To assist in the safe operation of the wind farm, the business unit Security Solutions from the Siemens Building Technologies Division will deliver life-critical telecoms, CCTV including a virtual video network and integrated alarm monitoring across a fully integrated IP based monitoring network which includes Voice-Over IP operating 25 km out at sea. To enable viewing of the video data from the UK and Europe, Siemens is also integrating the video alarms and monitoring into a Siemens Scada platform, and the client’s IP network.

The primary purpose of the surveillance of the offshore wind farm is to evaluate conditions on the remote site, safeguard personnel and monitor the operation offshore. The video information is also used for logistic purposes, planning and for potential incident evaluation.

Both the network and the equipment chosen had to be robust and resilient to meet the challenge of this hostile marine environment. This project required a delivery methodology to accommodate the demands of both land and sea and to meet the key critical health and safety challenges set by the two different environments for delivery and maintenance.

In particular, one of the most important design considerations for the Security Solutions team was the remote locations of the turbines. The 140 turbines are mounted on steel monopolies and transition pieces, in water depths between 24 and 34 metres. The most important aspect of the solution was that the system had high-availability with reliable proven components. As additional back up, Siemens has built in remote diagnostics within the IP Platform to facilitate remote repair.

Siemens has designed the system to meet the clients’ needs using experience gained from working on projects for the National Grid and Off-shore and the company is also overseeing both the installation and commissioning works. The system has been designed to eliminate catastrophic failures enabling a “return to land” service approach. This involved a plug-and-play design, with the capability to easily remove and swap component parts in the event of a fault. This means that specialists do not need to be shipped out to the turbine, reducing maintenance costs and downtime, with all delicate recording equipment also located landside to enable easier access for maintenance and to ensure resilient storage.

Greater Gabbard is being jointly developed by Scottish Southern Electric (SSE) and RWE npower renewables.