFisher and Sons plc – developments thatfurther underscore the commitment theygive to the offshore wind sectorFendercare Marine and Strainstall,members of James Fisher and Sons plc,in conjunction with Maritime Internationalhave launched these two new excitingproducts both specifically targeted toassist in the safe transfer of personnelduring offshore wind farm operations.VMMSVMMS will provide accurate motionmonitoring during wind turbine transferoperations offshore. Vessel motion isthe main safety factor when transferringpersonnel from shore to wind farm &turbines.An accurate motion monitoring systemcan increase the operational windowconsiderably during critical operations byallowing the user to monitor all motionparameters rather than relying on significantwave height as the main limiting factor.Improves safety levelsThe VMMS can significantly improvesafety levels during critical operationsand can also be used as a dedicatedhealth and safety tool, as it collectsdata for statistical purposes as well asaccident investigations. When transportingpersonnel from shore to the work site(or between work sites) the motion trenddisplays can be used by the master toquantify vessel motions, enabling moreeffective changes in course and speed tobe made to mitigate against seasickness.During docking operations and theoffloading of personnel, the displays canbe used to monitor heave levels andprovide warning to the master when presetdanger limits are about to be reached.All transfers can then be halted untilconditions improve in order to safeguardpersonnel and avoid damage to vessels orequipment.“The VMMS system marks a significantstep forward in the development of ourmarine services business, demonstratingthat we have the scale, technology,expertise and reach to deliver valueadded solutions to the offshore windsector,” said Fendercare BusinessDevelopment Director Martin Dronfield.“Moreover, it also exemplifies the uniqueand innovative approach of James Fisherand Sons based on over 165 years as avessel owner and operator and leadingprovider of marine services worldwide”Eco-FenderThe new Eco Fender range has beendesigned with Maritime Internationalspecifically with one aim – to enhance theoperational ability of wind farm accessvessels. By substantially increasingthe grip levels between the vessel bowfender and turbine fender tubes, the Eco-Fender promises to revolutionise crew56www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
INNOVATION & NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATUREtransfer safety, allowing a much morestable and reliable platform to work fromin extreme sea conditions, without havingto make costly modifications to existingvessels.RecyclingAll products within the Eco-Fenderrange are produced from recycled trucktyres, thereby reducing dependence onvirgin rubber products, alleviating landfilland saving usage of oil.DevelopmentBased on 60 years of experience withtugs, barges and workboats, the Eco-Fender range has been developed withthe following criteria in mind...• Significantly increased frictioncoefficient over existing materials andsystems• Economically competitive to existingsystems• Lighter than conventional extrudedrubber bow fendering• Increased durability over existingsystems• Quantifiable performance (energyabsorption and reaction force)The first products within the Eco-Fenderrange are currently being tested. TheVessel Motion Monitoring System isimmediately available with both productsalready experiencing a high level ofdemand.Tim Smith, Business DevelopmentManager, Sustainable <strong>Energy</strong> Teamcommented “Given the current industrywidedebate about windfarm transfersafety improvement, these two systemshold the capability to transform theindustry.”A global success story for theUK marine industryJames Fisher has grown rapidly overthe past decade as its leading divisions,including Fendercare Marine andStrainstall, have been able to exploitthe synergies of product, service andtechnology made available through thecompany’s acquisitions and subsequentorganic growth.Fendercare Marine alone has grown itsrevenues in excess of ten-fold over thepast decade and it is targeting significantfurther expansion through its ability todeliver exceptional quality of products andservice, encompassing the unique skillsand expertise available across the globalJames Fisher organization.“Our aim is to provide the mostinnovative products and effectiveservices, according to the higheststandards of environmental protectionand safety, that create value for ourcustomers operating in the marineenvironment in all parts of the world,”said Group Business DevelopmentDirector Jim Hey.“With our portfolio of marinetechnologies, operational expertise,capability, facilities, and our ability tooffer packaged solutions according toprecise requirements, we believe thatour innovative and flexible approachcan make a significant contribution torealising cost effective and safe off-shorewind and marine energy programmes”James Fisher and Sons plcwww.james-fisher.co.ukStrainstallwww.strainstall.comFendercare UKwww.fendercare.come = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk57
NCOEIs yourSystem Safe?Is ItReliable?<strong>Wind</strong> farm operators are aware that good reliable systems are needed to ensure all aspects of running and maintainingwind farms are safe and efficient. However, it is also necessary to understand engineering hazards associated with theplant and process systems. By systems, we mean process and power systems such as oil, gas, chemicals, electricalpower, lubrication, cooling etc. It is important to understand and recognise the hazards that could make these systems fail.Therefore, safeguards to reduce these risks can be built into the design, thereby reducing risk to the health and safety ofoperators and maintenance crews, the environment and the plant and process of the asset.Newcastle Chambers ofEngineeringNCOE employ the investigative tools todetermine the hazards and reduce riskon a regular basis. As part of the designprocess it is also necessary to ensure thesafeguards are reliable and fit for purpose.The safeguards when determined arechecked usually by reliability analysis.Important considerationsThree important considerations forthose involved in an engineering systemdesign, whether for an offshore oil & gasinstallation or wind farm, are...• Has the system a potential to harmpeople – this is considered as safety?• Has the system a potential to causeharm to the environment?• Does the system carry commercial risk?HAZOP studyGenerally the starting point for a projectsafety review is a HAZOP study. Thisidentifies hazards and operabilityproblems through credible deviationsfrom the design intent. The methodologyis based on parameters and guidewordexamination of the plant or system i.e. nopressure or high pressure, etc. This is animportant step in ensuring that possiblehazards have been recognisedFunctional SafetyFunctional Safety is not about slips andtrips but about dynamic active systems andreducing the risks associated with them.Following a HAZOP study, the threeconsiderations mentioned above arefurther investigated and mitigated againstby the use of functional safety assessmentmethods. This methodology has beendriven by the UK and international safetyorganisations. The investigative methodsused are also very effective when used toinvestigate risk reduction for environmentand commercial risk.58www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
NCOENCOE has more than 10 years experiencein this field. In the last few years we haveincreasingly used the methodology onvolatile hydrocarbon systems but alsoon electrical power networks. This ismainly because of the increased use ofmicroprocessor controlled systems, suchas power surge protection and shortcircuit protection systems.International standardSince the 1990’s IEC61508 - FunctionalSafety of electrical/electronic/programmable electric safety relatedsystems has become an internationalstandard, since its emergence thishas been combined with hazard andoperability investigative studies to becomethe driving force for the analysis andconsequential improvement in systemreliability and availability of the dynamicactive systems.Industry guidelinesNCOE uses key industry standardreferences for determining the SafetyIntegrity Level (SIL) specification. Ouranalysis of electrical power distributionnetworks include guidelines from...• IEEE - Guidelines 493-2007• <strong>Energy</strong> Institute, London - Guidanceon Assessing SIL of Electrical SupplyProtection.These guidelines refer to the riskassociated with safety of people andthis has always been at the forefront ofengineering oil & gas processes andstructures. Alongside this, and just asimportant are environmental risks andcommercial risks. This must also becomethe case for wind farm systems.Functional Safety – Life CycleProof TestingThe life cycle maintenance andmanagement concept is raised inIEC61508 and is a further feature ofFunctional Safety. NCOE build theseaspects into the design completion,implementation and commissioningprocess. This requires a register thatdetails all safety critical items which mustbe maintained during their lifecycle.Safety issues and mitigating against riskhas to be considered very seriously at alltimes. This should always be included asan activity during any FEED or detailedengineering phase of a project andduring the whole life cycle of a plant orinstallation.The NCOE consultancy group managesall aspects of hazard and safety analysiswhen project managing and engineeringnew and modified systems.Newcastle Chambers of Engineeringwww.ncoe.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk59
COMPANY FEATURERamora UKlaunchesNationalExplosiveSafety Scheme(NESS)Ramora UK, a leading Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) company, haslaunched the National Explosive Safety Scheme.Best practiceHaving already helped to develop andimplement official explosive relatedprocedures which are accepted as bestpractice throughout the industry, RamoraUK is now offering its expertise 24 hours aday through NESS.NESSThe scheme will equip companies with theknowledge and capability to be preparedfor any incident involving explosives,through advice, training and the delivery ofpractical EOD/bomb disposal services byRamora UK’s specialist EOD teams.MembershipThere are three levels of NESSMembership - Bronze, Silver and Gold- each designed to accommodate thespecific EOD requirements of individualclients. But all levels offer a discount onEOD services including a training package,access to a 24/7 Emergency ResponseHelpline and Time Expired Pyrotechnic(TEP) storage as well as a range of free-ofchargeservices.60www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
COMPANY FEATURETEP Storage Rental SolutionAn additional option to the Membershipis the NESS TEP Storage Rental Solutionwhich provides everything that you needto store TEPs safely and legally. Thisincludes licensing, training and accessto an easy to use online MiscellaneousPyrotechnic Accounting System (MPAS).“We believe that NESS represents asignificant initiative for our industry”commented David Welch MIExpE,Managing Director of Ramora UK. “Thethreats posed by Unexploded Ordnanceaffects businesses across a wide rangeof industries, but accessing the servicesthey need to prevent and/or deal withthe problems is not always as easy as itshould be. NESS is really going to helpthem do that. ”Ramora UKwww.ramorauk.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk61
