NTC Wind Energy is pleased to offer its patent-pending IronClad Grout Sleeves. This product will save time and produce a better foundation for wind turbine generators.

The IronClad Grout Sleeve is a tapered polypropylene sleeve that is 3 1/2 inches tall with a slightly funneled flange at the base. The sleeves are tapped down over the bolts in the grout trough in place of foam rings. Once installed, they will protect the bolt from contact with grout and prevent grout from going down into the bolt sleeve. They grip tightly to the bolt and will not float in the grout.

For example, a foam ring that is 1 5/8 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick will displace 2.55 square inches of grout. At 144 bolts, the foam is displacing 367 square inches of grout in the foundation. If the grout has a compressive strength of 12,500 pounds per square inch, 4,594,590 pounds of compressive strength would be lost in that foundation. That amounts to nearly 2,300 tons of lost strength due to the voids created using foam rings. Grout sleeves displace almost no grout, resulting in a considerably stronger foundation.

IronClad Grout Sleeves project approximately 1 inch into the base flange when the base is set. The top leading edge provides the added benefit of sealing the area immediately below the flange. This prevents any potential for the grout to interfere with proper tensioning.

There’s no need to cut foam rings and tape them around each bolt any longer. IronClad Grout Sleeves are quick and easy to install and are priced at approximately the same cost as foam. They are also approved for use by all major engineering firms in the industry.

— Source: NTC Wind Energy

For more information,
go to www.NTCWind.com.

Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. uses innovative bolting technology to revolutionize bolted joints with its new wireless load-monitoring capabilities. Starting from its patented load-indicating technology, Valley Forge is now taking it a step further in allowing the user to monitor the load on a critically bolted joint from a remote location.

The company’s well-known load-indicating technology started with the Maxbolt™ load-indicating fastener that continuously measures and displays the amount of tension in a bolt or stud. The fastener offers a simple method for accurate joint assembly and is the only product available for most applications that will continually monitor clamping force while the fastener is in service. Then the company introduced the SPC4™ load-indicating system, which allows the user to constantly monitor the clamp load of any SPC4 bolted joint by easily attaching a probe to the datum disc located on the end of the fastener. The user is able to read the value on a handheld battery-powered digital monitor with optional data gathering and storage of the bolted joint available.

Valley Forge’s newest technology has taken the patented SPC4 technology and made remote reading a reality. With the new wireless load-monitoring device, SPC4 fasteners are assembled with a small probe attached to the datum disc. This probe then remains with the fastener assembly while in service. The probe allows the load of the fastener to be relayed to a receiving station that can be located anywhere the user chooses. The receiving station displays the load as a percentage of the fastener’s total capacity, as designed for the specific application.

The Wireless SPC4 load monitor is now in the beta testing stages and is being applied on a large rotating piece of machinery. One system consists of four probes or channels with a wireless remote reader for fixed applications. No positional information is included in this system, but it has a long range of up to 2,000 feet in ideal conditions. It can be designed to use another wireless technology, but generally, the longer the range is, the shorter the battery life will be. Another system monitors and logs 20 probes or channels for rotating applications that can be attached to an optional wireless transmitter. The system can be equipped with an optional programmable 5-megapixel video camera to send alerts in unattended installations or automate some tasks. The range would be shorter than the previous system.

The configuration of this technology can be tailored to specific customer needs, including the number of channels, frequency of reading, battery life, auxiliary outputs, and data logging. Other capabilities include sensors relaying positional information of each fastener and real-time clock circuit, if time records are desired.

For more information,
go to www.vfbolts.com, email sales@vfbolts.com, or call (800) 832-6587.

Nor-Cal Controls is releasing a new product which will increase efficiency and reduce costs to wind project owners and operators. The WindTalker-1000 is an innovative smart relay device designed to allow any existing sensor to integrate seamlessly into an existing wind turbine control platform, no matter the age, type or communication characteristics of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Nor-Cal Controls partnered with Lufft, manufacturer of the VENTUS ultrasonic wind sensor, to provide a state of the art, turnkey wind sensor replacement solution resistant to the elements as well as time.

