In response to industry demand to measure the wind at taller heights, NRG Systems now offers an 80-meter tilt-up tower. Built on the same reliable platform as the company’s 60-meter XHD system, the 80-meter tower incorporates bolted joints for a stiffer, stronger tower while offering familiar installation and performance.
The drive for data accuracy has led many developers and consultants to measure directly at turbine hub heights. “Incorporating one or several 80-meter systems into a wind resource assessment campaign has proven to reduce uncertainty and help developers negotiate more favorable financing and power purchase agreements,” says Barton Merle-Smith, director of marketing and sales for NRG Systems (see profile in this issue). “In the U.S. and particularly Europe, the best on-shore wind sites have already been developed. The industry has become more sophisticated and disciplined in its approach to resource assessment in an effort to minimize uncertainty. Measuring directly at 80 meters helps make this possible.”
The complete 80-meter XHD system includes a galvanized 10-inch diameter tilt-up tower with a steel baseplate, a SymphoniePLUS 15-channel data logger, NRG Systems sensors to measure wind speed and direction, side-mount booms, and other accessories. The high-visibility package, required by the FAA in the U.S., includes an orange-and-white painted tower, a compliant lighting system, and marker balls.
“Strength and ease-of-use were primary drivers for NRG Systems in developing the new system,” according to Owen Clay, director of engineering. “We took great care to meet the highest standards for strength and durability, while preserving the simplicity of installation and maintenance.”
NRG Systems is an independently-owned company that has served the global wind energy industry for 28 years. Its wind measurement systems and turbine control sensors can be found on every continent in more than 145 countries, serving electric utilities, wind farm developers, turbine manufacturers, research institutes, government agencies, and universities. The 80-meter XHD system will ship via surface freight free of charge in its efficient Enivocrate® packaging starting in February 2011. Information requests and orders can be placed by contacting (802) 482-2255 or sales@nrgsystems.com. Also go to www.nrgsystems.com.
