OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Operations

As wind farm projects grow in scale, much more operational data will be generated and it is important that this data is stored efficiently so that it can be accessed when required. Using a GIS to manage data allows for this, particularly if well structured geodatabases, such as those designed by SeaPlanner, are utilised.

Data collected during operations often comes in continuous feeds resulting in large quantities of data being transferred - this data needs to be stored and analysed to check that project infrastructure is all operating correctly. The GIS can also display and analyse weather data to know if conditions are strong enough for start up or too strong for operation (so turbines need to be temporarily locked), ensuring the safe operation of the wind farm.

Maintenance

A GIS can display real-time turbine status allowing visualisation of what maintenance needs to be undertaken. During subsequent offshore work, safety zones need to be set up, and efficient marine coordination will be required, which can be facilitated through the use of GIS.

Difficult weather conditions limit the amount of time in which maintenance can be undertaken, and lead to dangerous working conditions. However, a GIS can identify weather windows, while assisting the planning of work to ensure it is done quickly and efficiently. Maintenance records can then be stored within the GIS, allowing service histories for site infrastructure to be visualized and interrogated.