SPECIALIST ENGINEERING FEATURE
CABLING ON WINDFARMS
Cable trenching is an essential part of works performed on a windfarm project. The majority of windfarms are constructed in areas that are not suitable for general agricultural development. Therefore, the topography of the routes designated for the cable can be rugged and unforgiving and pose challenges for access of materials and plant.
ADAPTING TO NEEDS
Cleantech Civils Ltd has formed its company foundations primarily from
trenching and utility laying. Over the years, it has developed plant and equipment to adapt to the need for more efficient ways of trenching, unique to the industry.
Large capacity cable drums and ducting trailers have proved to be a success in increasing production on site while maintaining quality assurance and safety of materials. Crossing existing waterways, roads and ravines always pose a challenge, but with the aid of Cleantech’s directional drilling department, sleeve construction and fluming methods, it can be carried out without disruption to the surrounding environment.
CABLING PROCESS OPTIONS
The process for installing cables from the turbines to the connection points can be carried out in two ways, either by direct bury or through ducts. The direct bury process involves taking the cable directly
from the drum into the excavated trench. Cleantech designed and developed a frame which can carry three cable drums and a fibre optic drum and mobilised along the route using the 45ton excavator. The advantages with this method are all the cables can be laid into the trench on one passing, and from a Health and Safety benefit, no operatives are required to enter the excavation as all placing and cable tying can be completed safely from the sides of the excavation.
DUCTING PROCESS
The ducting process is used more typically on spine routes and in roadways. The company use excavators with rotator/ swivel hitches and 0 tail swing to assist working in difficult narrow routes. All their staff are highly experienced in constructing to the specification of cable ducting, traffic management, safe-dig systems and environmental awareness.
They have also designed a duct laying trailer where teams can place duct safely into the trench from high level which also improves efficiencies and safety.
After ducting has been successfully installed they place the cables into each configuration with specialist pulling equipment, all calibrated and certified to pull the cables to specification.
Print outs and data history can be presented for all cable pulls throughout the project.
Cleantech Civils Ltd
www.cleantechcivils.com
REDUCED COSTS
The design typically reduces the total rebar and concrete contents of a base by 20% each, which also affords associated labour savings and a shorter construction programme.
Peikko
www.peikko.co.uk = Click to view video
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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