Hawkins Power and Energy experts, Dr Hugh Martindale, Dr Amir Hajdaei, Ben Lister and Built Environment expert Andrew Reeves recently presented to Lloyd’s Market Association in the Old Library in London. The team gave an introduction to Hawkins’ Power and Energy capabilities before each presented on their own area of specialism.
Chartered Engineer Dr Hugh Martindale, opened with Introduction to Subsea Power Cables for Offshore Wind Farms and their Failure Mechanisms. Beginning with a review of subsea power cable applications, Hugh explained several ways these specialised cables are designed to transmit electrical power, including a look at interconnectors, export cables and inter-array cables. He also explained the basic requirements of an Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) array cable system, how to structure the cables to ensure best practice, as well some of the most common types of failures, and the industry response to them.
Dr Amir Hajdaei presented on Wind Turbines and Associated Failures. He provided an overview of wind power capacity, explained the different wind turbine components, and the importance of condition monitoring in predicting failures. He included details of blade structures and the common causes of failures concluding that common wind turbine failures can be electrical, mechanical, or structural in nature.
Electrical Engineer, Ben Lister, began his presentation Widespread Issues in UK Renewable Energy, by highlighting that the three most common issues are defective components, environmental impacts, and maintenance failures. Ben highlighted that it is not uncommon for defective equipment to pass relevant quality control tests required in the factory before they are distributed to suppliers. He shared details of a good design of a UK solar power farm, which allows for drainage, has covered ventilation, is raised from the ground and sealed. He explained that this is not always the case, and that many are converted shipping containers. These containers may not have the required heating, cooling, and dehumidification processes in place and in turn, this can contribute to failure.
Head of the Built Environment team and Chartered Civil Engineer, Andrew Reeves concluded the presentations with an Introduction to Civil and Structural Failures in Renewable Energy Systems. Using a selection of case studies, Andrew discussed foundation failures and defective structural elements in wind turbines, finishing with a review of storm damage caused to a solar farm. The presenters then opened the floor up to questions before extending an invitation to our upcoming Spring Reception.
Our Power and Energy experts come from a broad range of backgrounds, from designers and manufacturers of equipment, to technical consultants and operators of power and energy plants. We can provide support beyond the root cause analysis, assisting with the scope of repair works, expected costs and potential options to mitigate business interruption. If you have a failure that you would like us to investigate, contact us for a free consultation.
