Carlisle Industrial Brake & Friction introduces NoiseFree brake linings for wind turbine yaw braking applications. The NoiseFree range of brake linings have been specifically developed by Carlisle to meet the demanding requirements of yaw braking applications, where a high brake friction coefficient is required in combination with a long service lifetime and noise free operation.

NoiseFree linings are manufactured from a proprietary non-asbestos material at the company’s ISO9001 friction plant where the friction material is co-molded directly onto the backing plate to provide excellent shear strength and in-service integrity. This unique construction process ensures that this range of linings outperform any other organic lining available, enabling customers to increase their service intervals and maximize the revenue generated from their wind turbines. NoiseFree linings are available in a range of many different shapes, dimensions, and thicknesses to fit all commonly used wind turbine calipers, including products supplied by Svendborg Brakes, Sime-Stromag, and Antec.

For over 50 years, Carlisle Industrial Brake & Friction has produced a wide range of brake system products for the world’s most recognized OEMs in the agricultural, construction, military, mining, industrial, and wind turbine industries. Carlisle brake system products include hydraulic disc brakes for yaw, rotor, service and park applications, mechanical park brakes, full circle brakes, hydraulic brake valves, master cylinders, boosted master cylinders, and a wide range of friction materials. To learn more contact Phil Rhead at +44 1283 711 706 or wind.sales@carlislebrake.com. Go online to www.carlislebrake.com.

Arteche PQ, Inc.—a leading manufacturer of electrical power quality equipment for the improvement of power factor and reduction of harmonic distortion—has introduced a complete range of active harmonic filters. This new filter product line achieves 5 percent total harmonic current distortion (THD) by monitoring the flow of harmonic currents on a power system and injecting the precise amount of cancellation current that will reduce the harmonics to minimal levels. This new range of filters is UL listed and extends all the way from 25 amps (harmonic cancellation current) to 1200 amps.

Gary Anderson, president and general manager, says that “Our new AHF series of filters rounds out our complete offering of harmonic filters and expands our ability to serve customers with the latest technology of solutions. The new AHF is a valuable addition to the other five technologies that Arteche offers for mitigating harmonics.”

The Arteche Group is a privately held European manufacturer that has been in business for over 60 years. Their corporate headquarters is located in northern Spain with eight manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Their products are used globally by utilities, as well as commercial and industrial customers. With more than 1,500 employees, including 450 engineers, Artech produces electrical equipment for low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical systems. Arteche PQ, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation and subsidiary of Arteche Group, specializes in the design and manufacture of products that improve electrical efficiency and the quality of electrical power in a facility, on a transmission grid, or on an electrical distribution network. They are a single source for virtually all harmonic filter technologies in use today, including low pass harmonic filters, 18-pulse converters, tuned filters, automatic harmonic filters, dynamic, soft switching filters, and active filters. For more information call (262) 754-3883 or go to www.artechepq.com.

The Schuch Group has expanded its crane fleet to meet new demands in its upper lifting capacity segment. The lifting and transport company needed a cost-effective unit that would be ideally suited to efficient wind turbine erection operations. A Terex® AC 500-2, featuring a maximum lifting capacity of 500 metric tonnes, was selected as the newest addition to the fleet. Saarbrücken-based A.K.V. Kranvermietung is in charge of the unit within the Schuch Group. The AC 500-2 saw action for the first time in August, near Mönchengladbach, when it erected an entire wind farm next to the small town of Willich.

The turbines, manufactured by Fuhrländer, consisted of a turbine house weighing a total of 58 metric tonnes and individual tower sections, each weighing 33 metric tonnes. The turbines’ three-blade hubs added another 36 metric tonnes to the assembly.

Crane operator Andreas Portz set up the crane with a 180-metric tonne counterweight—a simple, time-saving, and safe procedure made possible by the machine’s automatic counterweight system. Ballasting is handled from the cab and does not require any manual intervention. “Deadlines keep getting tighter and tighter at construction sites. The time required to set up a machine so that it is ready for operation is a crucial factor in today’s world, which is why quick setup times are so incredibly important,” Portz says, explaining that he used a 36-meter [118-ft] jib to extend the crane’s main boom and adjusted the machine’s Sideways Superlift (SSL) system to an angle of 30°.

