Contributing more than 12% of the world’s electricity and saving millions of tonnes of CO2 each year compared with traditional power sources – wind power is the poster child of renewable energy.
But with projects costing in some cases millions to get off the ground, and wind turbines standing at heights of up to 150 metres and often in hard to access areas, it’s perhaps not surprising that wind farm operators require the support of specialists to guarantee success installation, commissioning and operation.
The team at AIS Wind Energy, which has installed and commissioned thousands of wind turbines across the UK and Europe, is built on a track record of complex, technical and heavy lifting expertise in hazardous environments, which dates back more than 40 years.
Here, we identify our eight stages of successful wind turbine installation and explain how AIS Wind Energy can provide vital support, expertise and resource for your next project:
1. Planning and method statement.
Successful installation requires special consideration to be given to the site location, boundary and its access points, as well as wider environmental constraints. This is why it’s crucial to carry out pre-planning work to cost the job as well as shape the scope of works, create a step by step critical path and draft a method statement. The wind turbine installation plan will also consider the unique challenges and weather conditions of the site.
2. Risk assessment.
A typical wind turbine installation requires a variety of specialist lifts as part of its transportation, offloading, electrical installation, commissioning work and final connection. This is why it’s necessary to carry out detailed risk assessments to identify the safest and most efficient way to complete the works before anything happens on site.
3. Loading the wind turbine to transport.
Calling on our in-house expertise and specialist heavy lifting equipment, we can manage all of the complex heavy lifts required to safely load the wind turbine and its components onto your chosen method of transport.
4. Transportation of the wind turbine to site.
At AIS Wind Energy we guarantee the integrity of wind turbines and their components are maintained at all times during transit, with safe and professional passage ensured from the place of manufacture to the installation location.
The team will plan the safest route, considering any limitations and barriers due to the size of the load. We also ensure that the correct paperwork is in place for the wind turbine’s journey to site and that large load permits are secured as required.
5. Offloading the wind turbine on site.
The offloading process uses the same care, control and expertise as the loading and transportation stage and requires the use of our specialist heavy lifting equipment again.
6. Lifting the wind turbine and all components into position on site.
Whether we’re tasked with lifting a turbine tower as a single piece or in a series of parts, we have the precision skills and expertise to ensure a controlled and accurate lift. This same expertise is called on to lift the turbine in to place before the blades are lifted, ready for connection.
We provide all of the lifting services associated with wind turbine installation and draw on our own fleet of specialist lifting equipment, which includes the Liebherr LG 1750 lattice boom mobile crane. The investment in the 1750 ensures that we can support wind turbine operators with the installation of even heavier and higher turbines as the market develops.
7. Fixing wind turbine components in place on-site.
AIS Wind Energy’s specialist installation team will assemble all components and install and fix the wind turbine’s five major parts (foundation, tower, rotor, hub, nacelle and generator) in place on-site, as well as a variety of more minor parts.
8. Mechanical and electrical fit out.
Electrical installation is the important last step ahead of commissioning and connecting to the grid. Our in-house mechanical and electrical technicians have the required certifications to support wind turbine operators with stopping and starting wind turbines, isolating wind turbines as necessary and conducting a full mechanical and electrical fit-out.
These eight stages underpin AIS Wind Energy’s turnkey installation service, which spans full logistics support and lifting capabilities, and demonstrates the importance of seeking professional and proven support for your next project.
To see how the team at AIS Wind Energy could support your wind farm, contact us.
