Autumn - Winter 2013 // Issue 3
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE Features Streams Ahead Marine Current Turbines Collaboration is Key Technology, Innovation and R&D
1
THE
100m
SPECIALISTS
The UK’s open-access testing and research facilities for the next generation of offshore wind turbines The National Renewable Energy Centre, Narec, operates a world-leading 100m blade test facility for product certification, verification and investigation purposes. Interested? Email: sales@narec.co.uk
National Renewable Energy Centre 2
www.narec.co.uk
WELCOME By attracting Samsung Heavy Industries
developments in offshore technologies for the
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Renewable
(SHI) to test their 7 megawatt (MW)
rest of this decade and we must wait to see if it
Energy Technology Accelerator which were
offshore wind turbine at our 15MW test
provides the market confidence investors require.
initiated, and are now managed by Narec are
In the meantime, Narec continues to work
tackling some of the technical challenges for cost
with the industry to de-risk offshore renewable
reduction offshore. Through preparing successful
facility, we have shown the way that other new entrants will progressively have to follow if they are to get their technology accepted by the market. The SHI programme is one of our biggest commercial contracts to date and provides
energy technologies, helping to galvanise further market support.
bids for funding which is matched by industry partners, we are ensuring that public resources
In this edition of Circuit we also feature Siemens-owned Marine Current Turbines (MCT) as they carry out six months of testing in our
fantastic recognition for the team involved in
3MW Drive Train Test facility. This is another
getting the first independent test facility of this
major coup for Narec and acknowledges the
scale ready for a new breed of multi-megawatt
strengths of the facility and staff to support
offshore wind turbines.
system validation in a controlled environment
are being directed at industry’s challenges. The drivers for all projects are lower costs, increased reliability/availability and shorter route to market.
onshore, before demonstration offshore. The first Electricity Market Reform policy will be
MCT plans to commercially deploy five of the
finalised by the end of the calendar year and it
SeaGen-S 2MW tidal stream devices at the
is expected to set the strike price and market
Skerries Array by 2015.
capacity for renewables for the period 20142018 with an ‘outlook to 2030’. This is likely
Meanwhile, the Regional Growth Fund (RGF)
to have a significant impact on the speed of
Wind Innovation Programme and the European
Andrew Mill Chief Executive
CONTENTS 04 VALIDATION FOR OFFSHORE
10 COLLABORATION IS KEY
The completion of the world’s first 15MW
The importance of collaboration in delivering
Wind Turbine Nacelle Test Facility
technology, innovation and R&D projects
06 TESTING TIMES
Narec’s static and fatigue blade testing capabilities
Overview of the Government’s Regional Growth
12 WIND INNOVATION PROGRAMME
Fund Wind Innovation Programme
08 STREAMS AHEAD
14 NEWS ROUND-UP
Siemens-owned MCT speaks about its testing
The latest developments and project updates
programme at Narec
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08
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For further information, or to request paper copies of Circuit contact: Helen Edge, Corporate Development Executive, on Tel: 01670 357 602 or Email: helen.edge@narec.co.uk
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Feature | 15MW WIND TURBINE NACELLE TEST FACILITY
VALIDATION FOR OFFSHORE Drive train system testing is not new for the leading manufacturers in Europe, however, the emergence of new market entrants and the development of larger offshore wind turbines has increased demand for facilities to demonstrate turbine reliability and performance at full-scale. The Samsung Heavy Inudustries (SHI)
test turbines up to 10MW at up to 50% over
programme at Narec is the world’s first test of
power angled up to 8 degrees and the FAS will
a multi-megawatt prototype drive train at an
apply IEC wind condition load cases in all six
independent facility. Accelerated life testing will
directions with up to 800 channels for client
become instrumental in the development cycle
data acquisition. The rig was turned for the first
for new offshore wind turbines to drive down
time without a test piece this summer and will
the cost of energy. It tests system efficiency and
be fully commissioned while connected up to
reliability in a controlled onshore environment
the SHI 7MW drive train.
modifications to reduce risk of failure before undertaking expensive offshore certification.
