Harnessing the Alpine breeze – Austria’s wind energy potential
In the magnificent landscapes of Austria, its nation aims to generate all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Wind energy plays a pivotal role in achieving this ambitious goal. How far have they come so far?
Turbulent times – What is the fate of aged wind turbines?
Recently, the wind energy sector has been shaken by two significant incidents in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. In one case, a wind turbine collapsed and crashed into a corn field at Gescher; in another, a fire broke out in a wind farm in Stemwede Bürgerwindpark. Both instances have drawn attention to the challenges aging wind farms are facing. Could these unfortunate events have been prevented?
Towards a water-secure future – Wind-driven desalination
As our planet faces an escalating water crisis due to population growth, climate change, pollution, and overconsumption, it is important to seek out long-term, effective solutions. Could combining wind power with water desalination present a promising answer?
The clean energy paradox – Blade recycling in 2023
Wind energy is generally considered an environmentally friendly energy source. However, the practice of discarding retired wind turbine blades in landfills casts a shadow on its green credentials. The good news is that energy companies have found and continue to seek more sustainable options.
Tailwinds of innovation – Husum Wind 2023
Scheduled for September 12–15, 2023, in Husum, Germany, Husum Wind serves as the pulse of the renewable energy industry for the German-speaking world. With over 600 exhibitors showcasing their latest technologies and solutions, the event promises to be an inspiring stage for all wind energy enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.
Upgrading aging wind turbines – The importance of bearing replacement
As wind turbine performance declines, it could be that crucial components are nearing the end of their service life. This leaves wind farm operators at a crossroads. On the one hand, replacing aging parts means downtime and lost production, but could it also be an opportunity for them to improve the existing infrastructure?
The Sven Wingquist Test Center – Chartering the future of wind power generation
Nestled on the outskirts of Schweinfurt, Germany, the Sven Wingquist Test Center – the winner of an International Architecture Award 2018 – is a sight to behold. But what distinguishes it in terms of its contributions to the wind industry?
Dancing with the wind – Pitch and yaw systems
Wind turbines rely on pitch and yaw systems for optimized energy capture and durability. In this article, we explore the two critical systems, focusing on how they adjust turbine alignment and blade angles in response to wind conditions.
Spinning giants – Challenges for main shaft bearings
The wind power industry has made significant strides over the past two decades, and the shift towards larger, more efficient turbines has led to increased complexities in the production of a crucial component: the rotor bearing. This article explores the issues while presenting solutions to meet industry demands.