October 2018
ARTICLES
The Winds of Change
Assessing the profitability of a repowering project
Repowering an existing wind site can be a daunting task. Typically, you will face one of two scenarios: In one scenario you will “repower” your aging wind turbines with newer, larger rotors and upgraded drive train components, generator, and converter systems using existing tower structure. For the other “typical” scenario, however, you are tasked with […]
The Rise in Capacity Factor
Larger blades optimized for low-wind class siting support the trend of driving up turbine capacity factor.
Wind energy is enjoying a tremendous lift because of stable U.S. policy as well as the global markets where targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions range from 20 percent to 30 percent over the next five years. However, the common driver that has served the industry best is the dramatic rise in turbine capacity factors that […]
Main shaft bearing lubrication
Main shaft bearings are a critical component in the driveline of a wind turbine, and selection of the right lubricating grease is essential in the prevention of premature bearing damage.
Wind power is advancing rapidly. From the ongoing proliferation of onshore turbines to an increasingly attractive offshore market — where technological advancements have made it more feasible than ever before to bring highly powerful farms online — there is opportunity to be seized. Getting the most of that opportunity requires reliable operation and dependability in […]
NEWS
N.C. governor signs Executive Order NO. 80
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed Executive Order NO. 80: North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy. The order directs state agencies in North Carolina to take several steps to address and mitigate the impacts from climate change. This Executive Order creates an environment that will expand the […]
November 7, 2018
DNV GL certifies Ingeteam’s 2MW DFIG converter
Ingeteam, the world-leading supplier of electrical conversion equipment, recently announced it received DNV GL’s certification for its Ingecon®Wind stator-equipped 2MW DFIG converter. With this latest achievement, Ingeteam completes the range of its products covered under DNV GL certification, such as the medium voltage full power converters and the statorless DFIG converters; and demonstrates its ability […]
November 7, 2018
South Africa wind will need to invest in blade repair capacity
Altitec, a leading turbine rotor blade inspection and repair specialist, recently highlighted the need for South Africa to expand its pool of blade repair technicians to support operations and maintenance in the sector. As shown by Altitec’s 2018 Blade Repair Atlas, published in October, newer wind farms, those under five years old, typically require more […]
November 7, 2018
China keeps grip on global top 25
Chinese operators remain the leaders of the global wind asset market, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables. The report, Global Wind Power Asset Ownership 2018, notes Chinese asset owners continue to dominate the global wind power sector following the merger of former top-ranked power producer Guodian Group and seventh-ranked mining and […]
November 7, 2018
AMSOIL selected as main supplier for ZF Wind Power
Following years of committed partnership, field testing, and data-backed results with worldwide customers, AMSOIL has been selected by ZF Wind Power for gearbox lubrication during end-of-line testing at all of its manufacturing locations. Those locations include Lommel, Belgium; Witten, Germany; Tianjin, China; Coimbatore, India; and its service facility in Vernon Hills, U.S. The agreement solidifies […]
November 7, 2018
E.ON and GE partner for Texas repowering project
E.ON recently announced it is partnering with GE to repower its Panther Creek I and Panther Creek II wind farms in West Texas. “We’re excited to embark on our first repowering project in the U.S.,” said Silvia Ortin, chief operating officer, North America and E.ON Climate & Renewables Board Member. “The repowering of our Panther […]
October 29, 2018
E.ON and GE partner for Texas repowering project
E.ON recently announced it is partnering with GE to repower its Panther Creek I and Panther Creek II wind farms in West Texas. “We’re excited to embark on our first repowering project in the U.S.,” said Silvia Ortin, chief operating officer, North America and E.ON Climate & Renewables Board Member. “The repowering of our Panther […]
October 26, 2018
Newer wind farms require more active monitoring and maintenance
O&M managers need to more actively and closely monitor the health of turbine blades at newer wind farms under five years of age, with the average of seven repairs required per turbine significantly exceeding that of the 2.2 repairs for older wind farms. This is according to leading blade repair and inspection specialist Altitec, which […]
October 4, 2018
Wind growth: Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa lead the nation
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released three wind energy market reports demonstrating that as wind installations continue across the country and offshore wind projects move beyond the planning process, technology costs and wind energy prices continue to fall. The reports cover three market sectors: land-based utility scale, distributed, and offshore wind. Highlights from […]
October 4, 2018
Chartwell Marine launches new CTV design
Chartwell Marine, a pioneer in next generation vessel design, has announced the launch of the Chartwell 24, a brand-new crew transfer vessel (CTV) design for the international offshore wind markets. The catamaran design has been developed in conjunction with CTV operators, wind-farm owners, and turbine manufacturers, responding directly to lessons learned in the construction and […]
October 4, 2018
Shell selects E.ON to operate Texas Wind Farm
Brazos Wind Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Shell Wind Energy, has signed an operations and maintenance contract with E.ON Energy Services LLC (EES) for its site near Fluvanna, Texas. E.ON will perform scheduled maintenance services on the 160-MW site. Shell owns and operates the Brazos Wind Farm, which uses Mitsubishi 1000A turbines. E.ON will perform […]
October 4, 2018
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to Speak at Offshore Conference
AWEA is excited to announce that U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will speak at this year’s AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition. The Secretary is a vocal advocate for an energy-secure future and believes offshore wind will play a big role in that future. He joins other notable keynote speakers for the event including: the Norwegian […]
October 4, 2018