FACILITY CAPABILITY Continuous shaft input power to test piece 15MW Max Torque
14.3MNm
Max Speed
30rpm
Max bending moment*
56MNm
Max Axial Thrust*
4MN
pieces of 20m x 12m and head clearance of
Max Radial Force*
8MN
22m. Inside the 3000 square metre hall Narec
Voltage at which power is re-circulated 11kV
can recreate the full dynamics of wind on
Supply frequency
50Hz
turbines and has built in sufficient capability to
Data Acquisition system
800 channels
accommodate the projected growth in turbine
Crane capacity
2x 250Tonne
size over its designed 20 year life. In the future,
Crane Hook height / distance
22m / 9.18m (min)
we expect to carry out both system certification
Test rig shaft height
8.1m
and sample production trials for clients.
Strong floor size
Length 20m Width 12m
Constant Torque (Mx)
Mode 1 14.3MNm @ 2 - 10rpm
Mode 2 8.95MNm @ 2 - 16rpm
Constant Power:
Mode 1 15 MW @ 10 - 16rpm
Mode 2 15MW @ 16 - 30rpm
Our 15MW rated facility has been built with a lifting capacity to accommodate nacelles of up to 500 tonnes with a floor space for test
Due to its size, the assembly of the test rig was done in three phases onsite: Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM), Force Application System (FAS) and support systems. The motor can
* Test piece stiffness dependent
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• Highly Accelerated Lifetime Testing (HALT) • Entire nacelle test capability (system or major component within system) • Power
curve assessment
• Design verification of control system
and, as part of a robust design and validation process, manufacturers can then make any
TYPICAL TESTING ACTIVITIES
• System performance and endurance • New supplier validation testing (major component) • Internal manufacturing conformance testing (system or major component within system) • Improvements to models physical and numerical – condition monitoring validation • Research
and development
SHI’S 7MW NACELLE ARRIVING AT NAREC
SAMSUNG 7MW MACHINE ARRIVES AT NAREC FOR COMPLETE NACELLE TESTING Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) 7MW offshore wind turbine nacelle has
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has invested £25 million in the
arrived at our new test facility and is currently being installed on the test rig
facility through the design, development and commissioning of the indoor
to commence a six month testing programme.
test rig by GE Energy-Power Conversion and MTS Systems Corporation. Andrew Mill, Chief Executive, Narec, said: “It was fantastic to see the
The arrival signals the next step in the evolution of the mega-sized
delivery of Samsung’s nacelle as it brings us closer to seeing the next-
technology that will be used in the Round 3 offshore wind zones.
generation technology becoming a reality.
Initially, Samsung’s nacelle will be used to commission our £47 million independent 15MW capacity test facility, before a six-month intensive
“It also sends out a strong signal to the rest of the world that the UK is
testing programme begins on the nacelle. The arrival of the device has
leading the way in implementing a more efficient route to market, a critical
reinforced SHI’s commitment to the UK market and provides the industry
factor in the future success of the offshore wind industry.”
with a much needed confidence boost. Dr David Clarke, CEO of the Energy Technologies Institute said: “The During the test programme, some of the harshest climatic conditions
delivery by Samsung Heavy Industries of its turbine is a major milestone
will be simulated within the Narec facility, including wind gusts of up to
for Narec and the wider UK offshore wind industry. It is evidence that the
150mph and once-in-a-lifetime events, to ensure any performance issues
UK can create world leading engineering facilities that can attract global
can be identified and rectified before the technology is deployed offshore.
industry operators providing welcome economic stimulus into the country
The 15MW test facility opened earlier this summer and has been designed
and advancing technology innovation in a growing industry.”
to support the industry’s drive to make offshore wind power generation more competitive with other energy sources through up-scaling the technology and reducing the costs associated with at-sea failures.