The Terex AC 500-2 is one of the smallest units available in the large crane segment (compared with 700-metric tonne and 1,000-metric tonne units). Its large lifting capacities and enormous system length provide it with an unparalleled level of flexibility, an advantage when working with wind turbines. With an undercarriage length of 17.1 m [56.1 ft], the Terex AC 500-2 is the most compact eight-axle crane in its class. A maximum working height of 145.8 m [478.3 ft] can be achieved with a luffing fly jib. The crane provides enormous power across all lifting capacity ranges, a feat made possible by several features, including an enhanced main boom cross-section and reinforcement provided by the Sideways Superlift system. The crane’s star-type outriggers help minimize system deformation and provide the level of stability required by the unit. To learn more go to www.terex.com.

Marathon Special Products has released a new series of UL listed power blocks. The features of the 135 Series Power Distribution Block include high current carrying capacity (up to 950A), wide range of wiring options, hinge cover, and suitability for UL508A control panel applications with short circuit current rating (SCCR) up to 100,000 SYM amps.

According to James Hemp, senior project engineer, “the advantage of using a 135 series listed power distribution block versus a recognized block is that a listed block (UL1953) can be used in ‘as supplied condition’ since it meets the feeder circuit terminal spacing requirements per UL508A section 10.2.”
The 135 Series Power Distribution Blocks comply with National Electric Codes (NEC) for use in service equipment. Since these blocks are UL listed and service equipment rated, they are suitable for applications where system components must be connected in the field. This includes installation in wireways, junction boxes, termination boxes, and similar applications. Applications include connection of modular tower sections for wind turbines, large motor connections, and interconnection of multiple panels in control and power distribution systems.

Marathon Special Products has been an industry leader in electrical/electronic components designed for circuit protection and connection applications for over 60 years. Its product offering includes fuse holders for power fuses, power distribution blocks, touch-proof power blocks, single and double row terminal blocks, heavy duty terminal blocks, and NEMA and DIN sectional terminal blocks. Marathon Special Products is a division of Regal-Beloit Corporation. For more information call (419) 352-8441 or visit www.marathonsp.com.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products introduces the new LAF DC power sources. The LAF series are three-phase, fan-cooled DC welding power sources designed for high productivity mechanized submerged arc welding or high productivity GMAW welding. They are designed to be used in combination with ESAB’s A2-A6 equipment range and the A2-A6 Process Controllers (PEK or PEI).

LAF welding power sources offer excellent welding characteristics throughout the entire current and voltage range, with particularly good starting and re-ignition properties. These power sources demonstrate good arc stability at both high and low arc voltages. The welding power source can be adjusted and monitored from the front panel of the process controller for easy adjustment of all welding parameters. The welding current range can be extended by connecting two power sources in parallel for the most demanding applications.

The power sources are designed to be used with the fully digital PEK controller for maximum functionality or with the PEI controller with basic functionality for less demanding applications. Communication is vital in automation applications. Therefore the power source is prepared for communication using most standard protocols including TCP/IP (LAN), Anybus, Profibus, CAN, or even straight communication with a PLC. Optional communications modules are also available.

LAF power sources are ideal for production of wind-power components, nuclear power vessels, heavy pipe, and boilers, and they are popular in shipbuilding and automotive applications. For more information call (800) ESAB-123 or go to www.esabna.com.

REpower Systems AG has received a contract from National Wind LLC, America’s leading large-scale community wind project developer, to supply 20 wind turbines. The REpower MM92 type turbines have a rated power of 2.05 MW (megawatts) and a hub height of 100 meters. The turbines will be used in the first phase of the Lake Country Wind Energy project in central Minnesota. All phases of the project will total 340 MW.

Following the successful construction of projects in Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Michigan, and California, these are the first wind turbines that the U.S. subsidiary of Hamburg-based REpower Systems AG will deliver to Minnesota. “The U.S. market is gradually starting to recover,” says Per Hornung Pedersen, CEO. “This order and the other signed contracts in the last few months show that our North American business is slowly picking up again.”

Steve Dayney, CEO of REpower USA Corp., adds that “We are pleased to be collaborating with National Wind for the first time and to be entering a new state with the Lake Country project. Minnesota is one of the fastest-growing U.S. states for the wind business, which makes it an important and promising region for us.”

