Nov 22, 2009 (2 hours ago)
So we all know that the world is coming to an end in 2012, well that is what Hollywood would have us believe but I am sorry to say that it is not! Instead of living it up and not caring about the environment start giving a damn about the environment and look at ways [...]
Nov 20, 2009 (2 days ago)
WindEnergyUpdate speaks to SeaEnergy’s CEO, Joel Staadecker, about getting in on the ground floor of the world’s next big wind energy market. By Rikki Stancich read more
Nov 16, 2009 (6 days ago)
The Third Generation of a Multi-Processing System, RAPA G3, reduces the machining and finishing time spent on large parts such as wind blades. The robotic machine-tool, from IDPSA, Madrid, Spain ( idpsa.com ) supports a variety of applications and processes such as scanning, measuring and inspection systems, cutting tools, spray heads, water-jet cutters, chopper guns, and finishing tools. RAPA G3 uses an accurate double modular rack-and-pinion drive from Parker Hannifin to create any X-axis length required. The drive moves a workholding platform by and over a workpiece for a KUKA robot that holds an automatic tool changer. The robot for blades works over a 50 x 15 x 6-m area. A maximum X-axis feedrate hits 70,000 mm/min. The unit can also scan, measure, and inspect its machining and finishing work quickly and repeatedly. What once took 100 h manually is now done in 10 h. A vacuum with spindle shroud is available to capture dust and chips. A tool changer holds 12 to 16 items. The machine’s vision guidance system has an accuracy of less of 1 mm for cutting tools, spray heads, water-jet cutters, chopper guns, and finishing tools.
Nov 16, 2009 (6 days ago)
This week's news round up includes: US Offshore Wind Collaborative, Cape Wind, RWE Innogy, Scottish and Southern Energy, GE, E.ON, Pavilion Energy Resources, First Wind, Lost Creek project, Siemens, British Wind Energy Association and the European Investment Bank. read more
Nov 13, 2009 (9 days ago)
WindEnergyUpdate speaks to Nexans’ wind energy team about the future direction of the wind market and some of the challenges – and solutions – in bringing offshore wind power online. By Rikki Stancich read more
Nov 13, 2009 (9 days ago)
Helix Wind\'s The S322 vertical wind turbine Cell phone towers may have a new friend here soon as Helix Wind Corporation gave an update today on its efforts to provide cost-effective renewable energy solutions to telecommunications companies. Specifically, Helix’s wind turbines are ideal ways to lower the costs of operating expenses associated with cell phone towers in remote locations. These solutions are ideal for telecom infrastructure providers worldwide dealing with cell towers that are remote or off-grid and utilize unreliable or expensive energy sources. Depending on the configuration, Helix turbines can produce enough power to pay for themselves in as little as six months. Helix hopes to have test sites installed in the U.S. and West Africa by late November. The company will deliver its first test turbines to Eltek NSG in Nigeria in late October for installation at one of two identified test sites. Pending successful testing and subsequent rollout to several operators in the region including Zain and MTI, Helix’s relationship with Eltek NSG could potentially mean several hundred sites over the next few years and eventual implementation in other African nations, and is the r..
Nov 13, 2009 (9 days ago)
Walking the tightrope of maintaining momentum, will the Crown Estate’s ambitious vision for wind farm development be constrained by supply chain bottlenecks? By Sam Phipps read more
Nov 12, 2009 (10 days ago)
enXco has started construction on the 50 megawatt Linden Wind Project that will bring carbon-free electricity to the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) generation portfolio on behalf of participating members Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the City of Glendale. The renewable energy source is expected to be in operation in early 2010 as part of LADWP’s and SCPPA’s effort to provide clean, renewable energy. The Linden Wind Farm, located in Klickitat County, Washington, consists of 25 REpower MM92 turbines. The project received SCPPA board approval in August 2009 and the Notice To Proceed was delivered in early October. Developed by enXco, Linden Wind Project will be transferred to SCPPA upon completion . LADWP will provide project management for the SCPPA participants. The utility will receive 90 percent (45 megawatts) of power produced by the wind farm, representing about 0.5 percent of the utility’s renewable portfolio goal of 20 percent by 2010. The project will utilize existing transmission to deliver the clean wind power to Los Angeles.
