December 2012
ARTICLES
PTC or not, the wind industry is an ever-changing landscape for post-warranty maintenance
PTC or not, the wind industry is an ever-changing landscape for post-warranty maintenance. Taking a thorough look at the project before the end of warranty is always an important element to consider before the turbines trade hands.
As we round out 2012, it is remarkable to know that the greatest number of wind turbines ever in a single year, some 30,000, will have reached their end of warranty over the past 12 months. Regardless of whether the PTC is renewed or not, the project operator’s focus on optimizing O&M costs and improving […]
Excess vortex-induced vibrations wreak havoc on offshore wind turbine mooring lines
Previously, I discussed the fluid-structure interaction problems in floating offshore wind turbines. One of these problems is vortex-induced vibrations of mooring lines. In an offshore wind platform, the mooring lines are used to provide a sufficiently stable platform for the wind turbine. The interaction of the mooring line and the fluid flow around it can […]
If properly prepared, trained, and equipped, people — not solely technology — can be the strongest link in your supply chain.
One of the laws of supply chain I have learned is the law of people. Or as I like to put it: Just because you bought that new $600 titanium driver doesn’t make you Tiger Woods. People still have to make key supply chain decisions. Technology is a great tool when it comes down […]
NEWS
AWEA CEO Denise Bode announces her resignation
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 14, 2012 – Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, announced today that she is resigning, effective January 1, to return to private practice as a tax attorney. “There is now a strong, bipartisan team of Congressional champions for the wind industry, and the all-important extension of the Production Tax Credit […]
December 18, 2012
World’s Biggest Offshore Wind Farm Powers Up
DONG Energy, E.ON and Masdar have announced that the first power had been produced at the London Array Offshore Wind Farm. The 630MW scheme, located in the Thames Estuary, will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The development has been under construction since March 2011 and 151 of the 175 turbines have now been […]
December 3, 2012
EWEA Annual Event To Focus On Industry Growth
Each year, the European Wind Energy Association organizes an event for the wind industry that takes on a new theme to foster progress and industry growth. EWEA 2013 will focus on providing participants with real opportunities to help them find the real growth. New sources of finance and investment, new growth opportunities in the wind […]
December 3, 2012
Northern Power Systems Wind Turbines Weather Superstorm
Northern Power Systems announced that 74 of its wind turbines, including three in the Caribbean, were in the path of Hurricane Sandy and were undamaged by the high winds. Following Irene, a Category 3 hurricane, Sandy was the second powerful Atlantic storm to hit Northern Power turbines within a year and all turbines that were […]
December 3, 2012
Society of Manufacturing Engineers To Host Composites Conference
Manufacturers who utilize composite materials to build their products will converge at the Long Beach Convention Center for Composites Manufacturing 2013, March 19-21. This event, featuring a content-rich conference and industry-leading exhibitors, provides practical solutions and cutting-edge knowledge on composite applications, processes and best practices. The three-day program features a combination of education, networking, exhibits, […]
December 3, 2012
Nextera Project Raises Colorado Wind Installations to 2.2GW
Colorado now has almost 2.2GW of wind energy in place after developer NextEra Energy Resources began commercial operation of its 400MW Limon I and Limon II projects about 90 miles southeast of Denver. The facility is comprised of twin 200MW projects each with 125 General Electric 1.6MW wind turbines. Xcel Energy subsidiary Public Service Company […]
December 3, 2012
Windreich and Tennet Agree on Interim Connections for Offshore Wind Farm
The Windreich Group, comprised of British Wind Energy GmbH and TenneT TSO GmbH, has signed an agreement for the production of a temporary grid connection of the offshore wind farm, Deutsche Bucht. Subsequently, the wind farm Deutsche Bucht will be connected to the already commissioned grid connection, BorWin2 by TenneT, to serve as a temporary […]
December 3, 2012
CANWEA Announces Election of Board Members
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) announced the election of the following industry professionals to its Board of Directors for 2012-2013 at the organization’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto Oct. 16: Adarsh Mehta, Director of Development, Acciona Wind Energy Canada — Ms. Mehta has been involved in the wind industry for the past 14 years, […]
December 3, 2012
Aggreko and Comrent Combine for Exclusive Wind Energy Agreement
Aggreko and ComRent International have signed an agreement to provide a specialized temporary power and load bank solution to the wind turbine industry. The agreement covers the continental United States and Canada, and enables Aggreko and ComRent to combine efforts to offer complex wind turbine commissioning services that save significant time and money for owners […]
December 3, 2012
Helukabel Moves North American Headquarters To Accommodate Growth
Cable and wire manufacturer HELUKABEL has announced that its North American Headquarters is moving to a new location in the Chicago suburb of Elgin, Illinois. The new headquarters will house U.S. and Canadian corporate, sales and warehousing/distribution operations. HELUKABEL USA has been in their new facility since the end of October. “Elgin’s location to one […]
December 3, 2012
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Norm Tooman Construction Introduces Lighter, Safer Bolt Template
In the construction of wind turbine foundations, accurate bolt templates are critical in the precise placement of bolts in the bolt cage. Improper placement can result in delays while setting the tower base as well as resulting in bent or damaged bolts. Bolt templates can also serve to form a grout trough, which is patented […]
December 3, 2012
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Nord-Lock Introduces X-series Washers â A New Evolution in Bolt Security
Nord-Lock adds a new dimension of safety to bolt security with the launch of the Nord-Lock X-series washer. X-series combines Nord-Lock’s unmatched wedge-locking protection against spontaneous bolt loosening (due to vibration and dynamic loads) with an exclusive spring effect that protects against slackening due to settlement and relaxation. This unique combination makes X-series the first, […]
December 3, 2012
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: New Metrology Digital Readout For Manual Measurement Systems
The new ND 120 Quadra-Chek metrology digital readout (DRO) from Heidenhain is designed specifically for manual measuring machines such as optical comparators and measuring microscopes. As an offshoot of Heidenhain’s ND 1200 Quadra-Chek, the ND 120 offers most of the functionality but at a lower price point. It supports two- to three-axes with the third […]
December 3, 2012
