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Renewable Energy Power Station, UK

Cutting edge composite trench covers for cutting edge renewable energy power station

Project overview

Under the EU’s renewable energy plan (still in place post-Brexit) the UK set targets to meet 15% of their energy needs from renewable sources by 2020, including generating 30% of electricity from wind, solar and other low carbon sources (The Guardian, 2016). Wales selected 7 SSAs (Strategic Search Areas) which were chosen for good wind speeds and lack of statutory designations. One of these was selected as a site for Garreg Lwyd large scale wind farm, which will be capable of providing sufficient renewable electricity to meet the average needs of more than 26,000 homes.

The project consists of 17 turbines, a control building and a substation to supply power to the grid at the correct voltage and amperage. Substations require large amounts of cabling and other utilities set below the ground while being easily accessible.

When considering materials and products to use when building this power station of the future, they specified future materials and products that will endure into it.

Garreg Lwyd wind farm under construction
Garreg Lwyd wind farm under construction
The wind farm will be capable of providing renewable electricity to meet the average needs of more than 26,000 homes.
The wind farm will be capable of providing renewable electricity to meet the average needs of more than 26,000 homes

Problem

At the substation, there are two long precast concrete trenches: one 19 meters metres long with a span of 765 mm, the other 25 meters metres long with a span of 1250 mm. The trenches are set flush into the ground, with an edging created using upright concrete slabs. The trenches required a covering solution that could be easily manually removed for maintenance and monitoring while performing at D400 load rating (40 ton). tonne). The Substation specified a FRP GRP composite solution to meet the required specifications. Covers also needed to provide a safe walking surface for operators, whatever the weather conditions.

Stanton Bonna, the precast trench manufacturer partnered with Fibrelite to create a series of custom FRP GRP trench covers to fit onto their precast concrete trenches.

Stanton Bonna, the precast trench manufacturer partnered with Fibrelite to create a series of custom FRP GRP trench covers to fit onto their precast concrete trenches.

25 metre long pre-cast concrete trench with 1250mm span
25 metre long pre-cast concrete trench with 1250mm span
The standard Fibrelite tread pattern provided the perfect slip resistance required for a safe walking surface
Fibrelite trench covers have anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits
Covers ‘stepped’ to reduce weight and fit trench width
Covers ‘stepped’ to reduce weight and fit trench width

Solution

Fibrelite designed and manufactured a series of custom FRP GRP trench covers to fit onto the Stanton Bonna precast concrete trenches. Covers are ‘stepped’ to reduce unit weight and increase the load rating capability. The D400 load rated 1250 mm wide covers can be safely manually removed by two operators without risk of injury. The equivalent size concrete panel would have weighed approx. 400Kg. Independent wet and dry tests carried out by Devon CC Materials Laboratory showed that Fibrelite manhole and trench covers – even when wet – have anti-slip/skid properties far exceeding health and safety advisory limits.

Slit trench with stepped covers over electrical cabling
Slit trench with stepped covers over electrical cabling

Results

Fibrelite covers are a fit-and-forget solution: no maintenance is required, and the composite material has an inherent resistance to corrosion. Structural performance is guaranteed for years to come, with all covers independently tested to BS EN124 criteria.

Fibrelite covers are a fit-and-forget solution: no maintenance is required
Fibrelite covers are a fit-and-forget solution: no maintenance is required
Fibrelite D400 trench covers on wind farm substation
Fibrelite D400 trench covers on wind farm substation

Lifting and manual handling issues are eliminated. All Fibrelite FRP GRP trench covers are safely removable by two operators, even at D400 (or F900!). This means increased efficiency on site when performing essential maintenance while preventing the risk of injury or need for specialized specialised heavy lifting equipment.

All Fibrelite trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people using the FL7 lifting handles (image used for illustration purposes and shows a different installation)
All Fibrelite trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people using the FL7 lifting handles (image used for illustration purposes and shows a different installation)
Bespoke Fibrelite trench covers 1250mm span
Bespoke Fibrelite trench covers 1250mm span
Author:
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David Holmes

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