Argon vest with warming insulation for wind workers

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Excerpt: Ergodyne says their N-Ferno 6900 Warming Vest with NobleTek Insulation provides remarkable warmth, comfort, and flexibility, without the added bulk of natural or synthetic fiber. The vest uses flexible, airtight, yet breathable chambers filled with Argon gas. The 4.5-mm layer of Argon has the same t …

Wind Innovator 2012: Travis Smith, Senior Member of IEEE

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Excerpt: Travis Smith didn’t start out in the wind energy sector. But with more than 20 years of experience as an engineer and consultant, he has since become the “wind guy” in a small, often-overlooked community— the protection engineers who ensure the stability of the electrical grid. Now a staff e …

Calling all clean-tech execs

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Excerpt: The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association announced today the creation of the Cleantech Fellows Institute (CFI), an intensive, 17-week executive training program to create near-term venture backable companies in cleantech. The fellows program is the first of its kind with a national focus. Select …

Aluminum cutout, arrester, and pothead brackets

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Excerpt: Chance model single-phase bolted pole brackets offer three configurations in two sizes. Models include a dual-mount (shown), a single-mount, and a single-L style. For more options, the system includes an offset extension that can be added to any model. The 6061-T6 aluminum brackets are fitted with g …

Condition Monitoring: Prepping for an end-of-warranty inspection

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Excerpt: Over the 20 to 25 year design life of a wind turbine, only the first two are usually covered under warranty. As the end of the warranty period approaches, it’s common practice to give the turbine a thorough inspection, identify problems, and have the OEM repair them. The maintenance on most comple …

PSI Repair: AWEA 2012 Preview

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Excerpt: Many companies are getting ready for the Windpower 2012 AWEA show and PSI Repair Services, Inc. is one of them. The company will showcase its off-warranty repair support for wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) professionals. PSI Repair Services says it offers fast, affordable repairs …

Cable spacers solve problem of many cables and not much pole space

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Excerpt: Growing communities need more electrical power and usually more electric lines strung conveniently overhead on poles. When a conventional pole carries its max number of lines, the local electrical company has several options. The experience of a small electrical cooperative is useful in under …

Policy: FERC Order 1000 gives transmission planning an update

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Excerpt: In July 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 1000 on transmission planning and cost allocations. The reforms in Order 1000 should lead to more transmission investment, especially in transmission projects intended to move renewable energy resources onto the grid. …

Breather keep humidity out of lubricants

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Excerpt: Hydroguard hybrid breather can stand up to a wide variety of industries and applications. The breather is outfitted with an expansion chamber to isolate lubricants from all levels of ambient humidity. A clear, rugged polycarbonate casing allows for viewing desiccant as it changes color, indicati …

Start-up sees future in wind-turbine gearbox repairs

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Excerpt: A new company, Gearbox Express (GBX), along with state and local public officials, recently celebrated the official grand opening of its new 43,000 ft2 facility in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. The company says it is the only one in North America focused on providing independent, down-tower, wind-gearbo …