WORKING TOGETHERPartnerships/consortia andworking togethera focus on the RES Groupand Tidal TransitGreater GrimsbyGreater Grimsby is already benefiting fromthe Centrica. R1 and R2 windfarms andsurvey work for Eon, RWE and Dong,who’s offshore wind farms are due tocommence construction shortly.Yet again we find companies andorganisations seeking to worktogether to ensure successful projectoutcomes whether large or small.Over the last few months we haveexperienced many and have selected 3such projects which are perfect examplesdemonstrating the need to work together.1 RES Group’s official celebration ofthe launch of ‘Eden Rose’ one of TidalTransit’s transfer vessels at Grimsby2 Tidal Transfer and Sheringham Shoalpartnership3 Iberdrola-Eole-RES Consortium secureFrench Government contractRES Group’s celebration launchof ‘Eden Rose’ vessel in GrimsbyThis event was jointly sponsored by Portof Grimsby East and RES which gaveinvited guests an opportunity to viewone of the very latest offshore wind farmaccess vessels, “Eden Rose”.The Eden Rose was launched in April2012 and is a sister vessel to the GinnyLouise which visited Grimsby earlier thisyear. She was chartered by RES to visita metrological mast situated more thansixty miles offshore, as such she has to beclassified as a Class 1 vessel.As well as Grimsby Renewable Partnershipmembers, the invite extended to localauthority members, LEP members andMPs. There was plenty of time available fornetworking and short presentations weregiven by RES/POGE and GRP.Official presentationsFollowing a very interesting on-boardvisit to ‘Eden Rose’ Chris Holden, RESOffshore Operations Manager openedthe proceedings thanking those presentfor attending the GRP event sponsoredby RES and Port of Grimsby Eastand celebrating the fact that this is asignificant milestone in the journey ofGreat Grimsby’s role in the O&M area ofOffshore <strong>Wind</strong>.Special thanksChris publicly thanked and asked theassembly to toast Winston Phillips onhis work to get GRP where they aretoday.SMart <strong>Wind</strong> Met MastPrior to this gathering a team of RESengineers and contractors sailed tothe SMart <strong>Wind</strong> met mast. The mastis situated over 60 miles offshore andneeded to utilise a vessel known asCat1 capable of safely operating at thatdistance from shore.The Eden Rose, which is at the cuttingedge of technology carried out this task.Adam Wright skippers Eden Rose. He isalso a director of Tidal Transit and bringshis skills from the fishing industry to theoffshore wind industry.Unnerving experienceThe RES team who visited themast undertook a series of plannedmaintenance tasks including thereplacement of a faulty aircraft warninglight over 120M above sea level. The mastis a lattice structure which is designedto move slightly. At 120M above sealevel the mast moves about 2M sideto side. Even with all the fall preventionPPE, the experience is unnerving to evenexperienced climbers.Transferable skillsChris then went on to name many whohave been involved in the fishing industrywho would be well suited to the offshorewind industry to ensure the best servicesare provided for future customers andclients.The importance of this visit to the metmast cannot be underestimated. Thiswas the first ever maintenance visit to aNorth Sea Round 3 asset. It was operatedfrom Greater Grimsby and it really putsthem on the map, showing that GreaterGrimsby is the place where Operationsand Maintenance activities for any of theR1 R2 and now round 3 wind farms canbe undertaken.I personally, am very proud to stand heretoday and it gives me great pleasure toask council leader Chris Shaw to join me.Commemorative tankardsTo mark the occasion Chris asked thoseinvolved in this first feat of many which willbe experienced in Round 3 he gave outcommemorative tankards to Adrian White,Mike Smith, Tony Gell, Lisa Somercalesand Gary Maddison from RES, AdamWright from Tidal Transit, Roger Smithfrom POGE and Stuart Deans fromGrimsby Rigging.Chris rounded off the proceedings bytoasting the achievement not only for RES,POGE, Tidal Transit but also for GreaterGrimsby in building a solid and sustainablefuture.RES Groupwww.res-group.come = See enhanced entry online62www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
WORKING TOGETHERIberdrola-Eole-RES Consortiumawarded 500 MW Saint-Brieuc Offshore <strong>Wind</strong>Project, FranceConsortium creates project company,Ailes Marines (Sea Wings), to develop,build and operate 100 wind turbinesin an 80 km2 area off the coast ofBrittany Project which will generate2,000 jobs and help develop anoffshore wind industry in France.Key role in developing offshorewind industry in FranceThe French Government has announcedits decision to award the Iberdrola-Eole-RES consortium exclusive rights to developa 500 MW offshore wind project in the areaof Saint-Brieuc, off the coast of Brittany.The project is expected to generate 2,000jobs and play a key role in developing anoffshore wind industry in France.ConsortiumThe offshore wind farm will be built some20 km off the coast of Saint-Brieuc Bayin the French administrative area ofCôtes d’Armor by the consortium led byIberdrola and Eole-RES and includingtechnology partners Areva, Technip andNeoen Marine.Ailes Marines (Sea Wings)A Joint Venture company, Ailes Marines,or Sea Wings, has been set up to managethe project and subsequent operation ofthe site. Over the next 18 months, theconsortium will analyse both the technicaland environmental risk conditions ofthe site in order to conduct the projectfeasibility study.In July 2011, France launched the firstround of a tender process aimed atinstalling 3,000 MW of offshore windcapacity which involved the constructionof around 600 wind turbines by 2018. TheSaint-Brieuc offshore project covers a totalarea of 80 km2 and comprises 100 windturbines of 5 MW capacity each.Vote of confidenceKeith Anderson, Offshore DivisionDirector of Iberdrola said, “We haveovercome tough competition and thisdecision is a vote of confidence for theIberdrola-Eole-RES led consortium aswell as a milestone in the creation of apermanent offshore industry for France.The development, construction andoperation of this wind project will lead tothe creation of 2,000 jobs, many of thembased in North Western France, and givea significant boost to the economy inBrittany.”Recognising expertiseJean-Marc Armitano CEO of Eole-Ressaid, “This success recognises theexpertise of the Iberdrola and Eole-RES consortium in the developmentand operation of wind energy projects.Our offer has met the government’srequirements in terms of its industrialplan, energy price and environmentalsolutions.”Working relationships and localskillsOne of the first tasks of the projectcompany Ailes Marines will be tocontinue the working relationship withother legitimate users of coastal waters,the local communities and other keystakeholders.The Iberdrola-Eole-RES consortiumwill also deploy local skills such ascivil engineering, manufacturing andshipbuilding to create the requiredeconomic fabric and supply chain fromthe wind turbine construction stage tooffshore operation.The consortium partners will play a keyrole in the creation of a truly Frenchoffshore wind industry. Of the more than2,000 jobs created in the development,construction and operational phases,mainly in North Western France, asignificant part will be in Brittany. <strong>Wind</strong>farm operation and maintenance alonewill generate 140 permanent jobs in Saint-Brieuc Bay for a minimum of 20 years.64www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
WORKING TOGETHERCo-investors Iberdrola and Eole–RES,with the support of Neoen Marine, willjointly develop the offshore wind farmwhich will be operated by Ailes Marines.Areva Group will manufacture turbinesat a factory in Le Havre and will also beresponsible for their maintenance. Technipplans to create 300 new engineering jobsin Brittany for the installation of subseacables, foundations and turbines. Theconsortium has also signed agreementswith French companies STX and Eiffage tomanufacture jacket type foundations.IBERDROLAwww.iberdrola.comEOLE-RESwww.eoleres.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk65
FT TechnologiesFTmarket leader in wind sensorsFT Technologies is focussed onproducing market leading windsensors for turbine control.Their sensors are installed onnearly a quarter of all turbinesworldwide and are used onapproximately 70% of alloffshore wind turbines.Their principle aim is to provide reliabledata in demanding conditions to assist thewind industry in meeting its ever increasingtargets.Acoustic Resonancemeasurement principleAll their sensors incorporate Acu-Restechnology which uses their patentedAcoustic Resonance measurementprinciple. This technology enablesthem to produce a strong ultrasonicsignal in a small space. The sensorsare therefore small, have no movingparts and are extremely tough and theircurrent range of sensors has passed over28 environmental tests including hail,vibration, icing, drop, sand and lightning.The sensors need to be rugged as theyare exposed to the worst that the climatecan throw at them and they have to beable to provide 5 readings per secondevery minute of the day – otherwise theturbine will shut down.InvestmentThey pride themselves on thethoroughness of their engineeringand the quality of their manufacturingprocesses and continue to invest inproduct development and are conductingleading edge research in to acoustics,transducers, aerodynamics, materials,coatings and environmental protection.66www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
FT TechnologiesHistory and experienceFT Technologies was founded over 30years ago and has just celebrated 10years of being in the wind industry. Thebusiness originally concentrated ondefence based research projects andin the early 1990s there was a militaryrequirement for a wind sensor for ballisticmeteorology with no moving parts. It hadto be rugged enough to operate reliablyon battlefield equipment.With this in mind FT went on to produceand patent their first product that had astainless steel body which was combinedwith other features that suited manymilitary uses. It gradually became clearthat the product’s robustness made itideal for the developing wind turbineindustry.Impressive client listOur wind sensors are used by 12 of the15 biggest turbine manufacturers in theworld. Over the past four years, sales haveincreased by 100% allowing the businessto expand and provide a better service toour customers, from Japan to the US andeverywhere in between.FT is continuing to invest in the technologyto improve the overall reliability,performance and accuracy of the sensor.The products are now manufacturedfrom high grade machined aluminium andthe design has been tested to the limitsvia Highly Accelerated Life Testing. Thesensor has survived vibration at 30g andrapid temperature cycling between -100cand +100c.Manufacturing such a tough product isessential for an industry that dependson the continual provision of reliabledata, week in week out, in all weatherconditions. The stronger the product, theless maintenance required and thereforethe less down time for the turbine.FT Technologieswww.fttech.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk67
