Moventas continues to strengthen its offshore capability with its 5MW medium speed wind gear. In the beginning of May, Moventas delivered two 5MW offshore wind gears to AREVA Wind. The two companies have signed an 80 million euro agreement on future deliveries.

After approximately one year of testing, Moventas and AREVA Wind, subsidiary of the multi-national energy industry group AREVA, will be ready for series deliveries. Moventas and AREVA Wind have signed an agreement worth 80 million euros concerning 5MW gear unit deliveries for the coming years.

“We are very pleased to find that AREVA Wind trusts our leading expertise and over 30-year history in creating technically superior gear solutions for medium-speed and multi-megawatt class drive trains”, comments Senior Vice President of Wind Gears with Moventas, Arto Lahtela.

The new offshore gear will strengthen the Moventas product range, especially for the European markets, where the demand for offshore wind turbines is showing promising signs of growth. Challenging offshore conditions set extremely high requirements for both product design and manufacturing technologies. Moventas provides AREVA Wind’s international offshore wind expansion with a reliable medium speed offshore wind gear.

With a rated power of 5 MW, AREVA’s M5000 wind turbine with its innovative medium-speed concept has now three years operational experience in the German North Sea, and the group is now moving into serial production with its confirmed backlog of 120 machines. Beyond this AREVA is aiming at strong international expansion, with a focus on the European markets, and in particular United Kingdom and France.

Mikael Laine President & CEO Moventas companies. For more information, visit www.moventas.com.

Moog Industrial Group introduces its electric pitch control systems for controlling the angle of inclination of a wind turbine’s blades. Moog’s array of hardware, software and services also includes blade-sensing systems, rotor monitoring systems, slip rings and global training and services.

Moog has supplied more than 27,000 systems and products to many of the world’s top-ten wind turbine manufacturers. The company’s wind industry products and expertise span both electric and hydraulic technologies. Moog’s wind industry experts will explain how using the company’s systems on today’s wind turbines can reduce maintenance, improve safety and boost efficiency. For example, by precisely monitoring wind loads on blades, the rotor monitoring system improves the turbine’s life span and maintenance costs. Predictive maintenance is vital to wind park operators because the cost of a shutdown and subsequent turbine repairs is high.

Moog Pitch Systems also improve safety when the wind turbine loses electrical power. The pitch system puts the turbine blades off-wind into a safe operating mode that protects the wind turbine from damage. When the wind blows at 25 meters per second (50 mph) or higher, a wind turbine needs a failsafe to put its blades at an angle where the load is reduced and the wind turbine stops.

Found in the hub of the wind turbine, the Moog Pitch System consists of:  control boxes containing Moog Pitch Servo Drives; Wind Pitch Servo Motors; and, a control system including software for remote diagnostics and back-up power.

Moog also offers slip ring solutions, which are critical to operation. Found inside the wind turbine’s nacelle, Moog’s slip rings provide electrical signals and energy for blade pitch power and control. Moog’s fiber brush slip rings offer wind turbine owners a minimum of 100 million revolutions of operational life with no maintenance.

Moog signed a contract to supply a test system to NAREC (National Renewable Energy Centre) to evaluate and test wind turbine blades at NAREC’s new 100-m (328-ft.) blade testing facility in Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom.

Opening this summer, turbine blade manufacturers will use NAREC to test prototype blade designs and manufacturing processes. The new facility will accommodate blades being designed for larger offshore wind turbines up to 100 m (328 ft.) in length and will complement NAREC’s existing capability testing blades in the 50-m (164 ft.) range.

The new 100-m (328 ft.) blade test facility will provide an independent and confidential environment to accelerate the development of new blade designs before they are taken offshore. It will be the largest facility of its type in the world and expands on NAREC’s existing blade-testing capability developed over the last five years, serving the global supply chain and industrial research communities.

Stuart Bibb, Market Manager, Moog Test Systems said, “Our division within Moog specializes
in structural testing for the aerospace industry. Using computer-controlled hydraulic technology, we are able to simulate service loads to ascertain structural strength prior to initial flight-testing. We were able to apply the same experience, technology and skills to NAREC’s requirements to deliver the right solution.”

