One of the leading developers of renewable energy, Mainstream Renewable Power, has completed the first extensive wind assessment campaign in Latin America using Natural Power’s ZephIR lidar which, based at ground level, provides remote wind measurements from 10-200 meters to aid in the development of new wind farm sites.

The deployment was in the challenging terrain of the Atacama Desert, II Region, a virtually rainless plateau covering a 600 mile strip of land on the Pacific Coast of South America. Temperatures can rise to an extreme of over 40 °C during the day and drop to -10 °C after sunset. It is these thermal effects that are of interest to Mainstream due to the effect on wind shear in the area, provoked through Katabatic winds at night, while the hot desert ground during the day leads to convectional forced vertical wind components and turbulence. Traditional anemometry such as tall masts and cup anemometers, providing wind data up to 80m above ground, were not appropriate as the sole measurements in this case due to their limited height. Mainstream looked at a range of remote sensing technologies before selecting Natural Power’s ZephIR lidar.

“We were very interested in exploring the impact of these thermal effects on wind shear but were unable to use tall met masts to see the effects above hub height,” according to Shane Martin, senior wind analyst at Mainstream. “Natural Power’s team in Valparaiso were able to assist us in providing a ZephIR lidar for the campaign and the system was on site within a matter of days, measuring wind characteristics from ground level through to turbine tip height, and above. The campaign was completed successfully and the ZephIR lidar allowed Mainstream to gather all quantitative data necessary for the evaluation of the project.”

Natural Power established its Chile office based in Valparaíso during 2009, serving the South American market. Projects to date have ranged from advanced resource analysis to construction services for a range of international clients, including this latest lidar campaign for Mainstream. “It was a very positive experience to work closely with the Mainstream team on this project,” says Alexander von Pescatore, head of development in Chile. “Our ZephIR lidar system operated with 100-percent system availability and 100-percent data availability in some challenging terrain and environmental conditions. There are many more sites in South America which will benefit from the use of ZephIR over more traditional anemometry due to site conditions and thermal effects.”

Natural Power is a leading renewable energy consultancy that specializes in progressing sites onshore and offshore for clients, from proof of concept through project development, construction, asset management, and onward to repowering or decommissioning. Natural Power have worked on more than 15,000 MW of wind, wave, and tidal sites across Europe, the U.S., and Canada, while also providing 360° due diligence on a range of portfolios and projects. The company delivers both technical and management services, as well as industry-leading products from offices across the UK, France, Chile, Canada, and the U.S. Send e-mail to sayhello@naturalpower.com or visit online at www.naturalpower.com/zephir.

Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, recently showcased two specialty lubricants for the wind power industry at WINDPOWER 2010 in Dallas. The lubricants are Klüberplex® BEM 41-141 and Klüberplex® AG 11-462.

Klüberplex BEM 41-141 is high-performance grease with a special blend of base oil and additives to cover the different lubrication requirements of the individual bearing applications within wind power stations. The beige grease is ideal for pitch and yaw bearings (high stresses, oscillations, vibrations), main bearings (low rpm, high stresses, vibrations), and generator bearings (high rpm and temperatures). A simple switch to one lubricant for all bearings will reduce maintenance costs and simplify lubrication routines.

The second outstanding product is a priming and operational lubricant for open gears. Klüberplex AG 11-462 is white gear grease that provides excellent adhesion as well as superior protection against high loads and corrosion. The adhesive grease effectively lubricates the control gears for pitch and yaw systems while reducing the risk of migration inside the nacelle and onto the tower.

Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, has long been on the cutting edge of lubricant technology. For more than 75 years it has been committed to providing tribological solutions for its customers by manufacturing and supplying specialty lubricants for extreme applications. Its lubricants succeed where conventional lubricants fail. With representation around the globe, and a product portfolio of more than 2,000 standard lubricants, Klüber’s products and services are available wherever and whenever they are needed. Learn more at www.klubersolutions.com/wind.

MAG Industrial Automation Systems is powering up on green energy, announcing the formation of a new Renewable Energy Business unit to design/build automated manufacturing systems for solar panels and wind turbine components. The new business’s operations are based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and Hebron, Kentucky, and are headed by Dr. Siegfried Schmalzried in Europe/Asia and Joe Jones in the Americas. According to Jones, the renewable energy business is off to a strong start. “In recent months we have secured $30 million in contracts,” he says, “representing an approximate 30 percent share of our targeted market, putting us on track for our goal to produce 10 percent of MAG’s annual revenue,” he says.

