R&B Switchgear Group has successfully completed a landmark project in the North Sea, enabling Repsol Sinopec’s Fulmar platform to power the operation of the Auk platform via a subsea link.
The specialist engineering firm was enlisted by multinational energy services company Wood and leading energy providers Repsol Sinopec, to undertake extensive modifications on the two platforms following a review of the existing generators and power supply.
Prior to the upgrades, both Fulmar and Auk generated their own electricity from a combination of turbine and diesel driven generators. However this was growing increasingly more expensive, particularly on Auk due to the need for externally purchased diesel and the poor efficiency of the generator sets.
R&B Switchgear Group was tasked with manufacturing new Whipp & Bourne heritage circuit breakers, undertaking modifications to existing HV and MV assets and installing new protection relays to ensure a seamless transition and guarantee optimum operating across both platforms.
Expected to save millions of pounds each year, the unique project took six months to complete and the team are confident that the refurbishments will continue to deliver on-going benefits when Auk enters into the decommissioning phase of its life cycle.
Lead engineer and project manager at R&B Switchgear Group, Paul Robinson said: “We are hugely excited to have worked alongside Repsol Sinopec and Wood on this technically demanding, industry-leading project.
“As more platforms age and enter new life cycles, we anticipate that more companies will follow this example and employ subsea links as a way to create efficiencies, minimise downtime and save money.”
To find out more about R&B Switchgear Group and how the team can extend the life cycle of your electrical assets email the team at info@rbswitch.com.
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LV Switchgear
R&B celebrates subsea success with Auk and Fulmar project