Dean Goodwin, Mechanical Lead Engineer, at NAREC said, “NAREC undertakes fatigue testing of wind turbine blades using a hydraulic system to resonate the blade at its natural frequency. Moog’s track record in the aerospace industry provided us with the confidence in their solution for our new world-leading facility.”

Moog will supply and commission a Test Controller and monitoring system to control the NAREC Control Resonance Mass (CRM), which excites natural frequencies in the blade structure to evaluate the blades’ resistance to fatigue under representative dynamic loading conditions. The scope of supply will also include a very high flow PLC controlled Hydraulic Power Unit designed to interface with the NAREC primary control system.

The power unit, comprising six Moog RKP Radial Piston Pumps, has an installed power of 675 kW, delivering a flow of 1,200 lpm (317 gpm US) at a pressure of 280 bar (4061 psi). A dedicated PLC controls and monitors the performance and health of the unit and a water-cooling system maintains the temperature of the hydraulic fluid. High pressure hydraulic fluid is circulated around the facility by a custom designed distribution network.

For more information, visit www.moog.com.

Crane service provider Mediaco Maxilift recently lifted the tower of a dockside crane from its base at a French port to make it possible to perform necessary maintenance work. In order to safely lift the 414-tonne (456 US tons) load and then place it back on its base, the company relied on the powerful performance of a TerexTM CC 2800 lattice boom crawler crane.
 

The two lifts brought several challenges for the Mediaco team from the start: On the one hand, the wharf’s structure was not designed to bear the joint weight of the CC 2800 and its load. “In order not to damage the structure, we placed steel beams under the CC 2800’s crawler tracks in order to better distribute the weight,” explains Mediaco Maxilift project manager Robert Titart. On the other hand, the load’s center of gravity proved to be an obstacle in performing the lift safely. In order to solve this problem, a custom-made spreader was used to balance the load with the required precision. However, the spreader added 11.5 tons (12.6 US tons) to the load being lifted, increasing the total weight to 433 tons (477 US tons) together with the 4.5-tonne (4.9 US tons) hook block and the 3-tonne (3.3 US tons) rigging cables and chains.

The Mediaco team set up the CC 2800 with an SSL configuration, a 54-meter main boom, a superstructure counterweight of 160 tons (176 US tons), and a Superlift counterweight of 300 tons (330 US tons), and decided to use a Superlift radius of 15 meters (49 ft.). With this configuration, the CC 2800 was perfectly prepared to safely lift the load and put it back down later within the required working radius of 16 meters (52 ft).

The Terex® CC 2800 is a lattice boom crawler crane with a remarkable level of versatility. For instance, it can be converted from a standard crane to a special-purpose crane for wind turbine projects — and back. This includes a rigid luffing fly jib (LF2) with a length of 12, 24, or 36 meters that was developed specifically with wind power-related applications in mind. The crane’s rated lifting capacity is 600 tons with a reach of seven meters, while its maximum load moment is 7,056 mt.

The undercarriage is available in two different models: the standard version and with a chassis designed for road travel. The basic machine, including all winches and the A-frame, can be transported within a 12-ton axle load limit.

The high level of flexibility provided by these options and features saves time and money during transportation, setup, and disassembly, providing for a high level of cost-effectiveness in the process.  Moreover, the time-tested control system, featuring remote radio control capabilities, makes it possible to operate the TerexTM CC2800 easily, safely, and comfortably no matter what the operating conditions.

For more information, please visit www.mediaco-groupe.com/eng or www.terex.com.

Redstone College, a Denver-based institution of higher learning, celebrated the commencement of its fourth graduating class from its Wind Energy Technology Program on May 21, bringing the total number of graduates since the program launched in August 2010 to 106. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Colorado is one of the top 10 states for wind energy jobs, and receives 9.2% of its electricity from wind power.

“Wind energy is a relatively new industry for America, and yet, it has had significant growth both in the U.S. and Colorado, especially in the last five years,” said Tim Guerrero, campus academic dean of Redstone College. “When we launched our program, we made a commitment to provide our students with a curriculum that focused on hands-on learning to ensure they were workforce ready. We went to Denmark to find a used Vestas V27 to place in our wind lab, which teaches everything from testing equipment, such as a lab volt industrial trainer and a hydraulic station, to troubleshooting for the processes of installation, testing and repair of wind turbines. When our graduates complete the program, they are immediately ready to productively manage wind turbine electronic components.”