MAG is currently sharing in a $7 million grant from the state of Michigan to develop a revolutionary wind hub machining cell for high-volume manufacturing and pursue development of carbon-fiber turbine blades. MAG is also focused on expansion to serve customers in emerging sectors in key markets. “We opened a new Composites Technical Center in Göppingen, Germany, in 2009, and a new plant in Changchun, China, earlier this year,” Jones says, “so now have 24 worldwide facilities, 15 of them in Europe and Asia.” To learn more call Mark Logan at (859) 534-4600, e-mail info-us@mag-ias.com, or go to www.mag-ias.com.

Dakota Wind Energy, along with its managing member, National Wind, announces the acceptance by the Midwest ISO (MISO) of its 300 MW interconnection request into the Big Stone II Transmission backfill study group. Regional electrical transmission operator MISO identified wind projects that can utilize, or “backfill,” the electrical capacity once reserved for the Big Stone II coal plant. As a result, Dakota Wind Energy’s interconnection request will move into a more advanced MISO study phase, in which additional required system upgrades will be identified. Once all of the upgrades are studied and established Dakota Wind Energy can enter into a generator interconnection agreement, allowing us to interconnect the initial 300 MW portion of the Dakota Wind Energy project to the transmission grid.

Dakota Wind Energy was formed by National Wind in partnership with local landowners in January 2008. The project’s goal is to develop up to 750 megawatts of community-owned wind energy in Day, Roberts, and Marshall counties in northeastern South Dakota. Currently, Dakota Wind Energy has leased approximately 60,000 acres and recorded over two years of on-site meteorological tower data, which has indicated an excellent wind regime. The project has also completed its initial environmental assessments and filed a draft site permit with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. For more information go to www.dakotawindenergy.com or www.nationalwind.com.

Kenersys, a Kalyani Group Company and wind turbine manufacturer, has appointed Paulo Fernando Soares as the Group CEO. Prior to joining Kenersys he worked as the CEO of Suzlon China in Beijing for a period of five years. Under his leadership Suzlon has successfully negotiated significant amount of contracts in the Chinese market, which have allowed the company to secure a place as one of the leaders among the international players in the industry in China. As the CEO of Suzlon China he was responsible for developing its business from a start-up phase to a completely established plant with a capacity to manufacture 600 MW per year.

Fernando has over 15 years of experience in the hydropower business in Brazil and China. He has worked with Siemens Hydro in Brazil, followed by Voith Siemens Hydro joint venture in Shanghai, China. During his tenure with Siemens he acquired in-depth knowledge across functions such as market development, manufacturing, project management, engineering, and controlling. His last position was vice president of project management at Voith Siemens Shanghai in China from 2000 to 2005. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an executive MBA in general management.

Kenersys presently has two operating entities in Germany and India (Kenersys Europe GmbH and Kenersys India Private Limited respectively) for manufacturing, assembling, marketing, and servicing wind turbines. Kenersys is co-funded by First Reserve Corporation, a leading U.S.-based private equity firm.

“We are happy to have Paulo as a part of our team and the new Kenersys Group CEO,” says Baba Kalyani, chairman of the Kalyani Group. “Paulo brings with him rich and unique experience in the area of renewable energy. This will help us create opportunities and take Kenersys to the next stage, both in Europe as well as in India.”

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity,” Fernando says. “Together with the team at Kenersys it will be my endeavour to take this company to greater heights in the wind energy business.” For more information visit www.kenersys.com.

American Superconductor Corporation, a global power technologies company, announces that Vestas Australian Wind Technology Pty Ltd has placed an order for a large D-VAR-based grid interconnection system. Utilizing 24 D-VAR modules integrated with external smart-switched capacitor banks and proprietary controls that are optimized for wind farm applications, this is AMSC’s largest order for a grid interconnection system to date. The solution will be utilized to meet local grid interconnection requirements for the 206 MW Collgar Wind Farm under construction in Western Australia. AMSC expects to deliver the D-VAR equipment to Vestas within approximately 12 months. AMSC’s grid interconnection solutions are already connecting more than one-third of Australia’s wind power to the power grid.

