Even though there have been many technical advances that aid in reducing lightning damage to wind assets, the bottom line is continued maintenance is the only real way owner-operators can protect their investment.
By Allen Hall
Wind-turbine damage caused by lightning strikes seems unavoidable. After all, wind-turbine farms by their nature are located in a very active weather zones. But with today’s maintenance methods and lightning protection techniques, the actual downtime caused by lightning damage can be significantly reduced. It all comes down to knowledge and proactive decision making. Changing How […]
A new type of wind-tower foundation could provide construction cost savings while having the benefit of performing longer.
To lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generated by wind energy, the next generation of wind-turbine foundation solutions should be optimized to reduce the design and construction costs of wind turbines. These advanced foundation solutions help fill the gap following reduction in the production tax credit (PTC) benefits and lower capital expense for the […]
Improving wind-energy production through videoscope inspections of wind turbines.
A wind turbine’s gearbox, generator, and blades are the focus of intensive maintenance because (1) they’re subject to a lot of stress and wear and (2) they are costly parts to repair. Although gearbox failure is relatively rare — once a decade on average — the downtime for a wind turbine while waiting for this […]
Ocean Wind International believes integrated oil companies will look to pair their expertise in offshore engineering with cutting-edge turbine innovation. Hong Kong-based floating wind power generation pioneer Ocean Wind International Industrial Limited has told investors that global integrated oil companies eager to diversify revenue streams will increasingly aim to pair their expertise in offshore engineering […]
Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K Vibro), one of the leading worldwide independent suppliers of condition monitoring solutions for rotating machinery, has launched VIBROSTORE 100, a palm-sized device that provides vibration level and bearing wear monitoring for balance-of-plant machines at the push of a button. The lightweight device can be used single-handedly and enables even untrained […]
Avangrid Renewables recently completed commissioning of the 154.8 MW Tatanka Ridge Wind Farm January 5, 2021. The facility’s 56 wind turbines are in Deuel County, South Dakota, northeast of Brookings. The facility is owned by Tatanka Ridge Wind, LLC, which is jointly owned by Avangrid Renewables and WEC Energy Group. Dairyland Power Cooperative has a […]
As a member of the RE100 initiative, Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, has achieved its target to use 100 percent renewable electricity by the end of 2020. The goal covered all Vaisala’s facilities with significant energy consumption around the globe and was reached with the combination of self-produced clean energy […]
Combining more than 100 years’ experience in energy, green finance, and M&A across its senior team, NeXtWind recently launched its strategy to become Europe’s next major green independent power producer (IPP). Backed by established sustainable investors including Crestline Investors, Ferd, and ARB Investment Partners, the company will initially seek to acquire and rejuvenate older, most […]
In support of the Biden administration’s goal to address climate change and promote offshore renewable energy production, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently announced it intends to resume the environmental review of Vineyard Wind’s proposed offshore wind project. “Offshore wind has the potential to help our nation combat climate change, improve resilience through […]
