Wind energy event trends – What’s creating a storm at trade fairs and exhibitions?
Trade fairs have long been a prominent format for promoting new products in the wind energy sector. But they appear to have hit a bit of stumbling block. Prices to exhibit are high and there is no guarantee of success. Nonetheless, they still have an important role to play. Here is a rundown of the current situation.
A smart approach to spares – Harmonizing a maintenance and spare parts strategy
Planning maintenance and having the right inventory is often a challenge. Operators can end up with too much capital invested in stock or not enough to perform repairs in a timely manner. However, adopting best practices and the emergence of Logistics 4.0 present clear opportunities for cost reduction.
Interview: A year of opportunity – What can we expect from wind energy in 2018?
2018 looks like being a big year for wind energy. With technology continuously improving and operators looking to become more self-sufficient, the current situation is looking bright. So what major trends and developments can we expect this year? Dr. Philipp Schmid, Energy Marketing Manager at SKF, explains.
Floating in the wind – Scotland opens the world’s first floating wind farm
Despite wind energy production becoming more efficient, many wind turbines are still situated in locations where conditions are not optimal. An increasing number of offshore sites improve the current situation by utilizing the stronger winds at sea. However, in some parts of the ocean, fixed turbines are not viable. The solution? Floating wind farms.
An untapped source – The role of big data in the wind energy industry
Big data is taking its hold on the 21st century. We are seeing its prominence in all areas of society. But the wind power sector seems to be somewhat behind. Why is this, and how can big data contribute to the industry achieving its ultimate goal of improving the levelized cost of energy?
A visual representation – Digitally demonstrating wind turbine components
A company develops a new wind turbine component; but without a platform to showcase this, it may be difficult to convince interested parties of its advantages. So how can manufacturers display key turbine parts, many of which are massive or only functional within a working turbine, to an audience? The digital era may present yet another solution.
A fine balancing act – The importance of correctly managing spare parts
When managing spare parts stock, companies face a significant challenge: maintenance requirements vs. financial resources. This can be a difficult task as mismanagement of either can have serious consequences. So what can operators do to ensure they have this under control?
Sky high prices? – Debunking the myth of cost-inefficiency
The advantages of wind are clear: it is an inexhaustible and environmentally friendly energy source. Furthermore, the technology to harness its power is already well established. However, although wind is a proven eco-efficient energy source, why is it struggling to achieve status as a cost-efficient one?
Video: Let’s talk part 2 – The challenges facing wind power in China
China is a leading nation in wind energy. However, the country is currently experiencing the challenge of finding qualified specialists for maintenance and servicing of turbines. SKF talks to Ni Da from Chenghai New Energy Tech Ltd. for insights on the current situation in China.