Based in the city of Melbourne, Vestas Australian Wind Technology Pty is a wholly owned subsidiary of Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems A/S. With more than 40,000 wind turbines operating worldwide, Vestas is the world’s leading supplier of wind power solutions. The company has more than 20,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of approximately $9 billion.

“Australia was among the first countries to adopt dynamic voltage control requirements for wind farms connecting to the utility grid,” says Timothy Poor, senior vice president of global sales and business development at AMSC. “We expect that additional countries around the world will adopt similar strict dynamic voltage control requirements to more effectively control power flows stemming from the utility-scale wind farms and solar power plants that are being installed around the world. This, in turn, will help expand our addressable market.”

Customers utilize AMSC’s D-VAR solutions to provide dynamic voltage control, power factor correction, and post-contingency reactive compensation to stabilize the power grid and prevent undesirable events such as voltage collapse. These solutions also augment the overall performance of wind farms and enable developers to meet grid interconnection requirements adopted in countries such as Australia. D-VAR reactive compensation systems are classified as Static Compensators, or “STATCOMs,” a member of the FACTS (Flexible AC-Transmission System) family of power electronic solutions for alternating current (AC) power grids. These smart grid solutions are able to detect and instantaneously compensate for voltage disturbances by dynamically injecting leading or lagging reactive power into the power grid. Learn more by calling (978) 842-3000 or going to www.amsc.com.

Class-I rail services from the three major rail companies can now be offered at the port to move wind turbine components. Last year BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Rail Road (UP) began offering rail services to major manufacturers of wind energy components through Port Corpus Christi. Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) recently moved their first wind tower train from Port Corpus Christi. With this move all three Class-I carriers are now competing for wind component business in the region.

KCSR worked with Port Corpus Christi to coordinate the move, and Kansas City Southern de México S.A. de C.V. helped coordinate transportation and car distribution. Last week the movement of the first two 50-car unit trains by KCSR was its first wind energy component movement from Port Corpus Christi. “We are very pleased to be able to work with KCSR,” says John LaRue, executive director (see Q&A in this issue). “Having one more Class-I rail option to move the wind components from our port, along with our deep, uncongested channel and strategic location in the Gulf of Mexico, gives the port a better opportunity to serve the growth of wind energy components and other project cargoes.”

The primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is one of the 10 largest ports in the United States in total tonnage. The port’s mission statement is to serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45 foot-deep channel, the port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with onsite and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The port is protected by a state of the-art security department and an award-winning environmental management system. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.” To learn more call (800) 580-7110 or go online to www.portofcorpuschristi.com.

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces MNI40 incremental rotary encoders, a robust magnetic, non-contact encoder with intelligent diagnostics suitable for a wide range of applications. The MNI40 delivers resolution up to 3,600 pulses per revolution at speeds up to 30,000 rev/min and operating temperatures from -40°C…+100 °C. Robust, compact, and simple installation of the MNI40 make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including machine construction, wind power, mobile equipment, material handling lifts, and conveying technology. Primary features include clear indication via LED display (two-color), easy installation and setup, quality assurance through complete self-diagnosis, and long service life.

“The LED indications are particularly useful during installation and setup because they provide information on proper assembly,” says David Rubinski, product manager. “The integration of the LED also reduces installation time and test equipment requirements, and offers greater potential for reducing overall costs of machine and/or system construction.”

The MNI40 utilizes a zero-contact (magnetic) connection between the encoder sensor and magnetic wheel, enabling the MNI40N encoder to measure speed without ball bearings. This eliminates bearing wear due to mechanical forces and ensures long operating life. The sensor includes sensing electronics housed in a compact IP67 rated enclosure and an elastomer coated magnetic wheel, so contact with water and oil will not damage the encoder system. Call (330) 486-0001, e-mail fa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com, or visit www.pepperl-fuchs.us.

AWS Truewind LLC—an international leader in renewable energy consulting and information services—announces the official relaunch of the company as AWS Truepower, reflecting an expanded strategic focus on delivering a broader set of renewable energy development and operational solutions to its global customer base. In conjunction with the renaming of the company, AWS Truepower announced a suite of services aimed at helping solar project developers assess, streamline, and maximize the deployment and operations of solar energy systems.