The need for a device like this arose from discussions with countless wind turbine operators and owners. Wind sensors are required for each wind turbine installed in order to correctly point the turbine into the wind. The turbines wind sensor only affects optimal performance of the turbine, but is a safety measure as well. As the sensors age, they often need replacing. Not only are mechanical wind sensors prone to repair and replacement, but they also require regular calibrations, costing time and money. Often, owners are not able to choose a sensor appropriate to their installation because of the limitations of communication with the PLC. The WindTalker-1000 removes these barriers.

Traditional wind sensors can be liable to mechanical break down and require periodic repair and/or replacement. This is due to moving mechanicals parts such in traditional cups and vanes. Mechanical parts sometimes accumulate rust, scale or other substances that can impede movement. In cold climates ice or rime is likely to build up on a sensor causing breakdown or highly inaccurate readings.

The WindTalker-1000 solution combines the intelligence of a smart relay device with the robustness of the VENTUS wind sensor. The result is a wind sensing system that is a direct replacement to older, end-of-life sensors, providing the end user with a highly accurate, maintenance free system that will far exceed previous operable lifetimes of older technology sensors.

Nor-Cal Controls, located in Diamond Springs, CA, is a fast growing company founded in 2005 by Robert Lopez that offers complete automation solutions for the power generation industry.

— Source: Lufft USA

GE’s renewable energy business recently announced a $25 million investment in TerraForm Global, LLC. TerraForm Global is a dividend growth-oriented company, or “yieldco,” formed by SunEdison to own and operate contracted renewable power generation assets in attractive, high-growth emerging markets.

“This investment is about driving continued global growth for renewable power,” said Anne McEntee, president & CEO of GE’s renewable energy business. “Together with SunEdison, we will significantly increase wind developments in key growth regions like Latin America, Europe, India, and China.”

The agreement is expected to help support new wind pipeline opportunities for TerraForm Global. GE also will provide life cycle operations and maintenance support for TerraForm’s international wind fleet. The two companies have agreed to continue exploring additional opportunities for growth-
oriented collaboration.

The Wind Energy Department of Cloud County Community College (CCCC) recently held a two-day, 12-hour “Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Community Enrichment” class June 15-16 in Concordia, Kansas.

The class gave anyone in the community interested in enrolling for the course the opportunity to get hands-on experience flying, configuring, and taking photos with the UAVs, as well as experience on current status with FAA rules. Monte Poersch, CCCC Wind Energy instructor, taught the class.

The Wind Energy Department at CCCC has acquired, through a grant, four new UAVs. The program is integrating UAVs for blade inspections and for substation and transmission line inspections. UAVs can be used to inspect wind turbine blades much more efficiently and safely than the process currently used for those inspections. Students are being trained to fly the UAVs and are learning more advanced techniques of video and photography as well as programming completely autonomous flights.

Those attending the two-day training said, “This was exactly what I wanted to learn.” And, “I plan to purchase a small drone and learn to fly it and begin a small business with a friend.”
Additional comments were, “It was only 2 days,” and “It was too short.”

 — Cloud County Community College
 

The Casper College Renewable Energy Technology Program has received a substantial equipment donation from Chevron Power and Energy Management Company: a Winergy gearbox from one of the company’s turbines located near Casper, Wyoming.

“This gearbox will provide Casper College students an opportunity to learn about maintenance technology on a life-size gearbox,” said Lesley Travers, dean for the Casper College School of Business and Industry. “They will also learn about bore scoping, gearbox inspection, troubleshooting, torque specifications, and oils and greases.”

The 55,000-pound gearbox came from a 1.5MW GE wind turbine.

“This particular piece of equipment is generally located over 200 feet high in the nacelle of a turbine, so students without proper climb training do not generally have the opportunity to see close up or train on this critical piece of the turbines,” said Chevron’s Policy, Government and Public Affairs Senior Advisor Denise Reed.

