Working Together to Ensure Superior Performance
Technocover security doors meet REG Power Management's high standards of asset protection at Pen Bryn Oer Wind Farm in South Wales.
Meeting Superior Standards Inclded …
A high level of 'hardening' demanded for switch room building at Pen Bryn Oer Wind Farm to underpin supply resilience for the client and distribution network.
Reaching substantial heights and supporting expansive rotor blades, the structural integrity of the wind turbine is a feat of modern engineering.
Critical integrity of ancillary infrastructure, such as switch rooms, in safeguarding control processes and the transmission of energy into the national distribution network
Setting a High Bar
As a developer, owner and operator of renewable energy projects, REG Power Management (RPM) sets an especially high bar for the security of the energy infrastructure it delivers to ensure supply continuity to the Distribution Network Operator (ONO). At the remotely located Pen Bryn Oer Wind Farm, this included a rigorous specification for external security doors to a new switch room building.
Specifications
The 6 Megawatt (MW) facility, completed in four months by civils contractor Jones Bros, comprises three Vestas V90 turbines each with a 2 MW output and 90 metres diameter rotor blades. The project is due to be operational by early 2018, feeding into Western Power Distribution's electricity network in South Wales.
Physical security specialist, Technocover, manufactured and installed six of its industry leading, LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) certified Sentinel doors to 'harden' the building against the risk of vandalism or physical attack by assailants.
Security Levels
Based in Powys, Technocover's high security doors, access covers, modular buildings and mesh panels are certified to a range of security levels offered under the LPCB third party approval system, or in certain applications, its own equivalent security classification.
LPCB approved security equipment is widely adopted in the utilities, energy production, transport and for other critical infrastructure to comply with industry directives and the client's individual security criteria.
Tested to industry-leading standards of physical performance, LPCB security ratings offer an appropriate resistance to perceived risks of vandalism, attempted infiltration, criminal or even terrorist attack.
The mix of single and twin entry doors were adapted to meet the operational and locking requirements of the ONO and RPM, whose asset management arm will manage the operational wind farm.
Quick Response
Although invited to tender late in the process, the company responded quickly with a product and service package that easily met, if not exceeded, the technical and security demands. Having undertaken large security programmes within the utilities, the company was also amply experienced and resourced to meet the six-week programme for delivery and certified installation.
“Technocover were recommended by a contact within the security industry,” explained REG Site Engineer, Patrick Hamilton. “They proved to be very responsive and accommodating, while offering a superior product. The doors exceeded our requirements and the installation was undertaken very professionally.”
Patrick added: “In addition, Technocover were able to adapt their product to RPM's requirements, which meant upgrading the ONO hardware requirement but still accommodating the client's lock cylinders for access.”
Step Further
RPM Project Manager, Andrew Penfold, stated: “Wind farm and solar farm control buildings typically have doors that meet the ONO specification, though RPM, based on its experience of asset management, goes a step further with physical security.”
“We have developed a specification incorporating high security concealed hardware as well as a simple high security external lock, which has proved itself as an effectual visual deterrent.”
In response, Technocover's doors have a multi-point, high security dead bolt locking system, pull handles, door stays and single action entry and exit lever handles. They are also generously featured with weather seals, thresholds, earth points and alarm fixing points, and an Admiralty Grey paint finish to blend with the site aesthetic.
The two double door systems were supplied with removable blanking plates and without a transom beam, to maximise access dimensions for full removal of plant equipment. The company provides certified fitters to ensure that the door, frame and accessories are correctly installed to comply with the system design and expected security performance.
Advanced Materials Specification
The advanced materials specification was a particular attraction, as Patrick noted: “Technocover doors are manufactured from a thicker gauge of material than other doors we have seen and their hardware, such as stays and hinges, is more robust.” The tough structural steel carcass of door and frame benefits from a post-galvanised zinc finish, offering 20+ years corrosion protection – easily matching the service life of the installation. This is a significant improvement on the five- or ten-year performance of system finishes typically available on security doors.
Commitment
Andrew concluded: “RPM is fully committed to its responsibilities for energy infrastructure security and adopts a high bar for physical protection, as met by Technocover, to ensure the physical resilience and operational reliability of assets it develops and manages.”
ENDS
For further information on the full range of Technocover physical security solutions please telephone 01938 555511 or E-mail our Business Development Department.
This article was published in Wind Energy Active, December 2017 and is reproduced here with the permission of the publisher.