“For nearly 25 years AWS Truewind has been a market leader in science and technology-based solutions that support the complete project lifecycle for renewable energy developers and industry stakeholders,” says Bruce Bailey, President and CEO. “This focus, including consulting on some of the Unites States’ earliest large-scale photovoltaic projects, has resulted in AWS Truewind becoming a well-known brand across markets and a 40 percent annual average growth rate. Our historical market emphasis on the wind energy industry was reflective of the maturity of wind technology from a utility-scale generation perspective. However, recently we have seen a rising demand from existing and potential customers for an expanded solar solutions set from AWS Truepower. We feel that the new brand, combined with key additions to our team in solar consulting, better reflects the strategic direction of AWS Truepower as we expand our renewable energy customer and solutions portfolio.”

AWS Truepower builds on more than two decades of providing renewable resource and energy assessment, engineering, and operational services to wind and solar project developers. Within its wide-ranging solution set to support the complete project lifecycle, AWS Truepower provides comprehensive assessments to help its customers meet the rigorous requirements of solar photovoltaic (PV) project financiers in a timely manner to prevent developers from missing out on beneficial market conditions such as advantageous pricing or policy environments. Furthermore, AWS Truepower delivers ongoing forecasting and operations services that help maximize system performance and better plan energy delivery. For more information visit www.awstruepower.com.

Southwest Windpower and Better Generation will use 3TIER’s renewable energy information services platform to better educate customers on their on-site small wind energy potential. The platform enables both companies to integrate the most accurate, scientifically derived global wind resource data from 3TIER directly into tools that will help residential and small business customers more easily evaluate a potential investment in small wind.

“Easy access to accurate and unbiased wind resource information is going to help propel continued growth in the small wind industry,” says Kenneth Westrick, founder and CEO of 3TIER. “A small wind turbine is a significant investment, so it’s critically important to empower homeowners and small businesses with the information they need to make decisions with confidence. Only 3TIER can offer that anywhere in the world.”

Southwest Windpower, the world’s largest producer of small wind turbines, turned to 3TIER to help its dealer network better educate customers on their on-site wind energy potential. Dealers will have access to various online tools that tap into 3TIER’s global wind resource dataset to instantly forecast location-specific energy production of Southwest Windpower’s top-selling Skystream 3.7 small wind turbine. The integrated offering is made possible by 3TIER’s renewable energy information services platform, using both a Web interface and an application programming interface (API) to access its global wind dataset at different hub heights recommended for the Skystream turbine.

“Southwest Windpower is committed to utilizing the best technology available to help our prospective customers develop the most robust assessments of their wind energy opportunities worldwide,” says R. Dixon Thayer, CEO of Southwest Windpower. “Integrating 3TIER wind resource data into our assessment process ensures customers get the most accurate and reliable picture of the potential power they will receive from our turbines.”

UK-based Better Generation, a pioneer in inexpensive wind and solar measurement and energy prediction devices for the distributed market, will directly integrate 3TIER resource data into its Power Predictor product. Power Predictor is a device that enables residential and small business customers to collect on-site wind and solar data, and along with software, helps them select the best technology and products based on observed readings. To learn more go to www.3tier.com.

Gleason’s latest generation of profile grinding machines can now be equipped to perform a revolutionary new process called OPTI-GRIND, which significantly improves productivity and quality levels for fine finishing cylindrical gears as large as 6 meters in diameter, and up to module 16. The new process enables end users to achieve optimum productivity and surface finishes by simultaneously using multiple dressable grinding wheels for profile grinding rather than just the single grinding wheel that is typically used. The process offers end users a number of variations to choose from to meet their specific applications. For example, when optimum productivity is required, OPTI-GRIND is up to 40-percent faster because it uses three grinding wheels to rough grind four tooth flanks simultaneously, as compared to the typical process of a single wheel roughing only two tooth flanks at once. OPT-GRIND is then used to finish grind conventionally with a single wheel that has been dressed to produce the desired surface finishes and flank modifications.

OPTI-GRIND’s multiple-wheel configuration offers significant advantages for gear producers serving the wind power and other industries requiring optimum surface finishes. Where a single dressable wheel must be designed for compromise in order to perform both roughing and finishing, the multiple wheel configuration of OPTI-GRIND makes it possible to utilize wheels designed for maximum roughing productivity. Then a finishing wheel is designed to produce the desired tooth modifications including grinding of the root without burning, and to deliver surface finishes up to four times finer than what would be possible conventionally.

