Archives January 2013

Archives

January 2013

ARTICLES

Wind energy development in Southeastern states faces unique challenges

Wind energy development in Southeastern states faces unique challenges, requiring proper preparation and planning.

This year, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) held its annual WINDPOWER conference in Atlanta. One of the main emphases of the conference was the future of wind project development and construction in the southeastern United States. As contractors look to the future of the wind industry construction, they will be well served by preparing […]
Julian Bell

Proper maintenance and common sense are key to safeguarding against premature failure

Despite advances in detection of potentially catastrophic failures of wind turbine gearboxes, proper maintenance and common sense are key to safeguarding against premature failure.

Even though an operating turbine’s gearbox might sound normal from the ground, it could be in quite different shape once the inspection covers are pulled and an oil sample is taken. Finding damage on high-speed gearing can be an indication that a softer-material, slower-moving component is fragmenting and sending metal particulates into the oil system. […]
Jack Wallace

Observation of metocean conditions is integral in determining design of offshore floating wind turbines

As offshore wind energy projects move farther offshore into deeper waters, erecting wind turbines on floating platforms instead of the traditional fixed-bottom platforms become more economical. Floating platforms have been used with success in the offshore oil industry, but there are a number of engineering challenges associated with offshore floating wind turbines (OFWTs). One important […]
Matthew A. Lackner, Ph.D.

Resolve to identify key competencies and emphasize preparation for continued success the year ahead

Yes, it’s that time of year — time for making your 2013 New Year’s resolutions. While I am not a big resolution guy and recognize that most are broken by the end of the month, it does make sense to step back and see areas for improvement. This is for an organization as well as […]
Michael Graska

NEWS

Italy’s 24MW Deliceto wind farm grid-connected and operating with Leitwind’s 1,5MW turbines

Leitwind announced today the commissioning of the Deliceto wind farm, which is now grid-connected and operating in Apulia, Italy. Leitwind was contracted by Elce Energia Spa in 2012 to build the 24MW Deliceto wind farm, which is made of 16 Leitwind’s patented LTW80 1.5MW gearless turbines.   The wind turbines were delivered from the Telfs; […]
February 1, 2013

Timken Acquires Wazee Companies, LLC; Expands Industrial Service Offerings

The Timken Company announced its acquisition of the assets of Wazee Companies, LLC, a regional leader providing motor, generator, wind and industrial crane services to diverse end markets including oil and gas, wind, agriculture, material handling and construction.  The addition of Wazee to The Timken Company’s process industries segment further expands the footprint of the Timken industrial services business. Based […]
January 30, 2013

Shermco Industries Presents WoWE Check at AWEA Fall Symposium

On Wednesday, November 14, Shermco Industries presented a check for $5500 to Kristen Graf, executive director of the Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) at the American Wind Energy Association Fall Symposium held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Presented by Kevin Alewine, director of Renewable Energy Services and Paul Idziak, national sales […]
January 3, 2013

World Smart Energy Week Adds Wind Energy To Annual Exhibition

World Smart Energy Week, a grouping of eight renewable/smart energy exhibitions, will take place from February 27 – March 1 in Tokyo at Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. Newly added this year is WIND EXPO, an exhibition with as many as 300 participating organizations launched by Reed Expositions Japan Ltd. with the support of the Japan […]
January 3, 2013

Largest Wind Farm in Canada Commissioned in Québec

Cartier Wind Energy announced the operation of its Gros-Morne Phase II wind project, powered by 74 GE 1.5-77 wind turbines and located in the Gaspésie region of Québec. The amount of energy generated by the Gros-Morne wind farm can power approximately 20,000 homes in the province of Québec. Gros-Morne I and II combined is the […]
January 3, 2013

Global Renewables Industry at Tipping Point as it Seeks to Reduce Reliance on Subsidies

The renewable energy industry is at a tipping point as the developed markets start to close the door on generous subsidy programs and emerging markets develop cost strategies to compete with fossil fuels according to Ernst & Young’s latest quarterly global renewable energy country attractiveness indices report. Gil Forer, Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Leader, […]
January 3, 2013

2nd Energy Storage Conference and Trade Fair to be Held in Dusseldorf

On March 18 and 19, the second staging of Energy Storage — International Summit for the Storage of Renewable Energies — will take place at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf in cooperation with Solarpaxis AG, the conference and accompanying exhibition will bring together experts from science, industry, and politics to promote […]
January 3, 2013

