Let’s talk safety – What kind of maintenance do wind turbines need?
Wind turbines run continuously for 120,000 hours transforming kinetic energy generated by wind into electricity. To achieve the expected life span of 20 years, they need proper maintenance to operate safely. Read what operators need to look out for.
Strong as a tree – Can wooden wind turbines transform the industry?
Wind turbine towers are mostly built out of steel, making them burdensome to transport. The heavy mass is not the only downside of these massive constructions. Although intended to generate renewable power, their manufacturing process is not as environmentally friendly as one might hope. But there is a solution: Swapping steel with wood.
Wind turbines under pressure – Common applicational challenges and solutions
Wind turbine failures are caused by several factors, be it by weather or a mechanical disturbance. To ensure the overall optimal health of turbines, operators need to focus on procuring reliable components to ensure turbines perform efficiently and reliably.
Wind innovations – Part 1 – Three wind technologies you should know about
As wind energy continues to be one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources worldwide, the possibilities in that area are endless. Many creative thinkers are coming up with various alternative innovations that could turn the tide.
Firmly anchored – How are wind turbines anchored to the seabed?
Offshore turbines have to deal with a lot of stress – the strong sea winds, waves crashing against the turbine shaft, and the fact that it has to reach the ground of the ocean to be constructed. It is vital for a wind turbine to have a strong foundation so that it can withstand all these stressors. The question is, how?
Ceramic outperforms steel – Clever material combinations for robust bearing solutions
Bearings often operate under challenging applicational conditions. Contamination and electrical erosion can cause bearings to fail quickly — if they aren’t engineered accordingly.
Strong and robust – Putting tailored heat-treated gearbox bearings to the test
Robust bearings are the key to a long-lasting wind turbine. To evaluate their surface and subsurface robustness and minimize failures, SKF has further developed the SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM). During the "Bearing World by FVA" conference, the company presented its application of the SKF DuraPro for wind turbine gearboxes.
Africa’s huge wind potential – Electricity shortage in Africa: Gone with the wind?
In many parts of Africa, people still live without access to electricity. Although recent studies have shown the potential for renewable energy on the continent, electrification is proving to be challenging. In remote regions especially, the infrastructure is lacking.
Islands in the (wind) stream – How islands are reforming their power production
Inhabitants of small islands are having a hard time meeting their power needs, as redirecting energy from the mainland is only possible using expensive submarine cables. Yet more and more islands are now home to wind farms. Winds, after all, tend to be strong and steady at sea. But it's not quite as simple as it sounds.