In addition to the new multiple wheel design, the OPTI-GRIND process relies on the use of the latest Siemens 840D CNC and Gleason Windows-based Intelligent Dialogue software to greatly simplify setup and operation. For example, a grinding technology database recommends and optimizes the production methodology for any of the process variations before machining starts, enabling even less experienced operators to produce high quality parts more productively. The OPTI-GRIND process is one of many unique technologies offered in Gleason profile grinding machines for workpiece diameters up to 6 meters. Learn more at www.gleason.com.

SPX Corporation announces that its SPX Hydraulic Technologies business unit, part of the company’s Industrial Products and Services segment, acquired UK-based Torque Tension Systems Ltd. (TTS), a leading global supplier of hydraulic torque wrench and tensioner tool products. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The addition of TTS’s line of high-performance industrial bolting tools will expand SPX Hydraulic Technologies’ product portfolio offering to the global energy infrastructure markets, particularly the oil and gas and wind sectors.

“SPX is continually seeking opportunities to enhance its product offerings to better serve its customers and provide them with best-in-class industrial solutions,” says Lee Powell, SPX segment president. “Torque Tension Systems’ line of high quality, high performance tools utilized across multiple industries represents a powerful addition to our growing portfolio of industrial tools.”

Based in Northumberland, UK, the company’s hydraulic bolting product lines include Dura-Lite hydraulic torque wrenches, LDF torque wrenches, subsea bolt tensioners, hydraulic nut splitters, flange pullers, and flange spreaders. All of TTS’s products are engineered using computer-aided technology to deliver first-rate performance and durability in even the most demanding operating environments. In addition to serving the power and energy market, TTS’s tools are utilized in the petrochemical, automotive, chemical, railways, and shipbuilding industries. The company has additional offices in Australia and Malaysia.

“TTS has built a strong reputation as an innovator by developing products and software packages for the energy infrastructure market,” says Thom Farrell, president of SPX Hydraulic Technologies. “By combining our premium Predator series hydraulic pump product line with TTS’s leading bolting tool offering, customers utilizing hydraulic bolting systems will be able to get the best of both aspects of a bolting system. The combination results in an extremely fast and durable system.”

SPX’s Hydraulic Technologies is a global manufacturer of high-force hydraulic pumps, cylinders, jacks, pullers, and tools, serving customers around the world. More information is available at www.spx.com.

Tentec, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of bolt tightening equipment for wind turbines, recently exhibited its Aero range of bolt tensioning tools for wind turbines at AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2010. The complete series was on display, with Tentec being the only company in the world to offer a full load, positive stop safety feature on the entire range of wind equipment. The new elliptical tool, designed for foundation tooling where there are space restrictions and accessibility problems, is the latest tool to be launched with this feature.

Overstroke protection is one of the most important factors to consider when assessing bolt tensioning tools. Without this feature engineers are prone to keep stretching, and this can result in the failure of seals and other parts. More importantly, any failure could create a critical safety hazard. Once this occurs the operation has to be stopped as, at a minimum, the seals have to be replaced, along with other work that needs to be carried out to rectify any further damage. This results in costly downtime that could be crucial for completing profitable job on time and within budget. Tentec’s in-house engineers have designed this unique full load, positive mechanical stop system so that just fractions of an inch over the required extension and engineers will hit a mechanical stop and stretching will cease.

As well as the range bolt tensioning tools for wind turbines, Tentec offers a choice of electric driven high pressure pump units that can generate pressures of up to 2000 bar. For more information call + 44 (0) 121 524 1990, e-mail sales@tentec.net, or go to www.tentec.net.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has named Joe LaRussa, P.E., as its director of membership. He will be responsible for increasing awareness of the value the society has to offer manufacturing professionals. Debbie Holton, who was previously responsible for SME’s membership activities, will be assuming a leadership role as director of industry strategy and product development, focusing on both existing and new event strategies which engage SME members and outside organizations.

“Joe will be a tremendous asset to the SME management team,” says Mark C. Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of SME. “His work as a volunteer and his understanding of manufacturing at a practical level will assist in the nurturing and development of existing and future members.”

Before joining SME LaRussa was project manager, customer quality office for Chrysler Group LLC. Prior to that, he held various positions in product development, project management, and manufacturing engineering at Visteon Corp., culminating with his position as a mobile electronics project manager. During his tenure at Visteon he was responsible for generating profitable revenue and achieving production cost savings for the organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering a master’s degrees in automotive systems engineering and engineering management. He has been an SME member since 1994, previously serving as an SME membership consultant, and he was appointed to the SME member council in 2009. In 2008, he received the SAE Foundation’s Young Manufacturing Leadership Award.

