SSE Challenge 3
Off-shore wind turbine access ladder maintenance challenge.
What's the open innovation challenge?
Can you identify and implement an efficient maintenance regime using innovative techniques and materials which extends the time before repairs are needed to be carried out to access ladders.
Challenge details
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) Fenders damage the coating of access ladders leading to corrosion. It's currently difficult to replace coatings due to rise and fall of sea levels.
The solution needs to address how best to carry out corrective maintenance on existing operational turbine in situ ladders, and also how to implement enhanced preventative maintenance to extend the asset life.
SSE is seeking a provider to develop and run a pilot project with the capability of rolling out at scale. This project will eventually eliminate the need to remove access ladders for repair, and identify an in situ preventative maintenance regime mechanism across the SSE windfarm fleet.
Anticipated milestones
Phase 1 of the project will cover off feasibility should be completed in one to three months. Phase 2 should be completed within 12 to 24 month period and will focus on phasing in the engineering solution. This will include:
- Develop bespoke prototype system for offshore wind applications
- Testing and evaluation
- Accelerated life cycle testing
- 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
- To reach SSE by 31 July 2019