GRP Grating and Handrailing for Power Stations and Wind Farms
Power stations, substations and wind turbines place demands on electrical safety, weight and access. Byggkomposit supplies GRP products suited to electrified energy environments.
The energy sector — from wind and hydro power to transformer and switchgear stations — has specific material requirements. Structures must handle high-voltage environments, are often accessed via towers or narrow ladders, and must also withstand Nordic climate with shifting temperatures, salt and UV exposure. GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is used today for platforms, handrailing, cable ladders and service walkways in this type of asset.
Byggkomposit supplies GRP structures to wind farms, utilities and operators of substations, transformer stations and hydro plants. The material does not conduct electricity and has a low self-weight, which can allow individual sections to be hoisted up turbine towers by hand. Electrical risk assessment, fire rating and sizing should always be verified against the project's documentation.
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Properties relevant to the energy sector
Six properties that often support specifying fibreglass composite in new build and retrofit projects.
Electrically non-conductive
GRP does not conduct electricity, which can improve personal safety around transformers, substations and overhead lines.
Low self-weight
Low self-weight sections can be hoisted up wind turbine towers without a crane, which can ease work for service teams.
Low maintenance requirement
No recurring repainting cycles required, which can reduce downtime costs during operation and maintenance.
Weather resistant
Withstands Nordic climate, salty sea air and UV exposure. Service life and properties should be verified against current product data.
Suited to retrofit
Can suit both new build and replacement in older substations where keeping load on the existing structure low matters.
Handles cyclic loading
The material is designed to handle cyclic loading from vibration. Sizing should be verified against the actual conditions.
GRP applications in the energy sector
Wind turbines — towers, nacelles and service decks
Inside wind turbine towers, GRP platforms and grating are used for service decks and rest landings along the ladder up to the nacelle. Low self-weight can ease manual handling compared with heavier steel components that require crane lifts. Handrailing and fall protection in the same material complete the system without introducing conductive parts.
Substations and transformer stations
Around high-voltage equipment, GRP handrailing and access routes form part of the access solution. Because the material is electrically non-conductive, it can reduce the risk of arcing during work in live installations. The anti-slip surface is intended to perform in snow, ice and rain.
Hydro and pumping stations
In hydroelectric plants, walkways and platforms are exposed to moisture, spray and sometimes chemical dosing. GRP structures are corrosion resistant and can be replaced during overhauls without a rust protection system.
Solar parks and battery storage
For larger solar parks and ancillary battery equipment, GRP can be used for service walkways between rows, handrailing and platforms at inverter stations. Low self-weight can limit point loads on ground frames and rooftop structures.
Safety and access in a growing energy sector
As renewable generation expands, the need for safe material choices for access and maintenance grows with it. GRP products can support electrical safety and long-term operation, but the correct grade, dimensions and fire rating must always be specified against the requirements of the individual asset. Get in touch to discuss your project.
Want to explore Dura Composites' global reference projects in energy & utilities? Read more about GRP in energy and utilities at Dura Composites (opens in a new tab).
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