February 2013
ARTICLES
PTC extension may lead to additional construction in winter months
Production Tax Credit extension may lead to additional construction in winter months, so don’t forget to be prepared to adjust for conditions.
The extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) in the first few days of 2013 was cause for post-Christmas celebration for companies in the wind industry. The interesting, and particularly useful, twist to the most recent extension of the PTC lies in its requirement that PTC eligible projects must start construction prior to January 1, […]
Reviewing the wind turbine theory of operation for better understanding is necessary for proper maintenance decision making
Reviewing the wind turbine theory of operation for better understanding is necessary for proper maintenance decision making, and can lead to increased production.
My career in wind started in 1985 as a wind turbine technician. Back then, U.S. Wind Power was the largest wind turbine manufacture in the world and Fayette manufacturing was the second largest. These companies are no longer around, although some of their turbines are still producing power today. Although the players have changed, the […]
How to perform proper inspection of wind turbine components as end-of-warranty approaches
Over the 20 to 25 year design life of a wind turbine, usually only the first two are covered under warranty. As the end of the warranty period approaches, it’s common practice to give the turbine a thorough inspection, identify problems, and have the OEM repair them. The maintenance on most complex equipment can be […]
Measuring and accounting for the gap between expectations and results
Measuring and accounting for the gap between expectations and results is key in efficiency, responsiveness, and overall supply chain success.
A few years ago while teaching a graduate class in supply chain management at the local university, an inquisitive student asked me this, “Professor Graska, what is the one most important thing to understand about a supply chain?” I am not sure if he was trying to put me on the spot or was genuinely […]
NEWS
WIND EXPO added to World Smart Energy Week
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 […]
January 30, 2013
Vestas Awarded Service and Maintenance Contract for 121 Wind Turbines in Iowa
Vestas has received a three-year extension from Alliant Energy to provide service and maintenance for 121 V82-1.65 MW wind turbines at the Whispering Willow Wind Farm — East in Iowa. Under the agreement, Alliant Energy chose the Active Output Management (AOM) 2000 service option. This consists of scheduled maintenance and VestasOnline®, a surveillance system that […]
January 30, 2013
First Wind Picks GE Advanced Software to Enhance Output of Two Wind Farms in Maine
General Electric will install its WindCONTROL advanced software to help maximize energy output at two First Wind projects in Maine that feature a total of 95 GE wind turbines. The GE technology will regulate curtailment by monitoring and controlling the wind turbines’ ramp rates, effectively easing power spikes and putting less strain on the turbine […]
January 30, 2013
Registration Now Open for Largest Northeast Manufacturing Exposition and Conference
Registration is now open for EASTEC, the largest manufacturing exposition and conference in the Northeast, according to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). “Demand has been building for two years and, judging by the quality of exhibitors applying for space, EASTEC is definitely your best option for keeping operations current with the latest technologies and […]
January 30, 2013
WKN USA Starts Operations for Two Wind Projects
WKN USA announced today that it began operations for two wind projects on December 22, 2012. After completing the development, the company managed the construction for its parent BayWa, which acquired a majority stake in WKN USA in August 2011. “We are very pleased to have successfully completed both projects on time and on budget […]
January 30, 2013
GE, Taiwan Power Sign Five-Year Wind Turbine Service Agreement
GE and Taiwan Power Company have signed a five-year, full service agreement (FSA) covering 26 GE 1.5-MW class wind turbines operating throughout Taiwan. Under the agreement, valued at nearly $11.4 million, GE will provide a full scope of services including planned and unplanned maintenance, repairs and spare parts. The agreement guarantees fleet availability of greater […]
January 30, 2013
EDF Renewable Energy Announces Operation of the 161 MW Spinning Spur Wind Project
EDF Renewable Energy, formerly enXco, today announced that the 161MW Spinning Spur Wind Project, located in Oldham County, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Amarillo, is operational and supplying electricity to the regional transmission grid. The project, comprised of 70 Siemens 2.3MW turbines, will deliver carbon-free electricity for the benefit of Southwestern Public Service Company, […]
January 30, 2013
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Completes Investment in Invenergy Wind Projects
Invenergy Wind LLC (“Invenergy”) today announced an investment of approximately $500 million by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (“the Caisse”) in a portfolio of approximately 1,500MW of operating wind farms in the United States and Canada that are owned and operated by Invenergy. Following the transaction, Invenergy remains the majority controlling shareholder. The […]
January 30, 2013
Google Announces Major Investment in Texas Wind Energy Generation
Google has announced substantial equity investment in the 161MW Spinning Spur wind farm in Oldham County, Texas. This investment is the first that Google has made in Texas renewable energy but follows a long history of energy investments, especially in wind. The Spinning Spur project joins ten other renewable energy projects in Google’s portfolio, which […]
