Carl Zeiss Industrial Measuring Technology (IMT) has introduced the new ACCURA®. By systematically implementing customer requests, it has developed a multi-sensor capable measuring system that permits fast, economical, precise, and flexible measurements.

Measure dynamically, precisely and safely: Thanks to the steel and aluminum components, the new ACCURA measuring machine bridge is extremely rigid and thin. The CARAT® coating (Coated Ageing Resistant Aluminum Technology) on the aluminum parts ensures long-term stability of guideway behavior. The low weight of the moving parts improves the dynamics. This allows the ACCURA to achieve a maximum vectorial travel speed of 800 millimeters per second—50 percent faster than its predecessor—in the Performance Package configuration. This speed demands increased protection measures. Therefore, the Performance Package contains a special safety system: laser scanners monitor the protection zone around the measuring machine during the high-speed mode. If the safety system registers movement within this zone, the machine speed is automatically lowered within one second. Once the disruption passes, ACCURA reaccelerates to the original measuring speed. The enhanced air bearings also play a key role in the dynamic behavior of the bridge. Thanks to the thinner air gap, they are more rigid and require less compressed air than previous air bearings.

Foam insulating technology enables higher temperature independence: The ACCURA bridge features a new, high-performance insulation—foam insulating technology. At minimal thickness, the housing covers ensure temperature resistance. This guarantees the required precision even on the shop floor.
Freely selectable temperature range (20-26°C): Measuring machines must be operated at constant temperatures to avoid temperature-dependent deformations. A fixed measuring lab temperature of 20°C is standard. The new ACCURA can be operated with the same precision at other temperatures between 20 and 26°C. The measuring lab temperature can therefore be set appropriately and you save air conditioning costs.

Tailored to customer demands: As with a versatile modular system, customers can configure the ACCURA to fit their requirements. Based on their current tasks, they select the ideal configuration, i.e. sensors. Special software, such as GEAR® PRO for gears and HOLOS® NT for freeform surface measurements, is integrated along with CALYPSO®, the standard CAD-based measuring software from Carl Zeiss. Subsequent modifications can be made very easily. The ACCURA is available at a very economical price for this performance class. If requirements change, different sensors and software can be easily added. Whether cut, shaped, or molded parts, plastic or steel—all options of coordinate measuring technology are available. The ACCURA also permits the integration of MASS® technology from Carl Zeiss. Combined with an RDS articulating probe holder, MASS permits the fast, measuring program-guided change between contact sensors and the ViScan® and LineScan optical sensors during a CNC run. The contact measuring sensors of the VAST® family and the DT single-point sensor can also be used in various configurations.

The new ACCURA is currently available in four sizes, each of which offers a large measuring range—even with an integrated stylus changer. For more information contact Chris Grow at (763) 744-2400 or cgrow@zeiss.com. Go online to www.zeiss.com.

The U.S. wind energy concluded the world’s largest wind conference held May 4-7 in Chicago, which hosted 1,280 exhibiting companies and more than 23,000 attendees. “The size and breadth of this show are a clear indicator that the wind energy industry is a hub of business activity even in this hesitant economy,” says AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “What we heard loud and clear from the industry assembled here in Chicago was a call to enact a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) to secure a stable and growing market for renewable energy.”

A poll released by AWEA at WINDPOWER showed that more than 75 percent of Americans, including 71 percent of independents and 62 percent of Republicans, support an RES requiring that 25 percent of the nation’s electricity be generated from renewable energy by 2025. Show highlights include:

