With more than 40,000 active wind turbines across the country and new construction in 29 states, the Iron Workers, IMPACT, and the Apprenticeship and Training Department are exhibiting their commitment to Wind Turbine Training in a bid to fill the needs of the constantly expanding green energy sector.

Currently, six Iron Worker Local Unions across the United States offer Wind Turbine Training classes, and the program continues to grow.

In November 2012, Iron Workers Local 22, Indianapolis, announced the addition of hands-on wind turbine training at its apprenticeship and training facility as part of an ongoing effort to better serve the construction industry’s demands for green energy projects in the region.

Iron Worker wind turbine training courses date from 2010, when the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) and the Iron Workers Apprenticeship and Training Department a grant under the green energy training partnership.  IMPACT used the grant to set up the first five training programs, under which 629 Iron workers received training.

According to Lee Worley, Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training, more locals are stepping up to fill the wind turbine erection needs of communities and construction companies. “The DOL grant ran through January 2012, but locals—like Local 22—have indicated that they are more than willing to make the investment in setting up their own training.”  At $45,000, the price tag for all the required training equipment isn’t cheap, Worley explained.

“All of our locals are serious about safety and training to meet the needs of the wind energy industry,” said Iron Workers General President Walter Wise.

Iron Workers remain committed to fulfilling the needs of green energy partners, Wise said. “With the expansion of our wind turbine training capability, the Iron Workers will be able to meet the demands for safe, qualified wind turbine erectors throughout our country.”

Under an agreement with the National Training Fund, each Local offering Wind Turbine Training must train a minimum of 30 Ironworkers per year.

The following Iron Worker Locals have Wind Turbine Training programs in place:

• Local 6, Buffalo, N.Y.
• Local 27, Salt Lake City
• Local 263, Dallas/Fort Worth
• Local 433, Los Angeles
• Local 444, Joliet, Ill.

For more information about Iron Workers Wind Turbine Training, visit www.impact-net.org.

Siemens Energy has opened two major Research & Development test facilities for wind turbine technology in Denmark. The new test center in Brande features test stands for major components of Siemens wind turbines, including generators, main bearings and complete nacelles. In Aalborg, seven blade test stands are capable to perform full scale tests of rotor blades, including the world’s largest blade in operation with a length of 75 meters. In combination, the two facilities form the world’s largest R&D test center for wind turbine technology.

“Our investments in testing today will result in savings for our customers tomorrow”; says Felix Ferlemann, CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Division in Siemens Energy. “With our extensive tests of all major components of a wind turbine we can significantly reduce the risk of technical issues in the field. Our continued commitment to R&D and testing enables us to deliver wind turbines that are both the most innovative and the most reliable at the same time.”

The two test centers in Denmark feature indoor testing facilities of more than 27,000 square meters. The nacelle test stands in Brande are among the most advanced in the industry. They are capable of testing Siemens’ D6 direct drive platform, the company’s largest current wind turbines with a six megawatt rated capacity, and are prepared to test even larger turbines. 

The seven blade test stands in Aalborg and three blade tests stands in Brande together form the largest blade test facility in the world both in size and in scope. The Aalborg facilities are able not only to fully test Siemens’ 75-meter long B75 blade, the largest wind turbine blade in operation, but also even larger blades. Wind turbine blades are now bigger than any other composite structure in the world. For example, the wing of an Airbus 380 is less than half as long as the B75 blade.

In its new test facilities, Siemens can perform Highly Accelerated Lifetime Tests (HALT) on all major components of its direct drive and geared wind turbine platforms. In HALT testing programs, which can last to up to six months, Siemens exposes prototypes to much higher loads than they would normally experience over the course their full life-time in the field. 

“In HALT tests, we compress the biggest loads over a short time, as they affect the turbine the most”, says Siemens Wind Power CEO Ferlemann. During the HALT test of blades, for example, full-scale prototypes are oscillated at larger deflections than they would ever experience on site for 2 million cycles vertically and then for another 2 million cycles horizontally.

