ELECTRICAL NETWORKS
We test, validate and demonstrate high-voltage electrical components, cables (static or dynamic) and materials in our UKAS-accredited laboratories. We specialise in providing extensive test programmes across a wide variety of complex electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, operated from UKAS-accredited laboratories.
We provide clients with new and bespoke test programmes, as well as guidance on test processes and requirements. We can design bespoke tests to support client requirements to better understand and optimise their products.
OUR ELECTRICAL NETWORKS TESTING FACILITIES
Between our advanced high voltage test facilities and research, our electrical networks team work with clients on component development, materials selection, system certification, electrical grid integration and accelerated lifetime test programme delivery, improving reliability and ensuring complex multiple arrays and generation sources operate at optimum efficiency.
Our facilities & services include:
HV testing, type certification
Dynamic cable testing
Fault diagnostics, prognostics and benchmarking
System optimisation
Electrical materials laboratory
HIGH VOLTAGE LABORATORY
Our HV Electrical Laboratory is the UK’s only accredited facility for the testing of power cable systems, capable of providing type testing services for underground and submarine cable systems.
Services include:
Type certification of HV cable systems, switchgear and other HV insulation systems
HV insulation breakdown testing up to 600kV AC, 1MV DC
Product development, testing and certification support
HV bushing and transformer performance testing
Accelerated ageing testing
Polymeric materials testing
Environmental assessment and testing
Temperature and process data telemetry
Fault finding, failure investigation and diagnostics
Static and fatigue mechanical testing
OTHER TESTING CAPABILITIES
MATERIALS LABORATORY
Our Materials Laboratory offers the full spectrum of non-electrical type testing, root-cause failure investigations as well as materials characterisation and research. Clients are able to undertake analysis as part of the HV electrical testing programmes, immediately after testing, without causing delay or damage to test samples.
DYNAMIC CABLE TEST RIG
We offer a bespoke, state-of-the-art cable bend fatigue test rig that supports the development – and improving the performance and reliability of – subsea cables. The rig is capable of testing floating wind and tidal cables, carrying out operational research, and acting as a representative test bed for all aspects of subsea cable development.
FLOWIC
Our national Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) offers a large-scale dynamic cable fatigue testing rig. It has been specifically built to test and validation the strength, performance and reliability of dynamic subsea cables.
18MVA GRID EMULATION
eGrid is an extension of our 3MW and 15MW nacelle testing facilities, where clients can test the major mechanical components while also collecting vital electrical performance data and achieving grid-compliant assurance. eGrid emulates connection with the grid in order to understand how wind and tidal turbines integrate and affect the power network.
LEVENMOUTH DEMONSTRATION TURBINE
In Levenmouth, Scotland, we operate a 7MW working offshore wind turbine for testing, validation and demonstration of new technologies. There, we can install electrical components and materials in the real-world environment, enabling analysis and furthering understanding of electrical infrastructure as part of overall turbine performance.
ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH HUB
In partnership with the Universities of Strathclyde and Manchester, we developed the Electrical Infrastructure Research Hub to accelerate research and development activities, tackling the challenge of making the UK’s electrical infrastructure systems future-proof to meet the needs of the growing offshore wind, wave and tidal industries. As part of the Electrical Infrastructure Research Hub, we have delivered several projects and reports.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
UKAS-ACCREDITED
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult is accredited to UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 for our High Voltage Electrical Networks facility, 50m & 100m Blade Testing facility and Blade Rain Erosion Test Rig and Composites Laboratory.
Our accreditationsCONTACT OUR TEAM