Redstone’s 15-month associate program teaches both mechanical and electrical applications for the wind energy industry, including the fundamentals of mechanics, math and physics. Safety training is also a critical component of the program; students receive training in first aid, fire suppression, and climb safety and current OSHA safety standards. The program has grown substantially since it launched and currently has eight faculty and two lab technicians. Four classes have graduated since October 2011, and program enrollments are accepted every two months.

“When you work with high voltage and high power, students must learn they can’t rush it and that troubleshooting systems requires critical thinking,” said Warren Schmelzer, wind energy technology instructor of Redstone College. “Our faculty doesn’t teach the technology of a specific turbine, but rather we teach our students to ‘read’ and to understand the fundamentals of concepts such as wind mechanics and math, among others.”

Wind Energy Technology graduates have received jobs at leading organizations including RES America, SOS Staffing/Vestas, Ethos Distributed Energy, enXco, Siemens and SkyClimber. For all programs offered at Redstone College, 80 percent of its eligible graduates have been placed in jobs in their fields of study.

For more information, visit www.redstone.edu.

During the last few months the Evance R9000 small wind turbine has undergone further tests which have confirmed its energy generation has increased by over 4% to 9,167kWh at a wind speed of 5 meters per second.

The R9000 small wind turbine was one of the first small wind turbines to achieve SWCC conditional certification last year, and has received further improvements since.

Many Evance customers have already benefitted from higher than expected energy generation as the R9000 system improvements were implemented several months ago. For example, Clive Breeze was pleasantly surprised with the energy generated from his recent installation: “In the first three weeks alone, the R9000 turbines exceeded the predicted energy generation targets by 10 percent.” This reduced the customer’s first quarterly electricity bill by the equivalent of nearly $500.

“We’re delighted that our R9000 turbine is proving so efficient in energy production as this translates directly into a faster return on investment for our customers,” said Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines.

“Our R9000 machine accounted for a third of all small wind turbines sold in the UK last year – making it the UK’s small wind turbine of choice. We look forward to accelerating our drive into the North American market though our network of installers in a bid to establish a similar market leadership position,” concludes Kevin. For more information, visit www.evancewind.com.

PSI Repair Services, Inc., introduces its off-warranty repair support for wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) professionals.

PSI Repair Services offers fast, affordable repairs, including upgraded/longer-life products, for out-of-warranty electronic, hydraulic and precision mechanical components that drive your turbines’ pitch and yaw systems and down tower electronics. Components repaired include printed circuit boards, PLCs, control cards, VRCC components, IGBTs, thyristors, converters, pitch motors, hydraulic pumps, servo motors, transducers and much more. All repairs come with a free evaluation and one-year warranty.

PSI uses the latest diagnostic tools to detect failures down to the microchip level. Solutions range from minor component changes to full replacement printed circuit boards, with enhanced designs to improve performance and reliability. These options allow you to significantly increase mean time between failures (MTBF) and prevent costly downtime and/or repeat repairs.

In addition, PSI provides comprehensive remanufacturing services for unsalvageable, obsolete components. Plus, PSI’s stocking programs provide fast turnaround to help reduce inventories.
“PSI Repair Services is a one-stop resource for wind farm O& M professionals,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, General Manager of PSI Repair Services. “No other repair service provider in the wind industry can match PSI’s breadth and depth of cost- saving services, or has a dynamic Engineering Services Department quite like PSI. The difference is clear for our customers.”

For more information, visit www.psi-repair.com.

Wind Energy Services Company (WES) announced that two new teammates have joined the company.

Israel Barajas has been appointed HSE Manager with primary responsibility for programs and practices to maintain and enhance the company’s industry-leading safety record. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry. The last 14 years he has been employed by various entities of the Molded Fiber Glass Companies, including operations in Mexico, Alabama and South Dakota. In addition to experience in the Safety and Environmental areas, his background includes quality, engineering, production, materials, and scheduling and specific expertise in LEAN manufacturing.

Israel holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and an MBA, as well as a Health and Safety Management certificate from The University of Alabama.