“We strongly value our new relationship with REpower and look forward to building upon it,” says Jack Levi, co-chair of National Wind. “Securing wind turbines is a significant project milestone for Lake Country Wind Energy. Not only is REpower’s turbine technology an ideal fit for the project’s wind regime, it also advances Lake Country’s first phase toward late 2010 construction. It is exciting to bring Meeker and Kandiyohi Counties’ first utility-scale community-owned wind project closer to reality.”

REpower USA Corp.–headquartered in Denver, Colorado–has installed or sold more than 400
wind turbines with a total output of over 800 MW in the U.S. since 2007. For more information go to www.repower.de.

With the introduction of new test and calibration equipment, Stanley Proto has positioned itself as a full torque solutions provider. Most companies that use torque wrenches have regularly scheduled calibration checks. To help meet this need Proto is introducing a new standalone torque tester and expanding its line of transducers.

Testing and calibrating a torque wrench usually requires three separate tools: a transducer, a bracket, and a meter. But the Stanley Proto Torque Tester streamlines the process by combining all three functions in one tool. The tool can be used to test all types of torque wrenches in all types of settings where full-scale calibration is needed or where a quick pass/fail check is required. Potential users include those in production facilities and quality control, as well as in calibration labs.

For users who need separate meters and transducers, Proto is also introducing five new transducers, increasing the total number of SKUs in its lineup to 16. When used with the Proto Torque Meter the new transducers are “plug and play,” with automatic transducer detection, easy setup, and user-friendly operation. All bench mount transducer have an impressive accuracy of +/- 0.5 percent of indicated value.

Stanley Proto Industrial Tools has been making durable, high-quality hand tools for over 100 years, having grown from a small machine shop to a worldwide supplier. Its tools are developed according to strict ergonomic standards, with features that let users work faster and easier, including enhanced shock absorption and reduced slip. For more information call (800) 800-TOOL or go to www.stanleyproto.com

A new report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been released titled “Revealing the Hidden Value that the Federal Investment Tax Credit and Treasury Cash Grant Provide to Community Wind Projects.”

The global financial crisis of 2008/2009 has, in several respects, been a blessing in disguise for community wind project development in the United States. In addition to creating much-needed slack in the supply chain, the financial crisis spawned two major stimulus packages in the U.S. that, in combination, have fundamentally reshaped the federal policy landscape for wind power in general, and for community wind projects in particular. Most notably, qualifying wind projects can now, for a limited time only, choose either a 30-percent investment tax credit (ITC) or a 30-percent cash grant in lieu of the production tax credit (PTC) that wind has historically received.

It stands to reason that community wind, which has had more difficulty using the PTC than has commercial wind, may benefit disproportionately from this newfound ability to choose among these federal incentives. This report confirms this hypothesis. On the basis of face value alone, the 30-percent ITC or cash grant—both of which depend on the size of the investment rather than on the quantity of power produced—will be worth more than the PTC to many community wind projects, which on average may cost more or generate less than their commercial counterparts.

Just as importantly, however, and not to be overlooked, are a handful of ancillary benefits that accompany the 30-percent ITC and/or cash grant, but not the PTC. Many of these ancillary benefits—including relief from the alternative minimum tax, passive credit limitations, and certain PTC “haircuts”—circumvent barriers that have plagued community wind projects in the United States for years. This report demonstrates that these ancillary benefits could, in aggregate, be worth even more to a typical community wind project than the greater face value provided by the 30-percent ITC or cash grant relative to the PTC.

Quantitative analysis of these ancillary benefits also informs the development of a policy agenda for community wind, by revealing which of these benefits are most valuable to the sector. For example, the analysis highlights the importance of the 30-percent cash grant—and particularly the relief that it provides from passive credit limitations—for passive investors in community wind projects. In this light, seeking to extend the very limited window of opportunity for the 30-percent cash grant may be a logical top policy priority for the community wind sector. The full report can be downloaded from eetd.lbl.gov/EA/EMP/re-pubs.html.

American Superconductor Corporation, a global power technologies company, announces that its wholly-owned AMSC Windtec™ subsidiary has signed a follow-on contract with Dongfang Turbine Co. Ltd. to design and jointly develop 5MW full conversion wind turbines for the offshore wind power market.