Marketing&RREBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREAt the recent Global Offshore <strong>Wind</strong> 2012 conference and exhibition,organised by RenewableUK, and held at ExCel, London, we made ourselves knownas a company which can offer more services to customers and clients than just amagazine and website.68www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
REBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREThis is just the start of our ownmarketing and rebranding exerciseand can understand totally that thiscan be a daunting prospect.FeatureWe approached companies andorganisations to give us words of wisdombased on their own experiences so thatour readership can have more of an insighton what to expect.The wind energy industry is fast movingand very exciting and we have thereforefound many companies expandingvery quickly, as well as others workingtogether, forming partnerships andconsortia to achieve successful outcomes.This feature is therefore very relevant bothnow and in the future.Our parent company – Green<strong>Energy</strong> Publishing LtdGreen <strong>Energy</strong> Publishing, as the titleimplies, is a publishing house which weown and your editor is the ManagingDirector. GEP is the parent company fromwhich other products and services areoffered.The reasoning behind this came fromyour editor’s experience of workingfor publishing houses. The more apublication became successful the moreadverts filled the pages.Don’t get me wrong because publicationsare funded by promotion of products andservices however it is my opinion, basedon being a buyer most of my life, that if apublication becomes a book of advertsreaders stop reading and therefore no onewins.The Marketing MixOur advice, gained from years ofknowledge involved in marketing, maybe summarised as being best achievedby a mix of editorial, advertising andusing online tools to catch the attentionof the reader. The variety of methodsand interesting ways offers interest,engagement and interaction.The art of marketing, after all, is to get yourinformation in front of your customer at atime when he is ready to learn more (or ina buying frame of mind).We are pleased to introduce a full designservice – from advert creation, websitedesign, marketing collateral to a fullcompany redesign. Please contactthe sales team for a bespoke packagecreation.Green <strong>Energy</strong> Publishing Ltdservices• <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong> – dedicatedmagazine, website, and supply chainregister which is a communication hubfor the industry and is a B to Bpublication specifically targeting seniordecision makers• <strong>Wind</strong> Industry Careers – dedicatedwebsite, online magazine and supplychain register of companies,organisations and training providerswhich specifically targets schools,colleges, universities and industries/armed forces to attract skilled peopleinto the industry• Design – dedicated in-house teamoffering website/magazine/promotionaldesign including bespoke logo andbrandingGreen <strong>Energy</strong> Publishingwww.greenenergypublising.co.ukDesignWe have been asked many times overthe last three years to provide a designservice which our readership may use.We believe this is due to the simplicity andebrandingstunning design used our magazine website.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 69
REBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREREBRANDINGA CASE STUDYDeepOcean Group Holdingaligns all divisions under the brandDeepOceanSeveral months afterrebranding to one companyname, DeepOcean continues to beawarded a string of offshorework across the breadth ofits subsea services. Now as oneintegrated business, there arefew companies in the offshoreindustry that perform survey,ROV, trenching and marineoperations to the extent thatDeepOcean does and even fewercompanies have the extensiveproject management andengineering capabilities toplan and support the offshoreoperations.Establishment and financialrestructuringThe parent group, DeepOcean GroupHolding AS, was established in May of2011. Following a financial restructuring,DeepOcean Group acquired new owners,a new board of directors and a newglobal CEO. The Group was formed uponthe successes of DeepOcean Group’spredecessor companies, CTC MarineProjects (subsea installation and trenching)and DeepOcean (seabed mapping, surveyand IMR), which have a long, establishedhistory in the North Sea and in subseaengineering.Following the restructuring, it was deemeda logical step to rebrand the DeepOceanGroup of companies to one name.May 2012 was considered the earliestopportunity to effectively rebrand theorganisation following other restructuringpriorities.ReputationWhilst a complete new name wasconsidered, it was also apparent that the‘DeepOcean’ name still held a lot of equityand was associated with the industry inwhich the company operates. DeepOceanis a powerful brand that stands for safeoperations, a relentless customer focusand operational excellence.Safety and quality standardsWhen customers award work toDeepOcean they know that it will bedone to the highest safety and qualitystandards. Meanwhile, the CTC MarineProjects (CTC) brand was slightlytarnished from the financial stability of theprevious parent owner and historically itwas still associated with the founder of thebusiness who had left the company backin 2007. It was agreed that this part of thebusiness would adopt the DeepOceanname, but special effort would beneeded to reassure previous and existingcustomers that CTC’s significant trackrecord in subsea trenching would becarried across to the new brand.AmbitionThis rebrand was designed to mirrorthe transformation of the business overthe last year to ONE company andits ambition to grow DeepOcean intoan industry leader in the provision ofits five main subsea services, namely:Inspection, Maintenance and Repair(IMR) of Infrastructure; Survey andSeabed-mapping; Subsea Installation;Seabed Intervention (trenching) andDecommissioning.Rebranding communicationsplanA rebranding communications plan wasput in place to ensure the DeepOcean rolloutwas carefully managed and budgeted.A dedicated marketing and businessdevelopment team was put in place tomanage this and still continues to promotethe brand name going forward to ensureall clients and suppliers are given the new‘message’.70www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
REBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREPrior to the launch date, all marketingcollaterals and electronic media werechanged to the new brand, althoughit still remains an on-going process toensure that all external communicationis corrected to the DeepOcean brand. Itwas also important to convince employeesinternally that the rebrand was a suitablesolution for moving the business to thenext stage.Several communication forums wereheld with employees from both the CEOand regional Managing Directors to notifypeople of the intended rebrand, reasonsbehind this and the message that neededto be delivered externally about this.Continuation of service andassuranceAs a result of the rebrand to DeepOceanthere were some concerns thatemployees, clients and suppliers maysuspect that CTC was going out ofbusiness. It was essential that DeepOceanmade several forms of contact with all ofthese people to reassure them that thiswasn’t the case. Although the companywas changing its name, and its coreservices of cable lay and subsea trenchingwould be somewhat diluted in a biggercompany, it would still continue to providethese subsea protection and installationservices amongst a wider range ofservices.DeepOcean would retain each of thedivision’s successful track records,people and assets, and continue toprovide a high-quality service to its clients.DeepOcean worked very hard to instilcustomer confidence in the businesswhich has paid off as it continues to beawarded work from previous and newclients.Important milestoneThis is an exciting and importantmilestone for DeepOcean, followingseveral challenging years in the economicdownturn. Now operating as onebusiness, DeepOcean offers a breadthof subsea services which rivals many ofits competitors. This strong portfolio ofservices, coupled with a fleet of ownedand controlled specialised equipment andmulti-purpose support spreads, enablesDeepOcean to bundle its subsea servicesto deliver cost-effective, tailored solutionsto meet individual client needs.Global business strengthWith the name change comes astrengthening of the business, providingDeepOcean with the opportunity to reachresources around the world from its officesin Norway, UK, the Netherlands, Brazil,Mexico and Singapore, andthe ability to draw on its1,000 employees and useits large fleet of vessels andequipment to serve clientsbetter.ResourcesAs a company, DeepOceanhas a fleet of 7 ownedvessels, 9 chartered vessels,22 Remotely OperatedVehicles (ROVs), 1 modulehandling system and 17trenchers & ploughs. Thisputs DeepOcean in a strongtechnical position againstcompetition with a fleet oftools that can help serve anyclient requirements.“The move is more thana name change,” saysDeepOcean Group CEOBart Heijermans. “We willoperate as one companyoffering our customers aunique integrated suite ofsubsea services.”“As a result of thisrebranding, we believe that CTC, nowknown as DeepOcean UK, will emergestronger and more competitive thanever as the new integrated DeepOcean.DeepOcean will offer a breadth ofsubsea services to the offshoreconstruction market including CTC’score services, seabed intervention(trenching) and subsea installation.”DeepOceanwww.deepoceangroup.come = See enhanced entry online= See video library onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 71
REBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREThepower ofthe movingimageOnline opportunitiesAlthough you may want to use video in atraditional capacity, for example having avideo distributed on DVDs, there are otheroptions to consider as well. Over the pastfew years we have seen huge advances indigital technology and in particular the riseof using video online.You may have heard the expressiona picture paints a thousand words. Ifthis is true, and it would be interestingto know if this is statistically provenanywhere, then just imagine thepower of using video.Using video can help to demonstrate whatwould otherwise take a million words. Videois versatile and vibrant allowing you toconvey a message in a cost effective way.There may be many aspects to projectsthat you would like to have documented forvarious purposes and audiences. Whetheryou wish to show the construction of awind farm, or the finer details associatedwith design & construction within theindustry. Perhaps you may require videoto add value to your in house training?Whatever the purpose, the fact that youcan actually show your audience ratherthan just tell them gives the message amassive and memorable impact.Computer Generated Imagery(CGI)In terms of filming for energy andengineering sector, previously, it was quitedifficult to film operations such as theinner workings of a piece of machinery orunderwater drilling. To overcome this wecan now incorporate Computer GeneratedImagery (CGI) into video to create arealistic view of what the operation actuallylooks like. CGI has come a long way inthe past few years and can look so muchmore realistic than ever before.Recent filming developments have givenus 3D, and 3D televisions are creepinginto more and more homes. Currentlythis is very expensive to produce at aprofessional level, and it still seen as rather‘gimmicky’. However, as this developsit could be utilised to advantage in thefuture, and have a place illustrating windenergy and engineering projects.QUALITY VIDEOA stunning, engaging, quality video isvery important and impact comes fromconsidering both the message you want toconvey and who the main target audience is.It is important to work very closely withclients particularly at this step, makingsure that the video produced is the videothat is going to work.Statistics – monitoring andtrackingUsing online video can be monitored.For example, viewing a training video ona company’s intranet can be controlledand kept to a specific audience and canbe tracked to see which members of staffhave viewed it and when.On the other hand, using video on awebsite, or Youtube, can lead to powerfulresults. Youtube is now said to be thesecond most popular search engine inthe world, and can take your video to newaudiences. All of which can be tracked inviewing statistics, showing not just howmany people have watched your videobut geographic locations, and many otherdemographics.A powerful marketing devicedelivering a powerful messageThis gives rise to the use of video as oneof the most powerful marketing devices,in not only delivering a powerful message,but also being able to see where it actuallygoes to.Almond Productionswww.almondproductions.co.uk72www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
