We are currently updating our archive. Please check back shortly.
January 2011
ARTICLES
Chemical grouting is an effective alternative to complete reconstruction of the foundation system
A proven technique for stopping or reducing settlement, chemical grouting is an effective, cost-efficient alternative to complete reconstruction of the foundation system.
Wind towers founded on spread footings may settle as a result of loose bearing soils either not identified during the preconstruction geotechnical exploration or remaining after inadequate subgrade preparation. Loose granular soils may also be susceptible to liquefaction during a seismic event, which may result in excessive settlement or complete foundation failure. When wind towers […]
James D. Hussin
Protecting turbine cables is vital
Protecting turbine cables is vital, and at each maintenance interval sufficient time must be given to their care in order to avoid unnecessary and expensive downtime.
One of the most common findings from a wind turbine inspection is broken cable ties, which results in abrasion to cable insulation, and perhaps ultimately cable failure. These inexpensive nylon fasteners are used in nearly all wind turbines to secure power and control cables into proper position, and provide the necessary “wire management” of the […]
Merritt Brown
Penn State offers an emerging educational and research program in wind energy
Penn State offers an emerging educational and research program in wind energy, and it is aiming to become a major contributor to research excellence in the U.S. wind industry.
The University Park campus of The Pennsylvania State University is the home of emerging research and educational activities in the field of wind energy. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is fostering its position among the leading “wind states” in the Northeastern United States, and since 2004 has been aiming to meet 8 percent of the state’s […]
Sven Schmitz, Ph.D.
U.S. wind market undulations cause ripple effects in transportation
U.S. wind market undulations cause ripple effects in transportation, so understanding recent history can help guide logistics planning and procurement going forward.
As consultants in the area of wind component logistics, we are often asked to provide a market overview for clients. The challenge, of course, is that the market is constantly changing. In order to optimize component logistics in today’s environment it’s useful to understand the recent history of wind component logistics in North America and […]
Graham Brisben
NEWS
New Floor-type Boring Mill from MAG
MAG’s new FTR 3500 floor-type horizontal boring mill (HBM) is a versatile, mid-sized job-shop machine, capable of a full 2 m reach inside parts with a ram-supported spindle. The workhorse machine tool is ideal for “heavy metal” milling, as well as precision multi-axis contouring, boring, drilling, and tapping on large parts for the construction, oil […]
January 5, 2011
AWEA Announces New Distributed Wind Association
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announces the formation of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), which will focus on advocacy and education to promote the on-site generation and consumption of distributed wind energy. The new coalition will have a national scope and will be lead by Jennifer Jenkins as executive director.DWEA will expand the […]
January 5, 2011
Gurit RENUVO Blade Repair System Secures Industry Certification
Gurit, a leading global supplier of composite materials and technical solutions, has secured approval from one the world’s leading certification bodies for its new blade repair system, RENUVOTM. Launched at Husum Wind Energy 2010, it has secured Germanischer Lloyd Certification (GL). Rudolf Gerber, general manager wind energy, says that “Achieving GL certification is an important […]
January 5, 2011
SSB Service Becomes Availon
SSB Service, Inc., is now Availon, Inc., following changes in the parent company, Availon GmbH. The new name derives itself from “availability” and “on,” reflecting the company’s commitment to being available for its customers and keeping their turbines available.“As a global market leader, our promise of availability demands that we are always poised for response,” […]
January 5, 2011
Mortenson Executive Named to CanWEA Board
During the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Montreal recently, Brent Bergland—construction executive with Mortenson Canada Corporation—was elected as a member of the 2011-2013 board of directors. Chosen by industry peers, he was one of five newly elected directors to the 12-member board. Mortenson is the sole engineering and construction representative on the […]
January 5, 2011
Portable Nikon ShuttlePix for Recording High-Resolution Images
Nikon Metrology, Inc., announces the release of its new ShuttlePix P-400R digital microscope, made for inspection, observation, simple measurement, and recording of high-resolution images. For on-site analysis of samples it serves as a handheld microscope that shoots high-resolution images as quickly and easily as taking pictures with a digital camera. For stationary use, the ShuttlePix […]