Chevron has partnered with Casper College since 2009 with a variety of monetary contributions to the program — most recently, a donation of $5,000 to support the college’s renewable energy technology program. In addition, Chevron also provides tours, guest speakers, and training equipment to the program.

 —  Casper College

Renewable NRG Systems, a designer and manufacturer of decision support tools for the global renewable energy industry, has launched today a new data logger that is specifically engineered to improve the performance of wind and solar measurement campaigns.

Building on RNRG’s well-known Symphonie series of user-friendly loggers, the SymphoniePRO logger brings significant upgrades in terms of capability and flexibility.

“This is the data logger our wind and solar energy customers have been asking for,” said Michael Fisher, product manager. “It’s powerful, versatile, and, as always, it comes with the great support and ease-of-use expected from a Symphonie logger.”

SymphoniePRO is a low-power, industrial-grade data logging system that is specifically designed for conducting resource assessments for the renewable energy industry. Each of the 26 channels’ statistical values are calculated from continuous 1-second data samples and averaged over a user-selectable interval (10-minute default). Collected data are stored efficiently as binary .RLD files on internal Flash memory with a redundant copy on an external SD card, if installed.

Data are communicated and the system is powered via Symphonie iPackGPS communications devices, which only require a firmware upgrade for compatibility with the new data logger. In addition to SMTP email data delivery, SymphoniePRO allows remote, real-time connection capability over RNRG’s MetLink protocol for tasks like automated or manual data download, firmware upgrades, live data viewing, or configuration changes.

Also included is the SymphoniePRO Desktop Application, a new PC software package used to process raw data files as well as configure and communicate with the SymphoniePRO logger and iPack. SymphoniePRO Desktop Application keeps track of site data and produces versatile tab-delimited text files (ASCII) compatible with industry-leading software. Additionally, the software allows the user to view “live” data, apply firmware updates to loggers and iPacks, and preview data files in time series format.

SymphoniePRO is backed by RNRG’s two-year warranty and lifetime technical support.

For more information about SymphoniePRO, visit www.renewablenrgsystems.com/symphoniepro.

The Lapp Group’s new ÖLFLEX® VFD 2XL, UL TC-ER rated motor cable is a robust, oil-resistant shielded design for use with variable frequency drives.
Also available with a pair for brake or temperature, the ÖLFLEX VFD 2XL comes with XLPE (plus) insulation and a phthalate-free TPE outer jacket that gives the cable maximum flexibility, low capacitance and flame-retardant properties. ÖLFLEX® VFD 2XL is dual rated for applications ranging from 600 to 2000 volts, which allows a single cable to serve in a wide range of applications.

The ÖLFLEX VFD 2XL features a specially-formulated thermoplastic elastomer jacket and conductors made from finely stranded tinned copper. Its cross-linked polyethylene insulation provides superior electrical properties and allows the cable to withstand heat generated by overcurrent conditions common with VFD’s. Shielding for the ÖLFLEX VFD 2XL series includes barrier tape, triple layer foil tape and tinned copper braid.

The motor cable has a test voltage of 6000 volts and minimum bend radius of 7.5 times the cable diameter. Ideal applications include VFD drive and motor connections for pumps, compressors, conveyors, elevators, extruders, pressers and HVAC especially in industrial environments.

A brochure with detailed, technical information on ÖLFLEX® VFD 2XL is available at www.lappusa.com/pdf/vfdbrochure.pdf.

Spectro Scientific, a developer and manufacturer of analytical tools and software for industrial fluids analysis, recently announced the addition of a comprehensive water measurement solution for its FluidScan® analyzer. The FluidScan employs patent pending technology, providing a practical alternative to traditional Karl Fisher titration for use outside of laboratories.

This new FluidScan capability is well-suited for industrial environments like power generation plants where reliable water measurement in turbine oil is critical. Severe water contamination can cause changes in the oil’s viscosity, accelerated oxidation, depletion of additives, and decreased bearing life.