• Siemens announced it will open a wind turbine nacelle manufacturing facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. Investment in manufacturing facilities in the U.S. has accelerated over the past two years, with over 55 wind turbine and wind turbine component manufacturing facilities announced, added or expanded in 24 states in 2008(see page 12);
• Exhibitors from 48 states, and representatives from all 50 states and from 70 countries were present at WINDPOWER, demonstrating the industry’s national and international scope;
• The exhibition hall exceeded 290,400 square feet—more than the 2008 (168,700 square feet) and 2007 (92,500 square feet) WINDPOWER shows combined.
• WINDPOWER welcomed over 23,200 attendees, up from 13,000 in 2008, 3,600 in 2004 (which was also held in Chicago), and 1,000 in 2001;
• Five Governors (Chet Culver of Iowa, Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Pat Quinn of Illinois, and Ted Strickland of Ohio) addressed the conference. The Governors of Kansas and Pennsylvania were also present. States and their offices of economic development are competing to attract wind turbine supply chain companies and create good jobs. At least 19 state or regional economic development offices were exhibiting at WINDPOWER.
• Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Energy Secretary Steven Chu (via a taped speech), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff also addressed the conference. Secretary Salazar pointed to new rules for offshore wind farms that open the way for the U.S. to become a leader in offshore wind power. Both noted the value of a national Renewable Electricity Standard in creating jobs, helping hold down costs for consumers, and diversifying the nation’s electricity portfolio. “At no time in our history has the time for a new energy policy been so urgent. This is an opportunity that Americans cannot afford to miss,” Salazar said.
• T. Boone Pickens, who planted wind energy firmly in the public consciousness with his high profile campaign, again pointed to the need to get off foreign oil by using more renewables to produce electricity and more natural gas for transportation. He predicted Congress will eventually pass comprehensive legislation, including an RES, because the American people support it.

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 1,900 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America. The WINDPOWER 2010 Conference & Exhibition will take place May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas. To learn more go to www.awea.org.

For the second year, Wanzek Construction, Inc., has held a position on Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s list of the Top 400 Contractors in the United States. The list ranks the 400 largest general contractors in the United States according to the previous year’s revenue. In 2008 Wanzek appeared on the list for the first time, holding position number 345. This year the company took a 168-point jump into position 177, after doubling revenues to more than $400 million. In 2008 Wanzek’s national portfolio of heavy/civil and industrial construction projects included, most notably, the installation of approximately 1000MW of wind energy generation capacity.

Wanzek Construction, a MasTec company, specializes in heavy and industrial projects throughout the country for the market sectors of power, renewable energy, industrial process, heavy/civil, and wind energy construction. For more information contact Jason Kaufman, vice president of business development, at (701) 282-6171 or jkaufman@wanzek.com. Visit online at www.wanzek.com.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions supplies a specially engineered sealing configuration to AVN Energy A/S, a leading hydraulic actuator manufacturer for wind turbines. Meeting the dynamic criteria due to constant movement of the actuator, the sealing system offers maximized seal life, contributing to minimal turbine maintenance requirements.

Stall machine turbines being replaced by continuous pitch systems has put extreme demands on hydraulic actuators. The position of stall machines would shift only once every 10 minutes, but in continuous pitch wind turbine systems the nacelle and angles of the blades constantly change in small amounts once every rotation, 15 times per minute on average. This means that instead of producing six long strokes per hour, the turbine’s hydraulic actuator must now initiate 900 short strokes in the same period, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for a targeted 20-year period.

“Customers have high expectations from our products, and the number-one requirement of the wind turbine manufacturers is reliability,” says Poul Kristensen, export sales manager at Denmark-based AVN Energy A/S, one of the world’s leading suppliers of actuators for wind turbines. “Maintenance of turbines is difficult and costly. On land it is hard enough, but offshore it is really tough. And when the windmill is switched off for maintenance, it is not producing energy and losing income. On top of that, operators are often penalized if supply targets are not met. So a primary objective for them is to minimize routine downtime, while stoppages due to component failure have to be avoided at all costs.”

Having worked with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions on stall machines, AVN approached it to jointly develop a sealing system to meet the challenging requirements of continuous pitch systems. The specified solution is a complex arrangement of seals ranging from O-Rings to specialist Turcon® PTFE based geometries and Slydring® in Orkot®. The unique configuration is specially engineered to enhance lubrication and optimize friction characteristics, while preventing any external leakage. For more information contact Donna Guinivan at +44 121 746 3621 or donna.guinivan@trelleborg.com. Visit online at www.tss.trelleborg.com.

Snap-on Industrial has announced the launch of a torque certification program designed specifically to meet the needs of the growing global wind industry. Snap-on Industrial, a division of Snap-on Inc., is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of hand and power tools, specialty tools, storage solutions, and training to meet the needs of industry.