In a newly created position of Account Manager/Sales, Ken McGraw will be responsible for supporting the company’s business growth in North America.  His prior experience includes ten years in industrial sales and customer service, including his most recent post as District Sales Manager for Dallas and East Texas at Klein Tools.  He has a BS in Business Management from LeTourneau University.

Ken will be based at WES headquarters in Gainesville, TX, and can be contacted at kmcgraw@windenergyserviceusa.com. 

Omega Morgan, one of the West Coast’s leading heavy equipment transport companies, offered free moving and installation services today for a prototype smaller, lighter, gearless wind turbine and four towers from the Portland area to the Port of Arlington, Oregon.

Harry Lee, developer of the new product and Genesis Wind Inc.’s CEO, said his turbine is a prototype for linear, reciprocating direct-drive technology, a brand new development in the world of wind power. The gearless turbine is valuable to future customers because turbine gears typically wear out quickly, causing great expense and downtime problems, Lee noted. It also is 100 feet shorter than the average 300-foot-tall tower and will weigh 35,000 pounds versus 85,000 pounds for the typical wind turbine and tower.

The turbine, which is scalable to 1.5 megawatts of energy, is the first to be installed by Genesis at a pilot wind farm east of Portland.

Lee said. “I am so excited that this big idea is finally being launched.” He has been working on development of the 25-kilowatt wind turbine since 2009. In the near future, the scaled-down turbines will be used for businesses, government buildings, schools, and countless other places to reduce costs and provide a cleaner form of energy.

“This company has a great future. We want to support local start-ups like Genesis because new local companies mean new jobs in Oregon. Our crews are well suited for this effort and can efficiently pick up the turbine and four towers, move them to the site, and install them precisely as specified,” said John McCalla, CEO and president of Omega Morgan.

He said another Northwest company, Axis Crane, also volunteered its services to hoist the equipment onto two Omega Morgan trailers and to move them into place for the installation. United Rentals, Northwest Portland, donated free rental equipment for the project.

“This is the very first time in 10 years that I have received true, meaningful support for our project,” Lee said. “It means so much to me that these two great companies have stepped forward to help and I am truly grateful.”

Omega Morgan provides services to companies and organizations of all sizes by executing large equipment moves, often in complex environments; moving and installation of semiconductor equipment for the high-tech industry, commercial and export packing, crating and rigging.

For more information call Omega Morgan in Portland at 503-647-7474 or 800-442-8141; Seattle at 253-852-7500; Phoenix at 602-789-4143 or visit www.omegamorgan.com; or call Axis Crane at 800-585-2947 or visit www.axiscrane.com. For more information on Genesis Wind, call 503-546-0464.

Woodland Workwear USA announces it has received a utility patent and trademarke for its KNEEDZ Gel kneepad technology.

“This has been a long process but definitely well worth the wait. We are very pleased with the outcome and now we can continue to focus on promoting our KNEEDZ® Gel Kneepad work pants knowing that we have patent protection for our intellectual property. Our founding partners invented a great product that continues to solve a serious safety problem in the workplace,” states Dale Pelletier, President & CEO of Woodland Workwear. “In the spirit of innovation and creativity, we celebrate our patent knowing that it will change the lives of workers for many years to come. We will continue on our quest to solve safety problems in the workplace through innovation and technology.”

The patent was issued under number 8,166,570 and protects Woodland’s invention of gel kneepads that are permanently built-in to work pants for a term of more than 20 years.

Fore more information, call 719-630-5153 or visit www.kneedz.com.

Exposure to torsion, oil, abrasion, temperature extremes and human interference can cause downtime and loss of production.

Original equipment manufacturers are required to provide complete systems for industrial applications. Typically, the technical expertise lies in the most critical aspect of the project. Subsequently, many ancillary components are designed to the best of their abilility, but an fall short in the application due to a lack of knowledge and experience in all areas. One example of this is the slipring harness, which controls the three-blade pitch motors. This harness is subject to constant abuse in the form of torsion, oil exposure, abrasion and temperature extremes. When products like these fail, the wind farm experiences significant downtime, loss of revenue, and maintenance expense.