Dongfang is one of China’s top machinery companies. The company entered the wind power market in 2004 and shipped more than 800 wind turbines with a 1.5 MW power rating in 2008, making it the country’s third largest wind turbine manufacturer. Dongfang will soon commission its first prototype 2.5 MW wind turbine designed under a prior agreement with AMSC Windtec and will enter volume production of these wind turbines in the second half of 2010.

“Dongfang has firmly established itself as a top manufacturer of wind turbines for the Chinese market and has aggressive plans to enter the global market with cutting-edge technologies,” says Wang Wei Min, vice general manager and chief engineer of Dongfang. “We are happy to expand our relationship with AMSC and add this higher-power, full conversion wind turbine to our portfolio to help meet the growing demand for clean, wind-generated electricity.”

Dongfang has exclusive rights to the 5MW full conversion wind turbine designs in China and plans to begin supplying the wind turbines for the worldwide offshore market in 2012. AMSC has the right of first refusal to supply the core electrical components for Dongfang’s 5 MW wind turbines.

“Dongfang already has established itself as one of China’s largest wind turbine manufacturers and is poised for strong growth in 2010 and beyond as it introduces its new 2.5 MW in the second half of this year and its 5 MW wind turbines in the next two years,” says Greg Yurek, founder and chief executive officer of AMSC. “We are particularly pleased to see more and more of our customers become repeat customers for new wind turbine designs. It is a validation of our advanced wind turbine technologies and signals more growth for our customers and AMSC going forward.”

At the end of calendar year 2008 the global wind energy market had a total installed capacity of 120GW. Industry research firm Emerging Energy Research projects the global installed base to grow to over 600 GW by 2020. It predicts that China’s total installed wind power capacity will increase from 12 GW at the end of 2008 to more than 200 GW by 2020, estimating that the global offshore wind power market will grow from its current total installed capacity of 1.5 GW to 41.5 GW in 2020. To learn more visit www.amsc.com.

Snap-on Industrial announces the introduction of a multimeter certification program designed to meet the electrical monitoring requirements of technicians working in a variety of industries, from automotive to wind power. Snap-on Industrial, a division of Snap-on Inc., is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of hand and power tools, specialty tools, storage solutions, and training to meet the needs of industry.

The program focuses exclusively on the multimeter, the standard device used to determine the level of electrical current, usually AC and DC voltage, amps and resistance (ohms), present in a given application. Typical industries where multimeters are used include aerospace, automotive, energy, and engineered products.

“The multimeter is a standard device used by every electrician every day, but many other professions require people to monitor electrical current,” according to Frederick Brookhouse, business development manager. “They need to know exactly how to read and use a multimeter to its full capability. This is not an intuitive device. You need to know where to best apply the multimeter and what the readings really mean.”

The certification is designed to give employers a widely recognized qualification that shows a graduate has both a base knowledge of electricity characteristics and demonstrated expertise in using a multimeter. The Snap-on Industrial program is turnkey, meaning the company will train and certify instructors as part of the certification process.

The program is designed to give students familiarity with the same technology they will use in industry. It includes advanced lab exercises, as well as hands-on practice in an observed, supervised environment.

The four-hour certification course is designed to augment existing curriculum used in technical schools and junior colleges across the United States and North America. The multimeter training program joins torque certification, diesel diagnostics, general diagnostics, undercar maintenance, and vehicle management in the company’s overall certification portfolio.

The Snap-on Industrial torque certification program is included in technician courses currently available at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin; Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Wichita Area Technical College in Kansas; and the multi-campus Frances Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma.

To learn more contact Dale Alberts at (262) 656-6559 or dale.l.alberts@snapon.com. Visit online at www.snapon.com.

The new Ice*Meister™ model 9734 industrial ice detecting sensor system offers many benefits to wind turbine owners and operators. Once “tuned” for the application at hand, the device operates as a digital ice/no-ice indicator. At maximum sensitivity it detects the incipient formation of any kind of ice, even the condensation from human breath, and also determines ice thickness. It detects and “stretches” raindrops for efficient control of irrigation sprinklers, and it detects the point at which rain has turned to ice. It is ideal for use in hazardous, remote, and/or unattended locations, also offering an optional de-ice heater for system reset.