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Update | STATIC AND FATIGUE BLADE TESTING
TESTING TIMES Narec has been testing wind turbine blades since 2005 and in that time has firmly established itself as an independent development partner of choice for manufacturers of wind turbine blades. We assist blade manufacturers to achieve industry certification and can undertake both fatigue testing, using a hydraulic system to resonate the blade at its natural frequency, and static testing, where a blade is pulled using winches up to its failure point. In 2012, a £20 million facility - the largest in
As the risks associated with moving offshore
In simple terms, a fatigue test can be
the world - and capable of conducting both
increase, the operation and maintenance
delivered using either a Resonant Actuation
static and fatigue structural testing of wind
costs also rise. These costs have to be
Testing system (RAT), or a blade mounted
turbine blades up to 100m in length was
mitigated across the whole of the turbine.
actuator that can induce resonance of
commissioned. Narec will continue to follow
The requirement for fatigue testing, as part
the blade’s first natural frequency. While
accredited ISO 17025 testing procedures
of the blade certification process, is therefore
static tests can usually be performed in a
utilising the knowledge that the team has
becoming more commonplace to mitigate
matter of weeks, fatigue testing requires
gained from working in its existing two hub,
technology risks, especially as we move to
at least one million cycles to be performed
50m facility; this know-how has been used to
larger turbines further offshore.
to give an effective representation of
design and develop a number of innovative
lifetime performance.
modifications to overcome the challenges
Fatigue testing is accelerated life testing –
associated with testing longer blades.
a repetitive loading is attached to age the
In reality, the materials used to make longer
blade over a compressed period of time – to
blades are likely to be stiffer and this will
During static testing, winches are attached
identify any possible weaknesses in the
in part counterbalance the differences
to the blade and forces can be applied in
structure and to monitor how damage in
in length. When it comes to testing, a
four directions to measure strain on the
the blade could develop in service over a
combination of forced and resonance
structure as it is deflected. Portable winches
20 year lifetime.
methods may be necessary to effectively
in the 100m facility have been designed by
reduce testing times, deliver forces effectively
Narec engineers to be able to accommodate
Performing a fatigue test on a long 60m+
and to control blade strain levels and
bespoke blade geometries and bending
blade for a 5MW+ turbine can present
bending moment distributions. Narec has
moments to meet the clients’ specification.
significant testing challenges, compared with
developed an independent state-of-the-art
They use ropes made of plastic and not
the shorter blades that have needed testing
facility to support blade manufacturers verify
metal, which are lighter and have been
in the past. Testing larger blades of 60m+
new blade designs to bring their products
found to impart less resonance on the
means large deflections, large forces and
to market at the earliest opportunity
blade, therefore, providing better control
very significant aerodynamic damping occurs
and meet the standards the industry and
during testing.
during the cyclic fatigue test, all of which
clients demand.
Narec’s facilities can accommodate.
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100M BLADE TEST FACILITY
“Narec has developed an independent state-of-the-art facility to support blade manufacturers verify new blade designs to bring their products to market at the earliest opportunity and meet the standards the industry and clients demand.�
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Feature | MARINE CURRENT TURBINES
STREAMS AHEAD For the emerging tidal stream industry to develop and grow it must deliver reliable technology. The cost, difficulty and delays associated with recovering devices from energetic tidal flows can be high, and such occurrences must be kept to a minimum. Siemens-owned Marine Current Turbines
Matthew added: “The Narec facility provides
Matthew adds: “The facilities offered
(MCT) has begun a six month testing
us with the opportunity to perform extensive
by Narec are first-class and provide an
programme using our 3MW tidal turbine
characterisation and endurance testing of
ideal opportunity to perform a range of
drive train facility on the first of their 1MW
our latest tidal turbine powertrains allowing
powertrain and system testing, including an
powertrain units developed for the SeaGen-S
us to fully load the powertrain for prolonged
extremely aggressive accelerated life test that
2MW device. The first of these tidal stream
periods of time, both in terms of rotor power
will provide us with substantial confidence
turbines will be deployed for commercial
(torque and speed) but also the spectrum
in our new 1MW powertrain and power
operation by 2015 at the Skerries Tidal
of rotor thrust loads. The versatility of the
conversion system.”
