October 2010
ARTICLES
Vibro compaction is an economical alternative to deep foundation systems
When performed properly, vibro compaction is an efficient and economical alternative to traditional deep foundation systems for many wind turbine sites with loose granular soil conditions.
A deep foundation system consisting of a mono-pole or drilled/driven piles is often recommended by the geotechnical engineer when the geotechnical exploration at a planned wind turbine tower location reveals that the subsurface conditions consist of loose, clean, granular soils (sands and silty sands). However, often the loose soils may be improved economically to enable […]
Bolting techniques, part 2
In this conclusion of a two-part series, the author continues his discussion of proper bolt-tensioning techniques, providing tips on how to avoid the related failure and downtime.
In the September installment of this column we began discussing various ways to avoid turbine failure resulting from bolt failure and/or improper bolting assembly techniques. We closed our conversation during an examination of the relationship between torque and tension, and the role lubricants play. The purpose of lubrication is to ensure that the applied torque […]
Turbines affect on national security
In addition to obvious siting factors such as location and productivity, national security concerns such as the effect turbines have on radar must also be taken into consideration.
The siting of a wind farm project can be a lengthy, costly, and a complicated process once a developer takes into account the different requirements. Not only is it critical to identify a site on its resource viability, environmental impact assessments, transmission, and interconnection availability are just a couple of the required processes that must […]
Wind projects in developing countries
The potential for wind projects in developing countries is growing in leaps and bounds, which will create logistics challenges. Here’s what you should know, and do.
Wind energy potential in a number of developing and emerging countries could be substantial. A recent U.N. wind study of countries from China to Nicaragua show approximately 13 percent of the land area has potential for development, compared to just 1 percent a number of years ago when wind potential was based on unreliable data. […]
NEWS
Vestas to Move North American Headquarters
Vestas will move its North American sales and service headquarters into the historic Meier & Frank Depot Building in Portland’s Pearl District. Gerding Edlen Development, Inc., will transform the sturdy structure, vacant since Companies wishing to submit materials for inclusion in this section should contact Russ Willcutt at russ@windsystemsmag.com. Releases accompanied by color images will […]
November 1, 2010
Finavera Renewables Signs Agreement for British Columbia Projects
Finavera Renewables, Inc., has signed a participation agreement with the McLeod Lake Indian Band for the Tumbler Ridge, Wildmare, Meikle, and Bullmoose Wind Energy Projects. The agreement was completed at a signing ceremony at the McLeod Lake Indian Band Annual General Assembly. The agreement sets out the guidelines for engagement between Finavera and the McLeod […]
October 5, 2010
3M and Rope Partner Launch Study on Blade Edge Erosion
3M is partnering with Rope Partner to conduct an in-field study on the effects of leading edge wind turbine blade damage. The purpose of the yearlong study is to quantify the reduction in overall wind turbine output due to leading edge erosion. This data-driven study will be the first published work to put verifiable numbers […]
October 5, 2010
Pressure Transmitters and Temperature Sensors from Danfoss
Located on top of towers that can extend 80 to 110 meters into the air, wind turbines are subjected to powerful operating forces. And because wind turbines are difficult to access for maintenance and repair, reliable monitoring and control components such as pressure and temperature sensors are vital for trouble-free operation. Because they’re a critical […]
October 5, 2010
Lincoln Electric Open Intermountain Training Center
Lincoln Electric has partnered with Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) to open its new Intermountain Training Center in Kaysville, Utah. The 5,000 square-foot, world-class welding demonstration and training facility will serve a dual role. For Lincoln the center provides a venue for the manufacturer to conduct customer seminars and training for new products, cost reduction, […]
October 5, 2010
Portable Mechanicsâ Service Sets From Snap-on Industrial
You can’t always bring the big job to the tool crib, so Snap-on Industrial is bringing the tool crib to the job. Portable mechanics’ service sets put large and small hand tools—including screw drivers, wrenches, and pliers, along with multimeters and other specialty equipment—at easy reach for professionals looking for maximum protection of their tools […]
October 5, 2010
AMSC Acquires Stake in Blade Dynamics Ltd.
American Superconductor Corporation has acquired a 25 percent ownership position in Blade Dynamics Ltd., a designer and manufacturer of advanced wind turbine blades based on proprietary materials and structural technologies. Founded in the United Kingdom in 2007, Blade Dynamics has developed wind turbine blade technologies designed to increase the efficiency and performance of very high […]
October 5, 2010
Deere Reaches Agreement for Sale of Wind Energy Business
Deere & Company has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell John Deere Renewables, LLC, its wind energy business, to Exelon Generation Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exelon Corporation. “As Deere sharpens its own strategic focus, we have concluded that the company’s resources are best invested in growing our core equipment […]
October 5, 2010
Siemens and Samsung Enter Into Major Supply Agreement for Canada
Siemens Energy and Samsung C&T Corporation have signed an agreement for the supply of wind turbines with a total capacity of up to 600 megawatts (MW). The wind turbines to be delivered under this supply agreement will be deployed at selected wind projects in southern Ontario and will provide clean power to approximately 240,000 Canadian […]
October 5, 2010
AFC-Holcroft Supplies Gearbox Equipment to Brevini Wind
AFC-Holcroft is pleased to announce the receipt of a new furnace order for a sealed quench furnace line that will be used to process specialized components utilized in the wind energy market. The furnace line is based on AFC-Holcroft’s standard, modular UBQ (Universal Batch Quench) family of products, but was modified to optimize its efficiency […]
October 5, 2010
Natural Power to Establish North American Hub
Leading renewable energy consultancy Natural Power is to merge their U.S. and Canadian operations to provide seamless service offerings to clients active across North America’s national boundaries. Natural Power’s new North American hub will be a center of excellence for consultancy services and product support across the company’s range of offerings. CurrentPresident of U.S. Operations […]
October 5, 2010
Smart Grid Cyber Security Guidelines From NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized its initial set of Smart Grid cyber security guidelines. Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security (NISTIR7628) include high-level security requirements, a framework for assessing risks, an evaluation of privacy issues in personal residences, and other information for organizations to use as they craft strategies to […]
October 5, 2010