The model 9734 precipitation sensor system runs on about a watt from virtually any available power source of any polarity—primary batteries, solar panels, six-volt motorcycle batteries, and even cell phone chargers, AC and DC alike. The three components of the Ice*Meister are the sensor head, the cable, and the interface board. Users provide raw input power and receive data output via indicator LEDs and isolating relay contacts, which helps to avoid system ground loops. The user interface board tunes the sensor head to specific applications, and various options are available for the sensor head and cable assembly. To learn more contact Richard Hackmeister at (954) 568-1991, rlh@newavionics.com, or www.newavionics.com.

Nordex USA, Inc., announces an order for eight N100 wind turbines to be installed at a 20-megawatt wind farm in Glenmore, Wisconsin. Developed by Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, the project will generate nearly 64 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power about 8,000 homes and displace an estimated 55,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The CH Energy Group, owner of the New York utility Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, holds a controlling interest in the project via its unregulated subsidiary Central Hudson Enterprises.

“The project debuts some of the most advanced turbines in the U.S.,” says Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex, USA. “It’s been a pleasure partnering with Emerging Energies to provide the best technology for the site, designed to make the absolute most of Glenmore’s wind resources.”
The N100s are the latest generation in the Nordex family of 2.5-megawatt N80/N90 turbines. Designed specifically for low to moderate wind speeds, the N100s are ideal for numerous sites across the country, holding great potential in the U.S. The N100s have a hub height and rotor diameter of 100 meters, with a rotor sweep of 7,823 square meters. That translates into an increase in power yield by up to 20 percent at average wind speeds of around 7.5 meters per second, compared to the N90.

For the project, called the Shirley Wind Farm, Nordex will supply cold climate models of the N100s, upgraded to operate in temperatures as low as minus 20° Fahrenheit. “We looked very carefully at the N80/N90/N100 Nordex turbines and were convinced by their great track record, along with the quality and experience Nordex brings to the market,” says Bill Rakocy, a founder of Emerging Energies. “We selected the N100s because they accomplish critical project goals, maximizing available land and wind resources by using the largest, tallest turbines available. We’re excited to introduce them in the U.S. and in Wisconsin.”

The project also represents a shift in the U.S. market toward larger turbines with higher efficiencies and yields. In 2008, the average installed turbine was 1.67 megawatts. Nordex built the first 2.5-megawatt turbine in 2000 and has the longest track record for reliability in the multi-megawatt class, with over 1,000 installed worldwide. Nordex will deliver and install the turbines in the third quarter of 2010, with project completion slated for the fourth quarter. The order also includes maintenance and technical operation under a 10-year service contract. The project carries a 20-year power purchase agreement contract with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

“We believe the Shirley wind investment will provide the stability and predictability in earnings and cash flow that our shareholders value,” says Steven Lant, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of CH Energy Group. “It strengthens our portfolio of unregulated ventures, complimenting our utility Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.”

Nordex USA is currently building a manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which will produce N90/N100 turbines for the U.S. market beginning in September 2010. For more information go to www.nordex-online.com.

There’s nothing more frustrating than facing a tough fastener job in close quarters and not having the right tool. It’s a real world, everyday problem. Low-profile socket/ratchet sets from Snap-on Industrial—a leader in tooling solutions for mechanical, hydraulic, and industrial applications—answer the need for sockets and ratchets that fit cramped quarters. Sizes include 1/4” drive metric and fractional and 3/8” drive metric and fractional, all up to 33 percent shorter than competitive options. Applications run the gamut, from wind-power turbines in the renewable energy market to aircraft and aerospace segments.

The 1/4” drive metric set features a low-profile ratchet and 10 six-point, low-profile sockets. A mini-ratchet with a 72-tooth gear means maximum torque with minimal movement in tight spaces. A thin handle design and easy-action reverse lever allows greater access in small areas. Socket sizes range from 5mm to 13mm. Also, a 10-piece, 12-point, low-profile socket/ratchet set is available in fractional sizes ranging from 3/16” to 9/16”. This set is applicable in a variety of markets, particularly aerospace.