Nov 12, 2009 (11 days ago)
Last month we went into detail about how to save energy in your home by reducing your heating costs. This month we are up to part two of our four part series on how to save energy in your home which will focus on Hot Water. The reason why we are focusing so much on [...]
Nov 10, 2009 (12 days ago)
Wind is a limited resource. As such, finding areas where one can harvest the most energy from this limited resource is becoming increasingly important in today\'s power generation market. Proper turbine selection, controls and siting are among the top of the important decisions list. Lufft Ventus series of compact weather stations. Two years ago, Lufft provided a solution to your controls application problems, the WS series of compact ultrasonic weather stations. The Ventus model is ideal for wind turbine control applications and other instances where precise measurement of wind speed and direction is required in cold climates. The model includes a 200W heater for use in cold weather climates and covered design with heated roof. Additionally Lufft USA is offering a demonstration unit for a six month trial period to those who are interested. The WS200-WS600 and Ventus wind sensor models are designed with different levels of functionality to meet specific weather monitoring applications. The WS600 for example, measures temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, wind direction and wind speed. This sensor data can be polled wirelessly through the UMB or Universal Measurement B..
Nov 9, 2009 (13 days ago)
Several years ago, Cardinal Fastener developed a very simple, easy to read one page catalog, known in the industry as the “Birdie Chart™.” The Birdie Chart makes it easy to identify at a glance our manufacturing diameter range, the grades and head styles, as well as a description of the services and other products offered. One of the reasons Cardinal Fastener is able to manufacture and ship orders in the same day is due to their large inventory of heat-treated bolt blanks. Product is manufactured for inventory all the way through the heat-treating process. The Birdie Chart™ makes the bolt buyer’s job faster and easier than ever. Download a copy of the Birdie Chart™ in PDF file format, suitable for printing. Cardinal Fastener
Nov 9, 2009 (13 days ago)
Our objective while developing wind technology is to reduce costs and increase the power output of wind turbines. The principle behind our studies is to use the effect of static wing or sail structures, which convert energy more efficiently, to increase the efficiency of turbines. Many attempts have already been made during the last decades to use external shrouded systems, but with success only in wind tunnel studies, not in ambient air. The reasons become clear from our use of STAR-CD. Fig. 1 - CFD model of shrouded wind turbine Based on a patent of the Grumman Corporation, a private company built a prototype at considerable expense, which failed to meet the expected success. CD Adapco\'s STAR-CD studies of wind turbines with and without shrouds immediately showed the relationship between the force exerted by the flow on the turbine and transfer of both energy and linear momentum. Given a certain force, the energy transfer does not depend on the velocity of the flow, but the momentum transfer does. As a consequence, it is not possible to increase the power of a conventionally shrouded wind turbine beyond the theoretical limit for the same turbine without shroud (the so called Bet..
Nov 9, 2009 (14 days ago)
This week’s news round-up includes: Nexans, Centrica, Cape Wind, Ofgem, the EU's European Investment Bank, Bilfinger Berger, Per Aarsleff, Eneco, AXYS, E.ON, enXco, Linden Wind Project, and an update on the UK's Onshore Wind Turbines Bill. read more
Nov 6, 2009 (16 days ago)
ElecTrak Pro actuators feature a compact design and short retracted length, coupled with a lightweight and high strength IP66 housing. IP67 protection is an option. A line of linear actuators are electromechanical devices that install quickly and easily, and provide good accuracy, repeatability, reliability, and advanced control over critical machine operations. Unlike hydraulic and pneumatic alternatives, the ElecTrak Pro Series , from Thomson, a division of Danaher Motion , Wood Dale, Ill, tune quickly and require no ongoing maintenance over the life of the equipment. The units come in ball-screw configurations with maximum thrust to 2,000 lbs. and acme lead-screw configurations with a thrust rating of 750 lb. When standard models from the line don’t fit, ElecTrak Pro series actuators can be cost-effectively customized and configured. A few possible wind applications include opening and closing f nacelle hatches, and activating locking brakes on turbine rotors. The design is also well suited for use in tough, space restricted vehicles. A built-in microprocessor provides Electronic Load Monitoring (ELM) to ensure long actuator life and maximum reliability even in harsh conditions..
