May 2009
ARTICLES
Dealing with the gearbox
Ideally, gearboxes would run forever with no downtime, but repairs are required in the real world. Ask the following questions for improved outcomes.
As you know, the gearbox is a critical component of the wind turbine drivetrain. Should you encounter a problem with this unit, what should you do? Who can handle the repairs, what will they cost, and how long will it be down? All are valid questions, but one of the most important is whether the […]
Foundation problems and their solutions
No structure can remain standing without a solid foundation. Read on for a primer in foundation types and ground-preparation techniques.
Foundations have been a critical aspect of wind turbine tower design since the earliest days of the industry. Many early towers experienced foundation problems since the unique loading associated with these structures was not yet fully understood. As towers become taller, efficient foundation design is an increasingly significant component of the overall profitability of wind […]
Inside NREL’s National Wind Technology Center
Youâll be amazed by the wind-industry support capabilities of NRELâs wind energy research facility, at the foot of the Colorado Rockies.
“You make ‘em, we’ll break ‘em” could be the motto of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Located just south of Boulder, Colorado, it is the U.S. Department of Energy’s premier wind energy research facility. At the NWTC researchers work with industry partners, testing full-scale wind turbines and their components […]
NEWS
GE Energy Launches New Wind Turbine Layout Optimization Service
Further expanding its suite of services for the global wind industry, GE Energy is introducing WindLAYOUT, which provides an opportunity to improve the economics of a wind plant through optimization of wind turbine layout. GE Energy, North America’s leading supplier of wind turbines, continues to lead the wind industry by developing new technology to meet […]
June 30, 2009
Joint Report Examines Renewable Energy Project Funding
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are pleased to announce the release of a joint report titled “PTC, ITC, or Cash Grant? An Analysis of the Choice Facing Renewable Power Projects in the United States.” This report was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Signed into law one […]
June 30, 2009
Avanti Climb Assistance Expands in Oregon
Avanti Wind Systems announces that 141 new wind turbines in Oregon are to have its climb assistance equipment installed. This system makes it easier for service technicians to climb up and down the ladders in wind turbines. The new turbines will be installed in Biglow Canyon for Portland General Electric. Construction of the first 65 […]
June 30, 2009
Tough Wind Turbine Couplings from Zero-Max
Zero-Max, Inc., an ISO 9001 certified design and manufacturing company, announces the introduction of its Composite Disc Couplings for the wind turbine industry. “These couplings withstand extreme misalignment while remaining torsionally stiff and have passed the ‘hell hole’ test at Tehachapi, California Wind Farm,” according to James Motz, a member of the Zero-Max wind team. […]
June 30, 2009
Advanced Wind Blade Prototyping Facility to Open at UMaine
U.S. capacity for windblade research and development will take a giant leap forward this year with the construction of an Advanced Wind Blade Prototyping Facility at the University of Maine’s AEWC Advanced Structures & Composites Center. Scheduled to open in December 2009, this new facility is unique in its capability for the design, manufacturing, and […]
June 30, 2009
Carbone of America and NAWSA Form Distribution Agreement
Two giants in the wind industry have joined forces to provide reliable, time-tested service and parts to the wind market. North American Wind Service Alliance (NAWSA) is the only North American distribution channel for Carbone of North America wind generator replacement graphite brushes, slip ring assemblies, and hub assemblies. Carbone of North America, a leader […]
June 30, 2009
American Wind and Wildlife Institute Names New President
The American Wind and Wildlife Institute (AWWI), a national organization committed to facilitating timely and responsible development of wind energy and the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, has announced the selection of Kraig Butrum to serve as its first president. He brings 25 years of experience in non-profit administration to AWWI. As a first […]
June 30, 2009
Capital Safety Introduces Fall Protection for the Wind Industry
DBI-SALA, a Capital Safety brand, introduces a complete fall protection solution for the wind energy industry: the ExoFit™ Wind Energy Harness and Force2™ Wind Energy Lanyard. The products are uniquely designed for wind turbine construction, maintenance and inspection. With soft and lightweight, yet exceptionally durable materials, the ExoFit Wind Energy Harness maximizes worker comfort and […]
June 30, 2009
Heavy-Lift Hoverbarge for Offshore Wind Work
Installing and maintaining offshore wind farms when faced with intertidal areas or shallow water can provide an interesting challenge. However, there could be an answer using an air cushion solution. The heavy-lift Hoverbarge, which Hovertrans engineers have been manufacturing for over 30 years, is an amphibious marine barge capable of transporting a payload of hundreds […]
June 30, 2009
Timken Expands Service to Wind Market
The Timken Company plans to expand production capacity at its Tyger River facility in Union, South Carolina, to serve the wind energy market. The investment is part of a strategy to strengthen Timken’s position in serving growing global demand for highly engineered large-bore bearings that will help customers harness wind power. Timken expects demand for […]
June 30, 2009
New Slip Systems for Wind Turbine Generator Protection from CENTA
CENTA’s wide-ranging global experience produces an enhanced version of its Torque Hub, the market-leading slip clutch that offers a simple and low-cost design for torque overload generator protection. In wind power plants, electrical circuit problems are known to cause short-term torque peaks. In this event slip clutches protect the costly gearbox against overload by slipping […]
June 30, 2009
Wind Energy Technician Program to Open
The first privately owned and operated instructional program and training center for wind energy technicians is scheduled to open in July 2009 in Vancouver, Washington, according to Arch Miller, founder of the parent company, International Air and Hospitality Academy. The Wind Energy Technician course is the first for alternative energy workers that will be taught […]
June 30, 2009
Donaldson to Showcase New Gearbox Filter at AWEA Show
A leading manufacturer of innovative filtration solutions, Donaldson has engineered a revolutionary new gearbox filter to improve wind turbine performance. The company will showcase the new DT-1300R element at the AWEA WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition in Chicago. The show, scheduled for May 4-7, is the largest annual event of its kind in the world, […]
June 30, 2009
Electrical Protection Solutions from Ferraz Shawmut
Ferraz Shawmut has been a leader in circuit protection for industry and the electrical market for more than 100 years. Now the company is bringing its knowledge, innovation, and technical expertise for the second year in a row to the AWEA WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition at McCormick Place in Chicago May 4-7, 2009. Ferraz […]
June 30, 2009