REBRANDING & MARKETING FEATUREDriver Group acquisitionEarly in 2012 the Driver Group, theglobal construction consultancy,acquired Trett Consulting fromGrontmij N.V.Trett Consulting are a leading disputeresolution and contractual adviceconsultancy business with over 30 yearsof experience within the constructionand engineering industries. The totalconsideration for the acquisition was£3.0m and was satisfied out of thecompany’s existing financial resources.Strategic fitThe acquisition is an excellent strategic fitfor the company and has strengthenedDriver Group’s core capabilities. TrettConsulting has an excellent reputation forproviding support in dispute management,dispute resolution and dispute avoidanceglobally. This acquisition has enhancedDriver Group’s offering by adding tothe company’s experience and highqualityteam of individuals. Driver Groupclients extend to almost every sectorof the construction and engineeringindustries and our services are used atall stages of a project, from inceptionthrough to completion, operation, anddecommissioning.Increased global presenceIn addition to increased UK presence, theacquisition has increased the company’sglobal presence. Driver Group nowoperates from offices across Africa,Americas, Asia Pacific, Mainland Europe,Middle East, and UK.Their team has grown to over 265employees, making the group one of thelargest providers of consultancy servicesto the international engineering andconstruction industry.Combined strengthThe combined strength of two of thestrongest brands in the dispute andadvisory market will ensure both Trett andDriver clients receive unparalleled expertiseand advice. Improving their clients’commercial position and performance, bydelivering sound and innovative solutionsto complex problems, remains the group’skey goal for delivering client satisfaction.Other group offeringsThe strategic fit of the new DriverTrett brand complements other groupofferings. Driver now has the capabilityto deliver a full suite of services throughDIALES, Driver Project Services,Corporate Services, and Strategic ProjectManagement to the existing Driver Trettclient base. Given the complementarynature of the two businesses theacquisition provides Driver Group, and itsclients, with synergistic benefits.Global growth strategyThe acquisition fits perfectly with DriverGroup’s global growth strategy andfull-service offering. Trett has a strong,long-established brand within the globalconsultancy industry, and Driver’smanagement team are certain that thecombination of these brands can onlyserve to increase the group’s ability todeliver results for their clients.Straight forward integrationprocessThe two businesses, their approach andculture, are very similar allowing for astraight forward integration process that willbe completed by the end of the summer.Driver Group now provides three distinctservice streams...• DIALES: quantum, delay, and technicalexperts providing support services inarbitration and litigation proceedings;• Driver-Trett: dispute resolution andadvisory services• Driver Project Services: projectcontrols solutions for pre-contractservices commercial and contractualmanagement and administration;quantity surveying; and planning andprogrammingDeveloping offshore windexperience and expertiseOne of the first areas of integration focusand completion was the offshore windsector, given the importance of this toboth the Driver and Trett businessesbefore acquisition. Over recent years bothbusinesses have invested considerabletime and effort in to researching anddeveloping their experience and expertisein this sector.This is supplemented by the experienceboth companies have in the offshoreoil and gas market, where they haveoperated for many years with similartechnologies and clientele.Mike Turgoose, director of Driver Trett’sTeesside office, has been appointedsector leader for offshore wind and isresponsible for the continued developmentof all Driver Group service offerings to thismarket and commented;“The formation of Driver Trett placesus in an excellent position to maximiseour service offerings in this sector.Not only will we continue to provideour recognised and respected disputeresolution and delay analysis expertiseto contractors and developers; weare now able to offer a true ‘cradle tograve’ service through the entire DriverGroup. In addition, we can deliver a panEuropean service from our overseasoffices in Holland and beyond, as well asthe UK.“The expanding offshore wind marketin UK, and overseas waters, is shortof personnel with real commercialmanagement expertise. Our recentappointments have seen us called uponto manage and assist with tendering,procurement, contract formation,quantity surveying and planning servicesand the detailed analysis of variationsand claims on the world’s largestoffshore wind farms in operation andcurrently under construction”. Mikeconcluded.Driver Groupwww.driver-group.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 73
company profileFLIStructuresthe UK’sleading towerand mastsupplierWith over 60 years of experience inthe field they design, manufactureand install towers and masts andother steel, like helical piles, intelecommunications and radarmarkets and over the last decadefor the rail, highways and renewableenergy markets.They focus on designing for efficientmanufacture and installation and theirdesign skills won <strong>Network</strong> Rail’s first eversupplier innovation award. they use theseskills to provide their customers with thebest solution for their project and achievehigh quality standards at an economicrate.In-house servicesWith in-house project management,engineering, detailing/drawing office,manufacturing and installation teams itmeans they fully understand the wholeprocess and can work clients to producemore efficient products on an ongoingbasis.The in-house capabilities gives them acompetitive edge over competitors andallows them to provide a more flexibleservice. They are often asked to turnaround products for an urgent site, atshort notice and are able to do so, withthe help of 70 staff, many of whom haveworked for them for decades and arecommitted to doing the best for clients.ChallengesThe team are also willing to take onchallenging projects, like moving a radartower across a ‘live’ airport runway, byliaising with air traffic control or designing aproduct to support antennas on the top ofWaterloo Station.74www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
EEEGR<strong>Energy</strong> in action asinternational firms seeksupply chain support in theEast of EnglandFigures will soon become facts for the Eastof England energy sector as internationalmanufacturers start searching for suppliersto service the UK’s multi-billion pound offshorewindpower business.Tim Johnson, of DONG <strong>Energy</strong>76www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
EEEGREast of England <strong>Energy</strong> Groupconference (EEEGR 2012)Areva and Dong <strong>Energy</strong> were amongmajor companies at the EEEGR2012flagship conference at Trinity Park,Ipswich, urging local supply chainmembers to stake their claim and readythemselves for action.Around 250 delegates also heard fromthe Fred Olsen Group and the CrownEstate about the changing and developingoffshore opportunities which will be a keyfocus of the region over future decades.Delegates at the EEEGR 2012ConferenceAndrew Fox, Business RelationshipManager with Areva, warned that althoughno decision had yet been made, hethought it unlikely that the region would bechosen as the UK manufacturing base forhis company’s 5MW wind turbines; it wasmore likely to be located further north.Competitive and reliable supplychain“But there are many things we willbe looking for in this area and allalong the East Coast – including thesupply of components and supportin the installation and operations andmaintenance market,” he added. “Whatwe want you to do is think how you cansupply us competitively.”Tim Johnson, ProcurementContract Manager for Dong<strong>Energy</strong>, said they wouldbe looking for a reliable UKsupply chain to support themin windfarm projects aroundthe coast including GunfleetSands and London Array.They had invested £4.2bn inthe UK to date.“We have massive plansfor the UK and we needUK companies to give us areliable supply chain for thefuture, particularly from 2016onwards. Without it we willnot succeed.”But he warned that theremust be a realistic andcompetitive approach. Thetoughest challenge was tobring down energy costsbut still ensure that everyonemade a profit.Sustainability keyIpswich MP Ben Gummersaid that from a public, and Government,point of view the cost of energy and itssustainability was the major issue. But theGovernment needed to listen carefully:“We haven’t yet produced the supportthe industry wants so we need toknow from you exactly what that is. It’sfrustrating for us all.”Skills for <strong>Energy</strong>For the first time, there was a Skills for<strong>Energy</strong> session at the conference to focusminds on one of the critical issues forthe industry’s future – the need for moretraining and utilisation of existing skills. Theevolving decommissioning and marinesupply chain sectors also came under thespotlight, along with new build projects forthe region.Simon Gray, new Chief Executive ofEEEGR, told delegates the associationhad an essential role to play as the regionsought benefits from £30bn of energyinvestment plans over the next five years.“Members will be at the core ofeverything we do to build a bigger,better, brighter and bolder associationwith enhanced membership benefits,” headded.The event was supported by theEuropean Regional Development Fundand sponsored by Birketts, HarwichInternational Port, Lovewell Blake andBarclays.EEEGRwww.eeegr.come = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 77
