Energy & Infrastructure

Energy is needed for manufacturing, commercial and residential use and comes from several sources. Historically the bulk of electrical energy has come from coal fired power stations providing base load power with coal providing a readily available and relatively low cost energy source. As more natural gas was discovered, gas fired power stations started to be built to cover the peak load requirements as they could be turned on and off quickly in response to rapid changes in demand. Both of these energy sources are used in boilers or turbines to convert water to steam which in turn is used to spin a generator to produce electricity.

Other forms of energy have provided power which can also quickly respond to peak demands such as hydroelectricity, the best example of which is the Snowy Mountain scheme, having been developed in the 1950’s. Diesel is also widely used in small generator packages especially in remote locations. However in the last 20 years the energy sector has changed rapidly with advances in solar and wind energy and concerns with climate change and carbon emissions allowing more use of “renewable” forms of energy to provide electrical power. Developments in battery technology have also led to advances in the way energy is stored both at a local level for residential and automotive usage but also in large scale implementations of renewable energy power grids.

Energy can also be a significant cost to any organisation (or household) and there have been continual advances in measurement so that usage can be monitored and energy saving schemes implemented.

Infrastructure is a term mainly used to describe transportation systems which society relies upon to function either as a means of getting to work but also to allow industry to function smoothly for the distribution of goods and materials. Infrastructure can include roads, rail, tunnels, seaports and airports and all need to operate efficiently. This cant be done without electricity, control systems or maintenance.

None of this can be achieved in todays business environment without measurement, automation and control. Safety is also an important factor, equally so in the Energy sector and this is reflected in design as well as work practices.

Triple I can provide specialised personnel who have the experience and application knowledge required in these areas, especially:

  • automation and electrical engineers for control and electrical systems, measurement and reporting
  • functional safety (FS) HAZOPS, design, audits and Hazardous Area’s (EEHA)
  • electricians for installation and maintenance
  • instrument technicians for correct installation and calibration of key measurement parameters
  • mechanical fitters to fabricate, install and maintain the various plant equipment around the site.