SSE Challenge 4
SSE are looking for remote turbine inspection solutions following Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) alarms.
What's the open innovation challenge?
The challenge is to develop a mechanism that provides adequate assurance that, after a false positive alarm, the turbine can be reset following remote investigation.
Challenge details
SSE plc is a leading offshore wind farm operator in the UK and Ireland. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) control systems are key to the efficient running of a turbine. And an important part of most SCADA systems is alarm handling.
In an offshore context the need to travel to the turbine to carry out a manual inspection prior to reset can lead to extended downtime, particularly in bad weather where turbine access can reduce dramatically. SSE are interested in addressing false positive alarms which trigger wind turbine shutdowns.
SSE is seeking a system provider to develop and run a pilot project with the capability of rolling out at scale. They're looking to reduce the need to physically visit site to reset the turbine following false positive alarms by half.
Anticipated timelines
It's anticipated that there will be two phases to the challenge. Phase 1 will be focused on feasibility, with phase 2 focusing on an operational pilot that will:
- Develop bespoke prototype system for offshore wind applications
- Testing and evaluation
- Accelerated life cycle testing
- Field trials
- Plan for manufacturing and scale-up
It is anticipated that phase 1 will take between 1 to 3 months and phase 2, between 12 to 24 months.
Proposal tips
The deadline is 31st July 2019 and proposals should:
- 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