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Latest Issue
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverEnerKíte GmbH from Germany has developed a novel technology to harness the stronger and steadier winds at higher altitudes. At average to fair onshore wind conditions the kite-based wind power plants allow for capacity factors way above 70% while aiming to keep the cost of electricity below 5 euro-cents per kilowatt-hour. The image on the cover shows the demonstrator EnerKíte in use, showing how it can reach heights greater than conventional turbines. Click here to read the full article. Publisher's NoteCan global wind installations double in 5 years? Features
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverIn recent years, the use of main bearing configurations in three-point mounting wind turbine drivetrains has become a much-debated topic. As a result, researchers at the National Wind Technology Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are investigating a few potential solutions to mitigate main bearing failures. The image on the cover shows the main bearing pillow-block assembly inside the nacelle of a 1.5MW wind turbine. Click here to read the full article. Publisher's NoteWorldwide wind market booming like never before Features
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverEsteyco, building on its experience of designing and constructing over 400 traditional precast concrete towers, has now developed a system of constructing very tall towers that avoids the need for large‘heavy-lift’ cranes. The company has developed a design that allows a tower with the turbine already assembled to self-lift from an initial low-level position. The image on the frontcover shows the jacking system details inside the tower. On page 6 you can read the full article about the system. Publisher's NoteFeatures
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverVortex Bladeless is a technology that uses the vortex effect. Basically, Vortex Bladeless consists of a conical cylinder fixed vertically on an elastic rod. The cylinder oscillates in the wind, which then generates electricity through a linear alternator’s system.The image on the cover shows a 6 metre height demonstration model of VORTEX installed in Spain. On page 6 you can read the full article about the technology. Publisher's NoteLack of policy support is the main barrier for small wind take-off Features
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverBill Leighty argues in his article on page 6 that rather than just extending electricity grids it would be worth looking at alternatives (such as hydrogen and ammonia carried via underground pipelines) for storage and transmission of renewable energy. The image of the frontcover shows a solution-mined compressed Hydrogen storage caverns in domal salt.Publisher's NoteAmerican wind energy rebounded in 2014 but will this continue?Features
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverThe RidgeBlade has been designed to produce electricity in a wide range of wind conditions (including low wind speeds) while maintaining a low visual impact. This makes it suitable for the majority of installation locations, including urban houses as well as environmentally sensitive sites such as National Parks and rural locations. See page 7 for the full article.Publisher's NoteThe Offshore Wind Business as a United IndustryFeatures
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- Category: 2015
The Front CoverRapid developments in electronics and control systems over the last 30 years have provided new opportunities for operation of wind turbines which make retrofitting older turbines and interesting option. The article on page 7 describes the challenges and results of a customer project undertaken by KK Wind Solutions to develop and install retrofit solutions for a Bonus 1.3MW and a Vestas V47 turbine.Publisher's NoteWhen will offshore wind become a real global market?Features
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