Thoughts from the Ed
Author : Paul Wolfe
Undoubtedly, the subject on everyone’s lips at the moment is the Olympics, and in particular, the opening ceremony. I admit that there were many times when I was staring open-mouthed at the television, thinking ‘what in the blue blazes?’ but Danny Boyle’s extravagant and patriotic celebration of all that is British displayed to the world that they’re not privy to a national in-joke.
People have their own highlights and savour their favourite part, and for many that might be Rowan Atkinson’s input, or even Paul McCartney’s vocal talents, but for me, it’s the way the whole thing came together. The planning that had invariably been discussed for years in advance was of course excellent and clear to see, but the central point of this, the winning factor if you will, was the installation. Without the electrical installers, none of that amazing spectacle would have happened. Without installers, we’d have probably had one man walking around cheering whilst carrying a Union Flag.
The electrics at Olympic Park are as important as the athletes. But even though they’re in the background and almost taken for granted, the sheer scale of the project and supplying products for it, should not be under-estimated.
In fact, GE, a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games, recently announced that it is involved in:
• Electric Vehicle Charging
One-hundred and twenty GE electric vehicle charging stations will support a fleet of zero-emission electric vehicles set to be used during the London 2012 Olympic Games and onward
• The Olympic stadium
GE Lighting has supplied 14,000 lamps for the 80,000 seat stadium and GE Energy’s Uninterruptible Power Supplies and large, containerised switch gear will support the ceremonies and track and field events. Along with the Stadium, GE’s temporary switchgear solution is also being supplied to 17 other Olympic venues.
• London’s Tower Bridge
GE, in partnership with EDF, the Mayor of London, and the City of London Corporation, refitted London’s Tower Bridge with a state-of-the-art energy-efficient LED lighting system. London will enjoy benefits from the deal long after the Games, as the new lighting system will be in place for 25 years.
• Velodrome
For the 6,000 capacity Velodrome that hosts cycling events, GE has provided low-voltage switchgear for power distribution within the stadium, as well as Uninterruptible Power Supplies to protect the power for use during competition.
• Aquatics Centre
The Zaha Hadid designed Aquatics Centre features GE’s Uninterruptible Power Supplies to provide critical power protection for a number of applications
• Olympic Park
GE Lighting supplied 25,000 Tetra PowerMAX LED modules and the requisite number of Tetra LED Drivers to light the Olympic Park at night. Over 200 GE Healthcare AED defibrillators will be available on the Park and other venues to protect athletes and the public
• Field Hockey Centre
GE Lighting is supplying the architectural lighting scheme for the Olympic Hockey Centre
So with all of that in mind, I’ll be watching the games in a new light as it reflects off the medals being held by Team GB, because all that glistens is gold.
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