“Torque certification is particularly sensitive in the wind-power industry because mistakes can be both expensive and time consuming,” says Frederick Brookhouse, business and education partnership manager. “In developing this training program, our goal is to outline a curriculum that builds on what Snap-on has learned in certification programs it has spearheaded in the automotive market. As a company we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work in creating an effective training program.”

Torque is the turning motion used to tighten or secure a fastener around an axis point. The amount of force used in a particular task is measured in Newton meters, or foot pounds. The Snap-on torque certification program, developed in collaboration with educators, explores both torque theory and proper use and application of equipment; testing for certification focuses on equipment use.

The 16-hour certification course is designed as a component to an existing wind-power technician training course. The Snap-on torque certification program will be integrated into wind-power technician courses currently available at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin; Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater, Texas; Cerritos College in Cerritos, California; and the multi-campus Frances Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma.

The torque curriculum includes modules on theory, technique, mechanical torque wrenches, electronic torque wrenches, hydraulic torque wrenches, torque multipliers and safety. It is designed to cover every aspect of torque, from the basics through master-level skills. Current wind-power curriculum incorporates the study of electrical and electronic components, electrical safety, working in confined spaces and working at height.

“The understanding and proper application of torque is a mission-critical element of a viable and sustainable wind-power industry in the U.S.,” Brookhouse says. “This industry needs strong training programs to meet the burgeoning demand for manpower. Snap-on Industrial is uniquely positioned to provide this customized, specialized training and we’re working to apply that knowledge today.”

To learn more contact Dale Alberts at (262) 656-6559 or dale.l.alberts@snapon.com. Go online to www.snapon.com.   

Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, showcased three innovative, specialty lubricants for the wind power industry at WINDPOWER 2009: Klüberplex® BEM 41-141, Klüberplex® AG 11-462, and Klübersynth® GEM 4-320 N.

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). Klüberplex BEM 41-141 can be used in all bearing applications which allows consolidation of lubrication inventory.

Another unique product is the priming and operational lubricant, Klüberplex AG 11-462 an effective lubrication for open gears. Klüberplex AG 11-462 is esthetically neutral because it is white in color and provides excellent adhesion as well as superior protection against high loads and corrosion.

In addition to its grease products, Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N is outstanding, synthetic oil for enclosed gear drives subject to a wide range of service temperatures. Compared to standard oil, Klübersynth GEM 4 N shows excellent wear protection for gears and bearings, ageing and foaming resistance, cleanliness, and greater efficiency. Klüber’s “ADDED value” program has made it easy for manufacturers and operators to simplify their lubrication program. For more information please visit www.klubersolutions.com/wind.

Siemens intends to build a new production facility for wind turbines in the United States. Initially, 400 new jobs are expected to be created in the new wind turbine production facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. When production begins at this facility, Siemens will be able to even more effectively meet the strong demand for wind turbine equipment in North and South America in the future.

“The United States already is and will continue to be one of the world’s fastest growing wind energy markets. We are thus intensifying our commitment to this green technology to further expand our leading global position in this field,” says Peter Löscher, CEO of Siemens AG. “We are already the leading green infrastructure giant, and by making these investments we will become even greener.”

With revenues totaling EUR19 billion in fiscal year 2008, Siemens now has the world’s largest portfolio of environmental technologies. Construction of the 300,000 square-foot nacelle production facility is scheduled to begin in August 2009. The nacelles to be produced in Kansas will weigh 90 tons and the first nacelle is expected to be shipped in December 2010. All nacelles produced in Hutchinson will be used in the company’s reliable 2.3-MW wind turbine product family. Initially, the factory’s planned annual output is approximately 650 nacelles, or 1,500 megawatts (MW).

“Just two years ago we opened a rotor blade manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. By expanding our investment in Kansas we are strengthening our presence in the U.S. and, at the same time, we are increasing the proximity to our U.S. customers. This new location will enable us to serve them more rapidly and cost-effectively,” says René Umlauft, CEO of Siemens Energy’s Renewable Energy Division.

Hutchinson is near the geographic center of the continental United States and offers a viable workforce and excellent transportation logistics. The factory will include direct loading onto rail, which will provide easy access to project locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Shipments can also be made utilizing the barge facilities at the port of Catoosa, located 250 miles from the plant. Kansas also has excellent wind conditions. In terms of wind energy potential, this centrally located state ranks third in the U.S.