How do we explain the function and technical aspects of a wind turbine to an inquisitive young child? If you’ve ever wondered, help is at hand in the shape of Spinner the Winner, a new picture book for children.

British author Mike Ormsby is based in Azerbaijan. Ormsby said he got the idea for the talking turbine while working on assignment as a journalist.

“I was with BBC Wales in the early ‘90s and reported on a row about a wind farm. I’d never seen a turbine up close; their elegance and personality impressed me. The nacelle is like a face. I noticed some confused kids, too…

Spoiler alert! Here’s the plot…
Spinner is a young turbine, separated from his family on installation day. He develops a squeak and is vandalized by villagers. He’s alone, unloved and unhappy. But when a windy storm causes a blackout, Spinner triumphs over prejudice and adversity to save the day, winning hearts and minds.

“It’s about how turbines generate power AND controversy,” Ormsby said. “I stashed the story for 20 years, until my wife spotted its potential for self-publishing. She found an illustrator from Transylvania, Sorin Sorasan. We spent 10 months preparing to publish in two editions­­—full color, plus black and white for younger kids to color-in. Corporate sales took off, from day one.”

Four big players in European wind energy—CEZ, GDF Suez, ENEL and RWEA—have sponsored a branded Romanian translation. The book will soon be translated into French and Serbian. The English version is doing well on Amazon, downloaded free almost 3,000 times recently and recommended by the online educational resource, Kid Wind Project. Ormsby said he hasn’t profited from the book yet, but remains optimistic. “The main thing is, kids love it. That’s crucial,” the author said. “One lad asked if Spinner would ever be a cartoon on DVD. They’re always one step ahead!”

For more information about “Spinner the Winner,” visit www.spinnerthewinner.wordpress.com. Also, log on now to the Wind Systems Facebook page (www.facebook.com/windsystemsmag) for a chance to win one of two free copies of the book.

International Tower Lighting, LLC’s integrated wind turbine obstruction lighting system, model IFH-1710, utilizes the latest in LED technology and advanced polymer optics to achieve a compact, low-power solution for marking wind turbines. The integrated design of the IFH-1710 requires virtually no space inside the nacelle.

Certified to meet FAA requirements for wind turbine farms, the IFH-1710 features wireless GPS flash synchronization without the need for external components. The universal input power supply is capable of operating from line voltages world-wide and utilizes metal oxide varistor (MOV) and gas discharge tube (GDT) surge suppression for harsh electrical environments.

For ease of installation the IFH-1710 is delivered pre-wired with a single shielded cable, rated TC-ER  (tray cable, exposed run) to meet NEC requirements for exposed runs.

The IFH-1710 is designed for long-term maintainability. The hinged cover allows access for testing and maintenance yet is securely fastened using stainless steel draw latches.

Unique for wind turbine obstruction lighting systems, the IFH-1710’s modular design allows for field replacement of circuit boards, photocell and GPS. A push-button-operated self-test requires no communication devices or computers to operate. A novel fail-safe feature turns the light on solid in the event of a flasher failure.

Capable of matching the flash rate of competitors, the IFH-1710 can be integrated into your existing portfolio of lighting systems.

For more information, visit www.itl-llc.com, or call 866-624-8309. Visit International Tower Lighting at WINDPOWER 2013 at Booth 2401.

Tornadoes and wind turbines all too frequently compete for the same geography throughout the areas of the U.S. known as “Tornado Alley”. Whether it’s a wind turbine or a drilling rig that gets in the way of the average tornado, the outcome is certain. With green energy efforts growing so will be the frequency of wind-farms being struck by tornadoes. 

As bad as the loss of multiple turbines is to a producer, the personal, legal and economic loss from injury to crews erecting and servicing these structures is potentially far greater. But installation of permanently anchored industrial quality tornado protective “safe rooms” near each tower is not feasible. Addressing this safety problem, Red Dog Mobile Shelters LLC designed and patented the only mobile safe room certified to meet every known tornado shelter standard issued by FEMA, the International Code Council (ICC-500), the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Unlike conventional designs that require massive foundations to anchor shelters against wind forces, Red Dog’s new technology uses aerodynamics to eliminate the need for anchoring by turning the destructive winds of a tornado into a stabilizing force even in EF-5 storms exceeding 300 mph. The faster the wind the more stable the shelter. Unique structural configurations and materials of construction enable the units to support over 1,000,000 pounds of dead load while fending off full force impacts by rotor blades falling from 150-foot heights.