Stream Array off the north-west coast of
Narec facility also allows our complete grid
Anglesey in North Wales.
connection system to be included in the test,
Thrust loads will be applied to the rotor
enabling us to prove the quality of the design
of the powertrain by an innovative force
prior to deployment in turbine arrays.”
actuation system (FAS). This can recreate
Ahead of testing Matthew Reed, Engineering Director at MCT, commented: “As tidal
subsea conditions to help validate designs in
turbines are an emerging technology, it is
To date, the equipment has been operated
vital that our first customers are satisfied in
at full power for extended periods of time
order to grow the industry. The programme
without issue and has completed a range
Testing is expected to be completed by the
at Narec forms the cornerstone of our
of system efficiency tests. So far MCT is
end of the year. Siemens is focussed on
proactive and comprehensive range of
delighted with the way in which their system
successful development of the tidal stream
testing aimed at proving new designs.”
has performed.
industry and is actively planning initial tidal
a controlled dry environment onshore.
farms that will use the 1MW powertrains MCT is the second client to utilise our
MCT successfully pioneered the world’s
and subsystems that are currently under test
3MW rated drive train test rig following
first commercial scale tidal turbine, which
at Narec. All being well the first farm should
the facility’s successful commissioning
has been operating in Strangford lough,
be installed at the Skerries in late 2015.
with the Atlantis Resources Corporation
Northern Ireland since 2008. It recently
AR1000 turbine last year. Testing is focused
opened a new testing and assembly facility
on the new 1MW powertrain (comprising
in Bristol for series production of multi-
low-speed thrust bearings, gearbox and
turbine arrays.
generator), as well as the power conversion, control system and grid interface.
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MCT 1MW POWERTRAIN INSTALLED IN NAREC’S 3MW FACILITY
NAREC’S 3MW TIDAL TURBINE DRIVE TRAIN TEST STAND
“The testing programme at Narec forms the cornerstone of our proactive and comprehensive range of testing aimed at proving new designs.” MATTHEW REED Engineering Director at MCT
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Feature | TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND R&D
COLLABORATION IS KEY It is widely acknowledged that technology innovation is essential to deliver lower cost and more reliable offshore wind energy, however, one of the biggest barriers for new suppliers into the offshore renewable energy sector is their inability to demonstrate the financial and technical viability of their products. Narec’s facilities provide the most
alongside project developers, utilities, major
Narec has also received investment from
comprehensive open-access test and
manufacturers, universities and international
the European Regional Development Fund
research facilities anywhere in the world
research centres for both commercial
(ERDF) to develop a Renewable Energy
for the scale-up of offshore renewable
projects, and UK and European funded
Technology Accelerator (RETA) programme
energy technologies. These reliability,
R&D programmes.
to collaborate with industry; encouraging
design verification and accelerated life
and supporting companies in North East
testing facilities (electrical and mechanical)
Over the past ten years, Narec has
England to develop new products across
have been built to meet demand for the
demonstrated a track record of success
the supply chain for the offshore renewable
development of bigger turbines and bigger
by initiating and delivering European and
energy market.
blades. They attract and provide a supportive
national collaborative R&D projects which
environment to get new technologies ready
we have implemented to encourage and
RETA is working with manufacturing and
for deployment sooner – these are extremely
drive forward innovation in the supply chain.
engineering companies to take forward
difficult to replicate elsewhere and anchor
By solving technical challenges and creating
specific technology development projects in
knowledge in the UK to help focus and
new industry benchmarks our projects are
key areas of the offshore renewables supply
cluster the supply chain here.
extremely important in achieving an upscale
chain, introduce innovative products and
in technologies, supporting market entry
services to market, create and safeguard
By aligning our world-leading independent
for new products and services and reducing
jobs and accelerate research, development
research, testing and demonstration facilities
development and deployment timeframes of
and demonstration projects. The first
to de-risk projects we can encourage
offshore renewable energy technologies.