For more information about Spectro Scientific’s fluid analysis solutions, visit www.spectrosci.com.

Morgan Advanced Materials’ Electrical Carbon business has developed a new carbon brush grade, suitable for wind turbine applications, that drastically improves uptime in some of the most demanding conditions. The LL587 carbon brush grade maximizes uptime through extended brush life combined with minimal wear to slip rings.

Extensive field testing by by the company and several wind farms in multiple geographic locations has proven that the LL587 carbon brushes create the optimum brush film and minimize friction while maintaining excellent conductivity — resulting in exceptionally long brush life. This brush grade demonstrated a projected service life of over four years at test sites in Texas, Iowa, and other locations — longer than any other tested.

In addition, the LL587 carbon brush grade is ideally suited for steel slip rings, where it results in the reduction of maintenance required, and therefore reduces operating costs. Morgan’s application engineers work closely with customers to ensure that the optimal brush grade is used for each application to maximize effectiveness and minimize downtime.

The LL587 grade carbon brushes are available from Morgan Advanced Materials and its distribution partners.

For more information on Morgan’s carbon brushes, visit www.morganelectricalmaterials.com/carbonbrushes.

Larson Electronics recently released a 50-ft. pneumatic light mast on a twenty-one foot trailer equipped with sixteen 400 watt LED light heads.

The WCDE-11-PLM50-16X400LTL-LED is a trailer mounted, fold-over, seven-stage light mast that provides a safe and effective way for operators to deploy sixteen 400 watt LED light heads to elevations up to 50 feet.

The pneumatic light tower folds over for easy transportation, and features a hydraulic ram upright assist, an air powered pneumatic mast, and high-output LED light fixtures. The entire assembly is mounted on a 21-foot by 8-foot trailer, allowing operators to transport this boom from one location to another. The tower is constructed of heat treated aluminum tubing with 2.69’ of overlap per section. The mast is elevated using an included hydraulic ram and is extended to its full height using a trailer mounted air compressor.

The sixteen light heads included with this tower are wet area suitable GAU-LTL-400W-LED high output LED fixtures, which produce 52,000 lumens of light at 400 watts. Each light head contains fifty-four Bridgelux high output LEDs producing 963 lumens each arranged in rows and paired with high purity optics to produce a well-focused 25-degree wide spot beam.

Each light is securely fastened to the light boom and each lamp includes a support bracket to help maintain lamp stability.

For more information, visit larsonelectronics.com, or call (800) 369-6671.

Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc., a leader in the development, engineering, and construction of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects in North America, recently announced commercial operation of the Keechi Wind Project in Jack County, Texas.

Construction of the 110 MW Keechi Wind Project commenced in December 2013 and commercial operation began on January 23, 2015. Consisting of 55 Vestas V100-2.0 MW turbines, the project created nearly 250 jobs during the peak of construction and nine permanent operations and maintenance jobs. Keechi Wind Project was completed with only one recordable injury accident in over 300,000 man-hours worked, with a Total Recordable Incidence Rate (TRIR) of 0.65. The project will continue to contribute to the local economy in multiple ways, including through a local tax abatement agreement.   

"The successful completion of the Keechi wind project included RES Americas self-performing the installation of 55 wind turbines," said Andrew Fowler, Chief Operating Officer of RES Americas. "It was also extremely important to us to work closely with the local community in sourcing labor and materials to construct the project."

Keechi Wind was developed by RES Americas and constructed under a fixed-price, engineering, procurement, and construction agreement and was RES Americas' first project in which it self-performed the turbine installation, positioning the company for further expansion in that space. The project, which is owned by Enbridge, connects to Brazos Electric's Joplin substation via a 12-mile generation tie line.

Vestas will provide turbine operations and maintenance services for the first five years of the project.

The Keechi Wind Project will deliver electricity into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) market, under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Microsoft Corporation.