The massive 250-pound doors are ADA compliant with internally activated, self-releasing hinges to prevent residual storm debris from trapping occupants inside and have passed impact tests conducted by Texas Tech Wind Science and Engineering Research Center. Electronic site alarm packages convert NOAA weather warnings into both visual strobes and 140-decibel audible warnings alerting distracted workers, contractors and visitors of approaching tornadoes. 

Relocation of the 32-person-rated shelters only takes minutes and requires no DOT permits. Rapid deployment makes possible having a safe refuge immediately available for workers regardless of the short duration nature of servicing multiple work sites. Optional features allow the multi-functional safe rooms to replace other on-site structures such as office space, cooling rooms, heat stress recovery spaces, safety meeting rooms and break rooms thereby decreasing a site’s footprint needed for crew support accommodations.

For rental information, visit www.lighttowerrentals.com or call 432-530-3330.

Hughey & Phillips announces the new HORIZON™ line of medium-intensity strobe LED based obstruction lighting solutions for daytime and nighttime lighting on tall structures such as communication, television and radio towers, wind turbines, smokestacks and other obstructions to aerial navigation.

Intertek (ETL) certified and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, the L-864/865 provides both daytime white and nighttime red lights within a single unit, and is part of the newest addition to H&P’s obstruction lighting portfolio, the HORIZON™ line. The series is available in L864 (Red), L865 (White) and L864/L865 (Red/White). Daytime white strobe eliminates the need to paint the structure with aviation orange and white stripes, and nighttime red flashing beacon lights are community friendly. The HORIZON™ L-864/865 is best suited for structures between 150’ (45 m) and 500’ (150 m) above ground level and operates at a range of 95-277VAC, 50/60Hz.

The new microprocessor controlled LED strobe system boasts a self-contained power supply that simplifies wiring but also accepts external signals if necessary. Its compact design, built-in testing, GPS sync, automatic day/night sensor and wiring compatibility make the product easy to use and install. Like other products in the HORIZON™ line, the units are compatible with existing cable systems in most cases, allowing users to retrofit to LED without purchasing entire new systems.

H&P HORIZON™ system uses 90 percent less power than incandescent medium intensity models, and is designed, built, and sourced in the U.S., using domestic suppliers. There are more than 20 patents pending on components and features of the HORIZON series. The system comes with a five-year warranty and has an expected life of more than 15 years. It is the only unit in the market to be completely serviceable, ensuring a longer life than any competitor models.

For more information, visit www.hugheyandphillips.com, or call 937-652-3500. Visit Hughey & Phillips at WINDPOWER 2013 at Booth 4107. 

Siemens Energy has opened two major Research & Development test facilities for wind turbine technology in Denmark. The new test center in Brande features test stands for major components of Siemens wind turbines, including generators, main bearings and complete nacelles. In Aalborg, seven blade test stands are capable to perform full-scale tests of rotor blades, including the world’s largest blade in operation with a length of 75 meters. In combination, the two facilities form the world’s largest R&D test center for wind turbine technology.

“Our investments in testing today will result in savings for our customers tomorrow,” says Felix Ferlemann, CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Division in Siemens Energy. “With our extensive tests of all major components of a wind turbine we can significantly reduce the risk of technical issues in the field. Our continued commitment to R&D and testing enables us to deliver wind turbines that are both the most innovative and the most reliable at the same time.”

The two test centers in Denmark feature indoor testing facilities of more than 27,000 square meters. The nacelle test stands in Brande are among the most advanced in the industry. They are capable of testing Siemens’ D6 direct drive platform, the company’s largest current wind turbines with a six megawatt rated capacity, and are prepared to test even larger turbines.