two innovation projects which have been
the supply chain in the UK to scale-up
selected and are underway are:
technologies sooner. In the manufacturing
Our success in building partnerships and
supply chain, medium sized engineering
collaborations across the UK and Europe
companies have successfully partnered with
was further recognised in the second round
Lifecycle Costing of Offshore Power
non-UK companies developing new turbines
of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund
Networks: delivered by Tecnalia, JDR
for the UK offshore market. Others have
Wind Innovation Programme with the award
Cable Systems Ltd and PDL Solutions
made long term investments in plant and
of the £11 million Offshore Wind Innovation
(Europe) Ltd
are supplying the current round of near-
Programme. After preparing the bid, Narec
2. Inter-Array Cable Trencher: delivered by IHC
shore offshore wind farms being installed.
is now managing the programme which is
MERWEDE IHC Engineering Business Ltd
Without a turbine assembly plant, the UK
bringing together offshore market leaders
has established project delivery expertise
with world-class technology providers
As part of these projects, companies can
in the engineering design, consenting
and academia in the UK. Six projects are
engage in a series of technology transfer
and installation of offshore wind power
underway which address key technical
workshops and advisory services to help
systems. This is transferring knowledge from
challenges associated with the offshore wind
them to develop their products and services.
the offshore oil and gas, onshore wind,
supply chain, examples include: offshore
This is supported by an online resource to
automotive, and electricity generation,
wind turbine foundation fabrication,
encourage collaboration, improve market
transmission and distribution sectors.
condition monitoring of wind turbine
intelligence and to help identify future
1. Smart Cable Development for Improved
towers and blades and the development and
business and funding calls. Register for
Narec has a multi-disciplinary team
automated application of protective coatings
further information and project updates at:
of scientists and engineers who work
for the design life of wind turbine structures.
www.renewables-innovation.co.uk
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SMART CABLE DEVELOPMENT
INTER-ARRAY CABLE TRENCHER
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Update | REGIONAL GROWTH FUND
WIND INNOVATION PROGRAMME The ÂŁ11 million Regional Growth Fund (RGF) Wind Innovation Programme initiated and managed by Narec, which includes match funding from the private sector to the order of ÂŁ5 million, is delivering a total of six major technology projects (Romax Technology Ltd, University of Sheffield, TWI, HVPD, David Brown Gear Systems Ltd and Siemens Transmission and Distribution Ltd) that are addressing key technical challenges associated with the offshore wind supply chain. The programme is expected to create and secure UK jobs and establish close collaboration between offshore market leaders, key technology companies and world-class academic research teams.
ROMAX TECHNOLOGY
THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Advanced Wind Turbine Drive Train Concepts for Improved Reliability
Full Scale Permanent Magnet Wind Power Generation Technologies With High Reliability, Efficiency and Power Density
Romax Technology is collaborating with Sheffield University to expand
The University of Sheffield and Siemens are investigating techniques and
and deepen its knowledge and understanding of the complete electro-
developing the technologies required to implement a full-scale multi-
mechanical drive train. A research facility within the University of
megawatt permanent magnet wind power generation system. Having
Sheffield Electrical Machines and Drives Group has been established
previously demonstrated a small-scale prototype permanent magnet wind
to focus on the development of its mechanical and electrical machine
power generator this project will address key issues involved with scaling
design toolset and analysis. This project will improve the simulation and
the technology to full-scale and investigate solutions to these technical
analysis in the electrical and mechanical system helping to optimise
challenges that will allow widespread adoption of highly reliable, efficient
efficiency, improve reliability and reduce costs associated with wind
and power dense offshore wind-turbine generation systems, with a view
turbine drive trains.
to maximising their full future exploitation potential.
