The rise in mobile technology is the catalyst that the wind industry needs
Those familiar with wind turbine service documents—either having had to complete them as a technician uptower, or who are the recipients in the shop...
The past, present, and future of research into modeling a turbine’s wake
The wind industry faces a number of challenges in developing wind farms, both onshore and offshore. Two that concern the aerodynamics of wind turbines...
Overland transport is a crucial link in the supply chain
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has implemented a new safety measurement program, referred to as CSA2010, intended to improve road safety and...
Ensuring worker safety is a critical aspect of a construction project’s success
There is nothing more important to your business than the people who work for you. All aspects of your operation depend on their efforts...
Cleaning the turbine properly is just as important as more-technical O&M procedures
A wind technician education consists of learning how to maintain and service wind turbines that are designed to generate electricity. Courses begin with the...
The U.S. DOE has announced funding opportunities for a “National Offshore Wind Strategy”
The potential benefits of an offshore wind deployment in the United States are manifold. It is well known that offshore winds are stronger and...
Component manufacturers will benefit by understanding how to use rail as an alternative transport...
It is no secret that the new class of wind turbine designs is challenging the limits of transportation logistics. Not only are the nacelles...
There are many challenges to be overcome during wind farm electrical “balance of plant”...
A privately held national infrastructure engineering and construction firm, Henkels & McCoy has been involved in the construction of wind farms for many years....
Wind project owners, site managers, and technicians alike need to understand the value of...
Many wind technicians begin their career having already been taught skills in servicing rotating machinery and bring a modest background and understanding of mechanical...
Obama signals support for the future of renewable energy
On February 3, United States President Barack Obama unveiled the “Better Building Initiative” to help the country “Win the Future” in a talk on...
How do you minimize the risks and costs associated with market uncertainty?
According to President Obama, the first step in winning the future is innovation, but what does that mean for wind logistics? The latest wind...
Cement grouting is an effective alternative to reconstruction of the foundation
Wind towers founded on spread footings may settle as a result of loose bearing soils either not identified during the preconstruction geotechnical exploration or...
Proper lubrication and contaminant control are critical in order to attain long gearbox service...
In conducting end of warranty inspections, we typically find a number of turbine gearboxes with internal gear damage that occurred over a relatively short...
Turbine icing is an increasing challenge to the economics of wind energy
The northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. is an attractive region for future wind park developments due to good wind resources, state incentives, and ease to...
Why should a developer assess strategic logistics considerations before final OEM selection?
For most wind farm projects, site developers outsource the delivery of components to the OEM. The price structure and delivery terms for this service...
Chemical grouting is an effective 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...
Protecting turbine cables is vital
One of the most common findings from a wind turbine inspection is broken cable ties, which results in abrasion to cable insulation, and perhaps...
Penn State offers an emerging educational and research program in wind energy
The University Park campus of The Pennsylvania State University is the home of emerging research and educational activities in the field of wind energy....
U.S. wind market undulations cause ripple effects in transportation
As consultants in the area of wind component logistics, we are often asked to provide a market overview for clients. The challenge, of course,...
Augered piles are ideally suited for use in wind tower applications
Auger cast piles (augered or displacement)—also known as augered piles, augered cast in place (ACIP) piles, or continuous flight auger (CFA) piles—are a cost-effective...