The seven blade test stands in Aalborg and three blade tests stands in Brande together form the largest blade test facility in the world both in size and in scope. The Aalborg facilities are able not only to fully test Siemens’ 75-meter long B75 blade, the largest wind turbine blade in operation, but also even larger blades. Wind turbine blades are now bigger than any other composite structure in the world. For example, the wing of an Airbus 380 is less than half as long as the B75 blade.

In its new test facilities, Siemens can perform Highly Accelerated Lifetime Tests (HALT) on all major components of its direct drive and geared wind turbine platforms. In HALT testing programs, which can last to up to six months, Siemens exposes prototypes to much higher loads than they would normally experience over the course their full lifetime in the field.

“In HALT tests, we compress the biggest loads over a short time, as they affect the turbine the most,” says Siemens Wind Power CEO Ferlemann. During the HALT test of blades, for example, full-scale prototypes are oscillated at larger deflections than they would ever experience on site for 2 million cycles vertically and then for another 2 million cycles horizontally.  

The EU wind energy sector installed 11.6GW of capacity in 2012, bringing the total wind power capacity to 105.6GW, according to the 2012 annual statistics launched by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

The 11.6 GW installed in 2012 is higher than the 9.4 GW installed in 2011.

Wind energy represented 26 percent of all new EU power capacity installed last year, and investments of between EUR 12.8 billion and EUR 17.2 billion. It is now meeting 7 percent of Europe’s electricity demand — up from 6.3 percent at the end of 2011.

Overall, the EU is almost 2GW (1.7 percent) under its National Renewable Energy Action Plan forecasts. 18 Member States are falling behind, including Slovakia, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, and Portugal.

Renewable energy represented 69 percent of all new power capacity in 2012, while in a continuing trend, fuel oil, coal, and nuclear capacity saw negative growth due to decommissioning.

Last year, wind energy installations were led by Germany (2.4GW, 21 percent of all new wind power capacity), the UK (1.9GW, 16 percent), Italy (1.3GW, 11 percent), Romania (0.9GW, 8 percent), and Poland (0.9GW, 8 percent). In terms of total installed capacity, Germany is also the leader with 31.3GW (30 percent), followed by Spain (22.8GW, 22 percent), the UK (8.4GW, 8 percent), Italy (8.1GW, 8 percent) and France (7.2GW, 7 percent).

In other news from the EWEA Annual Event, held February 4-7 in Vienna, Austria:

EU wind industry faces tough challenge —
The wind industry is being hit by the economic crisis and austerity across Europe, and a difficult situation should not be made worse by politicians undermining investor confidence, warned top industry figures in Vienna.

At the opening of EWEA 2013, politicians and high level industry representatives also spoke of the need to secure the further growth of wind energy in Europe after the current 2020 renewable energy target runs out, and of the disparity between fossil fuel and renewable energy subsidies.

EWEA President Arthouros Zervos criticized “sudden or retroactive changes to support schemes” and warned “the wind industry can be a driver for growth, for jobs and exports but not if government policies drive away investors.”

He told the assembled industry leaders and Ministers that “The wind industry is suffering serious job losses, and will suffer more difficulties this year,” and called for “binding renewable energy targets for 2030,” as a way to create investor confidence.

EU wind industry skills shortage: over 5,000 more workers needed per year —
The European wind industry faces a severe skills shortage of around 5,500 appropriately qualified staff per year. This shortfall could climb to 18,000 by 2030 — nearly 5 percent of the entire wind industry workforce — if numbers of suitable workers don’t increase.

The warning comes in a report to be published by the EU’s Wind Energy Technology Platform (TPWind), based on research by renewable energy consultancy GL Garrad Hassan.

“There is a real risk of a shortage of suitably skilled workers. Well over half of the shortfall in new workers in 2030 could be in operations and maintenance. Engineers are in desperately short supply and the problem will get far worse unless action is taken,” said Andrew Garrad, Chairman of GL Garrad Hassan.