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TWI
DAVID BROWN GEAR SYSTEMS
The Development and Automated Application of 40-year Coatings for Wind Turbine Structures
Development of a Bearing Test Rig Facility
TWI is assessing the performance of Thermal Spray Aluminium (TSA)
upon Tyne will employ a unique industrial scale test rig to perform
coatings for splash and tidal zone locations of wind turbine structures.
a programme of industrial research and development to gain a full
Currently, surface preparation and coating application is extremely
understanding of running conditions to better understand the failure
labour intensive. This project will provide partners with the know-
nodes experienced within a bearing. This will allow the development
how required to set up a full-scale fully automated mechanised TSA
of robust design requirements for reliable bearing performance when
coating system for simple tubular structures such as monopiles and the
installed in wind turbine applications.
David Brown Gear Systems Ltd and the University of Newcastle
sub-elements of a jacket structure to improve productivity and deposit efficiency whilst meeting target coating adhesion acceptance criteria. The mechanised process results will be evaluated against traditional manual techniques.
TWI
SIEMENS TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION
Systems and Methodologies for Condition Monitoring of Wind Turbine Towers and Blades
Offshore Platform Reference Designs (AC and HVDC)
TWI is developing a condition monitoring system for early fault
designs (for multiple re-use) for offshore platforms required to collect the
detection in order to increase the reliability of the wind turbine,
power from multiple wind turbine arrays (AC collector platforms) and
preventing any unexpected breakdowns or power outages. Acoustic
convert the power to HVDC converter platforms for transmission to shore.
Siemens Transmission & Distribution Ltd is developing the reference
Emission Condition Monitoring (AECM) and innovative vibration techniques will be developed. The process of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) will also be used which consists of using damagesensing features to monitor the integrity of a structure.
TWI
HVPD
Novel Fabrication Methods for Foundations
Holistic HV Plant Condition Monitoring (HHPCM) System
TWI is demonstrating an innovative 10 sided multi-faceted foundation
HVPD is developing a new ‘Holistic’ HV Plant Condition Monitoring
design concept and proving advantages over conventional monopile
(HHPCM) system to cover all electrical condition monitoring aspects
foundations for future offshore wind installations, in order to reduce
for offshore renewable energy high voltage plant including; cables,
wind turbine fabrication, installation, operation and maintenance costs.
switchgear and transformers.
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Update | NEWS ROUND-UP
PROJECT OPTIMUS KICKS OFF A three year EU funded FP7 Project - OPTIMUS - has officially kicked off. Twelve consortium partners from six EU member states are involved in the project with Narec acting as the project coordinator. OPTIMUS will develop and demonstrate, in the field, novel methods and tools for delivering the prognostic technology necessary to evolve to predictive maintenance strategies of key components based on data acquired from cost-effective wind turbine condition monitoring systems, implemented by custom-designed dependable computing systems. This technology will improve the efficiency of maintenance procedures and operational reliability of wind turbines, helping to reduce the total cost of
NAREC PLAYS KEY ROLE IN DELIVERING TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION FOR THE OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY CATAPULT
energy and advance the deployment of large scale offshore and onshore wind energy by increasing availability and reducing downtime due to unplanned maintenance.
Narec has recently delivered two pilot projects on behalf of the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, focusing on Offshore Cables, and Performance & Reliability issues. Currently, onshore transmission and distribution networks have operational performance benchmarking systems in place allowing utilities and asset owners to contribute and share performance data. These databases inform project justifications whilst prioritising and optimising future investment. The Offshore Cables project examined how a similar system can be established for offshore renewable energy subsea power cables as well as assessing other electrical infrastructure components. The Performance & Reliability project analysed the existing data sources, assessing how other organisations or countries release this information, and developing and implementing a market engagement programme that will unlock the knowledge trapped in unique project formats. The project team looked at existing relations across science, technology and engineering to understand how best to exploit current industry efforts and align them more effectively. Each project was identified, prioritised and appraised on its impact on cost of energy production, materiality, UK benefit and risk, and, along with other projects in the pipeline, will eventually lead to full programmes of activity and services for the Catapult.