January 30, 2013
Evance R9000 Small Wind Turbine Receives Full Certification
Evance Wind Turbines, a world leading manufacturer of small wind turbines, is delighted to announce that its 5kW R9000 turbine has achieved full certification from the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) — the US independent body that certifies small turbines that meet or exceed its performance and safety requirements. The Evance R9000 successfully passed rigorous […]
January 30, 2013
ICR Develops Analysis Software for Alstom Wind
Ingeniería para el Control del Ruido (ICR) has recently finished the final phase of the R&D project Invent, based on the study of the Operational Modal Anlaysis (OMA), for the wind turbine manufacturer Alstom Wind. ICR’s work on this project consisted of the software development for the realization of OMA in wind turbines. The main […]
January 30, 2013
geoAMPS Joins Esri Partner Network
geoAMPS, a technology company specializing in software solutions to manage land rights and infrastructure assets, has joined the worldwide community of companies in the Esri Partner Network as a Silver Tier Partner. “We’re excited to become a member of the Esri Partner Network,” Yogesh Khandelwal, geoAMPS President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “It further validates […]
January 30, 2013
Vestas Receives 42 MW Order from Akuo Energy for Delivery of the First V112-3.0 MW Turbines to Uruguay
Vestas has received a 42MW order from Akuo Energy for 14 units of the V112-3.0MW wind turbine for the Minas wind power plant in Uruguay. This will be the first V112-3.0MW wind power plant to be installed in the country. The contract for the Minas wind power plant comprises delivery, transportation, installation and commissioning of […]
January 30, 2013
CPS Energy Starts 2013 with Renewable Energy
After closing out a year with significant investments in low-emission generation, CPS Energy is kicking off 2013 with 200MW of new wind power. Los Vientos I, a coastal windfarm, is now online and supplying power to Greater San Antonio and the state’s electric grid. CPS Energy executed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Duke Energy […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Capital Safety Introduces the DBI-SALA EZ-Stop Lanyard
Capital Safety, home of the DBI-SALA® and PROTECTA® brands of fall protection equipment, introduces the new and improved DBI-SALA® EZ-Stop™ Lanyard. Lighter, stronger and more durable than ever, the EZ-Stop Lanyard is the industry’s first modular lanyard designed with components that can be replaced individually when worn or damaged, rather than having to purchase an […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: DEUS Industrial Escape Kit Keeps Safety Simple for Workers at Height
The new DEUS® Industrial Escape Kit from DEUS Rescue is a turnkey, individual evacuation solution for anyone who works in elevated industrial environments up to 500 feet such as platforms, tower cranes, communications, oil and gas, utility and wind towers. The lightweight and compact kit is a complete escape system which provides workers a safe […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Larson Electronics Announces Magnetic Mount Explosion Proof LED Light
Larson Electronics has announced today the addition of the EPL-MB-161M-100 explosion proof LED light to its line of industrial grade explosion proof lighting. Producing 10,000 lumens and designed to provide the versatility of magnetic mounting, this light can also be used as pedestal light, allowing operators to place the unit in almost any position desired. […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: WINDKIT Addresses EHS Wind Turbine Servicing Concerns While Improving Productivity
Monthly or quarterly servicing of nitrogen at extreme heights can provide both safety and productivity challenges to service technicians. Traditional methods of servicing include utilizing a 200-foot hose connected to a ground-based cylinder or hauling a 140- to 200-pound cylinder up the turbine into the nacelle. Each of these methods creates the potential for injuries […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: LSI-Robway Introduces GS025 Wind Speed Sensor & GS320 Display
The new LSI-Robway GS025 Wireless Anemometer and GS320 Wind Speed Display are designed for a diverse range of applications. This system is capable of monitoring wind speed at a range of 4,600 ft (1,400 m). This range is crucial when working in and around wind turbines. Wind turbines output a very strong RF signal, creating a […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HEIDENHAIN Offers Encoder Interface Box to Output to Siemens DRIVE CLiQ
In an effort to increase encoder compatibility with Siemens controls, Heidenhain has developed the EIB 2391S interface box. Ideal for applications with SINAMICS drive components, the EIB 2391S enhances the serial interface offering for many of Heidenhain’s absolute encoders. Heidenhain’s interface electronics have been noted as the best in the industry for safely transmitting and […]
January 30, 2013
PRODUCT SHOWCASE: Tubing for Glue or Air Delivery
Ark-Plas Products, Inc. manufactures a complete line of flexible tubing for glue delivery and air delivery applications for wind industry manufacturing. Polyurethane, Vinyl (PVC), and Vyplas tubing is manufactured in an ISO 9001 registered facility using digital monitoring equipment to ensure our strict tolerances are maintained. Standard packaging options include bulk spools, ranging from 200 […]
January 30, 2013
Timken Acquires Wazee Companies, LLC; Expands Industrial Service Offerings
The Timken Company today 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 […]
January 10, 2013
