Curt Maloy, Vice President, Gcube Insurance, Boston Most every wind project developer has sat staring at an empty “Insurance” line on a project financial pro-forma, wondering how to come up with a credible number his lender will accept for the annual projected cost of insuring his project. The reason is simple: It’s complicated. First of…
Strong wind, weak policy in Wyoming
Land procurement and development for wind farms is no walk-in-the-park. Obstacles, such as zoning and lack of transmission right-of-ways, are hampering current projects, but even more troubling are new obstacles state legislatures and city councils are implementing, such as those recently voted into Wyoming’s laws. In that state, ranchers have a significant influence on local…
A better way to infusion mold blades
Infusion molding is one way to make large composite structures such as turbine blades. Briefly, fiber plies and other materials are laid in a mold, covered and sealed with a flexible film, subjected to a vacuum, and infused with catalyzed resin. The method allows pulling air-free resin throughout the material. But the method has relied…
How accurate bearing loads, Flexpins, and disruptive technology can change the windpower industry
A recent meeting with engineers at The Timken Company, the Canton-Ohio-based manufacturer of bearings and power-transmission systems, revealed its insight into a few challenges known to the wind energy industry, what the company is working on to address them, and what the industry’s future holds. Bearing manufacturers who support the wind-power industry all face the…
A worthy goal: 25% renewable energy by 2025
The headline here presents the simple goal for a Renewable Electricity Standard or RES, one echoed by the American Wind Energy Association and to some extent, 29 state governors. There is, however, only one tiny problem with the RES: It is not yet national policy. About a year ago, five CEOs from wind-industry manufacturers sat…
Giant batteries from gravel?
Renewables such as wind and solar generate power intermittently. Once they become a significant part of the total generation mix, storage will be required to manage their impact of the grid. Today storage is used to balance supply and demand and reduce the need to use inefficient power plants to meet peak demand. Pumped hydro…
Mixhead allows rebuilding it onsite
The Graco EP Pour Gun, is for open pour applications and closed-mold injection. The applicator features an updated mix head that lets users rebuild the mixing head on site instead of sending it back to the manufacturer. Manufacturers won’t have a second mixhead in reserve, which will lower capital outlay and rebuild costs. The pour…
Pre-wired auto-transformers
A full line of pre-wired auto-transformers are available in addition to the manufacturers buck-boost line. Each auto-transformer installs quickly. Single and three-phase auto-transformers come with cables and plugs to specific voltage combinations for easy installation. Auto-transformers can be ordered in specific input and output voltages making installation faster, more efficient and less expensive. Jefferson Electric…
Oil Shear Coupler Brake
The Posistop oil-shear coupler brake can replace electric brakes often found mounted on the back of brake motors. The Posistop coupler brake mounts to the working end of a standard C-face motor eliminating need for a special brake motor. This means a motor can be used for non-brake applications as well, thus reducing motor inventory.…
Motor brakes work on oil shear
MagnaShear motor brake uses oil shear for long service life even in demanding applications. Oil-shear technology transmits torque between lubricated surfaces, therefore eliminating wear on friction surfaces. A patented fluid recirculation system dissipates heat – a common problem in dry brakes. Elimination of wear significantly increases service life and almost eliminates adjustments. The oil-shear technology…
Extended range contacts handle more current
“Extended Range Contacts” have been added to the standard PP and SB connector series. These contacts provide additional design flexibility and value by allowing use of larger wire sizes. This increases the amperage capability without enlarging APP’s SB120, PP120 and PP180 connectors. The new contacts are suitable wherever PP’s and SB’s are being used and…
Electrically conductive adhesive cures fast
Hysol eccobond CA3556HF, a silver-filled electrically conductive adhesive, cures fast at low temperatures. The material is suitable for high-throughput production and applications that dictate high peel strength, such as the assembly of photovoltaic modules and membrane switches that incorporate temperature-sensitive substrates. The adhesive is suitable for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) and thin film manufacturing. Other benefits of…
Power-One 2.5MW inverter delivered to wind turbine manufacturer
A 2.5 MW Inverter (Generator Control Unit) is ready for use in large offshore and onshore wind turbines. The design supports turbines with a capacity of 5 to 6 MW, as well as future designs with capacities over 10 MW. Further, the inverter uses liquid cooling and medium voltage to reduce footprint and cabling costs.…
Supercapacitors with Lower ESR on the Scene
5F SuperXcaps capacitors handle 5 A maximum and is rated with an ESR (dc) of 70 mΩ. Typical competitive units offer a maximum of only 3.4 A current and an ESR (dc) of 200 mΩ. This means the time constant, (ESR x Capacitance) of the SuperXcap is far lower. Faster charging (and discharging) performance significantly…
Programmable-power converters now modular
The PowerModule PM3000W is a programmable, flexible and modular power converter platform for use across multiple wind-energy applications. The PowerModule line of power converters contain advanced Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) and can operate in series or parallel for higher power ratings. The PM3000W features advanced grid compatibility control and a compact package that yields…
Hydraulic torque wrenches
A series of hydraulic and pneumatic torque wrenches complements Tentec’s existing range of bolt-tightening tools. Three torque-wrench ranges, the SD, CD and PN series, are for engineers worldwide. The SD Series comprises square drive conventional hydraulic torque wrenches. The one piece body offers strength without the weight. For awkward or restricted bolts, the CD Series…
Grease lubricator, field-proven
The KPL-24 Grease Lubricator runs on 24Vdc and is available in the United States. It allows for the efficient greasing of heavy-duty equipment, such as wind turbines, without tapping into their hydraulic or pneumatic lines. The KPL-24 sets up easily and fits directly onto a 5-gallon or 16-gallon grease pail. It works with a hose…
Resilient cable ready for wind turbines
Resilient Cables are intended for wind turbines in harsh environments. They have a torsonial and bend high-flex life and have been proven to exceed its manufacturer’s cold-bend test at temperatures as low as -40°C. Oil resistant (Oil Res I and II) and FT4 flame rated, 6 to 18 AWG Resilience Cable is available in AWM…
Advancing Wind Power in Illinois Conference
The Illinois Wind Working Group (IWWG) will host the fourth annual Advancing Wind Power in Illinois Conference, July 15-16, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria. The two-day conference will cover aspects of wind energy including large wind farms, community wind and small wind. Sessions will include wind assessment methods, economic development, sizing and…
Building the Wind Supply Chain: The Next Steps Workshop
The Illinois Wind Working Group (IWWG) will host a “Building the Wind Turbine Supply Chain: The Next Steps Workshop” on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This workshop is hosted by Illinois State University’s Center for Renewable Energy and the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center.…