Wind energy’s most prestigious prize goes to Professor Arthouros Zervos —
The Poul La Cour prize for outstanding contribution to wind energy has been awarded this year to Professor Arthouros Zervos. The award was presented to Professor Zervos by Klaus Rave, Vice President of EWEA. Speaking at the presentation of the award at the conference dinner of the EWEA 2013 Annual Event in Vienna, CEO of EWEA, Christian Kjaer said “It is hard to know where to begin to describe this year’s winner’s achievements. They are not limited to one area of work, or one organization. They span education, science, R&D, policy making, representation of the industry, and lobbying.”

Professor Zervos has taught wind energy at the National Technical University of Athens since 1982 and was responsible for Wind Energy in EUREC’s European Renewable Energy Master’s Degree taught at Universities across Europe.

For more information, visit www.ewea.org.

The U.S. wind energy industry had its strongest year ever in 2012, the American Wind Energy Association announced, installing a record 13,124MW of electric generating capacity, leveraging $25 billion in private investment, and achieving over 60,000MW of cumulative wind capacity.

The milestone of 60,000MW was reached just five months after AWEA announced last August that the U.S. industry had 50,000MW installed. Today’s 60,007MW is enough clean, affordable, American wind power to power the equivalent of almost 15 million homes, or the number in Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, and Ohio combined.

In this historic year of achievement, wind energy for the first time became the number one source of new U.S. electric generating capacity, providing some 42 percent of all new generating capacity; the final tally will be released in April in AWEA’s annual report. In fact, 2012 was a strong year for all renewables, as together they accounted for over 55 percent of all new U.S. generating capacity.

Resulting from 190 projects across 32 states plus Puerto Rico, this new record for annual installations of over 13,000MW by the U.S. industry far surpasses the previous record of 10,000MW installed in 2010.

In last year’s fourth quarter alone, 8,380MW were installed, making it the strongest quarter in U.S. wind power history. This was due in large part to impending expiration of the successful federal Production Tax Credit (PTC). It was slated to end on December 31, 2012, but was extended by Congress on January 1, 2013, as part of the “fiscal cliff package,” the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

The global wind energy industry will gather in Chicago May 5-8 for the world’s largest annual wind power event, WINDPOWER 2013. Thousands of workers and leaders from all sectors will attend to show their wares, attend conference sessions, and seek further solutions for success.

For more information, visit www.awea.org or www.windpowerexpo.org.

GE has announced the 2.5-120, the world’s most efficient high-output and the first brilliant wind turbine. The 2.5-120 is the first wind turbine to bring together world-class efficiency and power output at low wind speed sites, capturing a 25 percent increase in efficiency and a 15 percent increase in power output compared to GE’s current model.

The turbine’s high efficiency and high output unlock higher returns for wind farm operators at low wind speed sites. The turbine’s advanced controls enable its 120-meter rotor, resulting in increased energy capture and greater power output in low-wind areas. The taller tower, which has a maximum hub height of 139 meters, makes it ideal for heavily forested regions in places like Europe and Canada.

This advanced technology drives higher wind farm output than GE’s current offerings, improves services productivity and, creates new revenue streams for customers.

Over the past year, GE has successfully demonstrated the integration of wind power and energy storage at its facility in California, delivering predictable power to the grid. The first prototype of the 2.5-120 will be installed in the Netherlands this month.

For more information, visit www.ge-energy.com.

The global offshore wind power market, fuelled by the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the declining cost of wind power generation and impressive investment from the UK, is expected to explode over the next decade, states research and consulting firm GlobalData.

The company’s new report forecasts the global offshore wind power market to rocket from a 2012 cumulative installed capacity of 5.1GW in 2012 to a far greater 54.9GW by the end of the decade, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 34.5 percent.

The UK is a major player in the offshore wind power market thanks to its substantial financial commitment and ideal location, contributing more than half of the global installed capacity last year, with 2.7GW.

Offshore wind is expected to make a large impact upon the UK’s 2020 renewable energy targets and a major expansion is planned. Correspondingly, GlobalData expects the country’s offshore wind power installed capacity to hit 21GW by the end of 2020, increasing almost 800 percent from 2012.

