February 2019
ARTICLES
Protecting Wind-Turbine Bearings
Common failure modes can be pre-empted to reduce the likelihood of premature bearing failures.
While wind-turbine functionality relies upon fully operational rolling bearings, these precision components typically will be buffeted by a wide variety of adverse — sometimes extreme — operating conditions and environments. As a result, damage modes can develop, potentially jeopardizing bearing performance and service life and, in turn, a turbine’s reliability and productivity. Fully understanding common […]
Maintaining a maintenance plan
The cost of not applying an adequate O&M strategy at a wind farm can add up quickly.
Even though predictive maintenance has proven its ability to avoid unscheduled stoppages and faults in critical components, there are still many companies that fail to consider new monitoring technologies in their maintenance plans and strategies. Often, predictive maintenance is considered as a cost and not as an investment with return, which is far from the […]
The state of the art of gearboxes
Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps turbines spinning, and the proper lubricants can extend the period between checkups.
Much has been written about the global growth in the wind turbine industry. Today, more than 341,320 wind turbines are operating worldwide. In particular, the number of offshore installations has exploded in the past seven years (Figures 1-2). The continuous reliability gains in the industry have caused the cost of wind-turbine electricity to drop significantly, […]
NEWS
Uptake wins ‘New Energy Pioneer’ award
Industrial artificial intelligence leader, Uptake, was recently named a 2019 New Energy Pioneer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (NEF). The award recognizes ground-breaking companies fueling the transition to a lower-carbon economy and bringing new ideas for business models, technologies, market structures, and commercial opportunities. “I’m proud of the entire Uptake team and our commitment to […]
March 28, 2019
MSA launches new harness lines
MSA recently announced the launch of the new V-SERIES full body harness line for fall protection: V-FLEX™, V-FIT™, and V-FORM™. Each is designed for comfort and differing needs. With the V-SERIES, users can focus on their work instead of their harness. The exclusive racing-style buckle eliminates the need for chest straps, creating a closer, more […]
March 7, 2019
Vestas receives 224 MW order in the U.S.
Vestas has received a 224-MW order in the U.S. for V110-2.0 MW turbines. The order includes supply and commissioning of the turbines as well as a 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 while commissioning is planned for fourth quarter of 2019. […]
March 7, 2019
Ingeteam commissions over 4 GW of wind converters in 2018
Ingeteam Power Technology, an independent global supplier of electrical conversion equipment, recently announced it contracted more than 4 GW of wind-energy converters globally in 2018. With a total of 45GW installed capacity to date, the company remains the No. 1 supplier of wind-power converters in the world. The Ingeteam Group closed the year with a […]
March 7, 2019
Evolving offshore wind scope requires refits of aging CTVs
With a significant proportion of the European offshore wind support vessel fleet entering the latter phases of its operational lifetime or no longer able to meet changing industry demands, there is a growing emphasis on the vessel market to refit or repurpose these boats. In doing so, vessel owners and shipyards can seize a commercial […]
March 7, 2019
BladeEdge℠ advances AI for the wind industry
BladeEdge, a leading provider of big data solutions for the wind industry, recently announced the launch of EDDIE, the world’s first artificial intelligence image analysis engine designed specifically for the wind industry. EDDIE was created to enable automated condition assessments of blade inspection images, data analytic processing, and report generation. “EDDIE brings the future to […]
March 7, 2019
Study: Employees seek and stay with greener companies
With the release of major climate reports depicting alarming risks to the environment and economy, an increasing number of companies are establishing environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives. Swytch, a blockchain-based clean-energy platform, recently conducted a survey of 1,000 employees in the U.S. who either currently work for or have worked for a company with […]
February 26, 2019
Collett delivers blades to Kype Muir wind farm
Using its Nooteboom triple extendable Super Wing Carriers, Collett delivered 78 turbine blades (26 turbines in total) destined for Kype Muir Wind Farm. Collett’s teams undertook the planning and delivery of 494 components including blades, towers, nacelles, drive trains, and hubs required for the development of Kype Muir Wind Farm. The 80-meter hub height towers […]
February 6, 2019
AMSOIL announces strategic agreement in China
In a public signing ceremony, global wind industry leaders Envision Energy, NGC, CLCP, and AMSOIL recently became strategic partners in the world’s largest renewable energy market. The China Wind Energy Association and other guests gathered in Beijing to witness the wind-energy leaders signing the “Powering the World’s Renewable Future” agreement. The partnership leverages proven expertise […]
February 6, 2019
Global distributor, sensor maker join forces to modernize turbine ice sensors
Wind Cluster ApS, global distributor of wind-turbine components and accessories, together with New Avionics Corp, leading maker of modern optical ice sensors for industry and aerospace, recently announced the two companies have signed a distribution agreement covering modern ice sensors for wind-turbine manufacturers, operators, and energy companies throughout Europe, China, and India. In Europe and […]
February 5, 2019
North American growth helps RES hit 16-GW milestone
RES’ North American operations delivered 1 GW of renewable projects in 2018, helping the company reach a 16 GW global milestone in what it describes as the “Year of Renewables.” A total of 12 wind, solar, and energy-storage projects and 30 transmission and distribution projects were developed and/or constructed across North America. During peak construction […]
February 5, 2019
Offshore wind will increase nearly sixfold over next 10 years
By the end of 2017, offshore wind had only been deployed commercially across seven markets, with the U.K. and Germany accounting for 68 percent of the grid-connected capacity. However, according to a recent report from Wood Mackenzie Power and Renewables, global offshore wind power demand will increase almost sixfold over the coming 10 years with […]
February 5, 2019
