Windpower Engineering and Development April 2019

W H AT ’ S N E W I N O P E R AT I O N S A N D M A I N T E N A N C E | O & M G U I D E PAG E 2 2

The technical resource for wind profitability

APRIL 2019

R E COU IM A G

TESY

G OF NR

www.windpowerengineering.com

SYST

EMS

BAT FRIENDLY

WIND FARMS INTRODUCING

Thanks to a safe, new deterrent device

PAGE 19

ALSO INSIDE:

WOMEN IN WIND

Meet women who are making a difference in the wind industry PAGE 42

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4/29/19 12:12 PM

TORQUE TENSION and pumps AZTEC Bolting Services has it all Experience, dedication and knowledge set your team up for a successful project as we take every measure to reduce potential safety issues and get the job done on time. We carry all the best brands our industry has to offer:

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4/9/19 11:37 AM

NO LIMITSERVICE FOR A NO LIMITINDUSTRY

Aztec Bolting Services, a leading Enerpac distributor introduces the new Electric Tensioner Pump .

We provide some of the most sophisticated wind power equipment and tools in the world, including: Enerpac Hydraulic Torque Wrenches & Pumps Enerpac Hydraulic Tensioners & Pumps for Wind Applications With our Mobile Calibration Fleet , Aztec professionals provide more versatile services in more locations than ever before from Enerpac Bolting Tools Sales, Calibration and Repair Services to On-site Demos and Training.

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Norbar Electric Torque Wrenches Juwel Battery & Electric Bolting Products Norbar Electronic Torque Measurement Skidmore Bolt Testers 4/9/19 11:37 AM

EVERYONE NEEDS

PROTECTION...

…Especially from lightning.

The Megger DLRO10HD and DLRO10HDX offer reliable testing to make sure you’re protected in the event of a lightning strike.

When a strike occurs, current flows to ground through the lightning protection system. The system’s resistance to ground should be measured regularly to ensure that the protection will work when needed. For these measurements a low resistance ohmmeter, like the DLRO10HD and DLRO10HDX, should be used.

Megger also makes a test lead set specifically designed for testing wind turbines.

They are long enough to assess the continuity of lightning protection conductors in wind turbine blades and are ideally suited for use with the DLRO10HD.

Features of the wind turbine lightning protection test lead set include: n

Available in 3 different lengths to 328 ft

n

Suitable for use on site or in the manufacturing plant

n

10A rated

n

The lead set offers reversible terminations. One termination is a duplex handspike, while the other is a heavy-duty Kelvin clip Cat. No. 1000-809

Look to Megger for lightning and asset protection.

For your FREE copy of Megger’s Guide to Low Resistance Testing, Visit us.megger.com/getbook Reference Code: DLRO10HDX_Lightning_APR

Megger IFC PEEK A BOO SIZE — Windpower 04.19.indd 1

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A FEW THOUGHTS...

strength lies in diversity SPENDING long afternoons on the golf course as a kid, Jennifer King never dreamed her focus and attention to detail would land her a job as a researcher one day. Today she’s a research engineer at the National Wind Technology Center, working to optimize wind-farm production (read her story in our leadership section on page 45). She also credits those early days of playing golf with a lesson or two that she now applies to her research.

“My mom used to say: ‘You can only play golf with your own clubs.’ That is true of research as well,” she shares. “You can only control what you research and how you conduct yourself on the research playing field.” In other words, integrity and dedication are what matters. Another lesson she learned: “Work at something you truly enjoy and believe in — and keep at it!”

These are wise words and particularly important ones for women in the workforce.

Although women have made great strides in breaking through the glass ceiling and working toward inclusion, the number of women working in the energy sector is still relatively low. In the United States, females only make up between 23 to 33% of the country’s power sector — whereas females make up 47% of the workforce in the overall economy, according to the 2019 U.S. Energy & Employment Report. (Find the report at usenergyjobs.org/2019-report) “In general, the number of women in renewable energy is increasing and getting better,” says Lauren Glickman, Managing Partner at RenewComm, a marketing and communications firm that works with clean energy companies and non-profit organizations such as WRISE – Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (read more about her on page 44). “Unfortunately, it remains a slow process, done through baby steps, and once in a while we pause or take a few steps backwards.”