NAREC PROJECT WINS PRESTIGIOUS CONSTRUCTION AWARD Narec’s lead construction partner for the development of its world-leading facilities for offshore renewable technologies, Shepherd Construction (SCL), has won one of the UK construction industry’s most prestigious award titles. The contractor walked away with the top accolade of Supreme Award at this year’s Construction News awards as well as winning the Project of the Year (£10m-£50m) category for the pioneering work undertaken at Narec in Blyth. Narec’s Operations Director, Tony Quinn said: “This is a tremendous reward for the entire team, it highlights the merits of working collaboratively to deliver world-leading innovative engineering solutions. Right from the start there was a keen desire from the whole team to make Narec’s vision of a world-leading facility for offshore renewables a reality. This was evident when SCL handed-over the construction of the structure that houses Narec’s 15MW capacity wind turbine nacelle test rig six weeks ahead of schedule. “Given the enormous technical challenges the project team undertook, which included technical specialist Shepherd Engineering Services (SES), combined with an aggressive programme, I am thrilled the team has received another significant industry recognition for all their hard work and pioneering achievements over the last three years.”
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UKAS ACCREDITATION POWERS UP NAREC’S ELECTRICAL AND MATERIALS LABORATORIES Narec’s Electrical and Materials Laboratories have been awarded
This latest accreditation places Narec as the only UKAS accredited
accreditation by UKAS for testing of power cable systems;
laboratory in the UK capable of providing type testing services for
complementing the lab’s existing ASTA/Intertek and Narec’s existing
underground and submarine cable systems. With wave and tidal array
UKAS blade test credentials.
power systems being developed and offshore oil and gas and offshore wind inter-array systems moving to ever higher operational voltages,
The laboratories provide an extensive suite of development and
Narec is well placed to support development and certification of the new
certification testing and measurement facilities for the electrical power
generation of offshore transmission and distribution power systems.
and offshore renewable energy industry for all aspects of technology development. Specific emphasis is placed on component development,
Alex Neumman, Head of Specialist Services, said: “This is
materials selection, system certification, electrical grid integration
excellent news for Narec, and combined with our track
and accelerated lifetime test programme delivery; helping to improve
record, independence and quality systems, provides our
component reliability and ensure complex multiple arrays and generation
clients with robust assurance that our certification work
sources operate at optimum efficiency.
is carried out to the required standard.”
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TEACHERS RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM AS NAREC HOSTS TEACH THE TEACHER RENEWABLES WORKSHOP In conjunction with Northumberland Education
provide careers professionals with better knowledge,
Business Partnership, Narec hosted a renewable
insight and understanding of the renewable energy
energy education workshop for around 30 science,
sector and in turn help to inspire and bring STEM
technology, engineering, and mathematics subject
related career opportunities to life in the classroom.
(STEM) teachers and careers professionals. Carole Richards, Work Related Learning Officer, Learners were treated to a number of
said: “Workshops like this are crucial to improving
presentations to provide them with a better
our own knowledge and development; and enable
understanding of the role of Narec as well as the
careers professionals to better guide, advise and
status of the offshore renewable energy sector
inspire our next generation of STEM professionals.
(wind, wave and tide) in the UK. “We are really grateful to Narec for their time The presentations also provided examples of wind
and support, it was an extremely worthwhile and
and marine projects Narec has been involved in as
beneficial event. I look forward to working with
well as a tour of its world leading, independent
them again in the future.”
blade, electrical and nacelle development and test facilities for offshore renewable energy technologies. By organising events like this Narec hopes that it will
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The
DRIVING FORCE
Image courtesy of MTS Systems Corporation
The UK’s independent nacelle testing facility for accelerated lifetime testing of full systems and drive train components. The National Renewable Energy Centre, Narec, operates a new 15MW wind turbine nacelle test facility to perform product certification, design verification and system investigations in a controlled onshore environment. This allows us to improve the understanding of turbine performance and reliability; de-risking infield activities. Interested? Email: sales@narec.co.uk
www.narec.co.uk
National Renewable Energy Centre 16