Since I became managing editor of Wind Systems in June, a goal has been to make the magazine more user-friendly as well as expanding our articles that hit on current trends in the industry.
In our December issue, you will see a few changes that should help improve Wind Systems in making it your go-to source for news about wind power.
A subtle, but logical, change is with our valuable contributors. It’s important that readers know who these experts are, and we want to make that information easier to find. Now, you’ll be able to discover our writers’ backgrounds in wind at the end of every article.
A new feature premiering in this issue is a monthly wind facts column from AWEA. It takes the place of our contributors page just opposite of this page. Each month, AWEA will serve up some interesting quick items about wind power and the industry. I hope you enjoy it.
We’ve worked to make the package look better, but what’s inside that package for December is still every bit as educational and informative.
Wind Systems’ main focus for December is on construction and transportation.
Lightning is probably a wind turbine’s greatest enemy. Damage for lightning strikes can account for a lot of downtime during the life of an asset.
To help combat this costly enemy, Sankosha-USA offers an article about a new conductive grounding cement that will help protect turbines from dangerous electrical storms. Erecting those massive turbines is no easy feat. Wanzek shares an article on the importance of cranes and their need in building and maintaining wind farms.
Our company profile is with Terex Cranes, another company that is quintessential in constructing turbines and in keeping them turning.
Of course, those cranes can’t put a turbine into the air if those gigantic components can’t get to where they need to be in the first place. Logisticus Group talks about what’s being done to transport larger and larger blades to their final destination.
Still a key factor in wind is innovation, and in that section, we spotlight a system that is making wind power possible in wind-starved areas, proving that the wind industry has the ability to reshape power production just about anywhere.
A lot has happened in the industry in 2016, and 2017 looks to be a good year as well. In our Crosswinds section, we chat with Duncan McIntyre, the president of Altenex, an Edison Energy Company. In that article, McIntyre talks about what the industry might expect in 2017 and beyond.
Those are just a few highlights of what awaits you in our last issue of 2016. So, enjoy, and if you have any suggestions or want to contribute, I’d love to hear from you. We’re all in this together to make a strong industry even stronger.
Happy Holidays and a windy New Year!