Nov 6, 2009 (17 days ago)
WindEnergyUpdate talks tactics with Baze Technology’s Christian Rambech Dahl, vice president of strategy and markets. By Tom Evans read more
Nov 5, 2009 (17 days ago)
A 2010 Washer Catalog features an increased selection of 24,000 non-standard flat washer and spacer sizes available without tooling charges. The complimentary catalog from Boker’s Inc , Minneapolis, provides easy reference to available washers and spacers, which include ODs from 0.08 to 5.140 in. as well as many IDs and thicknesses. The catalog offers near endless washer and spacer possibilities with immediate access to more than 2,000 commonly specified and difficult-to-find material variations. Materials listed in Boker\'s 2010 Washer Catalog include low-carbon sheet steel, various spring steels, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and nickel silver. Non-metallic options include ABS, acetal, polyester, nylon, MD nylon, polycarbonate, fiber, polyethylene and various phenolics. Tools for non-metallic materials are listed in boldface for easy reference. The company maintains an ISO 9001:2008 registered status, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all manufacturing processes. Boker\'s Inc is a Woman Owned, ISO 9001:2008 registered manufacturer of high quality stampings and non-standard washers and spacers. Request a copy at (800) 927-4377.
Nov 5, 2009 (17 days ago)
A developer of community wind, OwnEnergy , has entered a partnership with The National Farmers Union Service Association to develop a 20 MW wind energy project in Minnesota. “The Rothsay Wind Energy project will create local jobs and stimulate economic development in the community,” says OwnEnergy CEO Jacob Susman. “The project, in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, will also provide clean, locally-generated power to about 6,000 homes.” The project will soon enter the Midwest ISO Definitive Planning Phase and use Tier 1 turbines to ensure project financing. The project footprint includes property from six landowners, and will require minimal permitting in addition to the state required PUC permit. Community wind projects provide farmers with an opportunity to generate a portion of their own electricity, create additional revenue for their family and community, and expand sources of clean, renewable energy for the country. OwnEnergy, Brooklyn, N.Y., has more than 1,000 MW under development across 14 U.S. states. The company partners with landowners, farmers, and local entities to jointly develop utility-scale wind projects ranging from 10 to 80 MW. The projects h..
Nov 5, 2009 (17 days ago)
The ARC Advisory Group forecasts the business for wind turbine controls to increase at this rate. The market for wind-turbine controls is positioned to grow over the next several years due to the volatility in oil costs, a worldwide push for clean energy, favorable government incentives, and available investments funding for this area in the world financial community, according to a recent study from the ARC Advisory Group study, Dedham, Mass. Asia’s demand for energy and growing pressure to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions is driving demand of renewable sources of energy such as wind power. “Wind power is one of the key renewable energy sources that will make a significant contribution towards the goals of future energy models of every major country around the world,” says ARC Senior Analyst Himanshu Shah, (hshah@arcweb.com) the principal author of “Wind Turbine Control Systems Worldwide Outlook” . The study covers wind turbine control systems which comprises five systems: Main controls, condition monitoring, power conversion, and pitch and yaw. Demand for wind turbine controls directly correlates to demand for wind-turbine manufacturing and wind power generation. Global windpo..
