SSE Challenge 2
Predictive maintenance for offshore wind generation electronic converters challenge.
What's the open innovation challenge?
The challenge is to develop a predictive maintenance process that will significantly reduce unplanned maintenance of offshore wind generation electronic converters.
Challenge details
The technology already exists in other industries but needs to be adapted for an offshore wind environment. The equipment needs to be rugged, durable, and able to be used in confined spaces, as well as potentially at long distances from the operations base.
The challenger solver needs to be able to utilise existing communications links and solutions. Should produce a low cost and high value concept that will utilise and adapt existing equipment, software and techniques that are probably being currently deployed or developed in other industries.
Anticipated milestones
SSE is looking to reduce unplanned maintenance of converters by 90% with the challenge split into two phases. Phase 1 (3-6 months) should cover feasibility including mock-up of existing equipment in situ or lab conditions while phase 2 (12-24 months) will be devoted to engineering optimisation that will:
- Develop bespoke prototype system for offshore wind applications
- Test and evaluate
- Accelerate life cycle testing
- Cover field trials
- Plan for manufacturing and scale-up
Proposal tips
SSE is looking for concise, non-confidential proposals that will:
- Describe the technical approach
- Ideally include information on the technological readiness of the proposal
- Include proof of concept data, reference to any publications or previous applications and potential route to commercialisation
- Reach SSE by 31 July 2019