Nordex USA, Inc. concluded an agreement with Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas (UTE), Uruguay’s state power company, for the sale of 28 of its N117/2400 wind turbines for the Juan Pablo Terra wind farm. Nordex, a leading global manufacturer of utility scale wind turbines, will be responsible for delivery, installation and commissioning and for ongoing maintenance for a minimum of 10 years under a Premium Service Contract.

The site, on the border with Brazil, is located a few miles from the city of Artigas, in the north of Uruguay, about 370 miles (600 kilometers) from Montevideo, the capital city. This will be largest wind farm owned by UTE and represents the country’s commitment to the growth of renewable energy. Delivery of turbines is slated to begin in February 2014 with project completion in June 2014.

For more information, visit www.nordex-online.com/en.

Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. (RES Americas) is pleased to announce the completion of the 139.4MW Twin Ridges Wind Farm located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  The project was completed in December of 2012 and is now operational.

RES Americas served as the Balance of Plant Contractor for the project, which was developed and is owned by EverPower. The Twin Ridges Wind Farm consists of 68 2.05MW REpower MM 92 turbines that will interconnect to PJM through the Potomac Edison affiliate of FirstEnergy Corporation. The project employed hundreds of workers during the construction phase and up to twelve operations and maintenance staff will be employed during operations.

For more information on RES Americas, please visit www.res-americas.com.

SGS is proud to announce the acquisition of Herguth Laboratories, Inc.  Herguth Labs is the premier, high end, commercial, oil, grease, fuel and failure analysis laboratory in North America.

The acquisition of Herguth Labs with major testing laboratories located in San Francisco and Chicago introduces the SGS global network of 27 condition monitoring laboratories to the North American market with two more state of the art, 10,000 sq ft facilities, making SGS the world’s largest independent testing company in the field of Oil Condition Monitoring.

The alliance between Herguth Labs and SGS will create synergies that will make it the leading Oil Condition Monitoring company in North America, offering both routine, highly automated analysis and equipment condition’s diagnostics as well as non-routine consulting services such as lubrication programs audits, root cause and failure analysis. Their high level of service as well as high quality standards make it a good addition for the SGS Group, global leader in the area of quality, health, safety and environmental business practices.

For more information, visit www.herguth.com.  

Winter may be in full swing, but KEEN Utility has already set its sights on spring with a collection of innovative industrial footwear for men and women. Leading the charge are two new indoor industrial silhouettes with stellar anti-slip ratings along with expansions of both the Portland “Built in the USA” series and a new insulated KEEN.Welt introduction. These new styles join a roster of progressive work footwear designed with versatility and comfort in mind for hard working feet and the men and women attached to them.

“Each season we meet the challenge of designing better work footwear toe-on. Every year there is a greater demand for versatile footwear that blends comfort, protection and design,” said Kevin Kious, KEEN Utility Sales Manager. “KEEN was founded on the idea of creating a hybrid shoe equal parts form and function. KEEN Utility is an extension of this belief and each new introduction allows us to build a better foundation for hard-working feet everywhere.”

Among the new Spring 2013 styles are:
A perfect partner to the Lexington, the Albany is superior slip-resistance with a highly breathable boot built for warm weather comfort. Outfitted with the KEEN’s new oil- and slip-resistant outsole, the Albany exceeds Mark II Slip-Resistance safety standards by diverting water and oils away from contact points under the foot through tire-like drainage channels improving traction and stability. A waterproof nubuck leather and mesh upper provide unparalleled breathability while asymmetrical composite toes bring lightweight comfort and protection.

The Lexington outsole exceeds Mark II Slip-Resistance testing standards. The super slip-resistant outsole features drainage channels that direct water and oils away from contact points under the foot, similar to a tire tread, helping to increase stability and sure-footing indoors and out. The low-profile boot features an athletic, hiking-inspired silhouette with waterproof leather and a KEEN.Dry breathable, waterproof membrane that allows moisture out but never in. The Lexington features asymmetrical composite safety toes that deliver lightweight contoured protection. Casual enough to be paired with your favorite pair of jeans during a weekend around the house and durable enough to protect your feet on the job site, the Lexington is a go-to boot for an on-the-go worker.

