Given the destructive nature of hurricanes, gale force winds and tropical storms it is crucial that potential offshore wind energy projects undergo extensive tests of the site-specific conditions for safety reasons. One of the thirteen chapters of the new "Guideline for the Certification of Offshore Wind Turbines" published by Germanischer Lloyd WindEnergie GmbH (GL Wind) deals exclusively with this site assessment and the resulting loads. The  chapter defines the requirements for the determination of loads resulting from the environmental conditions in conjunction with the operational behaviour of an offshore wind turbine. These conditions include peak wind speeds due to storms and rapid changes in wind speed and direction. These extreme conditions include the potential effects of wind turbulence. The offshore guideline covers general testing conditions, safety systems and the requirements for the manufacturing companies. Strength analyses, machinery components and electrical engineering are considered as well as tests requirements, periodic inspections and condition monitoring. So far, a number of projects had already been certified and/or are currently in the certification process according to the new guideline.

Calibration is according to the MEASNET standard and with first class anemometers.

The CR1000 is Campbell Scientific’s newest datalogger, and builds on the company’s 30-year reputation for measurement and control instrumentation. It retains the versatility of its predecessor, the CR10X, and provides increased memory, more measurement channels and multiple telemetry options. A complete CR1000-based system for most environmental monitoring applications would include a 12V power supply, weatherproof enclosure, application-specific sensors, programming/communications software and communication peripherals. The CR1000 allows for multiple measurement and control peripherals and sensor connections. Most commercial sensors can be used with the versatile channels consisting of 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs (individually configured), 2 pulse counters, 3 switched voltage excitations and 8 control/digital ports. An RS-232 port and CS I/O port provide the multiple telemetry options for the datalogger, via radio, satellite, phone (land line, cellular, voice), Ethernet and more. The design of the CR1000 is for long-term, unattended monitoring for individual or network applications. The CR1000 has an operating range of -25 to +50ºC; an extended range of -55 to +85ºC is available.

GE Energy has expanded its 1.5MW series of wind turbines to include the 1.5xle model, designed for efficient operation in weak wind areas. Recently, a prototype of the 1.5xle wind turbine was connected to the grid at the Klondike Wind Farm in Sherman County, Oregon, to begin its performance testing phase, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. For the prototype 1.5xle unit, a few mechanical adjustments were required to accommodate the larger rotor diameter. The pitch bearing, pitch system, rotor hub and blades, gears and towers were enhanced to meet the higher demands. Test-bed trials for the 1.5xle ran for two months, with successful results. The new machine’s LM 40 rotor blade has been specifically adapted to meet the operational requirements, and also underwent extreme-load and fatigue testing. The 1.5xle series is available with tower heights of 58.7, 80 and 100 metres. The tallest version is also available in solid steel form with no concrete foundation.

Evolving from GE’s earlier 2.x megawatt series design, first introduced in 2003, the new 2.5 and 3MW machines introduce a number of industry innovations, including a permanent magnet generator, a modular converter with full power conversion and advanced control technologies. GE has already tested a 2.5MW prototype wind turbine, which was installed in May 2004 at Wieringermeer, the Netherlands, about 50 kilometres north of Amsterdam. Installation of the first 3MW machine is planned for the summer of 2006. Both the 2.5 and the 3MW wind turbines are expected to be commercially available in Europe by the end of 2006. At the heart of the new wind turbines is a force-flow optimised bedplate, which joins all nacelle components on a common structure, providing increased durability. The new 2.5MW machine will be available with a 100-metre rotor diameter, while the 3MW wind turbine will offer both 90 and 94-metre rotor diameters. Control features, including a sophisticated pitch regulation system with power/torque control capability and improved use of the drive train damper, mitigate the increased loads of the larger rotor. Both new units also employ a permanent magnet synchronous generator. A new bearing design substantially increases the life and reliability of the gearbox by preventing bending and thrust loading produced in the rotor from impacting the gearbox. A lubrication system, designed to increase reliability and lower operation and maintenance costs, automatically lubricates pitch, yaw, main and generator bearings.

The new range of electromagnetic T50 rotary encoders has been designed for heavy duty engineering applications. They are already in operation for pitch control of rotor blades of wind turbines. The diameter of the housing is 50mm and the shaft is 12mm to withstand axial and radial loads up to 250 N. The units are available both as single-turn and multi-turn versions and with incremental, absolute or analogue output signals. The resolution is up to 13 Bits per revolution. SSI-serial, CANopen and Profibus interfaces can be supplied. Special items in stainless steel can be made available for use under aggressive ambient conditions, for example in maritime climates.