Background

Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution is a British company. They aim to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity to the people who live and work in the north of Scotland and central southern England. If something unexpected causes a power cut in any of their network areas, its their job to fix it as quickly and as safely as possible. To make sure the lights stay on SSE invest millions of pounds in the electricity infrastructure every year. Examples include major construction projects to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland and so support the growth in renewable generation, or innovations designed to help SSE move to a low carbon future. SSE are responsible for maintaining the electricity networks supplying over 3.7 million homes and businesses across central southern England and north of the Central Belt of Scotland. SSE own one electricity transmission network and two electricity distribution networks, comprising 106,000 substations and 130,000 km of overhead lines and underground cables across one third of the UK. Their first priority is to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity to the communities we serve in Scotland and England.

Project 4 Rotor Turn Around

RE Field Services Ltd offer a comprehensive remote support service on Generator problems during service. On the remote Shetland Islands the network system operates truly an “island” so a trip on a 5400kVA Diesel Generator set at SSE Lerwick Power Station has a significant impact on their ability to meet customer demands. SSE contacted RE Field Services and within hours the impact of the unit trip was identified and actions put in place to return the failed Rotor to our Pinfold Works. Stripdown and examination revealed several failed Rotor Poles and consequential damage however the clock was ticking as winter running approached. A decision was made to remove a spare Rotor from an identical unit at Orkney Power Station and have this overhauled and installed in place of the failed Rotor. Working in conjunction with SSE personnel, the Rotor was withdrawn and sent back to RE Field Services Ltd Pinfold works where a full overhaul was completed. Rotor was then transported back to Lerwick on completion and installed and commissioned, again this was completed as a joint operation. Site personnel team adapted and worked closely with SSE to achieve an expeditious RTS (Return To Service). RE Field Services Ltd Commercial Director Campbell Edgar commented “this project demonstrates how RE Field Services can overcome issues by being flexible and working together with our clients to solve problems”.

Customer's Feedback

"SSE have used RE Field Services Ltd at Lerwick Power Station since their inception in 2004 and always found them professional and their work of the highest quality, I would have no hesitation in recommending their services"

Peter Mouat Performance Manager SSE