She says the renewable sectors currently employ between 22 to 34% women. A 2017

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Department of Energy employment report found women make up 32% of the wind workforce, for instance, given a total of 102,000 wind industry jobs.

“But all of these statistics relate only to gender and say nothing about diversity within each gender,” Glickman says. She makes a significant point. For example, findings from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) show an increase of 38% in total bachelor’s degrees awarded to females in engineering and computer science between 2011 and 2016.

However, only 5.6% of those degrees were granted to women of color.

(Source: research.swe.org) “Giant strides forward, rather than baby steps, are required if we want to ensure that we have every voice at the table to support a strong diversified workforce along with a robust renewable energy economy,” adds Glickman.

According to SWE, only 30% of women who earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering are still working in the sector 20 years later. What’s more: 30% of women who leave the engineering profession cite organizational climate as the reason.

We can do better. We have to do better. Reports show that female engineers still earn less than male engineers for the same job — and most jobs.

Women are underrepresented at all levels of the renewable energy industry, so let’s make a commitment to change that.

As Jennifer King has learned: “In my experience, a strong body of research and diligent work will speak for itself.” So should a strong and diversified workforce. WPE

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

EDI TOR

MICHELLE FROESE W I N D P OW E R E N G I N E E RI N G & D E V E LO P M E N T MF R OE S E@W T W H M E D I A .COM | @F O R E N E WA B L E S

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Resources I N T E R A C T I V E

It’s hard to believe that there’s more to this already hefty handbook, but it’s true! Don’t forget to check out our interactive components on

www.windpowerengineering.com.

E D I T O R I A L PUBLISHER Courtney Nagle cseel@wtwhmedia.com 440.523.1685 @wtwh_CSeel EDITORIAL Editor Michelle Froese mfroese@wtwhmedia.com @ForRenewables

Interactive Wind Project Map View utility-scale U.S. wind projects state by state with full details including location, size, type, developer, owner, power purchaser and more.

Clean Energy Opportunity Map Wind Turbine Selector Tool

Assistant Editor Billy Ludt bludt@wtwhmedia.com

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Staff Page – WPE 04.19.indd 2

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

APRIL 2019

4/16/19 8:14 AM

A Radical Change in Bolting is Coming Your Way Norbar Torque Tools Introduces a New Generation in AC Powered Torque Multipliers

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W I N D P OW E R E N G I N E E R I N G & D E V E LO P M E N T / / V O L . 1 1 N O. 2

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08 22 DENIS HOGAN is the Performance & Special Projects Manager with LEEA or the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association. Hogan oversees all aspects of the organization’s quality management system, liaising with BSi and external contractors to ensure that LEEA's systems are up-to-date, effective, and efficient. Hogan has also taken on technical support activities, assisting in investigating and identifying answers to questions posed by LEEA’s global membership.

JACK KLINE , a Consulting Meteorologist, has been working in the wind energy industry since 1982. He began his career as a meteorologist at US Windpower and then at Howden Wind Parks.

In 1989, he established his own company, RAM Associates, and has worked as a consultant in the industry. Kline has made a number of contributions for improving the accuracy of wind measurements, as well as wind speed and wake modeling. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (Florida State University) and a Master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences (Georgia Institute of Technology).

BARBARA ROOK is a business communications consultant with more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications and trade publishing.

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

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a safe space for bats SPECIAL SECTIONS

DEPARTMENTS

CONTRIBUTORS | APRIL 2019

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COVER STORY

01

EDITORIAL Strength lies in diversity

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WINDWATCH What’s new, Powering the future together at WINDPOWER 2019, Wind Work Around North America

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SITING How to account for bias in longterm wind speed estimates

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COMPONENTS A new way to repair wind-turbine braking systems

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THE O&M GUIDE What’s new in wind operations & maintenance

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WOMEN IN WIND Meet women who are making a difference in the wind industry ON THE COVER: A Bat Deterrent System installed for testing at Los Vientos Wind Farm in Texas in 2017.

