Archives August 2011

Archives

August 2011

ARTICLES

Clarifying scope definition prior to beginning a project

Clarifying scope definition prior to beginning a project can save time and alleviate tensions between wind farm owners and contractors.

Scope definition is likely the single greatest source of frustration on all wind projects. Simply put, the scope is the link that binds owners and contractors to the same common goal. However, those scopes usually fail to recognize that both parties have vastly differing motives to achieve that goal. Getting the scope definition “just right” […]
Ron Krizan, P.E.

Annual analyses of faults that cause downtime can shed light on nuisance-type issues

Annual analyses of frequent turbine faults that cause downtime can shed light on what seemingly nuisance-type issues are really eating your lunch!

In the world of maintenance there is generally an accepted rule in system troubleshooting that states the best methodology should attempt to eliminate at least half of the probable causes of component failure at each step of the process. This technique is termed “half-splitting,” whereby instead of sequentially testing each and every component of a […]
Merritt Brown

The more engaged today’s youth are in the stewardship of our natural resources, the brighter their future will be

The more engaged today’s youth are in the stewardship of our natural resources, the brighter their future will be. Programs like Wind for Schools will help.

As we are embarking on a new adventure at Penn State directing the Pennsylvania Wind for Schools program, we are reminded of how fascinating wind turbines are for our youth. Encouraging children toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is increasingly important in today’s globally competitive and technology oriented environment. Wind energy […]
Susan W. Stewart, Ph.D.

By developing logistics strategies that benefit the entire system, companies can improve performance

By viewing the entire supply chain holistically and developing logistics strategies that benefit the entire system, companies can improve performance and reduce cost.

Logistics roles and responsibilities tend to be compartmentalized within companies. One group may handle project deliveries, another group manages inbound plant logistics, and a third group arranges oversea transportation. Outside the organization the responsibilities are segmented even more sharply, sometimes resulting in confusion and lost opportunity. The goals and the objectives of one group may […]
Anne Puhalovich

NEWS

Project Finance & Analysis Seminar

Advanced Renewable Energy Project Finance & Analysis 2011
Register now for Infocast’s Advanced Renewable Energy Project Finance & Analysis 2011 taking place from September 26-27, 2011 at the Digital Sandbox in New York. In the post-financial crisis world renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass continue to provide one of the few growth […]
August 24, 2011

Thermoelectric Cooler from Pentair

Pentair Technical Products announces the McLean Thermoelectric Cooler for cooling electronic components in small indoor or outdoor electronic enclosures. Operating on Peltier effect technology, McLean Thermoelectric Coolers deliver 60, 100, or 200 watts of cooling for applications including telecommunications, battery cabinets, industrial enclosures, security systems and more. The compact coolers feature no refrigerant, compressors or […]
August 17, 2011

AESP Says Energy Industry Needs Workers

Despite the reports of continued high unemployment, the energy efficiency sector of the energy industry is seeking workers for both existing and newly created positions. And, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), nearly 60 percent believe there is a lack of talented workers for this field; and 82 […]
August 17, 2011

Duke Energy to Build Second Kansas Wind Farm

For the second time in a month, Duke Energy announced plans today to build a large-scale wind farm in Kansas. Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, will build, own and operate the 131-megawatt (MW) Cimarron II Windpower Project in Gray County, approximately 200 miles west of Wichita. The company purchased the […]
August 17, 2011

CLEAN Energy Entrepreneurs’ Network (CLEEN) 

The Clean Energy Entrepreneurs’ Network expanded from the Solar Energy Entrepreneurs’ Network is one of the largest clean energy networking events in Central Texas attracting over 300 attendees every quarter. The CleanTX Foundation brings this event to the Long Center to recognize the broader aspects of clean energy generation, storage, smart grid, and application technologies […]
August 6, 2011

Senator Reid and CAP’s Podesta On Upcoming “National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy”

WHAT: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) will join Center for American Progress President and CEO John Podesta on Wednesday, August 10, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT for a news teleconference to preview the upcoming “National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy.” They will address the theme of this year’s summit and the impact past […]
August 6, 2011

Dow Wire & Cable Changes Business Name

With a growth strategy that moves beyond technology and materials for wire and cable jacketing, insulation, semiconductive, and specialty compounds for the power and telecommunications markets, Dow Wire & Cable has made the decision to change its business name to Dow Electrical & Telecommunications. This is an important step for a business already focused on […]
August 6, 2011

