May 2010
ARTICLES
The technology and concept behind soil mixing
Soil mixing is an economical and efficient alternative to deep foundations for challenging sites, particularly for wind turbine foundation applications.
Soil mixing techniques are used to mechanically blend soils in place with cementitious material to improve the soil engineering properties such as strength and compressibility. This installment discusses the soil mixing concept and technology. Oftentimes the engineer has no influence over the location of the wind energy site and has to design the foundation around […]
Turbine reliability a crucial part of success
In order to increase reliability and service life, there are a number of areas wind turbine owners can address. Hereâs what you need to know.
As the U.S. wind industry begins a trend of increased post-warranty operations, owners are taking aim at turbine reliability as a critical aspect in the success of a wind project. Inarguably, poor reliability results in increased O&M costs, accompanied by a reduction in availability and increased downtime. Modern turbines unfortunately have a relatively short operating […]
A look at turbine noise
Research into aero-acoustic properties will result in both the improved efficiency of wind turbines and increased siting opportunities, as the associated noise is decreased.
As the industry continues to grow and develop and with wind turbines continuing to be deployed across the nation, the likelihood of wind farms being sited near inhabited areas increases. An important constraint on wind turbine placement arises due to the consideration of wind turbine noise. As a key design metric, the noise generated by […]
Harnessing the power of offshore wind
Offshore energy production is on the rise around the world, which will present logistical challenges requiring knowledgeable partners to overcome.
Offshore energy production is gaining traction as consumption of electricity from conventional sources declines and renewable sources continue to grow. Countries and companies alike are gaining confidence in this relatively new opportunity for renewable power. Offshore wind velocity is generally higher and the wind more consistent, compared to onshore winds. That can provide greater capacity, […]
NEWS
New Blade Finishing Robotic System from IDPSA
The third generation of the RAPA G3 multi-processing system has been developed to reduce the time of all machining and finishing work for wind blades, aerospace components, and other oversized parts. The RAPA G3 is a robotic machine tool platform designed with a double workstation supporting a wide variety of applications and processes. The platform […]
May 3, 2010
Avanti Encourages Safe Procedures
The wind turbine owner is responsible for ensuring that the safety equipment used by personnel working the towers is always maintained and in perfect working order. “But we get the impression that a number of turbine owners are not aware that such items as work cages/service lifts must be inspected, tested, and approved once annually […]
May 3, 2010
SKF Solution Factory Opens in the United States
The first-ever SKF Solution Factory in the United States has opened in Houston to provide customers with ready access to a portfolio of services and competencies under one roof at one strategically located venue. The first-ever 25,000 square-foot facility joins a growing network of eight others around the world. “This new facility can equip customers […]
May 3, 2010
Consensus Reached On Wind Turbine Guideline Recommendations
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar praised the work of the 22-member Wind Turbine Guidelines Federal Advisory Committee, which reached consensus on a set of draft recommendations aimed at minimizing the impacts of land-based wind farms on wildlife and its habitat. Salazar said he will review the recommendations and take them under advisement as he […]
May 3, 2010
Portable Digital Torque Tester from Snap-on Industrial
Regardless of the workplace—from a manufacturing plant to a diesel repair center, power generation site, or a wind farm—the portable Snap-on Industrial Digital Torque Tester (DTT) can do its job almost anywhere. Thanks to its light weight combined with an integral transducer and sturdy housing, the unit can be wall mounted or employed in a […]
May 3, 2010
Ingeteam Reinforces U.S. Presence
Ingeteam will invest in the implementation of a combined production center in the United States. The company’s activity will focus primarily on the energy sector, specializing in the manufacture of wind power generators and converters, as well as solar photovoltaic converters, to meet the needs of the North American market. Ingeteam already has an office […]
May 3, 2010
Korindo Wind Marketing Towers in North America
Indonesia-based Korindo has announced it has begun marketing utility-scale wind towers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the name Korindo Wind. To date it has delivered 550 towers to customers developing North-American wind energy projects, and nearly 1,000 worldwide. With its plant less than a mile from the Port of Ciwandan, Indonesia, and […]
May 3, 2010
Shermco Hires New Business Development Manager
Shermco Industries has hired Mike Hancock as manager of business development for its Engineering Services Division. An electrical power industry veteran of over 17 years, he will work with all levels of the organization, applying his broad expertise on business development to the organization’s current operation and planned expansion. Hancock will focus on business growth […]
May 3, 2010
GE Announces Major European Offshore Wind Expansion
GE will invest approximately €340 million to develop or expand its wind turbine manufacturing, engineering, and service facilities in four European countries—the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and Germany—signaling GE’s deep commitment to the promising European offshore wind sector. “Offshore wind will play a vital role in meeting the growing global demand for cleaner, renewable energy […]
May 3, 2010
Siemens Names New CEO of Wind Power Business Unit
Jens-Peter Saul has been appointed CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Business Unit headquartered in Brande. He succeeds Andreas Nauen, who is leaving Siemens at his own wish. He was previously managing director of Siemens Energy in the UK and also responsible for the North and West Europe regions. Saul earned a degree in engineering […]
May 3, 2010
Mariah Power Changes Name to Windspire Energy
Mariah Power, developer of the Windspire® vertical axis wind turbine, announces a corporate name change to Windspire Energy, Inc. The name simplifies the branding of the company and its lead product, while leveraging the innovation of the Windspire wind turbine. In conjunction with the name change the company has also launched www.windspireenergy.com, a new buyer-focused […]
May 3, 2010
BASF Expands Shanghai Technical Competence Center
BASF has inaugurated a new section of its Technical Competence Center for intermediates at its Shanghai Pudong site. The new laboratory will specialize in epoxy systems for fiber-reinforced composites, which are used, for example, in wind turbine blades. BASF sells these systems under its Baxxodur® brand. The competence center integrates this new epoxy laboratory with […]
May 3, 2010