The 3/8” drive sets feature an 80-tooth, low-profile ratchet and either nine six-point or nine 12-point low-profile sockets; metric socket sizes range from 8mm to 18mm, with fractional sizes ranging from 1/4” to 3/4”. The 3/8” square drive also works with standard sockets. Thanks to Dual 80™ technology and a tighter torque ratio, the 3/8” ratchets require only a 4 ½-degree arc to engage the next gear tooth. The dual pawl ratchet mechanism engages seven teeth to provide strength and durability.

All Snap-on Industrial low-profile sockets and ratchets are manufactured from a special alloy steel that’s forged to exacting tolerances and heat treated for optimum strength and durability. Nickel-chrome plating protects against corrosion and makes each piece easy to wipe clean.

The low-profile socket/ratchet offering from Snap-on Industrial recently won a Top 20 Tools award from Motor Magazine. Snap-on won a U.S. Technicians’ Choice Award for best overall hand tools from Frost and Sullivan in 2008. For more information call (877) 740-1900 or visit www.snapon.com/industrial.

Taking the next step in the development of the La Quinta Trade Gateway project, the port commission has approved a Professional Services Agreement for engineering designs with Goldston Engineering, a CH2M HILL company. The multipurpose facility will be designed to handle a wide variety of general cargo including containers, military, wind turbines, steel pipe, and more. Completion of preliminary engineering for full buildout and final design for the initial 800’ to 1000’ dock will provide the necessary information to define costs and determine completion schedules. The goal is to complete the design and be ready to solicit bids for construction of the first dock by the end of 2010. “This is one more step towards realizing one of the most important port diversification projects,” according to John LaRue, executive director. “Goldston Engineering is no stranger to the port. They have worked on many projects with us over the years, and we look forward to working with them again.”

GE/CH2M HILL will design the waterside portion of the La Quinta project, which includes the dock and the slip in the channel. The agreement provides for preliminary engineering for the projected full buildout of the docking facilities (three berths) and the final design of the first dock (one berth) and slip. For 59 years, Goldston Engineering was a Corpus Christi based multi-disciplined engineering firm specializing in ports engineering providing planning, design, construction documents, cost estimating, environmental compliance, and construction management services for marine terminals, municipal utilities, transportation, and coastal projects, regionally and abroad. The company has successfully completed many projects for the Port Corpus Christi and has been involved in various studies for the La Quinta project. The company was acquired by CH2M HILL in 2008. The primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is one of the 10 largest ports in the United States in total tonnage.

As part of continuing scientific research on understanding wind resources, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Second Wind, Inc., have announced a partnership to characterize the performance of Second Wind’s Triton™ sonic wind profiler. Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), NREL and Second Wind will conduct research correlating the Triton measurements with measurements gathered from a meteorological tower and will later include Triton measurements in the development of a new Wind Instrument Characterization System (WICS) at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) near Boulder, Colorado.

Second Wind develops resource assessment technology for the global wind industry (see related article in this issue). Triton is an advanced, portable sodar (sonic detection and ranging) system that bounces sound waves off the atmosphere and analyzes characteristics of the return signal to calculate wind speed and direction up to 200 meters high. Replacing a 60- or 80-meter meteorological tower and providing much more data, the Triton is changing the way the wind industry does site assessments.

NREL and Second Wind will analyze data gathered from a Triton sonic wind profiler and a nearby meteorological tower during a six-month correlation study completed in 2008-2009. The analysis, expected to be completed in the near term, will characterize the measurement performance of Triton. Next, a Triton will be deployed at the NWTC to collect long-term measurements and compare them to wind resource data being collected from NWTC tall towers.

As part of the CRADA, measurements from the Triton will also be included in the development of a new Wind Instrument Characterization System (WICS) at NWTC. This research will lead to improvements in wind resource assessment and more accurate project energy estimates. “This CRADA will give NREL additional experience with the latest tools being used by the industry for wind measurement,” says Dennis Elliott, principal scientist in wind resource assessment at NREL. “This research is vital as the industry moves towards requiring hub height and higher data to reduce uncertainty in the wind resource and turbine performance.”

“We are excited to be collaborating with NREL on this project, as it is a great opportunity to work with internationally respected wind experts,” says Walter Sass, CEO of Second Wind. “We are looking forward to working with NREL on an in-depth review of the Triton technology performance, and to making a contribution to NREL’s scientific research on wind instrument characterization.”
For more information go to www.secondwind.com and www.nrel.gov.

