The use of wind power in the United States is the fastest growing energy trend on record. According to a second quarter 2012 report published by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the country added 1,200 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity during the April to June 2012 timeframe, bringing the nation’s total cumulative wind capacity to 49,802 MW. Michael Littig considers turbine reliability issue…
With more than 10,300 MW currently under construction in 30 states and Puerto Rico – a number that continues to grow – the U.S. Department of Energy reported that wind generation could supply 20 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2030. The report further indicated that four4 per cent of that total would come from offshore production.
This trend is, in fact, global, but assumes that at least one crucial wind industry challenge will be solved: the issue of turbine reliability. Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, through its Simrit brand of products, is tackling turbine reliability with innovative new materials and sealing solutions that solve challenges like temperature extremes, thermal and chemical degradation, and aggressive environmental conditions to ensure continuous, low-maintenance power generation. These solutions are particularly important for offshore turbines where environmental factors such as moisture and temperature can reach extremes.
Understanding wind industry challenges
Simrit is heavily invested in the development of materials and products that will help the wind energy sector evolve into a reliable, abundant and economic source of electricity. Seals play a critical role in the successful operation of wind turbines, whether insulating critical parts against the elements or preventing essential lubricants from leaking out of the system. Efforts to develop and implement sealing solutions that maximize turbine life while minimizing repairs must take a variety of factors into account including environmental extremes, ozone exposure, ultraviolet rays, chemical corrosion and material surface characteristics.