Founded in 1932, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education, and networking. Through its many programs, events, and activities SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, and motor vehicles, including motorsports, oil and gas, and alternative energy. More information is available at www.sme.org.

Formerly known as Mariah Power, Windspire Energy—developer of the Windspire® wind turbine—and MasTech Wind have announced the execution of a new long-term supply agreement. The new contract will extend production of the Windspire by MasTech Wind through 2014.

MasTech Wind began manufacturing the Windspire at their Manistee, Michigan, factory in April 2009 after retrofitting a plant formerly dedicated to the automotive industry. The Windspire is the only small wind turbine to be volume manufactured entirely in the United States. “With this new contract in place we remain committed to using American workers to make the Windspire a true ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ product,” says Windspire Energy’s president and CEO, Walt Borland. “We are confident that with MasTech Wind we have the right partner to make the best possible product for our customers around the world.”

“The Windspire has breathed new life into the Manistee factory,” according to Dave Boothe, one of the owners of MasTech Wind. “We are excited to be able to continue this strategic relationship and be in a position to demonstrate to the rest of the world what Michigan ingenuity is still capable of accomplishing.”

The Windspire wind turbine is a 30-foot tall, propeller-free, vertical-axis wind turbine designed to harness wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. It is eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit off the total cost of the installation and many local rebates. Homeowners, businesses, schools, and museums across the country and increasingly around the world have installed their own Windspire wind turbines to save on energy costs and reduce their impact on the environment. Adobe Systems recently announced completion of the installation of 20 Windspires at its corporate headquarters in San Jose, California. MasTech specializes in the design and manufacture of material handling equipment for systems involving automotive and other general assembly processes. To learn more contact Amy Berry, director of marketing at Windspire Energy, formerly Mariah Power, at (775) 857-4888 x231 or aberry@windspireenergy.com. Go online to www.windspireenergy.com. Also go to www.mastech-inc.com.

Broadwind Energy, Inc., has appointed Daniel E. Schueller as president of Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc., the company’s gearing systems business, effective April 12, 2010. He will report to Broadwind Energy CEO Cam Drecoll. “We are delighted to have Dan join our leadership team and expect that he will lead the gearing systems team with a robust combination of deep manufacturing experience, leadership skills and customer focus,” according to J. Cameron Drecoll, CEO. “As the anticipated upswing of the U.S. wind energy market creates new opportunities for Broadwind’s precision gearing system business, Dan’s proven success as an executive leader in manufacturing will be an asset to our customers and stockholders.”

Prior to joining Broadwind Energy, Schueller served as vice president and general manager of Vactor Manufacturing, Inc., a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation and a leading manufacturer of municipal combination catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks. He previously served in positions of increasing responsibility in operations with Tecumseh Products Company, a leading global manufacturer of compressors and related products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. “I look forward to working with the Broadwind team as we capitalize on a rich heritage of more than 85 years of gearing leadership at Brad Foote,” Schueller says.

Broadwind Energy provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. Its product and service portfolio provides customers—including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers, and wind farm operators—with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. They include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, precision repair and engineering services, and logistics. For more information go to www.broadwindenergy.com.

In an effort to help its dealers and potential customers, Polaris will begin offering financing for all wind turbine projects. The financing program will cover the total installed cost of the unit, minus any federal or state grant money. While many customers pay cash for the Polaris turbine systems, consider those who can’t or don’t. Presenting them with choices could open doors for them, and increase sales. For example, maybe they need a wind turbine but can’t spend the cash up front. When you offer financing options, your client’s purchasing power is increased and his money works harder and smarter.

“Preservation of capital is important to our customers in today’s economic environment,” according to Gerard J. Sposato, vice president of sales and marketing. “Financing allows them to upgrade their equipment infrastructure without depleting their capital. Polaris is happy to be able to provide our customers with access to financing our wind generation systems at one central location.”

If customers have their own sources for financing, the company will offer them an option and give them the opportunity to make a change. Customers are looking for a total business solution, and part of what Polaris sells is customer service. Payment options should be included in that service. The company believes customers will appreciate the one-stop shopping aspect of doing business with Polaris.