—    Source: RES Americas

The boards of directors of Iberdrola S.A. and Iberdrola USA have approved a combination of Iberdrola USA with UIL Holdings.This friendly transaction, recommended by UIL’s board of directors, which will be effected via merger, will allow UIL shareholders to receive 18.5% of the share capital of the combined company plus $597 million in cash, representing a premium of 19.5% over the average UIL share price during the 30 days prior to February 25. Iberdrola USA intends to maintain a dividend policy consistent with that of Iberdrola with a payout of between 65-75%. Iberdrola USA will be listed on the NYSE.

The combination of Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings, with over 3.1 million of points of supply, approximately 6.7 GW of installed capacity, and pro-forma Ebitda and net earnings of $2 billion and $570 million in 2014, respectively, will create a leading utility in the US.

The agreement between Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings, is subject to approval by UIL Holdings shareholders. As UIL Holdings and its subsidiaries operate in a regulated sector, the relevant authorizations at state level (Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities) and Federal (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and Federal Communications Commission) level will be required. This process is expected to be completed during 2015.

Ignacio Galán, chairman of IBERDROLA, said: “the operation that integrates Iberdrola USA and UIL is consistent with our strategy of growth in this country, a key market in which we are taking a major step forward. It also reflects our preference for effecting corporate operations on a friendly basis.”

— Source: Iberdrola USA

Availon, a leading independent wind turbine O&M service provider, recently announced today the addition of over 100 MW of Vestas turbine generators to its O&M service portfolio. These strong results underpin the success of Availon’s technology diversification strategy, which has been deployed internationally over the last few years.

 Although the company is often regarded mainly as the independent expert of GE wind turbines, those machines are not the only technology that Availon specialises in. Turbines by manufacturers Vestas and Gamesa feature at the top of Availon’s service portfolio. These technologies have effectively become key drivers of growth for Availon. The company had already reached the 1,000 MW milestone for Vestas turbines under its care in the third quarter of 2014.

Availon has not only greatly expanded the quota of Vestas generators under its care in Germany, but has also managed to extend its Italian portfolio to include the 2MW class Vestas V90 wind turbines. “We are very pleased that Availon is considered as a reliable partner for Vestas technology on an international level. Many customers who are already familiar with us in Germany through our GE technology servicing, are also placing their trust in us abroad, to service both Vestas and Gamesa technologies,” explained Michael Richter, Global Sales Manager at Availon.

 Availon’s international success story continues unabated. Outside Germany, Availon looks after more than 2,000 MW covered by comprehensive servicing contracts. “The German market will always be Availon's home market, but international markets such as the US and Italy are also becoming increasingly more important. It is very satisfying to see our business enjoying consistent strong growth,” concluded Richter.

 — Source: Availon

Pattern Energy Group Inc. recently announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2014.

Highlights from the financial results:

– Cash available for distribution (CAFD) of $62.1 million, up 46%
– Adjusted EBITDA of $198.1 million, up 40%
– Proportional GWh sold of 2,915 GWh, up 65%
– Revenue of $265.5 million, up 32%Declared a first quarter dividend of $0.342 per Class A common share or $1.368 on an annualized basis, subsequent to the end of the period, representing a 2% increase over the previous quarter's dividend
– Acquired Panhandle 2 and Logan's Gap from Pattern Development, expanding its portfolio to 1,636 MW in owned capacity and 12 wind projects
– Initiated commercial operations at two projects; Panhandle 2, with an owned capacity of 147 MW, and Grand Renewable, with an owned capacity of 67 MW
– Added three new projects to the identified Right of First Offer (ROFO) list for a total of 977 MW owned capacity; Henvey Inlet and, subsequent to the end of the period, Amazon Web Services Wind Farm (Fowler Ridge) and Mont Sainte-Marguerite
– Pattern Development acquired a majority stake in Tokyo-based Green Power Investment Corporation (GPI), subsequent to the end of the period, which has more than 1,000 MW in near and longer term wind and solar projects in development and Pattern Development's interest in GPI's projects is subject to Pattern Energy's ROFO
– Pattern Development signed a joint venture agreement with CEMEX Energia, a subsidiary of CEMX S.A.B. (NYSE: CX), subsequent to the end of the period, to develop renewable energy projects throughout Mexico and Pattern Development's interest in the joint venture's projects is subject to Pattern Energy's ROFO
– Completed a $351 million follow-on primary and secondary equity offering, subsequent to the end of the period

