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.
Demands on modern turbines – How to meet gearbox performance needs
The wind energy sector continuously works to make electricity production more efficient. We are seeing a rise in offshore installations as well as in areas with low winds. The challenge: designing wind turbine components that can withstand these harsh conditions.
Entering a virtual world – How the wind industry could benefit from virtual events
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, most events due to take place in 2020 have been postponed or cancelled all together. This has led some organizers to switch to virtual platforms. Could this format work for the wind industry? And what opportunities could open up for exhibitors?
Staying safe in uncertain times – How wind energy can protect staff during the pandemic
Like every other industry, wind energy is facing periods of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are certain steps operators can take to keep staff safe and enable business continuity.
Looking back at 2019 – Which trends defined wind energy last year?
In 2019, wind energy continued to expand, with new offshore installations making headlines in the media. Additionally, sustainability and environmental responsibility were also in the spotlight. These were just some of the trends that shaped the last year. Dr. Philipp Schmid, Group Marketing Manager at SKF, explains.
Only the greenest will do – The role of sustainability in maintenance contracts
Reducing downtime with careful maintenance planning is key to success for wind farm operators. Sustainability should also influence operation and maintenance strategies to help make wind energy an even greener sector.
Supply chain transparency – Introducing a new solution for streamlining O&M
With the wind energy industry facing increased competition and decreasing margins, SKF and Boralex have teamed up. Their joint project, called the Wind Turbine Reliability Dashboard, will help predict maintenance requirements and streamline supply chain management, lowering overall operating costs and increasing profitability in the process.
Duty of care – Sustainability challenges in a new era for wind
Wind energy is now an established source of power that is growing year on year. Nonetheless, as wind turbines become older and require replacing, sustainability challenges arise. What happens to these machines and their components when they can no longer be used?
What are the chances? – The next step in bearing rating life calculation
Understanding for how long a bearing will be operational is vital for planning wind turbine maintenance and budget allocation. Therefore, this information is key for operators when selecting the right component for their application. Calculations based on statistical models are used to estimate bearing rating life. In this article, the Wind Farm Management Blog analyzes how this process works.
