Document Actions
wind construction
Construction Tasks
Once all the essential project elements are in place, the construction manager can begin site preparation for delivery of materials and installation of the equipment. Site preparation tasks may include:
Road Improvements: At most sites new roads will need to be built to provide access to the turbine site for the construction vehicles and crane. Old roads may also require improvement to ensure that they meet grade, weight bearing, and turning radius requirements. Associated improvements are usually necessary for erosion control, drainage, and access gates. Rock and water for the roads and foundations may come from new pits on site or be trucked to the site.
Grading: Beyond grading for any new roads, the site of the turbine foundation needs to be graded so the crane will site level during installation. Additional grading may be necessary to set up temporary storage areas.
Foundation and turbine pad preparation: The foundations for transformers are straightforward concrete pads, but turbine foundations require engineering to meet the specifications of individual sites and the specific turbine(s) selected. One common foundation-type uses two cylinders, one placed inside the other, to reduce the total amount of concrete. This type of foundation works well in places without a lot of rock. In areas with a lot of rock, this kind of foundation would require blasting, so a slab-type foundation might be more practical instead.
Temporary-use areas: Preparation of temporary-use areas such as crane pads, installation of the collector system, and preparation of the substation pad may need to be built. Site preparation for a substation may require specialized engineering and construction to ensure proper grounding.
Cabling: Cable needs to be laid from the turbine to the transformer and from the transformer to the site of interconnection. Generally, the cable from the turbine to the interconnection point is underground. The decision to run the wires under or over ground should be based on expense, permit requirements, land-use impacts, maintenance requirements, and habitat disturbance. Trenching will disturb habitat, but installing overhead wires may add risk to wildlife, interfere with land use, and be vulnerable to fire.
Other Electrical Work: Any utility facility upgrades specified in the interconnection agreement need to be completed before the turbines are energized. This work can be done by the construction manager or by a contractor specified by the utility.
Meteorological Tower(s): Many projects include tall “met” towers to provide data independent of the control sensors on the wind turbines. The data from these towers are typically used for power curve confirmation and warranty purposes. Information is communicated remotely to the project owner and utility.
Once
the major components arrive
on the site, all effort is channeled into installing and commissioning
the project as quickly as possible. After the safety tests have been
completed and proper operation is confirmed, the project is ready to
begin commercial production. After all construction is complete, site
restoration tasks are completed.