GE has received a $1.4 billion contract from independent power producer Caithness Energy to supply wind turbines and provide services for an 845MW wind farm project to be located in Oregon. The wind farm, called Shepherds Flat, has received the majority of the necessary government permits to operate and is ready to be built. When completed it will be larger than any wind farm currently in operation around the globe.

“This project underscores our commitment to harness the power of wind to meet present and future energy needs while reducing greenhouse emissions,” says Les Gelber, a partner at Caithness Energy. “The Shepherds Flat project will add more renewable energy to the west coast’s energy mix and help the region meet its demand for clean energy.”

Stretching across 30 square miles of Gilliam and Morrow Counties in north-central Oregon, near the town of Arlington, the Shepherds Flat project marks the U.S. debut and largest single global order of GE’s 2.5xl wind turbines. A total of 338 turbines will be installed in 2011 and 2012. “GE wind turbines have a strong track record of performance that has been proven in nearly every form of climate worldwide,” Gelber adds. “Their ability to continually advance wind turbine technology will help us to provide our customer, Southern California Edison, with the reliability they expect.”

“The Caithness project highlights our ability to deliver integrated solutions in the clean energy space, and it supports our overarching focus to provide first in class technology to our customers,” says Steve Bolze, president and CEO of GE Power & Water.

GE’s 2.5xl wind turbine has been proven in Europe and Asia. “The 2.5-MW wind turbine is the latest evolution of GE’s wind turbine technology and provides customers with greater efficiency, reliability, and grid connection capabilities,” Bolze explains. “The 2.5-MW builds upon the success of GE’s 1.5-MW wind turbine, the world’s most widely deployed wind turbine with more than 12,000 installed.”

In addition to supplying the wind turbines, GE will provide 10 years of operational and maintenance services to the project. The 2.5xl wind turbines for the Shepherds Flat wind farm will be assembled at GE’s site in Pensacola, Florida. Under three 20-year power purchase agreements, the Shepherds Flat wind farm will supply renewable energy to Southern California Edison, an Edison International company. The project will provide enough clean energy to power approximately 235,000 average California households, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodology, and will avoid more than 1.5 million tons a year in greenhouse gas emissions compared to equivalent fossil fuel generation. For more information contact Howard Masto at (518) 385 2381 or howard.masto@ge.com. Go online to www.ge.com.

SHAFTALIGN is a high-precision, easy to use shaft alignment tool incorporating human error-proof functions. With its TFT backlit color display it combines simplicity of operation with precise measurement and state of the art technology. Intuitive auto-flow capability guides the user to obtain the desired machinery alignment condition. The innovative “active clock” measurement mode automatically collects the laser coordinates for the corresponding shaft position. Only three readings over a rotation angle of less than 70º are required to achieve a precision alignment. All relevant alignment results are displayed in one screen, including the alignment status evaluation. A built-in light sensor optimizes screen image quality and power management. Rechargeable batteries save operating cost and contribute toward a greener environment.

SHAFTALIGN is upgradable to more-powerful features as alignment requirements increase. The tool offers a variety of options to generate and archive alignment measurement reports through its freeware, Alignment Reporter PC software, or through the direct reports as PDF to a memory stick. Precision alignment contributes to savings in the consumption of electricity and extends the life of bearings, seals, and couplings. For more information go online to www.ludeca.com.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected a Pacific Northwest team including 3TIER—a global leader in renewable energy information services—to conduct a regional smart grid demonstration project. The project will test new smart grid technologies including devices, software, and advanced analytical and forecasting tools that enhance the power grid’s reliability and performance. The Northwest study will involve more than 60,000 metered customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

“The inclusion of 3TIER in this project acknowledges that optimizing the energy supply side of the smart grid equation, and renewable energy in particular, is absolutely critical to the long-term success of an efficient and smart national grid,” says Kenneth Westrick, founder and CEO.

3TIER will provide wind and solar power forecasting for individual sites and for the region as a whole for the duration of the project. The company’s hour-, day-, and week-ahead forecasts will be processed centrally as part of an integrated smart grid system. 3TIER is one of the largest forecasters of wind energy in the world, forecasting production for more than 16.5 GW of regional and 11.6 GW of project-specific installed capacity, including more than 30 percent of the installed capacity in North America.