CABLE PROTECTION FEATURECableProtectionSystemsan overview by Wood Group KennyWood Group Kenny has extensive experience in the design of cable systems forwind, wave and tidal projects, and has recently led research on cabling hazardsfor the Carbon Trust.Array cables and export cablesOffshore wind farms commonly featuretwo types of cabling: array cables andexport cables. The array cables link thewind turbines to one another, in stringsor loops, and to an offshore substation.At the substation, the voltage is steppedup to minimise transmission losses andone or more large export cables are usedto carry the combined output to land forconnection to the onshore grid. Loss ofan array cable may result in the loss ofoutput from a string of turbines; perhaps6 -10 machines depending on the stringconfiguration and the location of the fault.Damage to an export cable, however, mayresult in the loss of revenue for an entirewind farm.Cable protectionProtection of subsea power cables istherefore critical to the maximisation ofrevenue of the wind farm. Cable damagemay occur during both the installationphase and operational phase of theproject. During installation, cables maybe bent beyond their design radii oroverloaded due to careless handling.Post-installation testing is conductedprior to release of the cable installationcontractor to minimise the likelihood of aninstallation defect remaining undetected.Cables are then at risk of impact from,or entanglement with, anchors, droppedobjects, debris and (particularly) fishingequipment throughout the operationallifespan. Damage can also result fromcable movement leading to fatigue andabrasion, particularly where amplified byresonance.Cable burialFor the operational phase, export andarray cables are often buried to avoidsubsea hazards, typically either byploughing, or by post-lay jetting. The burialdepth required will depend on the soilcharacteristics encountered, the mobilityof the soil and the site-specific risks tothe cable. Cable installation should bepreceded by a burial assessment withthe objective of recommending a suitableand statistically robust level of protectionat minimum cost to the owner. In someareas, burial may not be possible andadditional protection measures may berequired. Such areas include...• Where the soil depth is insufficient toprovide protection• Where the soils are too hard to trencheconomically• At and approaching crossings withother cables or pipelines• At the final approach to offshorestructures where it is difficult to safelydeploy burial equipment78www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
CABLE PROTECTION FEATUREAdditional protectionWhere additional protection is required,mattresses of interlinking concrete blocksare often used to stabilise and shieldthe cable. These can be installed froma vessel-mounted crane using a specialframe and manoeuvred into position withthe assistance of ROVs. They can alsobe fitted with fronds to encourage thesettlement of mobile sediments to provideextra protection to the cable and preventsecondary scouring.Rock dumping is also used widely toprotect cables (and structures) in theoffshore wind industry. Rocks are droppedfrom a specialised vessel either via a fallpipeor by side dumping. Split hoppervessels are also used which can jettisontheir load by a release mechanism whicheffectively parts the hull of the vessel.Rocks must be sized and berms designedto ensure that they can withstand thehydrodynamic loading as well as being ofa suitable size that scour around the bermis not initiated by their presence.Another possibility for cable protectioncomes in the form of cable-mountedarticulated shells made from polyurethaneor cast iron. The extra armouring providesimpact protection and additional ballastto the cable. The shells are typicallyformed as pairs of interlocking half-pipesin 0.5-2m lengths which are strapped orbolted together around the cable whilststill on deck. They can also be retro-fittedunderwater, although this can be difficultand time-consuming particularly wherethe cable is already in contact with theseabed.Other vulnerable areasThe cable is also vulnerable as itapproaches the wind turbine structure,between the seabed and the terminationpoint on the work platform. The cablecommonly enters the structure via aJ-tube or an I-tube (so-called becausethey form the shape of the correspondingletter) which protects it through thesplashzone. Where the cable enters thetube, a bellmouth is fitted to preventoverbending and facilitate installationand a Cable Protection System (CPS) isused to manage the shift between thedynamic subsea environment and the rigidtube. It is commonly made from mouldedpolyurethane elements which provide agradual transition in stiffness, dampeningthe movement of the cable and preventingoverbending.J-tubesThe use of J-tubes in particular iswidespread in the offshore wind industry,and installation contractors tend to befamiliar with the issues associated withcable pull-in into such systems. Whenused in conjunction with monopilefoundations, however, they have to befitted after the pile has been driven toavoid being displaced by the impact.To avoid the need for this operation, anumber of products have been designedwhich avoid the need for a J-tube byprotecting the cable through a reinforcedaperture in the base of the pile. Onceinside the monopile, the cable spansfreely, in the absence of hydrodynamicloading.Cable-mounted entry systemsCable-mounted entry systems arefunctionally similar to the CPS describedpreviously, but they also effectively act asa permanent guide to the cable, managingthe transition between horizontal andvertical alignment. The system will featurea latching mechanism to secure and sealthe cable to the wall of the monopile atthe entry point, which may be actively orpassively operated. A second, smallerpolyurethane assembly is located on thefront end of the device to protect the cableagainst overbending on the inside of thepile. Such systems are still in relativelyearly stages of development.Wood Group Kennywww.woodgroupkenny.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 79
CABLE PROTECTION FEATUREHiltiAs Hilti continue to strengthen their position in the windenergy market they inform <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong> about anew product….Take your productivityto new heights!Between the planning phase andthe final commissioning of a windfarm lies a long, arduous journey,presenting new challenges andproblems daily. At Hilti, they go togreat lengths to understand thesechallenges, help their customers workwith a solution-based approach, helpthem to work more efficiently and alsoto save costs.Customer focusThey work closely with their customersand with their input, develop solutionsthat not only meet expectations and fulfillapproval requirements, but also lead to arise in productivity.Working together with Hilti doesn’t justhelp you save time, it also cuts costs –from planning to when the work is carriedout, be it at manufacture, fabrication orinstallation stage. Hilti products are easy touse and designed to speed up individualoperations. Thanks to outstandingHilti solutions, approved products andcompetent specialist support at every stageof planning and construction, any windfarm project can benefit tremendously fromgreater efficiency and reliability.Thanks to their extensive knowledge of theapplications involved, traditional workingmethods can be constantly improved andalternative, time-saving methods madeavailable.80 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
CABLE PROTECTION FEATUREExperienceWith the benefit from the superiorperformance of Hilti’s sealing system intowers and nacelles and more than 20years of experience in this field, Hilti is oneof the leading suppliers of high-quality,easy-to-use firestop (or passive fireprotection)systems.Problem solvingFor example, the modular Hilti cabletransit system solves three problemssimultaneously. It’s not only fire-resistantbut also gastight and watertight, all ofwhich are of great significance in windpower installations.No matter whetherin the preparatoryphase of a projector already at theconstruction stage,you can dependon their supportin the form ofquick professionalplanning,comprehensivetechnical literatureand specific training.With Hilti you canalso rely on highgradeproducts,optimum servicesand added value,which can bedecisive when itcomes to ensuringcompetitiveness inthis industry.Products andapplicationsThe wide rangeof productsoffer maximum versatility in a host ofapplications. All products and solutionsare designed to meet the requirements offacility owners, installers and inspectors,which are approved by third parties.Quick, easy and flexible – theHilti cable transit systemUsing the Hilti cable transit system helpsincrease productivity on installationprojects in towers and nacelles.The product is straightforward, quick toinstall and easy to re-penetrate. Onlyseven different modules are required tocover all cable diameters from 3 to 99mm, requiring only low inventory. It offersthe end-user significant savings thanksto module interlinking, especially wherecables run vertically.For third parties, the colour-coded adaptersystem also simplifies checking and theinspection of correct installation.The Hilti sealing products are extensivelytested and approved for use worldwideand are fire-proof according A-60 andH-120 marine fire rating. Approvalsare available from American Bureau ofShipping, Lloyd’s Register, Det NorskeVeritas, Germanischer Lloyd, ChineseClassification Society, Transport Canada,US Coast Guard, MED.Hiltiwww.hilti.co.uke = See enhanced entry onlinewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 81
CABLE PROTECTION FEATUREPipeshield International LtdPipeline & Cable Protection SpecialistExperience and knowledgePipeshield® is a well known world leaderin subsea pipeline protection and a highlyreputable brand in the offshore oil andgas arena. They are also a leading sourceof knowledge on cable protection andscour prevention and protection withinrenewables.Unique challengesCable protection has the same issuesas pipelines, but also some uniquechallenges, especially where the cablesare laid adjacent to the mono-piles of windturbines where enhanced near seabedvelocities bring issues of scour as well asensuring stability to the cables.Headquartered in Lowestoft, the companymaintains manufacturing bases in Englandand Scotland and has established apermanent manufacturing arrangementin South East Asia and productionexperience in the Middle East, Indonesia,Canada and South Africa.Bespoke solutionsPipeshield have been working with someof the biggest companies in this arenato develop bespoke solutions to one ofthe most prolific problems renewableenergy has to resolve subsea. They haveprovided mattresses on the Lynn InnerDowsing, Gwynt Y Mor, Scroby Sandsand Egmond <strong>Wind</strong>park projects.Concrete mattressesConcrete mattresses provide both scourprevention, stabilisation and protectionand the flexible nature of the block formensures that the seabed and cablecontours are closely followed. In the eventof any localised scouring around the edgeof the mattress then blocks will settle intothe hole to prevent undercutting.To enhance the scour protection a frondsystem can be fitted to the mattressesprior to deployment and then activatedpost installation. In the right conditions thefronds will attract up to 1m of sedimentover and around the mattress providingenhanced stability and impact protection.CertificationPipeshield is approved to ISO 9001:2008,14001:2004, ISO 18001, and is a suppliermember to FPAL and has achieved theVERIFY status for its quality systems.Case Study - Lynn Inner DowsingThis project required stabilisation andprotection of the inter turbine cabling.To optimise the mattress requirementcalculations were performed to optimiseboth the number and size ofthe mattresses to fit inwith the installationlogistics.Deck space is always at a premium andtherefore it was important to keep the totalvolume of mattresses to a minimum thusto ensure stability mattresses using a highdensity concrete were used to keep thethickness down.Installation used the in house designedframes that can be operated either bydiver, ROV or by remotely activatedhydraulic operation. In this case theinstaller used an ROV to position andrelease the mattresses over the cable.Pipeshield Internationalwww.pipeshield.come = See enhanced entry online82www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