Since entering the wind industry in 2004, Siemens has greatly expanded its worldwide manufacturing network. In addition to opening and consequently expanding the wind turbine blade manufacturing facilities in Fort Madison, Iowa, and Engesvang, Denmark, the Danish facilities in Brande and Aalborg have been expanded, and a new R&D center in Boulder, Colorado, was established. Siemens’ global wind power business has grown from approximately 800 employees in 2004 to more than 5,500 today, which equals an increase of approximately 650 percent. To learn more visit www.siemens.com/energy.

Stanley Proto Industrial Tools has expanded its already-extensive line of combination wrenches with the addition of 23 new extra-large combination wrenches. The new wrenches are designed to meet the needs of users in heavy industries.

These big wrenches are the epitome of heavy duty. They come in standard and metric sizes, with openings that range from 2 9/16 to 4 in., and from 55 to 80 mm. Lengths go up to 3 ft., giving users the leverage they need to work on stubborn fasteners. Heads are made from drop-forged steel for strength and durability. Open ends are precisely machined for a firm grip on fasteners, while 12-point box ends help users work quickly and help improve accessibility (a 12-point head need only be lifted and turned 30 degrees to re-engage the fastener, while a six-point head requires a 60-degree turn.) The inside edge of the box end is countersunk around its entire circumference to ensure that it slips easily onto fasteners. Wrenches with opening sizes up to  2 ¾ inches or 70mm come with a satin finish, protecting them against corrosion and providing a slip-resistant grip. Larger sizes have a non-reflective black oxide finish for use where non-plated products are required.

Stanley Proto Industrial Tools has been making durable, high-quality hand tools for more than 100 years, having grown from a small machine shop to a worldwide supplier. Its tools are developed according to strict ergonomic standards, with features that let users work faster and easier, including enhanced shock absorption and reduced slip. For more information contact E. (Lenny) Acuna, project coordinator, at (609) 208-2684 or (800) 800-TOOL. Send e-mail to elinore.acuna@directgroup.net. Go online to www.stanleyproto.com.

Samsung Heavy Industries is to enter the wind energy market with the support of technical solutions and product engineering company Romax Technology. Romax has been selected by Samsung to assist in the development of its first product, a large-scale onshore wind turbine.

The Korean company is determined to bring Samsung’s brand of quality design, expert manufacture, and high value to the wind industry. As one of the world’s largest shipbuilders and with vast experience of heavy industry, Samsung is well placed to enter the wind energy market and realize its ambitions to become one of the leading suppliers of wind turbines. The turbine will be their first product for the wind energy market.

A number of specialist companies will work on the turbine concept, coordinated by Samsung’s engineering team in Korea. Romax have been identified for their experience in gearbox design and expertise in drivetrain systems engineering. The UK-based consultancy will provide dynamic analysis of the drivetrain as well as consultancy services for the development of key drivetrain components to ensure the final design is efficient, robust, and achieves a long life.

Romax will use its advanced simulation and analysis software, RomaxDesigner, to aid them in the development of the drivetrain components and will support Samsung through the certification process. Throughout the project Romax will be working closely with other companies involved in the project, including fellow UK consultancy Garrad Hassan, who are developing the turbine concept and supplying load data.

As a new entrant into the global wind turbine market, Samsung needed to ensure its new product will get to market quickly. “Time is a critical factor for our success in wind energy and that is one of the key reasons we selected Romax. Not only for their expertise in gearbox design and drivetrain analysis, but also for their ability to work effectively and quickly within our existing engineering team,” says Dr. Jaedoo Lee, Samsung project manager.

“It is a great privilege for Romax to work with Samsung on their first venture in wind energy,” says Andy Poon, director of renewable energy at Romax Technology. “Samsung is a globally recognized company and well known for quality and technically advanced products—values that align well with the Romax philosophy. We are looking forward to delivering Samsung quick and effective solutions that will help them realise their ambitions in wind energy.”

For more information about Samsung Heavy Industries go to www.shi.samsung.co.kr/eng. Visit Romax Technology at www.romaxwind.com.

