Countries around the world are developing vast wind farms both onshore and offshore. China, the United States and Germany are the top producers of wind powers.
Technical Expert Services
Disputes that arise regarding the construction and operation of wind generation turbines (WTGs), both onshore and offshore, usually involve a technical engineering aspect Often WTG disputes require an electrical engineer or mechanical engineer to understand the complexities..
We have been asked to assist with matters involving the construction and operation of wind farms around the world:
- Investigated and prepared expert opinions related to the failure of a harmonic filter at a wind farm.
- Investigated a fire at a wind turbine that led to the successful identification of a workmanship defect that causedthe ignition of cables inside a control panel.
- Investigated multiple defective installations of cables in the foundations of WTG towers. Investigations such as this have involved verification of adequacy of design specifications, installation methods, impact of variations on various electrical systems in addition to a number of other issues.
- Matters involving the supply and installation of LV electrical cables and systems inside WTG towers.
- Investigation of serial failures of converters inside offshore wind turbine generation. The investigation included full analysis of failure rates in different systems, failure modes and mechanisms, and environment factors impacting operation of the wind turbines.
Forensic Engineering
Common losses in wind farms involves fires, electrical faults and mechanical breakdown. Understanding the root causes of an incident in WTG towers is critical, especially as a manufacturing defect may be indicative of a potential serial defect in other towers.
We have investigated the root causes of fires and machinery breakdowns in multiple settings, considering technical and engineering factors as well as environmental factors.
We have also investigated losses associated with battery energy storage systems.
Risk Management
Once wind farms are in operation, managing the plant and the associated risks is critical. The management of wind farms is complicated by its location, which is generally remote and sometimes monitored remotely.
Our Risk Management Team has carried out risk assessments for wind farms in multiple locations and will provide risk improvement recommendations to improve the overall risk profile of the site.