Image courtesy of NRG Systems.

F E AT U R E S A SAFE SPACE FOR BATS Bat populations are in decline, worldwide. While there are several reasons for this, wind farms present one risk to migrating bats. However, new research has led to an ultrasonic acoustic “Bat Deterrent System” that is making a significant difference and reducing the overall bat fatalities at wind sites. PAGE 19

www.windpowerengineering.com

HOW DIGITAL TWINS ARE TRANSFORMING WIND OPERATIONS Digital twins — or digital replicas of physical assets, processes, systems, and devices — can help wind owners and operators identify patterns and trends through remote monitoring and machine learning. The result: significant savings in asset downtime and maintenance costs, while increasing project production. PAGE 34

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wind watch windpower engineering & development

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www.windpowerengineering.com

APRIL 2019

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Wind makes a good neighbor ABOUT 90% of research respondents prefer a local wind-power project to a central power plant sited at a similar distance and regardless of fuel type. This is the finding from a recent University of Delaware (UD) study that examined the attitudes of people who live in close proximity to a wind site.

The goal of the study was to determine if participants prefer wind to other energy sources, such as a central power plant (fueled by either coal, natural gas, or uranium) or even a commercial-scale solar installation. A publicly available dataset from a Lawrence Berkeley National Lab study was used to assess the opinions of individuals who live within eight kilometers of a wind turbine to learn about their energy preferences.

The UD researchers found that respondents strongly preferred their local wind-power project to all other alternatives sited at a similar distance — regardless of the geographic, economic, or political characteristics of the state in which those respondents lived.

The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Energy.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/PreferWind

sITING high winds ONE TOOL to help identify potential high-wind areas for wind-power generation virtually anywhere in the world is the Global Wind Atlas. Developed in partnership with the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark, World Bank Group, and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, the tool is a key resource for policymakers, investors, and wind developers.

The online app lets users assess a wind resource at a point, in a specific area, or within a country or region — with a 30-km coverage offshore at 250-m resolution. It also offers preliminary calculations and free downloadable datasets and maps based on the most up-to-date research and modeling methodologies.

A screenshot of the Global Wind Atlas.

Access the tool at https://globalwindatlas.info

How will climate change affect your city?

IF YOU’RE CURIOUS about the future effects of climate change on your city, a couple of U.S. researchers have made it easy to find out. The duo created an interactive online map for a quick idea of how climate change will transform North America in just a few decades from now (check out the map at tinyurl.com/YourCityClimate).

Simply click on your city, and the map will pinpoint a modern-day city — including 530 in the United States and 10 in Canada — which matches what your

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city’s climate may feel like in 2080. To give you an idea of what to expect: cities will heat up. Los Angeles will feel more like the tip of Baja, California or Las Palmas, Mexico, and Washington, D.C. will more closely resemble the climate of today’s northern Mississippi.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/ TheEffectsOfClimateChange

How much will your city’s climate change over the next 30 years?

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

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WIND WATCH Powering the future together at WINDPOWER 2019 g eorg e r . b rown co n v en tio n ce nte r | ho usto n, te xas | may 20-23 , 2019 | w i n d p ow e r e x p o. or g

IT IS A TRUE POWERHOUSE in the industry, leading the nation in windpower generation with more installed wind capacity than all but five countries in the world. It is also home to nearly four dozen turbine manufacturing facilities and numerous component suppliers. That’s right, we’re talking about the Lone Star state.

Where Texas was once known as one of the world’s top oil and gas producers, it is now home of some of the best wind in America — and the state has been capitalizing on it. Texas has more than 23 GW of wind capacity (surpassing that of coal in the state) and ERCOT or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas predicts wind could hit 28.5 GW by the end of this year.

So, it only makes sense that the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) biggest annual conference and exhibition will be heading to Houston for this year’s WINDPOWER 2019.