Nov 2, 2009 (21 days ago)
This week's news roundup includes: Centrica, Vestas, Sinovel, AES, SeaEnergy, TGC, E.ON, Lloyds, BNP Paribus, SaskPower, Nordex and Wind Capital Group. read more
Nov 1, 2009 (22 days ago)
When people thought about telephones in underdeveloped countries it was like they would have to invest a huge sum in infrastructure in the form of poles, wires and equipments. No one imagined about cell phones at that time. They transcend most of the infrastructures. In this hour of impending depletion of fossil fuels we [...] Posted in: Future Energy , Transportation , Wind Power
Oct 30, 2009 (24 days ago)
WindEnergyUpdate talks to Chip Carstensen, senior director for energy and wind at Nord/LB New York, about the future of project financing for the US wind energy sector. By Rikki Stancich read more
Oct 26, 2009 (28 days ago)
This week’s news round-up features Siemens, EDF Energy Renewables, Longpark, Scottish Power Renewables, Dong Energy, Garrad Hassan, Vestas and QinetiQ. read more
Oct 25, 2009 (28 days ago)
WindEnergyUpdate talks to Advanced Offshore Solutions CEO, Kurt Thomsen, about innovations in offshore turbine installation and avoiding the pitfalls of false economies. By Rikki Stancich read more
Oct 15, 2009 (38 days ago)
350.org are organising numerous actions across the globe this coming Saturday 24th of October 2009, you can see a full map below of where you can find them. For those of you unaware, 350.org is trying to raise public awareness of the science of climate change, and prompting open public debate about our CO2 emissions - specifically returning from our rapidly increasing 390+ ppm of CO2 to 350ppm to avoid the serious impact of climate change. The key message here is that we have already passed the safe limit, and we need to get back - not argue about how much further we can go. Key to returning CO2 levels to 350ppm is the future energy sources we use as a planet, a significant part of this mix will be wind energy - the most cost-effective and globally accessible source of renewable energy we have at the moment. It\'s a great message, and well worth getting out and showing your local support! View Actions at 350.org
Oct 2, 2009 (51 days ago)
I got an email yesterday from one of our readers at residential wind power called Mike. Mike saw our review of the wind turbine plans a few weeks back and wanted to give the plans a go. He bought the plans and has since finished his vertical wind turbine following the wind turbine plans in the guide we recommended. Here is what mike had to say: Hi Barry, First off I want to let you know that I have been a long time reader of your site residential wind power. I stumbled across your site a few years back when I was looking at installing a wind turbine and regularly come back to see what is going on with wind turbines. I have wanted to build my own wind turbine for a long time now but I have never got the courage up to do it. I am not very experienced with tools or anything like that I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to complete the project. After reading your review of the best wind turbine plans I thought I might as well just jump in and have a go, after all what have I got to lose? I went ahead and purchased the wind turbine plans that you recommended here and all of the information was sent to me instantly. The kit came with guides on how to build a wind turbine ..
Oct 2, 2009 (52 days ago)
We are always touting the benefits of renewable energy and how a residential wind turbine can save you thousands of dollars in energy bills. Recently I was talking about my home wind turbine and the home wind turbine kit that I purchased in 2007 which has allowed me to power my entire home for free. Sure it is great to be able to help the environment and produce your own renewable energy from a home wind turbine but before you go and install your wind turbine you should look at your current energy consumption around the house. Energy consumption around the home can be reduced in a number of areas including lighting, heating water, cooling air, heating air and in the kitchen. The things that we can do to save energy in each of these areas all help to bring the total energy consumption of your home down which is great news even if you aren’t going to install a home wind turbine . The first part of our four part series on reducing home energy consumption is on heating your home. Heating your home can be expensive. In fact, up to half of the total annual energy bill in many homes may be attributed to heating. That’s why we’ve come up with these ideas to help you keep your costs d..
Sep 30, 2009 (53 days ago)
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life is knowing that when I go to turn on my computer or watch some television it doesn’t cost me a dime! I have not paid an electricity bill since 2007, that is not because I am on the run and refuse to pay my utility bills [...]
Sep 26, 2009 (58 days ago)
Recently there has been a wealth of information flooding the web in regards to the benefits of wind energy and solar power and how we should all be looking at ways to cut our own energy bills and look for green energy alternatives at home. It would appear that a lot of us every day are [...]
Sep 25, 2009 (59 days ago)
For one reason or another not everybody can install their own wind turbine and produce their own clean renewable energy. Some people don’t own their own home and are simply not able to install a wind turbine. Other people may have a wind turbine, and have some extra cash in which they wish to invest [...]
Sep 19, 2009 (64 days ago)
So you want to install some renewable energy for your home and have come to the crossroad as to which is better, residential wind power or residential solar power. Both wind power and solar power have been around for a long time now and both renewable energy source have successfully been used to produce clean electricity for home and commercial users – but which renewable energy source is the best? In our mind there is no competition! Wind power is the superior renewable energy source for residential users and this comes down to a number of reasons. The reasons why we believe that residential wind power is better than solar power are a mix of personal reasons and scientific reasons along with the ultimate reason: the cost of a vertical wind turbine. Reasons why a residential vertical wind turbine is better than a solar power system: Wind power technology has its origins that trace back to Persia as early as 200 B.C. Wind power has been around a lot longer than solar power and as such the technology has had a greater deal of time to be refined to a point that it is more reliable than solar power. Many locations around the world do not have full sunlight days which is a vital ing..