Following its successful debut in Europe and Asia, GE Energy has announced that its 2.5-megawatt (MW) wind turbine is coming to America. The 2.5xl, which is the latest evolution of the company’s wind turbine technology, will be launched in North America in 2010. More than 100 of the 2.5-MW machines already have been installed in seven countries and have compiled more than one million operating hours. In addition, GE has received more than one gigawatt of commitments over the next year and a half to provide the 2.5xl wind turbine for projects across Europe—enough clean, wind-generated electricity to meet the needs of more than a million households.

The 2.5xl represents GE’s most advanced wind turbine technology in terms of efficiency, reliability, and grid connection capabilities. The 2.5xl is designed to yield the highest annual energy production in its class and builds upon the success of GE’s 1.5-MW wind turbine, the world’s most widely deployed wind turbine with more than 12,000 now installed. The electrical system design of the 2.5xl, which includes a full-power converter, is 50 and 60 Hz compatible, which will facilitate the launch of the 2.5xl in North America. In addition, the 2.5xl design allows it to be transported with similar equipment as the 1.5-MW. Most of the 2.5xl machines for European projects have been manufactured at GE Energy’s wind turbine facility in Salzbergen, Germany, which recently was expanded to help meet Europe’s growing demand for wind turbines. The 2.5xl units for North America will be assembled in Pensacola, Florida.

“Despite the economic downturn, we continue to see opportunities for continued growth in the U.S. wind industry and that growth can be accelerated as our customers gain greater access to the federal economic stimulus funds,” says Victor Abate, vice president or renewables for GE Energy. “Adding the 2.5xl wind turbine to our technology portfolio for North America greatly expands our capabilities to meet the diverse needs of our customers in these challenging times.”

GE Energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges. Learn more at www.ge.com/energy.

Loss of clamp load and fatigue are common failure modes for bolted joints subject to dynamic loads. These conditions are the result of insufficient bolt tension during installation tightening, as well as the inaccuracy of typical torque/tension methods used to complete periodic in-service fastener checks. Critical bolted joints on wind turbines—such as tower, bearing, hub, and blade connections—are subjected to complex cyclic loads throughout their 20-year life.

By insuring fastener tension is maintained within +/-5 percent of design specification, RotaBolt® load-monitoring fasteners assure equipment reliability and safety while providing increased operation uptime and reduced maintenance cost benefits over the life of wind turbine bolted joints.
EGC Enterprises, Inc., manufacturer of RotaBolt fasteners for North America, has published a study covering bolted joint tightening and maintenance for wind turbines. The study illustrates the cost and time savings benefits, as well as operating efficiency improvements achieved via use of RotaBolts. The time and cost required to complete typical slew-ring bearing bolt in-service checks using standard torque/tension maintenance checks (+/-30 percent accurate) are compared to RotaBolt fingertip load monitor in-service checks (+/-5 percent accurate).

It is clearly shown that by introduction of RotaBolts as standard hardware for important and frequently maintained wind turbine connections, the results are increased operating uptime and greatly reduced time to perform in-service fastener tension checks. RotaBolts allow 100 percent tension verification in less time than it takes to complete a typical 10 percent torque check of standard fasteners. To request a copy of the study contact Brian Newcomb at (800) 342-0211 or

briann@egc-ent.com. Go online to www.egc-ent.com.

American Superconductor Corporation, a leading energy technologies company, announces that it has received an order worth more than $10 million from ACCIONA Energy, a division of ACCIONA SA and a world leader in renewable power, for its new Dynamic VAR Ride Through (D-VAR RT) solution. Building on AMSC’s highly successful D-VAR platform, which provides critical dynamic reactive compensation required to connect many wind farms around the world to the power grid, the company’s D-VAR RT product enables individual wind turbines to continue operating smoothly by “riding through” voltage disturbances on power grids that might otherwise interrupt their operation. The D-VAR RT product meets stringent grid interconnection requirements, including Spain’s new Procedimiento de Operación 12.3 requirement for both existing and new wind turbines.

According to the Global Wind Energy Council, Spain was the world’s third largest wind power market at the end of 2008, with an installed base of more than 16,000 megawatts (MW). Disturbances such as momentary voltage dips can disconnect many wind turbines and cause instability on the transmission grid. Developed by Spain’s transmission system operator Red Electrica de España (REE), P.O. 12.3 requires that wind turbines remain connected to the grid through such events.