For more information on the KEEN Utility Spring 2013 collection or to find a KEEN Utility retailer near you, visit www.keenfootwear.com.

Keep up with all things KEEN Utility at www.fb.com/keenutility or www.twitter.com/keen_utility.

HYROFLEX cable clamps are part of a system of various mounting supports for securing power cables in wind turbines. These clamps are supplied in various versions with between three and nine cable mounting segments.

Customized inserts allow for different cable groupings per customer request. The basic frame is formed by a steel support structure, which is fixed to the tower and provides the frame for mounting individual cable segments. This system provides pivoting, spring-action fasteners fixed by snap hooks to prevent the cables from dislodging.

In addition, the clamping band protects against any potential short-circuit forces.

Features of the HRFLEX Series Cable Clamps:
• Two styles available: Half-moon and Star
• For quick installation and excellent support of power cables in wind turbines
• Modular combinations of clamp segments (up to 27 power cables)
• Easy accessibility to all cables
• Cable diameter up to ø35mm
• Sturdy construction
• Fire and short-circuit tested

HYDAC provides fluid power solutions to OEM’s, manufacturers and end users of a variety of heavy duty mobile and industrial equipment. These solutions increase the efficiency, longevity and safety of fluid power systems — even under extreme conditions.

HYDAC has division office locations in Bethlehem, PA, Glendale Heights, IL, Birmingham, AL, and regional sales offices across the United States. The company is also supported across the country by a nationwide distributor network.

For more information about HYDAC’s line of product solutions, call 610-266-0100 or visit www.hydacusa.com.

An innovative carbon brush holder, set to reduce maintenance costs for doubly fed generators in wind turbines, will be introduced by Carbex at the AWEA WINDPOWER 2013 exhibition in Chicago, May 5 – 8 (booth no. 1011).

The Carbex V-type brush holder ensures that all the carbon brushes push against the slip ring with equal force, preventing uneven wear and premature brush replacement. This also reduces electrical and mechanical losses, lowering the temperature of the carbon brushes and improving their lubricating properties. In addition, remote monitoring is simplified, as only one switch per phase is required.

A traditional brush holder set-up includes a number of brushes that are fitted around the slip ring and adjusted individually. Brushes typically wear unevenly as each has different pressure against the slip ring.

The V-type holder eliminates these variations. The brushes are fitted and locked into position in single brush pockets. Through equal load on all carbon brushes, and lower temperature, the V-type holder gives longer life to the brushes, resulting in longer service intervals. This can mean substantial savings on maintenance, as visits to remote locations can be very costly, particularly in offshore applications.

The design of the V-type holder simplifies fitting and facilitates service, saving time while on site. The compact holder is located just inside the inspection hatch of the slip ring compartment for easy access. Only one adjustment is required for the holder. There is no need to adjust the angle and contact surface of the individual brushes.

The Carbex V-type holder is patent-pending in the U.S., EU and China. It is available for all common designs of doubly fed generators in the market. The design is modified for the requirements of each OEM to fit the existing bolt holes in the shield. For more information, visit www.carbex.eu. 

Leitwind announced today the commissioning of the Deliceto wind farm, which is now grid-connected and operating in Apulia, Italy. Leitwind was contracted by Elce Energia Spa in 2012 to build the 24MW Deliceto wind farm, which is made of 16 Leitwind’s patented LTW80 1.5MW gearless turbines.

The wind turbines were delivered from the Telfs; Leitwind’s Austrian manufacturing facility. Leitwind was able to build the wind farm in only six months, from signing the supply contract to commissioning the project.  The Deliceto wind farm will produce 57 GWh of electricity annually, which represents renewable power for over 18,000 Italian households.

“Leitwind was responsible for the transport, installation and commissioning of the wind farm. Furthermore, a full service contract for 15 years was finalized, which guarantees the customer efficient energy production and optimal technical availability”, states Leitwind’s CEO Anton Seeber.

The Deliceto wind farm adds to the 40MW of wind energy capacity already installed by Leitwind in Apulia in the past years. Due to the favorable wind conditions, Apulia is one of the leading wind energy areas in Italy.