“Texas continues to pave the way by leading the nation in installed wind capacity by state,” says AWEA CEO, Tom Kiernan. “Texas is also a leader for windrelated manufacturing and jobs, making wind an important part of the state’s energy success story while providing a great example for all of America.”

This year’s conference theme focuses on community and partnerships.

Or, as AWEA calls it: Powering the future. Together. “WINDPOWER 2019 will highlight how wind and its growing list of partners and allies can, together, power 8

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the future with cost-competitive, clean energy,” shares Jana Adams, Senior Vice President for Member Value and Experience at AWEA. Although Texas is leading the way, the last year has proved historic for wind in the United States. Wind energy surpassed 95 GW of installed capacity in the country in 2018, with an installed 5,944 MW in the fourth quarter alone.

“This year’s conference programs focus on wind energy’s ability to thrive through innovation and collaboration while building alliances to propel the industry forward,” says Adams.

“Attendees will learn from industry leaders about key wind, turbine, and energy storage topics — including how Texas became a clean energy giant.” www.windpowerengineering.com

AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2019 conference will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies and organizations and three days of thought leadership presentations by top-tier speakers, market trend discussions, and premium networking opportunities.

There will be educational and informational sessions led by more than 100 expert speakers and panelists, including top company presidents and CEOs.

What to expect this year…

One way AWEA is fostering new wind partnerships and growth is by collaborating with other energy sources. WINDPOWER 2019 will include the WIND + ZONE, a space dedicated to companies active in solar energy, hydropower, energy storage, fuel cells, electric vehicles, and conventional sources of energy.

APRIL 2019

4/15/19 8:27 AM

CASTROL OPTIGEAR SYNTHETIC CT 320

THE LONGEST TRACK RECORD, LONGEST OIL LIFE AND LONGEST GUARANTEE. • Castrol has over 30 years of experience and knowledge in the wind industry.

• Our Optigear CT 320 gear oil is running on its 10th year without intervention.

• An industry leading guarantee gives you the confidence you’ve chosen the very best.

Discover why leading turbine manufacturers and energy companies opt for Castrol Optigear.

For more information go to castrol.com/windenergy or call 1-877-461-1600

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WIND WATCH W IN D POW ER 2 0 1 9

A few confer ence h ig h l ig h ts

Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA, speaking up for wind power during a presentation at last year’s event.

DATE Monday, May 20 (pre-conference)

Tuesday, May 21

Five education stations will be located on the exhibition floor for easy access to informative presentations, panels, and collaborative discussions.

“We recognize the value of working together with partners that help drive our agenda forward as we move toward the 2020s and believe attendees of WINDPOWER 2019 will benefit from one week of exploring all the latest energy technologies in one place,” says Adams.

This year, AWEA will also continue to support the development of students and the up-and-coming leaders the industry requires. WINDPOWER’s Emerging Leaders program provides opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and skill development. The program recognizes new talent and connects current industry leaders with future wind-power professionals.

“The future of wind energy’s success is truly in the hands of today and tomorrow’s energy leaders,” says Adams. “WINDPOWER’s Emerging Leaders program is designed to help grow and groom the next wave of industry talent.”

Wednesday, May 22

Thursday, May 23

EVENT

TIME

Wind 101: 1-5pm Introduction to Wind Energy Opening Reception

5-7pm

Welcome General Session

11am-12:15pm

U.S. Wind Market Forecast

1-2:15pm

Innovating Offshore Wind Technology

1-2:15pm

The Future with Larger Blades & Turbines

2:30-3:45pm

Financing of Renewable Projects

3:45pm-4:45pm

The Potential Wind + Storage Roadmap

10-11am

Development in the 2020’s: More Sites & Megawatts

11:15am-12:30pm

WRISE Networking & Awards Luncheon

12noon-1:30pm

A Green New Deal: What Will Congress Do

1:15-2:15pm

Wind Power & Cybersecurity

2:45pm-4:30pm

Poster Reception

4:30-6pm

Digitalization & Predictive Analytics

10-11am

Building the Wind Workforce

10:25-11:25am

WINDPOWER Town Hall

11:30am-12:30pm

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA AT: TINYURL.COM/WINDPOWER2019AGENDA

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WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

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www.windpowerengineering.com

APRIL 2019

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WIND WATCH In 2018, wind generation set multiple records in Texas. First, on December 14, ERCOT recorded the highest instantaneous output from wind, 19,168 MW. Just two months earlier Texas’ grid saw 54% of total electricity generation come from wind turbines. The Lone Star state serves as a great example of what’s capable from American wind farms.