After extensive field testing and operation by an AMSC-ACCIONA Energy team at a wind farm with one of Spain’s most difficult climates, the D-VAR RT solution recently received official certification of compliance. ACCIONA Energy has initially ordered D-VAR RT solutions for an important amount of first-generation “squirrel-cage” wind turbines that are currently providing more than 250 MW of electricity in Spain to meet P.O. 12.3. AMSC will deliver all of the D-VAR RT solutions covered under this contract to ACCIONA Energy over the next few months.

The D-VAR RT solution can be installed inside or outside the tower of any wind turbine, enabling turbine manufacturers as well as wind farm developers, owners and operators to easily add the systems to new wind turbines or retrofit existing turbines. Utilizing AMSC’s PowerModule® PM3000W wind turbine converter, this scalable  solution is designed for a wide range of wind turbines with power ratings from 500 kilowatts (kW) up to 10 MW. The powerful, cost-effective technology provides low and high voltage ride through capabilities to keep wind turbines running through grid disturbances. This product is based on AMSC’s patented D-VAR platform, which is supporting more than 3,300 MW of power at 40 wind farms around the world.

“With more than 6,000 megawatts of wind power installed and more than 15,000 additional megawatts in development, ACCIONA Energy is a global clean energy powerhouse and is an ideal first adopter for our new D-VAR RT solution,” says Timothy Poor, AMSC’s vice president of global sales and business development. “We see great potential for this product in Spain and other countries that adopt similar standards in the years ahead as wind power continues to play a more prominent role in the world’s electricity supply.”

ACCIONA Energy has been a renewable energy pioneer in its home market for well over a decade. In 1994, the company established its first commercial wind farms. Acciona is currently present in more than 30 countries on five continents, making it one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm owners and operators.

As a key player in the Spanish market, ACCIONA has contributed decisively to the growth in wind energy by developing and adapting innovative solutions that enable wind to become a main energy contributor. In this context, Acciona Energy has been involved in several technical working groups and committees with the aim of developing these new ride through standards. For more information on AMSC go to www.amsc.com/dvrt.html.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are pleased to announce the release of a joint report titled “PTC, ITC, or Cash Grant? An Analysis of the Choice Facing Renewable Power Projects in the United States.” This report was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Signed into law one month ago, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“the stimulus bill”) contains a number of provisions that could have a significant impact on how U.S. renewable power projects are financed over the next few years. Among these provisions is one that allows projects eligible to receive the production tax credit (PTC) to instead elect the investment tax credit (ITC). Another provision enables ITC-eligible projects, which now include most PTC-eligible renewable power projects, to instead receive a cash grant of equivalent value. Both of these provisions are in place for a limited time only.

The purpose of this report is to both quantitatively and qualitatively analyze, from the project developer/owner perspective, the choice between the PTC and the ITC, or equivalent cash grant, for a number of different renewable power technologies. Technologies analyzed include wind, open- and closed-loop biomass, geothermal, and landfill gas projects. The factors addressed in this report suggest that most wind, open- and closed-loop biomass, and landfill gas projects may benefit more from the ITC than they will from the PTC. Furthermore, based on qualitative considerations alone, it is reasonable to expect those projects that are placed in service or begin construction in 2009 or 2010 to elect the equivalent cash grant rather than the ITC itself. Geothermal projects, on the other hand, are likely to prefer the PTC, unless qualitative considerations overwhelm quantitative. The full report can be downloaded at eetd.lbl.gov/EA/EMP/reports/lbnl-1642e.pdf

Avanti Wind Systems announces that 141 new wind turbines in Oregon are to have its climb assistance equipment installed. This system makes it easier for service technicians to climb up and down the ladders in wind turbines. The new turbines will be installed in Biglow Canyon for Portland General Electric. Construction of the first 65 wind turbines began in April this year, with the remaining 76 to be installed in 2010.

In simple terms, Avanti climb assistant consists of an endless rope fastened to the technician’s harness with a clamp of the same type used in mountain climbing. Giving a gentle tug starts a motor that pulls on the rope, thus facilitating climbing. The rope runs along the ladder, and the pull weight is set by the technician. The safety systems ensure that the user can stop the system at any time because the pull weight is set so that the technician only need stand still on the ladder and, after a few seconds without movement, the pull force stops. The weight is also lightened in a similar way on the way down.

