Ocean Winds Installs AI Software to Improve Safety at Offshore Wind Farms
Ocean Winds, a joint venture between Portuguese utility EDP Renewables and French counterpart Engie, has installed artificial intelligence (AI) software at its flagship floating wind pilot project to enhance safety at offshore wind farms. The developer has partnered with UK technology startup Zelim to deploy its AI monitoring system called Zoe at the 25MW WindFloat Atlantic project off Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. This innovative technology uses cameras fitted with AI software to constantly monitor the waters surrounding the floating offshore wind farm.
Zoe Technology Demonstrates its Usefulness in Detecting Objects in the Water
Zelim’s Zoe technology is capable of immediately detecting objects such as people or vehicles that enter the water near the wind farm. A video published by Ocean Winds demonstrates the technology in action, as objects in the water are clearly detected by the Zoe software and highlighted on the camera feed with a red box and accompanying description. By installing this AI monitoring system, Ocean Winds aims to showcase the potential of this technology for improving safety at offshore wind farms.
Immediate Alerts Sent to Enhance Safety and Security
Upon detection of any person or external vessel in the surrounding waters, the Zoe technology triggers immediate alerts, which are then sent to the wind farm’s maintenance control center. This direct notification system aims to increase the safety and security of the technicians and assets at the wind farm. The timely information provided by Zoe enables fast and efficient rescue operations, eliminating the game of chance often associated with locating individuals in distress at sea.
Zelim’s AI Software Offers a Safety Net around Offshore Assets
Doug Lothian, chief technology officer at Zelim, believes that Zoe can provide a safety net for offshore assets. The technology’s ability to detect and alert in real-time allows for quick action and rescue operations when someone ends up in the water. Lothian emphasizes that with factors like waves, sea spray, darkness, and strong currents, finding someone in distress at sea can be challenging. Zoe’s capabilities will ensure the detection and immediate alerting of any individual in the water, facilitating a fast and efficient rescue.
Expanding the Use of AI Technology to Other Projects
Ocean Winds is committed to exploring the potential deployment of Zelim’s Zoe technology in its existing and upcoming offshore wind projects. Elena Caja, Ocean Winds’ head of health, safety, security, and environmental quality, expressed the company’s interest in further utilizing this AI software to enhance safety across their portfolio. The successful implementation of this technology at the WindFloat Atlantic project will likely lead to its adoption in other operation and construction sites, reinforcing the company’s safety protocols and providing an added layer of security to its technicians and assets.
In conclusion, Ocean Winds’ collaboration with Zelim and the installation of their AI monitoring system at the WindFloat Atlantic project exemplify the commitment to safety and continuous innovation in the offshore wind industry. The ability of the Zoe technology to detect objects in the water and provide immediate alerts enhances the overall safety and security of offshore wind farms. By considering the potential deployment of this technology in other projects, Ocean Winds reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding its workforce and assets, setting a precedent for the industry as a whole.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Ocean Winds has installed AI software at its flagship floating wind pilot project to improve safety at offshore wind farms. The AI monitoring system, called Zoe, detects and alerts in real-time when objects or people enter the water near the wind farm. This technology enhances safety and security, and Ocean Winds plans to explore its deployment in other projects, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and safeguarding their workforce and assets. Market prediction: The implementation of AI technology in offshore wind farms is likely to increase in the future as other companies look to enhance safety protocols and security.
