Wind turbines began cropping up across the landscapes of Spain and Germany in the 1990s. These two countries have the highest wind energy production in the EU. But according to the Global Wind Energy Council, the global installed power capacity in Europe — which is 134,007 MW — has been surpassed by Asia with 141,964…
New ideas in blade repairs with Abaris Training
Repair instructor, Lou Dorworth, of Abaris Training recently wrote an article on new techniques for repairing wind turbine blades (which will be featured in our June issue). In this Wind Talk podcast, he explains the types of blade damage commonly found, conventional methods for repairs, and new ideas for returning damaged blades into like-new.
Space frame promises 100m blades, lower wind-power costs
Researchers have announced a project they say could fundamentally change the design and installation of wind blades, bring the cost of wind energy in-line with fossil fuels and allow for more developments in moderate wind-speed markets. The project hinges on a design that wraps tensioned architectural fabric around a metal space frame, much like early…
Thinking differently to hit 10 MW, and blades to get smarter
Sandia National Labs is a beehive of turbine activity. The last issue of this magazine reported on an array of test turbines going up in Texas and a concept 100m blade. Here we report on the Lab’s work on a possible 10 MW vertical-axis turbine and active blade-control surfaces. Knocking on the 10-MW door Although…
Polyurethanes build a better bond
The trend toward longer turbine blades means greater energy capture at lower wind speeds. However, with bigger blades comes increased weight and stress on the adhesive bond line. Polyurethane adhesives can improve the long-term performance of future blades while reducing total manufacturing cost. To boost energy yield, rotor blades are becoming larger and heavier. The…
Clever bolt tells when it’s tensioned
The wind industry recognizes the importance of proper bolt tension. The acknowledgement will challenge some of the industry’s torque-tightening practices as it matures and adopts more sophisticated technology to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. To start, let’s review current practices. For instance, bolts on turbines are often tightened in one of two ways: either…
Detecting Ice on Wind-turbine Blades
Nick Harper Applications Manager Blade Sensing Systems Moog Inc. www.Moog.com Cold weather presents special problems for wind turbines. Inside the nacelle, low-viscosity lubricants keep the gearbox turning and enclosure seals to keep moisture and ice off electronic components. But outside the nacelle, things are different. Ice easily forms on turbine blades possibly adding hundreds…
Building a better wind blade, in Michigan
Dow Chemical Co., Astraeus Wind Energy Inc., and MAG Industrial Automation Systems have announced a wind-energy project funded in part by the state of Michigan. “This joint technology will be built on a solid foundation of MAG’s 30-years in the development of composite processing systems for the manufacture of aircraft components,” said a group spokesman.…
Vestas adds facilities, jobs in Colorado
Vestas says it has created more than 1,000 highly skilled manufacturing jobs to meet growing production needs at its three Colorado factories. The Vestas’ blade factory in Windsor, tower factory in Pueblo, and nacelle factory in Brighton have been hiring to fill a variety of new jobs to prepare for several recently announced orders. Vestas…