Nordex Builds Sweden’s Largest Wind Farm

Nordex has won the largest order awarded for an onshore wind project in Sweden to date: as of summer 2012 the turbine manufacturer will be building “Blaiken,” a 150MW wind farm. The customers are Skellefteå Kraft, a leading energy supplier in Sweden and Fortum, one of the largest power utilities in Europe, based in Finland. […]
August 4, 2011

VISTAGY Software chosen by Nordex to Develop Composite Blades

VISTAGY announces that Nordex has purchased FiberSIM® software to streamline its entire design-to-manufacturing process for composite wind turbine blades. Nordex is using FiberSIM to develop detailed ply designs, accurate flat patterns and manufacturing output, and complete documentation for the engineering release. FiberSIM will enable Nordex to enhance the automation of its product development process and […]
August 4, 2011

Wind Energy Poised to Bring Economic Benefits to Ontario

Ontario’s 2,125MW of signed contracts for new wind energy developments represent a multibillion-dollar economic opportunity for the province and a chance to create thousands of much-needed jobs. A landmark study of the economic benefits of the wind energy sector in Ontario demonstrates that meeting the wind energy targets identified under the province’s Long Term Energy […]
August 4, 2011

3TIER Releases 90-Meter Wind Prospecting Tools

3TIER, a global leader in renewable energy risk analysis, announces the release of new 90 Meter Wind Prospecting Tools. The Web-based service gives wind project developers and financiers immediate access to 90 meter resolution wind resource data across the continental U.S.—the highest resolution data currently available on demand. Such finely detailed data reveal how even […]
August 4, 2011

AEM Sets Customer Support Seminar: Focus on Parts, Service, Training, Warranty

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will hold its 2011 customer support seminar September 26-28, 2011 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Presentations will follow the theme of “Tapping Into Your Potential” and include manufacturer case studies, a dealer panel discussion, technology-use sessions and plenty of networking opportunities. This AEM seminar will help attendees […]
August 3, 2011

Wind Turbine Manufacturers and Suppliers Commit to Collaborate on Forging Lean Supply Chain

In the quest for more efficient supply-chain operations, wind energy manufacturers are devoting more and more time to managing their relationships with suppliers. So what is the key to maintaining a long-term supplier relationship, and how can suppliers ensure they live up to their clients expectations? With the increasingly trans-national nature of manufacturing and supply […]
August 3, 2011

New President of Americas at Capital Safety

Capital Safety announces that Joe Reimer has joined the company as president of the Americas region. He has more than 25 years of experience in the global personal protection equipment industry. For the past 15 he has been president of the fall protection division of Dalloz and senior vice president of the height safety group […]
July 28, 2011

GL Garrad Hassan Updates Wind Farm Design Software

To further boost the productivity of the wind farm design process, GL Garrad Hassan presented an updated version of its WindFarmer software at AWEA Windpower 2011. The software facilitates the layout of wind farms to maximize the power produced while minimizing the environmental impact. The new release of the software offers project planners and developers an […]
July 28, 2011

Winergy Introduces HybridDrive to U.S. Market

Winergy Drive Systems exhibited its latest innovation in products, including its new 3MW HybridDrive and a new 2.75MW gearbox, at this year’s American Wind Energy Association WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition. The 3MW HybridDrive combines a gearbox and a permanent magnet generator into one product. The direct linkage of the two-stage gearbox and the permanent magnet […]
July 28, 2011

NRG Systems Introduces IceFree Hybrid XT Turbine Control Sensor

NRG Systems, manufacturer of wind measurement equipment for the global wind energy industry, announces the introduction of its new IceFree Hybrid™ XT turbine control sensor designed to provide longer bearing life and improved vane response characteristics. Suitable for all weather conditions, including offshore, this sensor meets industry demands for reliability and performance while helping wind […]
July 28, 2011

COMPAXX Foam Core System for Wind Blades from Dow Formulated Systems

Dow Formulated Systems announces the introduction of the COMPAXX™ 700 foam core system for wind blades, the first in a line of new core materials that will help manufacturers extend blade life through the creation of high performance sandwich composites. Extensive sandwich panel fatigue testing following the latest Germanische Lloyd requirements showed COMPAXX 700 exhibits […]
July 28, 2011