CABLE PROTECTION FEATURECable Protectionin the Offshore <strong>Wind</strong> IndustryCable protection is a vital part of anyOffshore <strong>Wind</strong> Farm (OWF). Despite cableprotection being a well trodden path insimilar industries, such as Oil & Gas andTelecoms, the challenges faced by OWF’scalled for new innovative engineering toensure that OWF’s became a viable optionfor Europe’s renewable energy plan.Challenging subsea environmentThe OWF’s have a particularly challenging subsea environment due to the shallow depthof water and windy conditions in which where they are located. These conditions createstrong currents and tides which cause corrosion of the seabed around the base of thewind turbine foundation, known as scour development. This scour development causesthe cable to be suspended across the free-span formed by the scour, which exposesthe cable to various forces over its 25 year service life. Further to these forces, the cableprotection must also be able to cope with extreme “freak” waves which are predictedevery 1, 10, 50 and 100 years. These forces will both fatigue and over-bend the cableif it is not sufficiently protected and will ultimately render the cable useless for powertransmission.BenefitsThis system had a number of benefits tothe industry; being J-Tubeless it alloweddevelopers to save significant costs byreducing the amount of steel fabricated,assisted installers to improve the cableinstallation process and gave confidenceto added security to cable manufacturers.Lessons learnedOverall the industry has seen failures andlearnt lessons in the true requirementsfor cable protection in terms of bothinstallation and service life, particularlyduring the UK round 1 phase ofconstruction. These lessons learnedare currently being demonstrated withthe successful installation of Tekmar’sTeklink® Cable Protection System onWalney, Thornton Bank, BARD & AnholtOffshore <strong>Wind</strong>farms which are the biggestwindfarms in construction or operation inthe UK, Belgium, Germany and Denmarkrespectively.HistoryEarly OWF’s adopted cast iron cableprotection systems that were commonlyfound in the Oil & Gas and Telecomsindustries. Although cost effectiveand easy to install over long distances,protecting cables in an OWF with castiron proved unsuccessful due to its weightand brittleness in a dynamic subseaenvironment.Modern day solutionSo what has changed in the industry tomitigate against these challenges facedby OWF’s? One of the key developmentsto cable protection over the last 3 yearshas been the increase use of J-Tubelesscable protection designs, which wasfirst championed on the Bard OWFin Germany with the Teklink® CableProtection System.FutureThe future of Cable Protection is setto evolve even further with OWF beingconstructed in deeper waters. Deepjacket foundations and even floatingfoundations present new, excitingchallenges which will ensure that Offshore<strong>Wind</strong> remains the renewable energy ofchoice for the European market.Jack SimpsonTekmar <strong>Energy</strong>www.tekmar.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 83
CABLE PROTECTION FEATURESubsea cable protectiona key considerationProtection of the subsea cablesfrom external damage is a keyconsideration for offshore windfarms. Fully operational cables areessential both for export of electricityfrom the wind farm, and for controlof the turbines (using the fibre opticcommunication cores included withinthe power cable) from onshore.Cable damage causesCauses of cable damage range fromdropped object impact, being snaggedby fishing or anchor gear and dragged,causing either the cable to exceed itsmaximum allowed tension or be benttighter than the allowable minimum bendradius, or abrasion or fatigue damage dueto unprotected cable movement.Cable burial – not always anoptionCables can often be protected by burialinto the seabed, however this is notalways possible, for instance close toTubular productsTubular products that are fitted aroundthe cable during the cable laying operationhave the advantages of instant protection,certainty that the protection is around/over the cable, and obviate the need for asecond operation.Tubular products are availablein polyurethane and ductile iron.Polyurethane products have tended toderive from the subsea oil and gas market,where the waters are typically deeper andstiller than in the renewable energy market.A disadvantage of polyurethane inshallower water application such as mostoffshore wind farms, and certainly any tidalenergy site, is that it is a very light materialunderwater, and consequently adds littleor no stabilising weight whilst still addingdrag to the cable through the increaseddiameter. The consequence isthat the overall stability of thecable (expressed as ‘weightmany years (known as ‘split pipe’ or‘articulated pipe’), and the use of iron splitpipes for this application dates right backto 1924 when Siemens took out their firstpatent for the product.In more recent years, the developmentof ductile iron since the 1960s, under theslogan of ‘more strength for less expense’,has transformed many industries,particularly the automotive and relatedindustries. Ductile iron provides morestrength, impact resistance (e.g. use inconstruction plant bucket teeth), fatiguelife (e.g. use for engine crankshafts) andabrasion and wear resistance (e.g. use inplough shares).Blue Ocean Projects Ltd (BOP)designBlue Ocean Projects entered the ductileiron cable protection market in 2009, anddeveloped a new range of ductile ironcable protectors, aimed primarily at therenewables market, to fill a gap in themarket.turbine foundations, in shallow water andat landfalls, boulder fields or areas of rockyseabed.Alternative protection methods to burialinclude rock placement, gabion bags,concrete mattresses and tubular productsfitted around the cable, all of which havetheir place in the market, sometimes incombination.to diameter ratio’) is reduced, leading tohigher risk of cable movement. In contrastductile iron tubular products have theopposite characteristic, and will increase,rather than reduce, the overall seabedstability of the cable.Ductile iron tubular productsDuctile iron tubular products have beenaround for subsea cable protection forA key consideration was a design for quickand secure assembly on board deck ofthe cable ship, rather than using a designbased primarily on diver installation.The new design provides greater articulationangle at each joint than conventional ‘splitpipe’, facilitating use over sheaves, chutesand quadrants. It also provides an all boltedassembly with identical top and bottomcastings and use of large fasteners with builtin nut recesses for simplicity, speed andreliability of assembly.84www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
CABLE PROTECTION FEATURESecondary key considerationA second key consideration wasto ensure a high level of quality,both of the end product and of theinput material used. ConsequentlyBlue Ocean Projects teamed upwith a large, high quality and highlymechanised UK based ‘automotivegrade’ foundry which specialisesin ductile iron castings, for quality,consistency of fitting, materialtraceability and dependable lead times.This arrangement also enables largeorders to be met in short lead times. Allcasting tooling is manufactured directlyfrom 3D CAD software models forquality and precision. Each casting isfinished by robot grinding to ensure nosharp edges, and first time fit.AccessoriesA range of accessories has beendeveloped, including male/maleadaptors with cable clamps, female/female adaptors, end pieces, pullingheads, and I/J tube centralisers.Cable protectors can be supplied‘self coloured’ or in a range of subseagrade coatings toreduce corrosionallowance.Blue OceanProjects has todate supplied suchprotectors for useon offshore windfarms, power cableriver crossings,at tidal and waveenergy developmentsites, for telecomcables on hurricaneexposed Caribbeanlandfalls, and largerdiameter productsfor protection of PEpipe marine outfalls.SUBFLEX Cable Protection SystemsSubsea <strong>Energy</strong> Solutions has beenfounded as a direct request from therenewable energy industry for thenecessity for increased competition,reduced system costs and enhancedsolutions, within a limited CableProtection System market place.Demand for cost reductionThey are an ISOQAR 9001 : 2008registered company, which has risento the urgent industry challenge to thedemand for offshore wind farm long termsustainability, through means of costreduction.With industry assistance, Subsea <strong>Energy</strong>Solutions can significantly contributetowards the reduction of offshore windfarm design, construction, operational,maintenance and de-commissioningcosts.Experience and industry adviceWith their industry and project wideexperience, the unique patent pendingSUBFLEX Cable Protection System offersmany unrivalled and unparalleled technicaland commercial features.Subsea <strong>Energy</strong> Solutions have soughtindustry advice during the developmentof the SUBFLEX Cable Protection Systemand taken into consideration manyrequirements such as purchase cost,rapid offshore assembly, rapid installation,rapid burial, enhanced cable protection,elimination of maintenance requirements,standardisation of components to namejust a small selection of features.Cable installation importanceOffshore windfarm cable installation is ahigh cost/high insurance claims theatreand it is well documented that 70% ofinsurance claims from windfarm operatorsrelate to cable damage, so there has neverbeen a greater, more important time, forthe renewable industry to come togetherand support a rapidly emerging companyin developing a fully coordinated andfully standardised approach to monopileJ-tube & J-tube-less installations.Subsea <strong>Energy</strong> Solutionswww.subenesol.co.ukOne area of current development atthe company is to develop products for‘J-tubeless’ cable protection systems,which is an increasing requirement in theoffshore wind industry to suit monopilefoundations in deeper water, where theuse of conventional J tubes for routingthe cable from the seabed up to abovewater level on the turbine foundationbecomes less practical, and alternative,cost effective solutions are sought bythe market.Blue Ocean Projects Limitedwww.blueoceanprojects.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 85