TPC Wire and Cable Corp consulted a major wind farm owner to design and develop a custom slipring harness that addresses the multiple failure modes encountered in the tower. The TPC harness was designed to be flexible at all temperatures, easy to install, and last for many years in the abusive wind tower environment. Previously, the slipring harnesses needed to be replaced every 12 months on average. The TPC slipring harnesses have been in continuous service for more than four years without a single failure.

Snaking the harness through 90 degree elbows, and terminating individual conductors to terminal blocks in very tight clearance areas had previously been very difficult, especially in cold weather. The highly flexible TPC harness was much easier to install at both the hub and the slipring end. Maintenance personnel were thrilled to have a robust, easy to install solution to one of their primary failure areas.

Material and labor cost savings alone totaled $8,575 per turbine, according to the manufacturer, but the increase in production hours of the tower ranged from eight hours to multiple days, depending on the availability of personnel to make the repair. When multiplied across an entire wind farm, the immediate savings and increase in production is important.

For more information, visit www.tpcwire.com or call 1-800-521-7935.

Collier Research Corporation today announced the release of HyperSizer®v6.2 structural sizing and analysis software. The latest version of the product, which is used widely in the spacecraft and aviation industries, includes new modeling capabilities for airframe wing box designs, and laminate zone and ply-count optimization enhancements to improve manufacturing efficiency.

New features and enhancements in HyperSizer v6.2 include:

• Discrete Stiffener Modeling – For airframe wing box and fuselage structures, the software automatically identifies in the FEM, skin shell and stiffener beam elements and optimizes their spacings, heights, and laminates. This provides the flexibility for designing panel bays with non-uniformly spaced stiffeners of varying directions, dimensions, and materials, while also assigning margins to each unique stiffener panel segment.

• Laminate Optimization for Manufacturability –An improved, six-step process optimizes laminates (transition zones, ply-count compatibility, ply drops/adds, global ply tracking) while balancing strength, stability, and manufacturability.  This leads to fabrication efficiencies and factory-floor cost-savings.

• Other enhancements – New puck composite failure analysis for both 2D and 3D fiber fracture; new curved (skin) local buckling analysis; upgraded compression and shear post buckling analyses; enhanced panel concepts (PRSEUS, reinforced core sandwich, and tapered tube beam); improved test data and other graphical displays and functions; and new methods documentation. 

For more information, visit www.hypersizer.com. 

The requirement placed on state-of-the-art wind farms to respond to the power grid like a single conventional power station requires the use of a central wind farm controller: communication is required in very high speed. Bachmann electronic presents ‘bluecom’ – a communication solution specially developed for smart grids.

‘bluecom’ is based on conventional Ethernet technology and provides affordable and easy to implement communication for fast and reliable information exchange in real time. The transmission protocol was specifically optimized with regard to the particular requirements of future-proof energy systems. The prime objective of these measures is to maintain the stability of the grid by enabling energy parks and virtual power stations consisting of a large number of decentralized power generation plants to respond quickly.

The new communication protocol ‘bluecom’ Bachmann provides an important foundation for the transition to a smart grid and the use of regenerative energies for electricity generation. It is another contribution by Bachmann electronic to the active development of the power grid of the future.

For more information, visit www.bachmann.info.

For O&M applications on wind turbines, Henkel Corporation has introduced a full line of Loctite® adhesives, sealants, lubricants and coatings for installation and maintenance of blades, nacelles, towers and bases.

For rotor blade repair, Loctite® high performance polyurethane resins cure rapidly at room temperature, significantly reducing downtime associated with blade maintenance. Developed using the same standards and technology as Loctite® GL-approved rotor blade assembly materials, polyurethane repair resins offer superior long-term dynamic fatigue strength, outstanding tensile shear strength, resistance to aging, and creep performance. Specifically formulated to restore composite blades, these resins are used to patch and repair structural cracks on blade tips and stress risers, impact damage caused by lightning and bird strikes, and leading edge wear and erosion.

On the nacelle, Loctite® O&M products provide excellent UV/moisture resistance to seal against harsh weather conditions. Cleaners and lubricants keep equipment running reliably. High-traction coatings prevent slipping on interior and exterior walkways. And anaerobic products maintain threaded fasteners, joints and flanges.

Loctite® O&M products seal out moisture and prevent corrosion on tower sections, load support plates, platforms, bolt heads, ladder frames and metal surfaces. Products are also used for ladder bonding and thread locking.

