Following up on its ‘avian monitoring on the radar’ article in the last edition of PES Wind, DeTect makes a welcome return with an introduction to Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems. How is the technology being used to monitor airspace around wind farms while reducing light pollution? An Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) is a sensor-based… Read more »
The very nature of the energy sector demands an emphasis on safety. We are taking the very essence of power and attempting to harness it, transferring it into applications that run every core component of our entire way of life. Dangerous work requires extraordinary people to manage it, and a rigorous safety regime to ensure… Read more »
The Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) is set to once again take the energy industry by storm, offering a unique platform for professionals, experts, and businesses to delve into the latest trends, innovations, and technologies within the offshore energy sector. Scheduled for 28th and 29th November in Amsterdam, OEEC 2023 promises to be a… Read more »
As we rapidly transition to renewable energy sources to help tackle climate change, supply chain resources are increasingly under pressure. There has never been a greater need for new technology and practices that help to maximise resources. Thanks to an industry collaboration, Natural Power and its project partners, EDF Renewables, environmental DNA and nature intelligence… Read more »
As wind turbines grow exponentially in size, so do the challenges associated with maintaining them. The industry’s issue lies in the scarcity of personnel willing to perform these high-altitude tasks, compounded by the increasing size of turbines which escalates downtime costs. Aerones is revolutionizing wind turbine maintenance with robotic solutions, enhancing efficiency, safety, and accessibility…. Read more »
Solaxess SA is a Swiss company specializing in the design of materials for the photovoltaic (PV) industry, intended for the realization of architectural projects. Thanks to technology developed by CSEM, and three years of reliability and certification, Solaxess contributes significantly to the aesthetic improvement of photovoltaic panels. Now, they are an integral part of buildings,… Read more »
Technical specifications provide valuable insights into a measuring instrument, but its true capabilities come to light through real-world performance. The presence of dew, frost, or debris on the optical dome of a radiometer can greatly influence its readings, often resulting in inaccurate data. Fortunately, these challenges can be effectively addressed by implementing ventilation and heating… Read more »
After nearly a decade of operation, dship Carriers has solidified its position as a leading player in the global shipping industry. Through years of expertise and dedication, it has successfully navigated through the dynamic wind energy sector, adapting to changing industry demands and embracing innovative solutions. By actively supporting the smooth implementation of wind energy… Read more »
Currently, the advancement of dependable wind turbines heavily relies on the continuous utilisation of test rigs. Thus facilitating the alignment of calculations and simulations at both the component and system levels, ensuring a seamless progression in turbine development. One notable contributor in this field is RENK Test System GmbH. Offshore wind turbines have seen a… Read more »
After just a few very busy months, Danish offshore shipping company MHO-Co based in Esbjerg managed to more than triple its fleet. The existing five vessels at the beginning of 2023 became a fleet of 16 by summer. A very fast and major step for any company, and especially for a small shipping business with… Read more »
As wind energy moves to larger, lighter turbines in harsh and remote locations, its specialty in large-diameter, custom seals, alongside a reputation for reliability, is making System Seals a player of note in this growing space. Systemwind is the company’s offering for the wind sector. According to Sales Director Sean Hensey, it represents ‘fresh thinking’… Read more »
Tom Sulzer is CEO and Co-founder of Sulzer Schmid. Under his leadership, the company has taken a leading role in solving some of the most complex maintenance issues that wind turbine manufacturers, operators and asset owners are faced with. The Swiss-born CEO is poised to transform the turbine inspection business into a player to reckon… Read more »
In the early years of wind energy, the industry faced numerous challenges, with issues related to gearboxes and the mechanical drivetrain leading to significant losses in revenue and high operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. To address these concerns, condition monitoring systems (CMS) emerged as a ‘standard’ component of predictive and preventative maintenance strategies, vastly increasing… Read more »
Ematec AG never stands still and 2023 is no exception, with the leading distributor of lifting equipment for the single-blade assembly of rotor blades stepping up its game once again. At Husum Wind it presents the new generation of the RBC-D50.1 to the trade public. ‘It’s great that we were able to add to the… Read more »
With global wind capacity set to exceed 1 terawatt by the end of the year, the demand for accurate, reliable wind data will only increase in the future, powered by clean energy sources. As wind turbines sky higher and wind farms covering more expansive areas spring up, on and offshore, the accuracy of lidar technology… Read more »
How do you solve a problem like ageing? We’re now 30 years on from the commissioning of Scotland’s first commercial onshore wind farm, and our sector is coming together to discuss the reality of what to do with an ageing fleet of turbines that are rapidly reaching the end of their financially useful lives. By… Read more »
The seemingly never ending ramp up in offshore wind installations in recent years, together with the drive for ever larger and heavier wind turbines in deeper waters, presents the industry with many logistical challenges. Not least of these is heavy lifting operations in deep waters. The next generation of turbines, up to 20 MW, are… Read more »
In the pursuit of a cleaner and sustainable future, the demand for renewable energy, particularly from wind power, has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. As the wind energy sector continues to thrive, companies strive to innovate and provide improved solutions for the erection, assembly, and maintenance of onshore and offshore wind turbines. One collaboration… Read more »