Avanti Wind System is leading world market producer of service lifts and other personal security systems to wind turbine towers. In addition, the Avanti Training Program covers all training needs concerning the company’s products, evacuation, fire precautions, rescue, health, and safety. The company’s service lifts, ladders with build-in fall safety rail, and climbing assistance have been approved in accordance with official standards in the Unites States, the European Union, and Australia. Learn more by calling (262) 641 9101, sending e-mail to kp@avanti-online.com, or going to www.avanti-online.com.

U.S. capacity for windblade research and development will take a giant leap forward this year with the construction of an Advanced Wind Blade Prototyping Facility at the University of Maine’s AEWC Advanced Structures & Composites Center. Scheduled to open in December 2009, this new facility is unique in its capability for the design, manufacturing, and testing of large blades up to 70m.

The new facility will expand the AEWC Advanced Structures & Composites Center’s laboratories to 70,000 ft2. Full-scale blade manufacturing is supported by the center’s established expertise in the following areas: composites manufacturing, including VARTM, prepreg, fiber/tape placement; composites design, including FEA modeling, probabilistic mechanics and laminate analysis; joint design supported by expertise in fracture mechanics analysis; and material evaluation through static, fatigue, durability, impact, and non-destructive evaluation.

With 140 full and part-time faculty, scientists, and engineers, the AEWC Advanced Structures & Composites Center has 15 years of experience in large structures testing. It is well-known throughout the industry for its innovative product development and has won top ACMA awards for excellence in composites design and innovation in 2008 and 2009, as well as other research honors including SAMPE’s best paper award in 2008. To learn more visit www.aewc.umaine.edu.

Two giants in the wind industry have joined forces to provide reliable, time-tested service and parts to the wind market. North American Wind Service Alliance (NAWSA) is the only North American distribution channel for Carbone of North America wind generator replacement graphite brushes, slip ring assemblies, and hub assemblies.

Carbone of North America, a leader in innovative material solutions involving graphite and other performance materials, has designed and developed replacement brushes specifically for the wind generator market. The electrographitic grades of materials in these brushes provide the best characteristics to improve performance and wear, extending lifecycles, and lowering replacement costs. It is now possible, with one call or e-mail to a NAWSA member, to arrange for the purchase and/or installation of these Carbone Lorraine components anywhere in North America. The NAWSA network of alliance members can ensure a local response to your need for quality performance products designed specifically for your wind generator needs. NAWSA’s Web-based single point of contact for all wind generator concerns—from emergency response to diagnostics and repairs—has more than 50 tower-rescue trained technicians and fully trained support technicians based throughout the country to provide on-site evaluation, removal, installation, and support coordinated through NAWSA.

NAWSA’s growth parallels the increasing demand for well-trained professional wind generator service across the country. With many units reaching an age where repair or replace decisions are vital for continued profitability, NAWSA has both the expertise and the flexibility to meet this demand within 48 hours of contact. To learn more send e-mail to info@nawsa.com or visit online at www.nawsa.com.

DBI-SALA, a Capital Safety brand, introduces a complete fall protection solution for the wind energy industry: the ExoFit™ Wind Energy Harness and Force2™ Wind Energy Lanyard. The products are uniquely designed for wind turbine construction, maintenance and inspection. With soft and lightweight, yet exceptionally durable materials, the ExoFit Wind Energy Harness maximizes worker comfort and productivity. The harness is constructed in the shape of an “x” for easy, no-tangle donning, and integrates a variety of premium features in both the standard model and a construction model.

Hardware on both the construction style and standard harness is PVC-coated to prevent scratches to the surface of the nacelle. Additional features of the ExoFit Wind Energy harnesses include built-in lanyard keepers to prevent the lanyard from snagging or creating a tripping hazard, quick-connect buckles, a front D-ring for climbing or controlled descent, side D-rings for positioning, and a dorsal D-ring for fall arrest. Suspension trauma straps are also included on each model. In case of a fall, the suspended worker would connect the straps and step into them to relieve pressure.