Offshore Wind to Cut Bigger Share of Rotor Blade Market

The growing proliferation of offshore wind farms will see a decreasing share of the global wind turbine rotor blade market allotted to onshore installations, says the latest report from international business analysts GlobalData. The firm’s new research estimates that in 2020 offshore wind farms will account for 11 percent of all installed rotor blades, whereas […]
January 3, 2013

Wright Tool Partners with MMG to Open Southern Distribution Center

Profitability-conscious customers in refinery, power generation, distribution and transmission, mining, construction and wind turbine industries will benefit from Wright Tool Co.’s latest initiative to perfect performance. Wright Tool, manufacturer of heavy-duty, professional-grade hand tools, announced today a partnership with Morris Marketing Group (MMG), a full-service independent rep firm serving the southern states. The new partnership […]
January 3, 2013

Gamesa to Supply 47.6MW to an Indian Wind Power Project of SJVN

Gamesa, through its subsidiary Gamesa Wind Turbines Private Limited in India, has signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build the project and supply 47.6MW to a wind farm from SJVN Limited, in District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. SJVN is a Mini Ratna CPSU (Central Public Sector Undertaking) and a joint venture with Government […]
January 3, 2013

Gamesa and Impax Agree to Sale of French Wind Project

Gamesa, a global technology leader in the wind energy industry, announces the sale of a wind project in France with installed capacity of 8MW to Impax New Energy Investors II LP (NEF II), an investment fund managed by London-based Impax Asset Management Ltd, via its portfolio company, Epuron France. The La Souterraine wind project in […]
January 3, 2013

GE Installs 20,000th Wind Turbine

GE celebrates its 20,000th wind turbine installation in conjunction with its 10-year anniversary in the wind industry. Altogether, GE’s 20,000-turbine fleet has the capacity to power the cities of Hong Kong and London for an entire year. “We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without our development partners,” said Vic Abate, vice president of renewable energy […]
January 3, 2013

The Wind Coalition Announces New Board Members

The Wind Coalition announced the selection of new leadership, including a new president and vice president, among five executive committee members that will help guide the coalition’s efforts in the South-Central United States. “Wind energy is the fastest growing sector of the energy economy, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Purnell’s Harness Hoodie Provides Durability and Comfort for Wind Turbine Technicians

It’s been 25 years since Brent Dehlsen climbed his first wind turbine. Since that day — when his harness and work clothes seemed to be almost adversarial — Brent has been on a journey to develop a line of work clothes specifically for wind technicians. And now he’s pleased to introduce the Harness Hoodie by […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Leine & Linde Announces Updated Diagnostic Encoder

After 10 years of dependable service, an updated version of the popular ADS (Advanced Diagnostic System) has now been launched by Leine & Linde. The new ADS Online is Leine & Linde’s proprietary advanced encoder diagnostic tool that is tailored to supporting condition-based maintenance. The system analyzes rotary encoder condition and warns of impending faults […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Lubricant Storage and Filtration System DES-CASE LT SERIES Lubricant Management System

A short one year after introducing a system that combines lubrication storage and filtration for greater contamination control, Des-Case today announced that it has sold nearly 100 LT Series Lubricant Management Systems (LT-LMS) into a range of industrial settings in North and South America.    “To date, customers both domestically and around the world have embraced […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Maxwell Technologies Introduces 160V ULTRACAPACITOR Module For Wind Turbine Pitch Control

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. , the leading global supplier of ultracapacitors, announced today it has introduced a 160V ultracapacitor module designed to provide energy storage and power delivery for wind turbine pitch control, short-term uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and renewable energy systems. Primarily targeted at pitch control systems for 1.5 to 3MW wind turbines, the 160V […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: New Fast-Drying Direct-to-Metal Coating Set to Reduce Wind Tower Production Times

A new anti-corrosive coating with a drying time of just 60 minutes promises to increase line-speeds for wind tower manufacturers by at least 50 percent compared to standard two and three-coat systems. Launched by international coatings manufacturer Hempel, Hemperea DTM 55973 can be applied directly to metal and is suitable for C3 corrosive environments. Hemparea […]
January 3, 2013

PRODUCT SHOWCASE: SCIGRIP® Adhesive Technology Reinforces Joinlox’s Pile Encasement Repair Systems

An Australian company specializing in composite repair structures for marine pilings recently selected SCIGRIP’s SG230 HV (high viscosity) methacrylate adhesives the bonding agent in its PileJax™ pile encasement repair system. The selection came after rigorous testing by the renowned University of Southern Queensland Structural Composites Faculty, National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) certified laboratories and […]
January 3, 2013