Offshore wind farm development has got off to a slow start in the US. Despite many projects being in the pipeline since the mid-to-late 2010s, with initial completion scheduled for the early 2020s, no major US wind farm has yet commenced operation. Colebrook Offshore explores the reasons behind the delays. One example is the MarWin… Read more »
As climates shift and weather events become more extreme, it is imperative that wind farm owners and operators prepare for the worst that the cold season has to offer. Ice-based downtime significantly reduces the efficiency, and therefore the profitability, of wind energy installations worldwide. This issue is compounded by the increased energy needs of the… Read more »
The upsurge of renewable energy is critical to the future of our planet. However, wind farms can have an adverse impact on birds and other wildlife. Sibylle Giraud, VP Wind and Environmental Practice at Robin Radar Systems, discusses some of the latest technologies and solutions that can help reduce bird mortality at wind farms. PES:… Read more »
As steel plates for monopile production continue to increase in thickness, reaching up to 200 mm, it becomes crucial to have a cost-effective machining solution. Michael Steinkogler, Chief Operating Officer of Linsinger, explains how, by combining cutting-edge machine technology with its dedicated tool development, the company can offer a comprehensive solution that addresses all the… Read more »
Modern wind turbines are commonly equipped with service lifts, but what can be done to upgrade those old wind towers that only have climbing ladders? Limited space and costly modifications have made it impossible to install lifts on older turbines, reducing its energy output and compromising worker safety and health. Wind farm owners and operators… Read more »
Erik Roos, Director of Wind Industry Tools & Solutions at Enerpac, talks to PES about its expertise in levelling and fixation and explains the advantages of its in-house capabilities spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, and testing. PES: It’s great to speak to you again Erik and I’m looking forward to discussing Enerpac’s part in the wind… Read more »
Although wind parks can’t produce power without wind, too much isn’t favourable either, as beyond a certain wind speed, turbines risk being damaged. In fact, strong winds can even force production to come to a complete halt or cause wind plants to fall over. To assess the profitability and safety of a wind park in… Read more »
In 1989 Husum Wind was the world’s first trade fair devoted exclusively to wind energy, taking place within a livestock auction venue. Twenty companies presented their products to more than 10,000 visitors. A lot has happened since. In the late 1980s/early 1990s the German market developed dynamically due to the Electricity Feed Act. With the… Read more »
Digitalisation is bringing change, including the operation of supply networks that form part of the critical infrastructure. Current vulnerabilities demonstrate how important it is for this to be in compliance with the IT security catalogue in accordance with the German Energy Industry Act. TÜV SÜD is supporting the transmission system operator (TSO) ONTRAS by providing… Read more »
Blades certified before 2019 may be susceptible to damage from a destructive and anomalous type of lightning strike. Lightning protection systems (LPS) have been tested to an international standard since the early 2000s; however the focus was mainly on cloud-to-ground lightning and associated high energy levels. But there is another type of lightning that is… Read more »
For many years, the wind industry has been working to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE), with the aim of increasing profits and building strong balance sheets. However, it’s now becoming clear that some major economic headwinds are emerging for the sector, and the continuous downward trend of LCoE may be in jeopardy. Rising… Read more »
The wind industry is undergoing an existential challenge in a period where fast growth of wind energy is needed the most. Many factors outside the control of the industry have been increasing the overall levelised cost of electricity (LCoE). However, challenges like unplanned O&M costs, optimisation of lifetime and performance, could be within industry control…. Read more »
Blades for offshore turbines have long since passed the 100 m threshold, and there is no end in sight. With increasing sizes and loads, the structural reserves of blades are being squeezed ever further by design engineers. Consequently, thorough validation at full-scale level is of the utmost importance to ensure reliability over the entire lifetime…. Read more »
Radac is actively engaged in innovative developments through joint industry projects, harnessing a collaborative approach and a keen thirst for knowledge. Customer-centric, it thrives on working closely with clients, understanding their needs, and delivering effective solutions. While product development is significant, the company’s core lies in fostering knowledge and insights. This article sheds light on… Read more »
Originally developed for the US Air Force and NASA as a precision bird detection radar system, DeTect’s Avian Radar technology can provide continuous monitoring of bird and bat activity at ranges of three to eight miles around wind farm sites. The company’s Senior Biologist, Jenny Davenport, explains more to PES. PES: Firstly, I’m really pleased… Read more »
With its multi-client approach, TGS provides quality data early and at a low cost, reducing uncertainties and enhancing project development decisions. Matthew Cramer, the company’s Offshore Wind Commercial Lead, New Energy Solutions, explains how it is shifting the mindset of the industry and creating significant efficiencies in the way measurements are performed. PES: It’s great… Read more »
The rapid transformation of the industry cannot be overlooked. The winds of change come in more than a breeze, because in a world urgently seeking solutions to combat climate change, wind energy has emerged as a pivotal player. By 2050, a staggering two-thirds of the world’s energy supply is projected to be sourced from renewables,… Read more »
One of the biggest challenges during this transitional period in the renewable energy sector is in securing the right talent to help steer countries to net zero. PES caught up with Kaveh Etemadi, Managing Director of comanos, to learn about its approach to recruitment, helping match the most suitable personnel to the right jobs. PES:… Read more »