January 5, 2011
Wind Systems Applies for BPA Worldwide Membership
Wind Systems magazine has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. Wind Systems is published by Media Solutions, Inc. BPA Worldwide will track circulation for the magazine based on business/distribution, demographics, and geographic coverage. Media Solutions will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.“The magazine’s strong growth in the wind industry has […]
January 5, 2011
Broadwind Energy Names New President and CEO
Broadwind Energy, Inc., announces that Peter C. Duprey has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective December 1. He will also serve on Broadwind’s board of directors.Duprey, 53, is a veteran of the renewable energy industry, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Acciona Energy North America. J. Cameron Drecoll, […]
January 5, 2011
Gaelectric Raises Funds to Book U.S. Transmission Capacity
Renewable energy and energy storage group Gaelectric has announced that it has successfully raised $18 million to book 960 MW of transmission capacity for its wind energy developments in Montana. Gaelectric North America says the funds raised have been placed on deposit with transmission system operators, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and North Western Energy (NWE), […]
January 5, 2011
New President at NAES Power Contractors
NAES Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the power generation industry, announces it has hired Dale Withers to assume the role of president of NAES Power Contractors, Inc., effective January 1, 2011. NAES PC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NAES specializing in construction, maintenance, and refurbishment projects that support the energy sector in […]
January 5, 2011
Methods Expands Illinois Technical Center
Methods Machine Tools, Inc.—a leading supplier of innovative machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories—has brought Imad Tsay onboard as the new general manager of its Elgin, Illinois, Technical Center. Mike Land will be joining Tsay as the new sales manager. “We are pleased to have Imad and Mike take on management of the Elgin […]
January 5, 2011
International Wind Marketing Alliance Launched
A European marketing and public relations firm and two North American companies have formed the Wind Marketing Alliance to provide branding and marketing strategies and services that connect wind energy clients to new and established markets on both continents. The companies are Lorenz Kommunikation, Grevenbroich, Germany; Fredricks Communications, West Fargo, North Dakota; and Advertising Marketing […]
January 5, 2011
New Delta Harness from Capital Safety
Capital Safety announces the launch of the latest product in the popular Delta™ harness line from DBI-SALA, which provides premium comfort and ease of use. The newest Delta full-body harness offers industry-first features such as an improved ergonomic fit and feel, lighter-weight buckles, and high-strength webbing.Building upon the existing line’s attributes, the updated Delta harness […]
January 5, 2011
Vestas Receives 43 MW Order for Wind-Energy Project in Minnesota
Vestas has received an order for 24 V90-1.8 MW turbines from Oak Glen Wind Farm, LLC, for a wind project near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Oak Glen Wind Farm is a subsidiary of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Avant Energy, Inc., of Minneapolis is managing the project. The contract includes delivery and commissioning of the […]
January 5, 2011
Nordex Awarded 75 MW Project in Repeat Order With EverPower
Shortly after dedicating its new wind turbine manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas (see Q&A in this issue), Nordex USA secured an order for a 75 MW project using N100 wind turbines from EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc. The contract includes a five-year premium maintenance and service agreement as well as the delivery, commissioning, and testing of […]
January 5, 2011
Capstoneâs Crouse Named to National Energy Advisory Committee
Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announces that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke recently named Capstone Executive Vice President Jim Crouse to a national advisory committee that will promote U.S. exports of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. The 29-member Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee […]
January 5, 2011
PowerGuard Adds Renewable Energy Veteran
PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services announces that Fred Hilsendager has joined the company as vice president. He brings more than 20 years of retail and wholesale brokerage experience, as well as expertise in the design of leading-edge insurance, risk management, and warranty solutions for renewable energy companies, with a particular emphasis on the needs of wind […]
January 5, 2011
