A wind farm is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electricity. Wind farms vary in size from a small number of turbines to several hundred wind turbines covering an extensive area. Wind farms can be either onshore or offshore. Because they require no fuel, wind farms have less impact on the environment than many other forms of power generation and are often referred to as a good source of green energy.
Location is critical to the overall success of a wind farm. Additional conditions contributing to a successful wind farm location include wind conditions, access to electric transmission, physical access, and local electricity prices.
STAGES:
PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Preliminary geotechnical investigation is undertaken to determine the ground conditions in general. This may include a limited number of boreholes, test pits, and geophysical testing. The information helps the tenderers to price the construction of foundations for wind turbines.PROCUREMENT OF CONTRACTORS
Preliminary geotechnical investigation report along with other documents are shared with the tenderers to submit their proposal for the construction of the wind farm.DETAILED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Once the contractor is awarded the contract for the construction of the wind farm, detailed geotechnical investigation is undertaken. This will include the location of boreholes based on the final location and number of wind turbines. Test pits are also undertaken to assess shallow ground conditions for the design of access tracks as well as small buildings to facilitate offices or equipment. Depending on the ground conditions encountered on-site, sometimes geophysical surveys are also undertaken to confirm the depth of rock.DESIGN OF TURBINE FOOTINGS AND ACCESS TRACK
Based on the detailed geotechnical investigation, wind turbine footings are designed. These can be shallow footings, piled foundations, shallow footings combined with ground anchors, or other similar options. Site access track is also designed for traffic to move around the site.CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES
Once the design of footings for turbines and access tracks is completed, site verification is provided during construction to confirm the adopted ground conditions at the base of each footing as well as along the access track.GEOCONSOL SERVICES
At GEOCONSOL,we deliver a tailored suite of the following services to accommodate project geology, complexity, diverse design solutions, and safety requirements.