Having an emergency logistics plan for replacement components
When you fall ill or have a medical emergency, you know whom to call. It is the same with wind power maintenance issues. When...
A vibrant and valuable aftermarket
In a post-warranty environment, owners and operators who seek to reduce O&M costs through parts management must begin with an understanding of the cost...
Accurate computer-based design programs are crucial for high system reliability
Wind manufacturers continue to pursue the design and development of larger machines with larger, lighter, and more-efficient rotors. Along with growth in machine size,...
Controlling offshore supply chain costs
Wind farm management, especially offshore, is a matter of economy: generate greater amounts of energy per area, and reduce the cost per megawatt. However,...
Constructing Cable Confidence
The winds of change have definitely been blowing at Consulting Engineers Group (CEG). A wholly owned subsidiary of Dakota Electric Association that provides high-quality,...
The Hidden Costs of Ownership
The purchase of a wind turbine is obviously a major financial commitment, not simply in terms of the cost of purchasing and erecting the...
Remote Condition Management
The Moventas CMaS (condition management system) is a remote monitoring system for wind turbine gears. It recognizes possible damages in gears and other mechanical...
The technology and concept behind soil mixing
Soil mixing techniques are used to mechanically blend soils in place with cementitious material to improve the soil engineering properties such as strength and...
Turbine reliability a crucial part of success
As the U.S. wind industry begins a trend of increased post-warranty operations, owners are taking aim at turbine reliability as a critical aspect in...
A look at turbine noise
As the industry continues to grow and develop and with wind turbines continuing to be deployed across the nation, the likelihood of wind farms...
Harnessing the power of offshore wind
Offshore energy production is gaining traction as consumption of electricity from conventional sources declines and renewable sources continue to grow. Countries and companies alike...
The Future of Wind Turbine Diagnostics
Wind energy is undergoing expansion, and it is bound to grow to a commercial/consumer level in the decades to come. This growth has materialized...
Compaction grouting has multiple advantages
When the site of a planned wind tower is underlain by sufficiently dense granular soils, a mat foundation can be designed to safely support...
Transporting components can affect long-term profitability
The owner of a newly commissioned wind project can generally expect a full return of their investment over 20 years. After all, despite the...
Equipment shortage possible on a global scale
In the January issue we noted that 2010 promises to be a challenge for the wind power industry as general equipment availability and transport...
Loose ground can create foundation design challenges
Soft or loose ground at the site of a new tower can pose challenges to the design of the foundation. Jet grouting can modify...
O&M issues to increase through the decade
By the end of 2010, for the first time in U.S. history more wind turbines will be operating out of warranty than will be...
Wind systems have gotten more effective and reliable
As wind turbines have gotten larger over the last couple of decades, it is difficult to imagine the limitations in size or the future...
Foundation ‘gaps’ can prove costly
Wind power companies routinely face performance issues throughout their supply chains. These functional “gaps” often become problems that can prove very costly. Some gaps...
Test rig built to help validate bearing designs
Alternative energy generation is becoming an important part of the power generation mix, and it is likely that the size of individual generating units...
