A wind project construction and design checklist for owners
Successful wind projects don’t just happen. They result from the efforts of a large number of talented people over several years. However, the overall...
Meticulous attention to turbine blades are key elements in a successful maintenance plan
The basic structure of a blade is made with adhesive, strings, and ropes. If you take a rope and give one end to your...
Corrosion protection for offshore turbines requires proper resources and painstaking attention to developing an...
Multiple parties are involved in the delivery of successful corrosion protection of offshore wind turbines. The steel builder, paint applicator, and paint supplier are...
Success in supply chain management depends on how well you adhere to these seven...
Logistics and supply chain management often comes down to how well you execute the fundamentals. No magic here; just the ability to out-execute your...
Planning for safety and quality are key to maximizing budget, schedule, and wind power...
Everyone pays a lot of attention to the four major construction issues: safety, quality, schedule, and budget. Of these, safety and quality are typically...
Consider the multiple benefits of condition monitoring equipment
Some of the biggest push back on condition monitoring equipment (CME) comes from the financial groups in wind turbine organizations. Mainly because the equipment...
Technical inspections of wind turbine generators — a necessity, not an option
Three parameters fundamentally influence the annual energy production of a wind turbine: average annual wind conditions; technical characteristics (power performance); and turbine availability. While...
Learning to work efficiently with Contract Logistics Service Providers may become essential
The past 12 months has brought great change to America’s wind power industry. If I had to summarize it with one word, it would...
How to perform proper inspection of wind turbine components as end-of-warranty approaches
Over the 20 to 25 year design life of a wind turbine, usually only the first two are covered under warranty. As the end...
PTC extension may lead to additional construction in winter months
The extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) in the first few days of 2013 was cause for post-Christmas celebration for companies in the...
Reviewing the wind turbine theory of operation for better understanding is necessary for proper...
My career in wind started in 1985 as a wind turbine technician. Back then, U.S. Wind Power was the largest wind turbine manufacture in...
Measuring and accounting for the gap between expectations and results
A few years ago while teaching a graduate class in supply chain management at the local university, an inquisitive student asked me this, “Professor...
Wind energy development in Southeastern states faces unique challenges
This year, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) held its annual WINDPOWER conference in Atlanta. One of the main emphases of the conference was...
Proper maintenance and common sense are key to safeguarding against premature failure
Even though an operating turbine’s gearbox might sound normal from the ground, it could be in quite different shape once the inspection covers are...
Observation of metocean conditions is integral in determining design of offshore floating wind turbines
As offshore wind energy projects move farther offshore into deeper waters, erecting wind turbines on floating platforms instead of the traditional fixed-bottom platforms become...
Resolve to identify key competencies and emphasize preparation for continued success the year ahead
Yes, it’s that time of year — time for making your 2013 New Year’s resolutions. While I am not a big resolution guy and...
PTC or not, the wind industry is an ever-changing landscape for post-warranty maintenance
As we round out 2012, it is remarkable to know that the greatest number of wind turbines ever in a single year, some 30,000,...
Excess vortex-induced vibrations wreak havoc on offshore wind turbine mooring lines
Previously, I discussed the fluid-structure interaction problems in floating offshore wind turbines. One of these problems is vortex-induced vibrations of mooring lines. In an...
If properly prepared, trained, and equipped, people — not solely technology — can be...
One of the laws of supply chain I have learned is the law of people. Or as I like to put it: Just...
Recently patented innovations address technical problems facing the wind power industry
The value of patents to the wind power industry is evident when studying recent patents. A search for patents related to wind power systems...