Additionally, the conference sessions and stand-alone presentations will be organized into five education stations in the exhibit hall, which are open to attendees and exhibitors. Here’s what to expect at each: •

•

•

• •

Power Station: Featuring discussions on popular wind topics in the industry, including the live General Sessions.

Tech Innovations: Focused on commercially available technology innovations that are likely to have a significant impact in lowering wind LCOE in the next five years Thought Leader Theater: Listen to ideas and thought leadership from senior industry executives through interviews and panels.

Fast Track: Quick hits of timely information from stand-alone presenters on a variety of topics.

Collaboration Station: Learn from presenters and attendees through collaboration opportunities.

“As the industry, representing one of America’s most competitivelypriced energy sources, looks ahead to the 2020s, energy professionals from across all energy sectors and from all over the globe will meet in Houston to collaborate about how to power the future, working together!” adds Adams.

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

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Wind work around North America We’ve barely passed the quarter-mark of 2019, however, wind and renewables are off to a notable start. Total wind generating capacity (97.18 GW) is rapidly closing in on that of hydropower (100.33 GW). According to data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), wind “seems certain to overtake it sometime this year.” What’s more: the generating capacity of all renewables combined (254.57 GW) is about to surpass that of coal (264.49 GW) – again, quite possibly in 2019, finds the FERC. The nation’s renewable energy capacity has been adding, on average, a percentage point each year. Let’s continue that trend.

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5

Madison Gas and Electric’s (MGE) 66-MW Saratoga Wind Farm is now delivering carbonfree energy to the electric grid. About 200 miles west of Madison near Saratoga in Howard County, Iowa, the site’s 33 Vestas turbines reach nearly 500 ft high — which means they can access greater wind speeds and produce more energy per turbine.

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Icebreaker Wind one step closer to construction

3

Ohio’s 20.7-MW Icebreaker project was granted a required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The six-turbine, demonstration project is the first proposed freshwater wind farm in North America.

Icebreaker has already earned approvals from more than a dozen local, state, and federal agencies responsible for protecting the environment. Construction could begin in 2021.

2

Citi Bank to power Texas operations with wind Citi has entered into a multi-year term deal to power its Texas operations with wind.

The power and renewable energy credits (RECs) will come from the 163-MW Midway Wind Project in San Patricio County, Texas.

Citi is acquiring 64% of the RECs generated by the project. The energy will add to Citi’s existing supply, contributing to the bank’s goal of 100% renewable-powered operation by 2020.

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Missouri approves clean-energy transmission line The Missouri Public Service Commission unanimously approved the Grain Belt Express transmission project. Additional regulatory steps are required, but the 780-mile high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) power line would deliver some 4,000 MW of low-cost wind power from western Kansas to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and neighboring states.

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1

MGE powers up its largest wind farm in Iowa

United Wind to power dozens of Colorado farms

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EDF Renewables North America’s 100-MW Stoneray Wind Project in Southwestern Minnesota is now fully operational. With 39 Siemens Gamesa turbines, Stoneray is EDF’s 12th wind farm in the state. Power generated by the project will be delivered to Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, starting in 2020. Minnesota recently set a goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.

Distributed Wind developer, United Wind, has agreed to power dozens of Smithfield farms in Colorado. United Wind’s WindLease provides farmers and other rural businesses with a distributed wind system, sized to meet each customer’s onsite load. The 3-MW wind deal will provide Smithfield’s with more than 50 turbines, helping it meet its goal of reducing 25% of its emissions by 2025.

4

New Mexico’s goal: 100% carbon-free energy by 2045 New Mexico has signed The Energy Transition Act (SB489) into law, advancing the state’s goal of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030 and 80% by 2040. It has also set a longterm goal to be 100% carbon-free by 2045.

