Exclusive Articles
Safety plus cyber security equals maximum protection for critical infrastructure
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 »
The electrifying dance of upward lightning
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 »
Full-turbine predictive maintenance: an opportunity for early adopters
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 »
Driving down LCoE through shape sensing
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 »
Offshore blade test challenges: infrastructure & methods
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 »
Guiding the waves
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 »
Avian monitoring on the radar
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 »
Data tracking
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 »
Advancing the energy transition: how material solutions help to accelerate wind power
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 »
Shaping the future
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 »