On the base, Loctite® fast curing grouts facilitate tower installation and ensure the structure is level and secure. Sealants prevent water ingress around electrical cables and concrete repair products correct damage and cracks.

To view the full line of Loctite® products for wind turbine installation and maintenance, visit www.henkelna.com/windpower. 

3M™ introduces the new 3M™ Adjustable Composite Positioning System (ACPS) 11095, a spray designed for pre-infusion resin bond dry reinforcements and composite matrices.

The unique properties of 3M™ ACPS 11095 enable it to integrate into the part during resin infusion, eliminating read-through and transition layers in the part post-cure. This patent-pending system offers manufacturers benefits in productivity, esthetics and flexibility.

3M™ ACPS 11095 is uniquely formulated to be compatible with most resin systems, including polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy resins. It goes down easily on both flat and curved mold designs, and after spraying, the product builds tack within seconds and is tack-free in two to three minutes.  Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the product features a unique color change system that gives it a blue color when first sprayed, then fades to clear as it cures. With this feature, users can easily see the amount of coverage they’ve achieved, and also have a visual indication of the curing cycle. 3M™ ACPS 11095 is not affected by ambient temperature and/or humidity, allowing it to be used in a variety of manufacturing conditions.

Additional user-friendly features of 3M ACPS 11095 allow substrates to be easily repositioned without leaving fibers behind, simply by peeling back an individual layer and reapplying. If the coating dries before laying up of materials, an additional coating can be applied at a lower rate, which reactivates the previously applied coating. The product also enables manufacturers to use less than competitive brands.

3M™ ACPS 11095 has the ability to hold most types of reinforcement and to maintain the position of reinforcement for days without sagging. With typical usage, users will see little to no change in laminate shear properties. Available in aerosol cans as well as five-gallon and 55-gallon containers compatible with most traditional spray equipment, the product is also easy to clean up with most solvents. 3M™ ACPS 11095 is approved by Lloyd’s Register and DNV.

For more information contact 3M Technical/Application Support at 772-343-7300, or Customer Service/Ordering at 1-855-380-6553 or visit www.3M.com.

When the job calls for erecting scaffolding to work at an elevated level, the new Williams® Scaffolding Ratchet from Snap-on Industrial Brands can be a true time saver.

The scaffolding ratchet is three tools in one. The ratchet includes tools that erectors need to easily and quickly engage the posts, fasteners and clamps on scaffolding. Since most scaffolding uses 7/8” hex nuts, the ratchet comes with a 1/2” drive pinned 7/8” six-point socket. Opposite of the socket is a bronze hammerhead, which comes in handy to pound out quick-release levers. Lastly, a pry bar is located at the other end of the ratchet to aid in scaffolding disassembly.

Other features and benefits of the scaffolding ratchet include:
•    36-tooth gear with 10-degree of engagement for working in tight areas
•    Supertorque lobular opening for greater turning power without deforming the fastener
•    Easy access reversing level to change working direction with only one hand
•    Bronze hammerhead to reduce rebound
•    Tethering device to prevent dropped tools

For more information about the Williams® Scaffolding Ratchet from Snap-on Industrial Brands, call 800-446-7407, or visit www.snaponindustrialbrands.com.

Sonoco is expanding its innovative EcoReel® recycling program to include scrap cable recovery at wind farm construction sites. Together with associate company American Cable Recyclers, Sonoco takes care of unwinding, securing and purchasing high-value #1 and #2 insulated or bare brite copper remnants. The company also unwinds, stores and buys scrap URD and other cable plus knock down and remove and recycle the wood reels.

 “This new program is a convenient way for wind farm contractors to keep the site safer and more secure,” said Wendy Williams, Recycling Operations Manager at Sonoco. “Our customers as well as the utilities, contractors and distributors they supply can quickly recognize the environmental and fiscal advantages of reusing wood reels.”

A member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), Sonoco recovered over 44,000 wood reels in 2011 saving nearly 15,000 trees. All viable reels are put through a rigorous seven-step process to make sure every recycled and refurbished reel will deliver like-new performance. Reels can often be reused three or more times. Sonoco’s EcoReel recycling program began in 1991.

