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.
New shades of green – How wind energy is redefining Ireland
The Emerald Isle has long been recognized for its lush green landscapes and picturesque scenery, but the nickname is starting to acquire a new layer of meaning. Nowadays, when we say Ireland is green, we don’t just mean its countryside. We are talking about its forward-thinking, renewable energy initiatives.
Wind turbine generators – Mechanics, malfunctions, and failure prevention
Kinetic energy conversion lies at the heart of wind energy production, with the generator playing the pivotal role. This article ventures into the world of wind turbine generators, exploring how they work, analyzing potential malfunctions and their causes, and offering preventive solutions.
Gone with the wind – The phaseout of SF6
In April, the European Council made its first overture to phase out SF6 and other F-gas-based technology in current wind farm installations. The greenhouse gas accounts for a staggering portion of our current climate emergency, outshining even carbon dioxide. Though SF6’s hitherto entrenched role in big wind may present challenges in navigating the rollback, the change will ultimately be worth it for a more sustainable future.
Recovery on the horizon – Reversing the semiconductor shortage
Semiconductors are integral to microchip technology, powering everything from Apple products to wind turbines. The pandemic caused a massive spike in demand, and with major disruptions in the supply chains, the semiconductor industry has experienced an ongoing shortage. Situation normal is slowly returning, but what can be done about future disruptions?
EU electricity market reform – Another push towards renewable energy
Earlier this year, the European Commission introduced legislative initiatives aimed at improving European electricity market design and enhancing protection against market manipulation in the wholesale energy market, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. The reforms are particularly important for the wind industry since they create a more favorable and supportive environment for the growth and integration of wind power.