“This order is of importance for the further development of renewable energy in this region. Moreover, the project creates new jobs in a region which has to deal with a high unemployment rate”, emphasizes Seeber.

These projects demonstrate Leitwind’s continued commitment to the Italian energy market. This past autumn 2012, Leitwind added an additional 5 LTW77 1.5 MW turbines to its existing six wind turbines wind farm in Montecatini, Tuscany. Due to the ideal wind conditions at the site, the eleven LTW77 wind turbines, with total rated power of 16.5 MW, are efficiently producing clean energy in Tuscany.

The Leitwind partnership involves support in all fields, from the first contact with authorities up to completing and placing the system into operation and finally developing a tailored maintenance program.

For more information visit en.leitwind.com

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 Japan Wind Power Association.

The WIND EXPO opening ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on February 27 at 9:30 a.m. local time. This ceremony is open to all participants. However, pre-registration is required.

The keynote presentation, entitled “Industry Leaders’ Strategies and Outlook on Wind Power Generation,” will be held at 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 27. Attendees will hear from executives with Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, Eurus Energy Holdings Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Vestas Wind Systems A/S.

The keynote address is preceded earlier in the day at 10 a.m. by a special keynote entitled “Toward a New Energy Society System in Japan,” delivered by Hiroaki Niihara, Director General of Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Department of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The expo will also feature a technical conference, which will feature sessions led by industry specialists on a variety of topics, including (but not limited to): market trends and outlooks, offshore wind power generation, wind simulation, grid integration, and large-scale wind turbines. Registration is required for the technical conference. Visit the expo website for a full list of topics, registration, and pricing.

Other exhibitions scheduled for the week focus on related smart energy technologies, including: fuel cells, photovoltaics, smart grids, and rechargeable batteries. This will provide wind-specific visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to connect with wind and other energy sector professionals. As many as 125,000 visitors and nearly 1,900 exhibitors are expected to participate in World Smart Energy Week. Visitors are encouraged to enter freely into all concurrent shows.

For more information, including a list of exhibitors, e-Guidebook, and seminar navigator, visit the following: Reed Expositions Japan website  (www.reedexpo.co.jp/english/); WIND EXPO website (www.windexpo.jp/en or www.wsew.jp/en).

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 allows Vestas to monitor and remotely control the turbines to ensure the turbines are running optimally.

“We are fortunate to work with the high-caliber team at Alliant Energy,” said Chris Brown, President of Vestas’ sales and service division in the U.S. and Canada. “Our V82-1.65 MW turbine is a proven performer across North America with a high availability. This service contract also ensures jobs for Vestas employees who make sure the turbines operate safely and with maximum electrical output.”

Vestas has performed service and maintenance at Whispering Willow Wind Farm ­— East since the site began operations in 2009. The wind power plant can produce enough electricity for about 50,000 households.

“Our company is pleased to partner with Vestas to extend our service and maintenance agreement for our 200MW Whispering Willow Wind Farm — East,” said Tom Aller, Senior Vice President of Energy Resource Development at Alliant Energy. “Renewable energy is a key component of our long-term energy resource supply. As a result, we need a company that can keep our wind generating facilities operating at an optimum level. Vestas is an industry leader in servicing and maintaining wind generating facilities. Our partnership with Vestas provides good jobs for working families and ensures that this wind farm will continue to produce emissions-free energy for the benefit of our customers safely and efficiently.”

Alliant Energy owns three other projects using the V82-1.65 MW turbine. In December, Alliant Energy began commercial operations at the Franklin County Wind Farm in Iowa, which includes 60 V82-1.65 MW turbines. In 2008, Alliant first worked with Vestas to build the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm in Wisconsin, which consists of 41 V82-1.65 MW turbines. Vestas also supplied 122 of these turbines to the Bent Tree Wind Farm in Minnesota, which began commercial operations in 2011.

Alliant Energy’s utility operations provide electricity and natural gas to more than 1.4 million customers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For more information, visit www.vestas.com.