"The $62.1 million in cash available for distribution we reported for 2014 exceeds the target we outlined during the IPO. This positive momentum reflects the continuous growth we have demonstrated in our portfolio, which now stands at 1,636 MW in owned capacity – up 57% since the IPO – as well as in our identified ROFO list, which has grown by 781 MW in owned capacity – an increase of 105% since the IPO," said Mike Garland, President and CEO of Pattern Energy. "At the same time, Pattern Development is also expanding our reach by entering new markets, like Japan and Mexico through its relationships with GPI and CEMEX, and contracting with new power buyers, like Walmart and Amazon. Our high-quality operating portfolio and the clear path for growth from our ROFO list underpin our stable and growing cash flow."

Pattern Energy sold 888,577 MWh of electricity on a proportional basis in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 440,623 MWh sold in the same period in 2013. Pattern Energy sold 2,914,810 MWh of electricity on a proportional basis for the full year 2014 compared to 1,771,772 MWh sold in 2013. The increases were primarily attributable to the commencement of commercial operations at South Kent, El Arrayan, Panhandle 1 and Panhandle 2 at various times during the year and the twelve-month figure also reflects an increase in production from an additional 42 MW at Ocotillo for the full year of 2014.

Net loss was $16.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $19.4 million in the same period last year. Net loss was $40.0 million for the full year 2014 compared to net income of $10.1 million in 2013. The change in the full year results was due primarily to unrealized losses on interest rate and energy derivatives (including the Company's proportion of the unrealized losses at its unconsolidated investments) which increased by $54.1 million for the year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $57.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $29.4 million in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $198.1 million for the full year 2014 compared to $141.8 million in 2013. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income determined in accordance with GAAP is shown below.

Cash available for distribution was $17.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $5.6 million in the same period last year. Cash available for distribution was $62.1 million for the full year 2014 compared to $42.6 million in 2013. The $11.7 million and $19.5 million increases, in the respective periods, were primarily the result of higher revenue primarily attributable to the commencement of commercial operations at both the El Arrayan and Panhandle 1 projects in June 2014 and a distribution from unconsolidated investments, as well as, increased production at Ocotillo which impacted the full year period. A reconciliation of cash available for distribution to net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP is shown below.

Pattern Energy declared an increased dividend for the first quarter 2015, payable on April 30, 2015, to holders of record on March 31, 2015, in the amount of $0.342 per Class A share, which represents $1.368 on an annualized basis. This is a 2% increase from the fourth quarter 2014 dividend of $0.335.

— Source: Pattern Energy

RWE Innogy has ordered seven N117/2400 wind turbines from Nordex for the 17-MW Opalenica project in Poland. The wind turbines are to be installed in summer 2015. The company has also signed a 15-year premium service contract for the turbines. “We are pleased to be able to build our seventh wind farm in Poland with Nordex and will be putting it into operation in 2015,” says Dr. Hans Bünting, managing director of RWE Innogy.

The Opalenica project is located in the Poznan region. RWE has opted for the N117/2400 as this turbine is specifically designed to match most of the conditions prevailing at the site. Consequently, the wind farm will have an above-average capacity factor of 34 percent despite the fact that the overall height of the systems has been capped at 150 metres by an administrative order. The high efficiency of the turbines will be decisive when the new rules for auction system will apply for tenders.

— Source: Nordex
 

Vestas has secured a firm and unconditional order for 12 of its V112-3.0 MW turbines for a project located in the region of Lodzkie, Poland.  The order has been placed by a private Polish investor.