“A key objective of a national smart grid infrastructure is to make the best possible use of renewable energy resources,” Westrick says. “Accurately forecasting weather-driven renewable energy provides the signals the system needs to optimally integrate that energy into the grid, and dispatch other assets when production decreases. It is an essential component of an efficient and reliable smart grid system.”

The Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project team combines energy providers, utilities, technology companies, and other research organizations. Total estimated cost for the project is $178 million. The DOE will provide half the funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project’s participants, primarily utilities, and industry team members—including 3TIER—will provide the remaining funds.

At its peak the project could create about 1,500 total jobs in manufacturing, installation, and operating smart grid equipment, telecommunications networks, software, and controls in the five states. The DOE press release is available at www.energy.gov/news2009/8305.htm.

Founded in 1999, Seattle-based 3TIER is one of the largest independent providers of wind, solar, and hydro energy assessment and power forecasting worldwide. For more information see the Q&A in this issue, and visit www.3tier.com.

In spite of an expanding wind power industry, the North American market has steadily relied on imported wind generators. That is about to change. WindGen America, LLC, is in the process of building the first wind turbine generator manufacturing facility in the Untied States. The company’s principals have extensive wind power experience and will be using it to develop and manufacture wind turbine generators for the North American market.

The generators under development at WindGen America will be 660 KW and 2.5 MW permanent magnet design. With prototypes up and running, these designs address the weaknesses in conventional wind generators. The past and current wind generators have been fraught with high maintenance costs. Designed and built for wind power applications, these generators will offer the industry a choice. Not just American-built, but built to exceed the demands placed on conventional wind turbine generators.

A convergence of wind power growth and incentives to provide U.S. manufacturing jobs have created the right climate for this enterprise. In addition to developing superior generator designs, WindGen America has focused its attention on a facility whose efficiency will match its turbines. Locating in an eastern industrial hub, WindGen America will be able to take advantage of existing road, rail, and ocean port facilities. Starting from scratch, all aspects of the operation will utilize the latest technology maintaining high quality while keeping manufacturing costs in line. Simplifying logistics, the company will be able to supply the nation with the latest in turbine generator design at a very competitive price. The 100,000 sq. ft. facility will have a labor force comprised of 120 skilled technicians onsite. The initial production target is 1,500 generators per year. For more information go to www.windgenamerica.com.

SeaRoc—the marine, engineering, and offshore experts—are joining Natural Power to form the first renewable energy consultancy truly capable of providing end-to-end services globally for the industry both onshore and offshore. The announcement follows almost 18 months successful operation under a framework agreement and an existing minority stake acquired earlier this year. Natural Power has already consented over 1,300 MW of client projects offshore. SeaRoc, which sits on two BWEA steering committee groups, provide marine, engineering, health and safety, and environmental services to some of the UK’s biggest renewable energy projects. Sister company SeaPlanner provides world class GIS expertise and extensive data management knowledge to the offshore market.

Natural Power and SeaRoc will form a group of over 220 highly skilled resource engineers, development specialists, construction engineers, marine managers, GIS experts, and asset managers based across 11 offices worldwide. The Natural Power group will be a world-class wind, wave, and tidal service provider in the areas of due diligence, engineering, development, construction, operations, and health and safety both onshore and offshore. The group creates a single source for complete lifecycle services for the industry.

Stuart Hall, director and founder of Natural Power, says that “Having provided lifecycle services onshore for the past 15 years, and consented over a gigawatt of client projects offshore, it is a natural step forward to complete the loop by welcoming SeaRoc to the family. They are the experts offshore. The announcement reflects the needs of our clients for a single provider of both onshore and offshore services, which we are delighted to now offer.”

Peter Hodgetts, CEO and founder of SeaRoc, adds that “We are looking forward to joining the Natural Power family. There are many existing synergies between us and we wholeheartedly share the concept of ‘practical consulting’ for the benefit of our clients. The industry is changing and it is vital that companies evolve in order to meet the needs of developers, owners, insurers, investors, regulators and financial institutions.”

To learn more contact Alex Woodward at alexw@naturalpower.com. Go online to www.naturalpower.com.