case studyFoundOceanBringing oil and gas experienceto offshore windWe introduce FoundOcean as acompany who have a few stories totell and we will be featuring them infuture editions.We start with a case study – as expressedbefore case studies demonstrate realworld situations and therefore the proofof what companies can achieve for theirclients and customers.ExperienceFoundOcean has over 45 years’experience of subsea and offshoregrouting for the global energy constructionindustries. Grout is the fundamentalelement to all that FoundOcean does. Thecompany has already completed groutingoperations for five offshore renewablesprojects in and around the North Seasince 2009 and this figure is set to risesharply in the next five years.Realistic predictionsIn the next five years, an estimated 4,000new fixed structures are scheduled tobe installed in the North Sea alone. Thisis mainly due to the upsurge in offshorewind activity associated with Round 2and Round 3 projects. FoundOcean hasalready been contracted to completegrouting operations for two offshore windfarms (272 turbine foundations) startingin 2012, and is in final negotiations for afurther two projects, again starting thisyear, and continuing into 2013.Ormond Offshore <strong>Wind</strong> FarmOne of those projects is the OrmondeOffshore <strong>Wind</strong> Farm, located 10km offBarrow-In-Furness, in the Irish Sea. Thewind farm is in the final constructionstages, with the 30 RePower 5MW windturbines being fitted as weather allows.This is sufficient to supply the equivalentof approximately 100,000 homes per yearwith clean power. The turbines will coveran area of nearly nine square kilometers.The wind farm utilises jacket-typefoundations similar to thoseused at many offshore oil andgas platforms. The combinationof the size of turbine and a siltyseabed will have influencedthis choice. Ormonde was thefirst large-scale commercialwind farm in European watersto use jackets for the turbinefoundations, as well as thesubstation foundations. Otheroffshore wind farms, in variousstages of construction, to alsouse jacket-type foundations areThornton Bank II and III, andNordsee Ost.86www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
case studyOrmonde was the first major offshore windfarm that FoundOcean has grouted, butsince then they have completed groutingoperations at two more offshore windfarms in the North Sea.The company is due to start groutingoperations at two more offshore windfarms in the North Sea. The company isdue to start grouting operations for fourmore in 2012, in addition to their thrivingglobal oil and gas operations.FoundOceanwww.foundocean.come = See enhanced entry onlineGrouting materialThe progression towards jacketfoundations has opened up the market forstandard cement-based grout: foundationdesigners can turn to Ordinary PortlandCement (OPC) for the grouting material.The grout connectors were located onthe jacket transition deck, with the linesrunning down the inside of the legs.Oil and gas jackets tend to have theselocated below the water line. Havingthe grout connectors located top-sidemade for speedier hose connections anddisconnections when moving betweenjackets.The 31 four-legged steel jackets weresecured to the sea bed by their four mainlegs which were inserted into pre-drivenpiles. The connection between the leg andthe pre-driven piles was made by injectingan OPC cement grout into the annulusaround each pile and stab-in leg. Each leghad a primary and secondary grout linethrough which grout could be pumpedinto the annulus. Grout overflow wasobserved at the top of each pre-drivenpile. A minimum overage of 10 per cent inexcess of the theoretical annulus volumewas pumped to the annulus after goodquality grout returns were confirmed at thetop of the pre-driven pile.Grout testingGrout strengths are tested bymanufacturing a series of grout cubes atintervals during the mixing process. Theyare stored in a temperature-controlledwater bath, and then crushed at age 24hours, 7 days, and 28 days to monitortheir compressive strength build up.Grout properties are defined by their28 day strength, but 24 hour strengthsare important to know how resistant astructure is to freak waves or collisions inthe early stage of the curing process.FoundOcean undertook two types ofmaterial testing for Ormonde: groutstrength testing and grout slurry density.The grout slurry density was monitored bydensitometers mounted on the mixer unitsto provide continuous monitoring of theslurry density. The slurry density was alsomeasured at intervals using a pressurisedslurry density balance.Three samples were taken during thegrouting of each annulus: one afterapproximately 1.5m3 had been pumped,one approximately halfway throughgrouting, and one towards the end of thegrouting process. A total of 1,116 groutcubes were manufactured for testing,each weighing approximately 850g. Eachcube was marked to identify the platform,leg number, time and date of casting andthe specific gravity. The samples werecured underwater at 80C ± 0.50C untiltesting.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 87
ferguson groupOffshore windaccommodationsolutionsEstablished in 1976, the Ferguson Group has grown to become one of theworld’s leading suppliers of containers, refrigeration/freezer containers,accommodation, workspace modules and accommodation service vessels tothe offshore energy industry.ASV PioneerThey haveexperienced growthon an internationallevel and in 2011launched its newaccommodationservice vessel, ASVPioneer, which hasrecently completedits first contracton a renewablesproject in the NorthSea. Gary Wilson,Director - BusinessDevelopmentsaid: “The teamis extremelypleased with theperformance of theASV Pioneer duringits first contractand it has proventhe vessel is ideallysuited to offshorerenewable projects.”Flexible AccommodationASV Pioneer is a versatile offshoreaccommodation service vesselproviding the highest quality offshoreaccommodation solution completewith office, galley, mess, medical andrecreation facilities. In addition, the ASVPioneer offers a large open deck spacecapable of a multitude of uses to supportthe offshore renewable energy industry.Quality: Standards andCertificationAll accommodation and workspacemodules on-board the ASV Pioneer havebeen designed and built to DNV 2.7-1and EN 12079 standards in-house atFerguson Group’s purpose-built facility.With rigorous control over the productionprocess, they can guarantee the quality ofthe end product.Manufacturing operates to the highestindustry standards, providing customerswith the reassurance that they are usingmodules that comply with the latest HSEregulations.The company is committed to HSEQ,and looks to deliver market-leadingperformance in all that it does. Itsmanagement system reflects this andis demonstrated by the company’sachievement in receiving BS EN ISO 9001,BS EN ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001accreditation.88www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
ferguson groupSpecificationPort of registryMPA SingaporeBuilt2007 NantungClassificationAmerican bureau of shippingLength 100.60mBeam 30.48mDepth 6.09mDraft2mMain generators3 x 900KW. 440v. 60Hz. 3phEmergency generator 1 x 900KW. 440v. 60Hz. 3phDeck area1100m2Max dead weight6838.7teDeck capacity15te/m2Gross tonnage7858teNet tonnage2357teFuel oil600m3Fresh wate1360m3Deck service crane 7.5te@25m max lift capacity mezzanineRangeThe Ferguson Group is able to providethe renewable sector with high qualityA60 DNV 2.7-1 offshore accommodationand workspace modules includingaccommodation complexes, recreationrooms, medic suites and gymnasiumsto support the larger accommodationcomplexes along with offices, laboratoriesand test cabins. All modules can bestand-alone, linked or stacked to forma multipurpose complex in an offshoreenvironment.Ferguson Groupwww.ferguson-group.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk89
Hydraulics FeatureMaximisingHydraulicSystemPerformanceChoosing the Right Hydraulic Oil and Oil AnalysisProgramme is Key to Maximising the HydraulicSystem Performance of <strong>Wind</strong> TurbinesToday’s wind turbines comprise asignificant number of diverse andcomplex operations. Each operationrequires specific attention and there isno ‘one size fits all’ approach for suchadvanced equipment, particularlywhen it comes to lubrication.Hydraulic systems within a turbine aregood examples of this. Best known forthe pitch control of rotor blades andbraking systems, some wind turbinesare now also being designed with ahydraulic transmission system. All ofthese require specific hydraulic oils tomaintain optimum performance.Careful selectionOperators need to carefully select thecorrect hydraulic oil for each application,assessing its viscosity, and performancecapabilities. Temperature changes canrange considerably and conditions canbe variable. The use of the correct oilwill not only reduce wear and minimisemaintenance costs, it can also bringhydraulic efficiency benefits increasingmachine productivity.Making informed decisionsBy following the tips below, operators canmake informed decisions when it comesto selecting the correct hydraulic oil andsystem maintenance plan to help ensuretheir operations are as efficient and asreliable as possible.What to look for in a hydraulicfluid?• Correct specificationsOne starting point for selecting a hydraulicoil is the original equipment manufacturers’(OEMs) recommendation. This may bespecific to the machine manufacturer orthe hydraulic component manufacturer.The OEM’s recommendation may providethe appropriate viscosity grade for theexpected operating temperature range aswell as a minimum level of specificationsand performance if specific particularbranded hydraulic oils are not stated.• Right viscosityViscosity is the most critical factor whenselecting a hydraulic fluid. It is importantto match the appropriate viscosity gradeto operating temperatures and loadconditions that a hydraulic system mayundergo on a daily basis. Without thecorrect viscosity, the system will notoperate as designed and the system isunlikely to ever reach its peak efficiency.For equipment that is subjected to bothhot and cold extremes, then a highviscosity index hydraulic oil is beneficialand typically recommended.• Strong performance attributesDue to the operational demands onhydraulics systems, hydraulic fluids mustdo more than simply satisfy the correctviscosity and OEM specification. Utilisingtechnologically advanced, synthetichydraulics oils can maximise windturbine productivity and help combatthe demanding conditions of increasedsystem pressures and temperatures.ExxonMobil’s range of proven syntheticoils features Mobil SHC 524, which hasa balanced proprietary formulation ofperformance additives blended with fullysynthetic base stocks.The balanced formulation of Mobil SHC524 provides oxidative and thermalstability which helps reduce degradationand deposits, maintains systemcleanliness and increases oil changeintervals. In addition there is a high levelof wear protection, excellent filterabilityand outstanding air release and antifoamperformance that out-performsconventional mineral oils.Best Practices forHydraulic SystemMaintenanceUsed Oil Analysis (UOA)As part of a routine maintenanceprogramme to detect equipment wear andoptimise hydraulic oil life and performance,the hydraulic oil should be regularlysampled and analysed. It is advised thatmaintenance professionals undertakehydraulic oil sampling at least every yearbut may even consider taking samplesevery six months to coincide with gearboxoil sampling as this can be cost effective.Regularly monitoring patterns of the oilanalysis data over time, which is knownas ‘trending’, can play a major role inthe early identification of any operationalissues or unnecessary equipment wearbefore they become problems.For plant managers and equipmentmaintenance professionals who wantan effective oil analysis programme thatcan also save time and money, there isExxonMobil’s proprietary online Signumoil analysis programme. It offers engineersimmediate access and direct control oftheir lubricant and hydraulic oil samplingprogramme.Maximising Hydraulic SystemPerformanceToday’s hydraulic systems for windturbines are far more sophisticated thanever before. By following the tips providedand using Mobil SHC hydraulic oils andlubricants, wind farm operators andequipment maintenance professionals canmake informed decisions that will helpthem to boost productivity levels with apotential to minimise maintenance costs.90www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