The Force2 Wind Energy Lanyard features specialized components ideal for wind turbine construction and maintenance. Atop the nacelle, workers must tie-off at their feet, as overhead anchorage points are not available. This requires a shock-absorbing lanyard capable of resisting 12-foot free falls. The Force2 meets this requirement for individuals weighing up to 310 pounds, and has been tested for six-foot free falls for individuals weighing up to 420 pounds. The twin legs of the Force2 Wind Energy Lanyard allow for 100 percent tie off, a critical safety feature for working at height. For more information call (800) 328-6146, (651) 388-8282, or go to www.capitalsafety.com.

Installing and maintaining offshore wind farms when faced with intertidal areas or shallow water can provide an interesting challenge. However, there could be an answer using an air cushion solution. The heavy-lift Hoverbarge, which Hovertrans engineers have been manufacturing for over 30 years, is an amphibious marine barge capable of transporting a payload of hundreds of tons on a cushion of air.

The Hoverbarge system can be utilized to transport heavy equipment over shallow waters, mud flats, and sandbars unaffected by tidal ranges. The Hoverbarge could also eliminate the need for offshore jointing, transporting cable from the shore to deep water. The capability to move heavy equipment efficiently over such areas could reduce costs significantly because there is no need for dredging, constructing, or using quayside infrastructures. Hovertrans has seen an increase over the past month of interest from power and engineering companies looking to use the Hoverbarge system, potentially alongside traditional hovercraft for crew transfer.

The Hoverbarge has proven to minimize environmental impact. Dan Turner, managing and technical director of Hovertrans, says that “The Hoverbarge only exerts 1psi ground pressure compared to a human footprint of 8psi and can avoid the need for dredging. There appears to be great benefits from using a system that minimizes environmental impact when constructing wind farms.”

For more information call + 44 23 8030 2035, send e-mail to Stuart Turner, general manager, at stu@hovertrans.com, or go online to www.hovertrans.com

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CENTA’s wide-ranging global experience produces an enhanced version of its Torque Hub, the market-leading slip clutch that offers a simple and low-cost design for torque overload generator protection. In wind power plants, electrical circuit problems are known to cause short-term torque peaks. In this event slip clutches protect the costly gearbox against overload by slipping at a defined maximum torque in order to temporarily interrupt the drive. The slip process takes place not on the generator shaft surface, but inside the CENTA Torque Hub, which is mounted on the generator shaft in the coupling’s clamping set.

CENTA’s latest development in slip systems—the “CENTA Torque Set”—now positions the slip unit to the middle section of the shaft. By relocating the slip function, manufacturing tolerances at the generator shaft no longer cause variations in the slip torque, resulting in improved accuracy of the slip function. Another advantage of the new design is that the slip system is made to be pre-mounted as a complete unit. The maximum torque is set on a certified test bench according to the manufacturer’s requirements and documented in a test report, eliminating the need for on-site adjustments. For more information contact Bob Lennon at (630) 236-3500 or bobl@centacorp.com. Go online to www.centa.info.

The first privately owned and operated instructional program and training center for wind energy technicians is scheduled to open in July 2009 in Vancouver, Washington, according to Arch Miller, founder of the parent company, International Air and Hospitality Academy. The Wind Energy Technician course is the first for alternative energy workers that will be taught in a separate division of the academy, called the Northwest Renewable Energy Institute (NW-REI). Training for other renewable energy technologies will follow.

Miller says the course is a direct response to the huge demand for wind power as a means of generating electricity in the United States. At the beginning of 2008 wind power accounted for just over one percent of the nation’s electricity, or some 16,818 MWe. Last year, according to the American Wind Energy Association, the wind energy industry installed about 42 percent of all the new electric generating capacity in 2008 and created 35,000 jobs, primarily in construction and manufacturing.

“Currently there are some 85,000 Americans employed in the wind energy business in the U.S.,” Miller says. “The U.S. Department of Energy reports that wind energy is capable of generating 20 percent of the nation’s electricity by the year 2030. If we meet that goal the number of workers involved in wind power will grow from 85,000 today to 450,000 by 2030. That’s a huge demand for new workers in this field, which today pays between $36,000 and $68,000 annually, depending on education and experience.” To learn more call Colleen Piller at (360) 695-2500 or go to www.nwenergyinstitute.com.