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...
Most large-scale wind farms are remote, making theft and vandalism a concern
Security of a wind project is a task that typically goes hand in hand with maintaining the assets and assuring high availability for the...
Increased turbine production means increased transportation and logistics equipment
Industry data shows that the demand for wind-generated power in the United States is growing, driven by a Department of Energy goal to increase...
Wind industry must continue to improve technologies and pave the way for offshore development
The current growth of wind energy in the U.S. has been enabled by a significant number of viable land-based installations that today represents over...
Vibro compaction is an economical alternative to deep foundation systems
A deep foundation system consisting of a mono-pole or drilled/driven piles is often recommended by the geotechnical engineer when the geotechnical exploration at a...
Bolting techniques, part 2
In the September installment of this column we began discussing various ways to avoid turbine failure resulting from bolt failure and/or improper bolting assembly...
Turbines affect on national security
The siting of a wind farm project can be a lengthy, costly, and a complicated process once a developer takes into account the different...
Wind projects in developing countries
Wind energy potential in a number of developing and emerging countries could be substantial. A recent U.N. wind study of countries from China to...
Bolting applications, part 1
It is never a pretty sight to see a wind turbine collapse. Whether it is material fatigue, defective parts, or severe weather that play...
Next-generation wind turbines will be smarter, more efficient, and more reliable than ever before
According to Wikipedia, innovation is a change in the thought process for doing something, or the useful application of new inventions or discoveries. It...
Achieving successful repowering projects
Renewable energy is certainly living up to its name. To provide greater wind production and lower operational costs, wind farm “repowering” is emerging as...
Remote monitoring allows Q&M professionals to check turbine conditions in real time
Turbine manufacturers typically offer a turbine availability guarantee during warranty at 97 percent, and well-maintained projects with the right technology can achieve levels higher...
Focusing on wind turbine controls
As wind turbines continue to grow in size, reports such as the “DOE 20% Wind by 2030” capture the advantages of larger and more...
