A mixed platform project of 18 x 2.3MW and the first installation in the US of 48 x 4.5MW turbines. Stretching over 24,000 acres, 3,000ft above sea level on the high plains of New Mexico.
The larger turbines involved a split-phased pre-assembly of the nacelle components due to size and weight: a separate three-section drive train and a three-section tower.
Challenge
- Managing the simultaneous installation of two different turbine types involving two sets of RAMS and Energy Isolation Procedures
- The installation company’s technicians had not received any training on this new tower type
- The engineering proposal for the platform’s installation and troubleshooting had not been tested
- Inherent production faults were identified within the product
- The location, environment and weather could affect the success of the project
Solution
Working as one-team with the customer, we established a number of processes to tackle these challenges:
- Conducted the platform-specific RAMS and energy isolation training
- Delivered the installation process training to the technicians including coaching, mentoring and on-the-job training
- Oversaw the installation via our Technical Field Advisors and Supervisors
- Problem resolution using local engineering supply chain and supporting the engineering process through lessons learned
- Developed the retro-fit campaign
- Specific PPE provided that supported the technicians whilst exposed to the environment.
- Emergency response plan was enhanced to account for the local wildlife
Results
- The project was closed out to client satisfaction
- Lessons learnt fed back through the customers engineering department for concurrent and future projects
- Following this project, we were invited to complete further installation projects with the customer across North America
- 122 retro-fits per tower were identified and completed.
