Proserv and Synaptec form cable monitoring partnership
Proserv Controls and Synaptec
have formed a partnership to develop an integrated holistic cable
monitoring system for offshore wind farms.
Synaptec was founded in Glasgow in 2014 and provides distributed sensor
networks to improve visibility and control of power systems across the
offshore wind, transmission and distribution industries. Its technologies
use optical fibres and are completely passive: a global first for the power
sector.
Synaptec’s patented optical sensing capabilities, complemented by Proserv’s
controls technology, allows the retrofit of control systems, enabling faults
and failures to be identified pre-emptively, through a non-intrusive approach.
The companies outlines that this could save installation costs and in mitigate
the occurrence of faults.
Paul Cook, Proserv’s Product Manager – Renewables, commented, “Proserv’s
stature as an independent controls technology provider, and the ability
for our solutions to coexist with all other equipment manufacturers’ control,
monitoring and power systems, were a strong attraction to Synaptec.
“For us, Synaptec’s unique non-intrusive passive monitoring capability
means we have the scope to integrate this technology, alongside other monitoring
techniques, to bring significant added value to our future control systems.”
Proserv will incorporate Synaptec’s unique passive distributed electro-mechanical
sensing (DES) technology within the monitoring solution.
Philip Orr, Managing Director, Synaptec, said: “Cable failures continue
to be a significant challenge for the offshore wind sector. Through this
new partnership we are bringing to market a solution which will support
the growth and progress of the energy transition and positively impact
the operations and maintenance costs for offshore wind operators. It’s
an important milestone and demonstrates both Synaptec’s and Proserv’s
commitment to a stable energy future at a time when the energy sector is
undergoing the biggest transformation we’ll see in our lifetimes.”
The partners will also evaluate how best to incorporate Synaptec’s distributed
electro-mechanical sensing into Proserv’s subsea control systems in order
to monitor the performance of critical infrastructure.
The two firms will work to integrate their technologies to generate condition
monitoring solutions to support preventative failure warnings, enabling
timely intervention by operators, and preventing outages and lost production.
Davis Larssen, CEO, Proserv Controls, added, “This alliance represents
an exciting opportunity for both parties. Our goal is to combine our respective
capabilities to deliver innovative, market-leading products that will ultimately
enhance our clients’ production efficiencies and improve their profitability.”
The agreement represents a key step on Proserv’s technology roadmap, with
the firm continuing to build a disruptive, technology-driven controls business
in the offshore wind sector, as it seeks to play a part in the energy
transition.