Hydraulics FeatureRobert PearsBusiness Development Manager UK &Ireland (Renewable <strong>Energy</strong>)ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialtieswww.mobilindustrial.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 91
Hydraulics FeatureThe Global <strong>Wind</strong> Allianceand the story continuesWe continue to follow the work of the Global<strong>Wind</strong> Alliance having covered their philosophyand aspirations in a previous edition.CollaborationAlone, each member company can only offer a part of the solution that global customers require; but by collaborating with others,who can offer complementary products and services, they can compete and win work on a global stage that would otherwise beunobtainable.We feature the work and receive advice from GWA member Hydac.Monitoring Oilfluid condition monitoring in wind powerplants protects against early failureRenewable energy sources arecurrently enjoying great popularityamongst the public. Electricityproduced from wind energy inparticular is expected to undergo aboom.In order for this to occur, ecologicallyfriendly energy has to becomeeconomically more attractive. <strong>Wind</strong>energy is still plagued by the publicperception that the industry survives onlywith government support. In the pastgearbox damage caused enormous costs,because the complexity of the stresson the gearbox during operation wasunderestimated.Although conceptually and from a designperspective quite a lot has changed, windenergy turbines do not make it throughtheir complete service life of 20 yearswithout the gearbox having to be replaced.Replacing the gearbox of a 1.5 MWturbine costs approx. €300 000 – around20 % of the cost of a complete newturbine. If the gearbox has to be replacedtwice during the service life of the turbine,it has a dramatic effect on profitability.MCS in the filter coolant lubrication system; the filter is toleft, in the middle is the MCS and the pump is to the right.92www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
Hydraulics FeatureDetecting damage earlyBy continually monitoring the gearbox,malfunctions and the resulting damagecan be detected early and remediedthrough small repairs, before a totalfailure occurs. Recording and analysisof vibrations in the gearbox makes thispossible to a large extent.Of course damage that does not produceany vibrations or for which noise transfer isvery inefficient, as in the case of problemsin the planetary gear, cannot be detected.This problem can be solved by monitoringthe lubrication oil for metallic particles whichare generated through wear and fatigueon the gearbox. These particles are carriedalong by the lubrication oil and thus can bedetected by inductive particle sensors inthe cooling lubricant circulation system.Cumulative particle count in the early phase ofdamage to the gearbox of 1.5 MW wind turbine.Finding large particlesIn an inductive particle counter, a field coilproduces an alternating magnetic fieldwhose strength is measured with a pick-upcoil. If ferromagnetic particles enter themagnetic field, it becomes stronger.Non-ferromagnetic conductive particlesinduce eddy currents in the particles,which causes a magnetic field to beproduced that weakens the originalmagnetic field.These particles are picked up by the oilcirculator, conveyed through the MCS andare then completely separated out by theoil filter. In contrast to fine soiling, there isno consistent concentration of particlesthat would characterize the condition ofthe gearbox.One challenge of this inductive measuringtechnology is eliminating its basic butunwanted sensitivity to air bubbles. Thelubrication oil in the gearbox is, dependingon its design, the suction point of thepump and the oil used is always more orless strongly frothed up.A high performance signal processortakes care of the task of identifying the airbubbles as bubbles on the basis of theirspecial signal form and not as particles. Ifthe signals were processed purely on ananalog basis, the air bubbles would causefalse results in the error rate count andwould severely limit the early detection ofdamage.Particle sensorsHydac MCS 1000 particle sensors werespecially developed for such applications.They can be installed seamlessly into thecooling lubricant circulation system, andat the moment they are the only sensorson the market that completely fulfill all therequirements of Germanischer Lloyd forparticle sensors.With a sensor diameter of 25 mm,ferromagnetic particles 200 μm andgreater can be detected as well asnonferromagnetic particles of 550 μmand greater. Particles of this size are notnormally found in a “healthy” gearbox,whose lubrication oil is typically constantlyfiltered with a filter fineness of 10 μm.Particle swarmsIn the early phase of damage, largeparticles are normally not producedcontinuously, rather particle swarmssporadically appear. This occurs whenmaterial splits off from a surface and fallsdirectly into the oil sump or goes throughthe tooth flanks and is crushed.ConclusionIntegrating inductive particle sensors intovibration monitoring systems representsan excellent addition to the early detectionsystem for gearbox damage.Combining the systems makes itpossible to jointly use the electronic datatransmission and alarm system structures.MCS provides the necessary interfaces.According to the needs of the system,parametrizable switching outputs thatsignal the detection of particles, or digitalinterfaces such as the RS485 and theethernet can be used.The probability of a complete failure of thegearbox with a correspondingly lengthydowntime for the wind turbine and the lossof electricity production and the associatedfinancial risk can thus be minimized.Hydacwww.hydac.co.ukGlobal <strong>Wind</strong> Alliancewww.globalwindalliance.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 93
Hydraulics FeatureSPX hydraulictechnologiesinnovating hydraulicsystems and toolsfor the wind energyindustryThere are hundreds of bolts in each wind turbine, andtypically contractors are working 24/7 to erect theturbines. They need efficient hydraulic tools making jobsfaster and easier.Global manufacturerSPX Hydraulic Technologies, part of SPXCorporation, is a global manufacturer of highperformancesystems in hydraulic energy andoffers on-site solutions to enable assembly oflarge wind turbines by developing a series ofhydraulic torque wrenches and pumps to targetthe bolting process.Innovative products and higherproductivityThese innovating products provide greater toolportability, flexibility and continuous operation.Employing constant horsepower technology, theSPX HT hydraulic torque wrench pump increasesthe flow rate across the flow curve. The result isfaster and precise tool operation and improvesprocess efficiency – more bolts tightened per hour.<strong>Wind</strong> energy industry – new productsSPX HT have launched new products specificallyadapted for wind tower construction andmaintenance...• TWHC is a new Square Drive TorqueWrenche designed for a very highusage and to reduce costs byimproving high cycle life 2-3 timesmore than existing technology -TWHChad been tested in excess of 30.000cycles• PE39, the newly design compactpump, is manufactured for checkingbolt torque integrity and has beentested to over 100.000 cycles. Lighterweight and small form factor, the PE39can be carried in a vertical, as well asa horizontal orientation. It is easilyportable and handled for small workingspaces• The SPX PE45 in an Infinite StagePump increasing productivity on thejob by providing continuous pressure(from -25°C to +50°C) for up to twicethe speed of typical 2-stage pumps,making jobs faster and easier• The SPX HT new series of <strong>Wind</strong>Tower Tensioners have superior qualitydesigned in with optimal operationalfeatures reducing fatigue, improvingproductivity whilst at the same timeincreasing safety. Different models areavailable: small in diameter to fit intoareas where there is little radialclearance around the bolt.SPX Hydraulic Technologieswww.spxhydraulictech.come = See enhanced entry online= See video library online= Video 2= Video 394www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
Hydraulics Featurewww.windenergynetwork.co.uk95
SUPPLY CHAIN REGISTER<strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong>Supply Chain Register changeWe have received a number ofcomments regarding our supply chainregister which has proved to be a veryworthwhile addition to <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong><strong>Network</strong>.• We can now update the online versionimmediately we receive an additionalsubscriber for your benefit instead ofhaving to wait until the magazine isprinted so that there is compatibilityFuture considerationWe have decided to print the supply chainregister just once per year, which will bedistributed to subscribers in the Spring ofeach year.As we progress we have found thatmore and more of our readers are takingadvantage of the user friendly website tofind companies and organisations specificto our industry.After taking these comments intoconsideration we have taken the decisionto remove the supply chain register fromour printed version of the magazine.Comments and reasoning• Online uses no paper• The online supply chain registeris much easier to use than the printedversion when searching for specificcompanies and organisations• You can search the online version byA to Z as well as by category ofspecialisminteractive WebsiteThe supply chain register has grownconsiderably and now has manyinteractive tools such as.....• Bespoke extensive micropages forcompanies and organisationscontaining considerable informationboth in text and imagery• Video and audio• Page turnable documentation andbrochures• Case studiesIn short the magazine is limited in what itcan do however the website is limitless.e = See enhanced entry online= See video library onlineDuncan McGilvrayEditor | <strong>Wind</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Network</strong>96www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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