Solar Power Systems for Wellhead Platforms

This case study highlights the design, manufacture and supply of multiple solar power packages for numerous wellhead platforms in the Java Sea, located offshore Indonesia.

The systems provided power for locally installed instrumentation, telecoms equipment, navigational aids and process equipment / motors, on each of the facilities. The complete packages were manufactured and tested at our custom-built facility in Aberdeen, ready to be installed and commissioned on site.

• Energy analysis and optimisation
• Load analysis
• Energy system simulation
• Control system philosophy

With the design complete, the manufacturing of the wide range of equipment and components for this system began.   The manufacturing took place over several months, dependent on the lead times for specific components and required delivery dates by the client.

JCE’s manufacturing scope included:

• Solar Panels
• Solar Charge Controllers
• Battery Enclosures
• Battery Monitoring System
• Battery Charging Skids
• Power Distribution Systems
• Lighting Enclosures
• All systems were suitable for installation in a Zone 1 area

Before any equipment could be shipped, a rigorous testing protocol was in place to ensure both system functionality and quality assurance. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) was further conducted.  Testing included:

• Battery Monitoring System (BMS) and Load Monitoring testing
• Equipment functionality
• HMI Programming and testing
• Alarms, communication testing
• Remote communication (onshore/offshore)

– Issue packing procedure

• Solar Panels packed in foam lined crates, compliant with BS 1133 Section 8
• Ex d control systems and distribution systems crated in compliance with BS 1133 Section 8
• Batteries manufactured to negate hazardous risk during air freight
• All items Ex Works and prepped/loaded to ease and improve efficiency of client shipping

With the arrival of the equipment in a port in Indonesia, everything was delivered to the first platform to begin installation.

The final stages of the project were underway which included all the wiring, testing and commissioning of the individual systems/components.