For more information, call 828-330-0379 or visit www.sonoco.com.

Availon, Inc., a premier independent provider of parts and engineering services to the wind power industry in North America, is pleased to introduce a thoroughly redesigned, robust, and cost-efficient pitch controller.

True to the company’s “We Listen” stance, Availon has partnered with Lenord + Bauer, the world renowned manufacturer of innovative automation systems for industrial motion sequences. The premise for the extensive re-design of the pitch controller was the customers’ feedback and the ability to do a root cause analysis by Availon’s engineers who singled out several issues that needed to be addressed, such as: communication problems; damages, caused to the controller’s circuit board by the constant vibration and environmental contaminates; damages to the controller and the controlled components from voltage spikes; and the disparity between specified temperature range and actual operating environment.

To minimize turbine’s failures, the new innovative design features robust and reliable communications from the Pitch Controller to the axis cabinet components. Circuit boards are specially coated to prevent loosening due to vibration and to guard against corrosion. Improved RS communications now provides a higher tolerance for voltage spikes. Upgrades to

John Boorman, Availon North America Director of Sales, notes: “Availon’s mission has always been improvement of wind turbines availability. The new pitch controller is a perfect example of our engineering capabilities to design custom solutions that reduce or eliminate reoccurring fault problems and shortcomings.”

For more information contact ServicesUSA@Availon.com or PartsUSA@Availon.com.

TerexTM Cranes announces that it has received an order for 76 flat top tower cranes for PDVSA – Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. The State owned company will utilize most of the cranes for a housing project that involves building 50,000 residencies per year.  Of the 76 cranes, 38 are CTT 161A-6TS and 38 are CTT 91-5 TS12, all of them manufactured in the city of Fontanafredda, Italy. The cranes will be delivered through 2012.

This is among the biggest order of cranes for Latin America. “This order proves our brand strength and our commitment with Latin America”, says Ivens Encarnação, General Manager, TerexTM Cranes Latin America.

TerexTM has a complete product offering for the construction and infrastructure industry, and superior after sales services and support for its customers. “The order with PDVSA positions us at a new league in Latin America, and increases significantly the presence of TerexTM Cranes in the local crane Market”, adds Ivens. For more information, visit www.terex.com.

One lucky person has a chance to win an ExoFit NEX Global Wind Energy Harness from Capital Safety at AWEA Windpower 2012.

The harnesses were developed specifically for the needs of the global wind energy market. With a convenient radio and Lad-Saf® sleeve holster on the front of the harness and removable tool loops on the belt, this harness allows the user to easily carry equipment on their harness while climbing a tower. The construction model utilizes a removable lumbar protector that helps prevent wear and tear on the belt and back pad. Its ability to be replaced with accessory protectors prolongs the harness’ life. Stamped with ANSI, CSA and CE approvals this harness can be taken to worksites across the globe and be in compliance with appropriate standards.

The harness is constructed with aluminum front, back and side D-rings, locking quick-connect buckles and a sewn-in hip pad with belt and lumbar wear protection. The harness is available in XLarge, Large, Medium and Small. A medium size model will be on display at the Wind Systems booth #6213. A fitted harness will be mailed to the winner after the show.

Clemson University and its partners in South Carolina is pouring concrete for the first of two foundations that will house the world’s largest wind turbine drivetrain testing stands.

Choate Construction is building the $98 million facility at what is now part of the Clemson University Restoration Institute.The concrete foundation will form the base of the stand that will allow full-scale highly-accelerated testing of advanced drivetrain systems up to 7.5MW with 50Hz and 60Hz capabilities. It is scheduled to be operational in early 2013. The second test stand that will be able to accommodate next generation wind turbine drive trains up to 15MW will begin operation in spring next year.

The US Energy Department in November 2009 awarded a $45 million grant to the Clemson-led group under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help build and operate the project. South Carolina and private donors provided the about $53 million in matching funds.

Clemson’s public partners are the State of South Carolina, South Carolina Commerce Department, South Carolina Public Railways, South Carolina State Ports Authority and the Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority.

The site is adjacent to existing rail and dockside infrastructure, essential for handling the heavy components.

University officials estimate the drive train testing center will create as many as 800 direct and indirect high-paying professional jobs.