The contract includes delivery, installation, and commissioning of the turbines, which is expected to occur during the third and fourth quarter of 2015. The project also includes a five-year Active Output Management (AOM) 4000 service contract.

— Source: Vestas
 

Gamesa has signed two new contracts in China, one to supply 50 MW to Hebei Construction & Investment Group, and another to supply 42 MW to the Chinese wind farm developer UPC.

The scope of the agreement with HCIG encompasses the supply, installation and commissioning of 25 of Gamesa’s G97-2.0 MW turbines, at the Nandianziliang wind complex located in the province of Shanxi, in northern China. The turbines are slated for delivery in May 2015, while the facility is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of this year. Since 2008, Gamesa has supplied 180 MW to HCIG, one of the top 10 wind power operators in China.

Elsewhere, the contract with UPC includes the supply, installation and commissioning of 21 G97-2.0 MW turbines at the Huangyan wind farm in the province of Zhejiang, in eastern China. These turbines are to be delivered in April of this year and the project is expected to be fully commissioned by the third quarter of 2015. This is the first agreement reached between Gamesa and the wind farm developer UPC.

These two new contracts, signed during the last quarter of 2014, reinforce Gamesa’s commercial strategy in China, where the company won contracts for the supply of 450 MW during the course of the year.

— Source: Gamesa
 

Enel Green Power, acting through its subsidiary Enel Green Power North America Inc. , has extended the framework agreement signed at the end of 2013 with Vestas for the development of wind farms in the United States.

The 2013 agreement, which provided for the supply of Vestas wind turbines, supported and will continue to support EGP-NA’s recent successful growth in the United States.

The extension of this agreement confirms and expands EGP’s commitment to keep growing in the United States wind market. The capacity yet to be developed within the 2013 agreement, together with the current extension, will enable the Company to qualify up to approximately 1 GW of future wind capacity in the United States for Federal Production Tax Credits (PTCs).

EGP-NA’s ability to qualify for these federal tax incentives comes as a result of its continued substantial investment in the United States and recent action by the US Congress to extend the PTC as part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, signed into law last month.

Enel Green Power in USA – Enel Green Power (EGP) operates in North America through Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (EGP-NA), which owns and operates over 90 plants in 21 U.S. States and two Canadian provinces. As of today, the company has a total installed capacity of more than 2,000 MW. Such a capacity base is diversified across four generation technologies, namely wind, geothermal, solar and hydro.

— Source: Enel Green Power
 

SKF introduces the capability to manufacture custom machined seals for all wind turbine applications, whether to meet exacting OEM specifications or to fix and/or upgrade existing sealing systems. A variety of proven seal designs and sizes, proprietary high-performance materials, and flexible manufacturing processes combine to deliver robust wind turbine sealing solutions tailored and delivered in short order.

SKF custom machined seals are engineered to facilitate up-tower installation, optimize protection against the ingress of contaminants, promote retention of lubricant, and ultimately help boost turbine reliability, productivity, and energy efficiency. Seals can be custom machined for main shafts, gearboxes, rotor bearings, yaw drives, pitch drives, and rotor brakes, among other critical applications.

SKF custom machined sealing solutions for the wind industry include rubber reinforced radial shaft seals made from hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) or machined from a proprietary polyurethane compound; advanced polyurethane compound excluder seals exhibiting excellent abrasion resistance and tear strength; V-ring seals (NBR, HNBR or polyurethane); SKF Speedi-Sleeve to replace damaged shaft surfaces without requiring power tools, heating, or changes in seal sizes; and hydraulic seals compatible with hydraulic fluids to meet the high power density demands of pitch and yaw drives and hydraulic brakes.

All SKF custom machined seals for the wind industry exhibit high form stability, can be developed in a wide range of sizes and dimensions, and can be configured either in solid or split designs (for easier handling and installation).

For more information, visit www.skfusa.com.