Critical energy infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms, oil and gas platforms and nuclear power plants, are just a few examples of energy generation assets that are integral to society. These assets require human intervention for their primary operational functions, ensuring their effective, safe, and reliable operation. These assets also support essential interdependent services such as transport, healthcare, and food production. Activities such as monitoring, inspection and repair are critical functions within Operation and Maintenance (O&M) programs. O&M programs can represent significant markets, for example UK Offshore Wind is worth an estimated £2.5B in condition monitoring.
These assets are typically located in challenging, remote and at times hazardous environments and can involve deploying human personnel at height or within confined spaces.
Current asset management methodologies are evolving due to enabling technologies, but today’s practice is still predominately dependent on labour-intensive analysis and human deployment to support operations and interventions. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting human deployment across all industries, a new solution must be quickly found.
One such solution is the rapid increase in the use of Cyber Physical Systems and a Symbiotic System of Systems Approach, which can create a safer and resilient work environment in all sectors.
Recent Comments