Seizing the need for a community sized wind turbine, Polaris America has turned its engineering and manufacturing capabilities loose on a whole class of innovative wind turbine designs that feature exclusive technologies and superior engineering. In introducing this new line of community wind turbines from 10kW to 1MW, the company will be addressing the needs of homeowners, businesses, schools and universities, governmental institutions, and other applications that its feels have been overlooked by current large wind turbine suppliers. Polaris corporate, sales and engineering offices are located in Columbus, Ohio. Financing applications can be handled online at www.polarisamerica.com.

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology celebrated the official grand opening of the West Coast Tech Center (WCTC) in Irvine, California, in April. Set up as a production inspection facility with metrology systems running in a process support role, the two-day metrology event offered visitors a unique experience. Part measurement on its systems was displayed in a real-time production environment, and other demonstrations were presented as well.

“The goal in opening this 3,800 square-foot facility is to get closer to our customers in this region while providing local support in growing markets,” says Drew Shemenski, manager. “Not only does this facility allow us to offer traditional hardware support, but it can also help us focus on a higher level connecting machines together through software to manage inspection requirements and data.”

There is a wide range of metrology technology on hand at the Irvine center: optical, touch scanning, CT x-ray, and measuring software. The METROTOM 800 is an x-ray based computed tomography system specifically designed for 3D metrology of small, complex, low-density parts made of plastic, composite materials, or ceramic. The O-INSPECT is a multi-sensor system that features both tactile and optical scanning and provides tremendous flexibility for measuring parts that approach the micro range of size. Zeiss has a variety of surface form and geometry systems to round out its measuring and demonstration capabilities. In addition to this technology the company also offers in-house measuring services, software training, and application support. To learn more call (800) 327-9735 or e-mail at imt@zeiss.com. Go online to www.zeiss.com/imt.

Jens-Peter Saul has been appointed CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Business Unit headquartered in Brande. He succeeds Andreas Nauen, who is leaving Siemens at his own wish. He was previously managing director of Siemens Energy in the UK and also responsible for the North and West Europe regions.

Saul earned a degree in engineering at the University of Hanover in 1994. He joined Siemens’ Fossil Power Generation Division in 1996 as project manager, where he held various managerial posts. Following a short term as project manager with a consulting company in the automobile sector, he assumed managerial functions at Siemens in 2002, including responsibility for power plants sales and marketing in the Middle East. In 2005 he was appointed head of power plant business for the Siemens Power Generation Group in the UK.

“We would like to thank Mr. Nauen for his achievements for our company,” says René Umlauft, CEO of Siemens’ Renewable Energy Division. “In Jens-Peter Saul we have found the right successor to push ahead with achievement of our ambitious targets in the field of wind turbines.”

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services, and solutions for the generation, transmission, and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion, and transport of oil and gas.

Learn more by visiting www.siemens.com/energy.

Mariah Power, developer of the Windspire® vertical axis wind turbine,  announces a corporate name change to Windspire Energy, Inc. The name simplifies the branding of the company and its lead product, while leveraging the innovation of the Windspire wind turbine. In conjunction with the name change the company  has also launched www.windspireenergy.com, a new buyer-focused Web site with information on the many available applications of Windspire wind turbines.

The Windspire is a vertical axis wind turbine designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The unique design of the rotor enables the turbine to generate energy silently while standing just 30 feet tall. Hundreds of Windspires are currently powering homes, businesses, schools, and museums across the United States. Recently the company announced the installation of 20 Windspires at the headquarters of leading software company Adobe Systems in San Jose, California (see article in this issue).

“We are focused on delivering renewable energy solutions that are elegant in their simplicity,” says Walt Borland, president and CEO. “The corporate name change is just one example of how we are simplifying everything that we do, including our brand.”

Designed and manufactured in the U.S., the Windspire is eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit and many local rebates that can be as much as $4,800.00. In 11 mph average annual winds a Windspire will generate about 2,000 kWh over the course of a year. The thin profile of the Windspire allows customers to easily scale-up the number of turbines to meet higher energy needs.

Windspires are currently manufactured in Michigan and are available through a network of certified dealers who are trained to do site evaluations, installations, and to facilitate permitting and local rebate redemptions. Visit www.windspireenergy.com to learn more, or to locate a dealer near you.