The law ensures local residents are the first to benefit from the anticipated clean energy jobs and economic opportunities.

www.windpowerengineering.com

Minnesota gets another wind farm

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New offshore wind training initiative launches in Massachusetts Massachusetts’ Bristol Community College has teamed up with JDR Cable Systems to train the future workforce of the offshore wind industry in America. Bristol will develop training courses for offshore termination and testing of array cables. Additionally, it plans to launch a National Offshore Wind Institute to host workforce development initiatives and accelerate offshore wind in the U.S.

APRIL 2019

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E-RAD BLU 2019-04-01 10:53AM AM 4/15/19 10:05

SITING

Here’s looking up at a met mast.

This meteorological tower was used to verify the wind data for the research presented in this article. The orange objects in the photo are marker balls for cropdusters and other equipment.

JA C K K L I N E | C O N S U LT I N G M E T E O R O L O G I S T | R A M A S S O C I AT E S

better project siting How to account for bias in long-term wind speed estimates

ONE YEAR of wind resource data collection is typically considered the minimum duration for calculating a reasonable estimate of long-term wind speed at a potential new wind energy site. However, one year of data is rarely sufficient to produce an accurate estimate of long-term wind speed. It is simply too short of a time period for reliable data and subject to uncertainty. What’s more: as data accumulates, long-term estimates continue to change with successive analyses and almost never stabilize or converge on a constant value.

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Examination of long-term wind speed estimates shows uncertainty and a strong likelihood that results are subjected to high or low-bias, regardless of the technique or methodology employed in its production. Fortunately, this bias can be corrected, producing long-term wind speed estimates that are more accurate and stable over time — and with reduced uncertainty.

The types of variability and bias were illustrated in a case study recently conducted at a meteorological mast site in the northern Great Plains. The project

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developer supplied hourly wind speed data, pre-screened with quality assurance, at the 60-m level of three met masts.

The duration of the data is 4.7 years (56 months) at the site (called, Site 1).

In this analysis, data from a nearby MERRA2 node was used as the longterm reference. MERRA2 is the second generation of MERRA — Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications — re-analysis data (learn more at tinyurl.com/MERRA2analysis).

Missing data at the met mast was estimated using the MERRA2 data by a

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matrix method and provided data sets with 100% data recovery. The wind speed data from the MERRA2 node and the met masts were reduced to daily averages. The correlation R2 between the reference and the met mast is 0.81.

For simplicity’s sake, the long-term wind speed at the reference site is held constant throughout the analysis.

Estimating wind data

In this study, the researchers tested two commonly used techniques for long-term wind speed estimation.

1.

Orthogonal regression, which is similar to a standard least-squares regression analysis, producing the equation for the “best-fit� line through two sets of data.

2. A simple wind-speed ratio method in which the “target� site’s wind speed is adjusted by the ratio of the reference

site’s long-term wind speed to its observed average wind speed.

The orthogonal regression was used in separate annual (12-month) periods, which shows the range of long-term estimates that were obtained using only one year of data at a time. Both methods were then used with durations of cumulative data from one year and up.

Successive estimates of long-term wind speed at Site 1 were calculated using one year (ANN REG) of data at a time in one-month time steps, which illustrates the high level of variability in long-term wind speed estimates produced from a single year of data. These estimates are compared to those obtained by using cumulative data sets, applying either orthogonal regression (CUM. REG) or wind speed ratios (CUM. RATIO).

Given N months of data at the met mast, a total of N-11 long-term wind speed estimates would be calculated by stepping

through the data in one-month increments, starting with one full year. Site 1 had 56 months of data, so there were 45 estimates of long-term wind speed. All three series are shown in the graph, Moving annual and cumulative long-term wind speed estimates.

The long-term wind speed estimates using annual data periods have quite a large range, from a low of 7.05 m/s to a high of 7.32 m/s — all based on the longterm mean wind speed at the MERRA2 node of 6.59 m/s. The estimates using cumulative data sets have a much lower dynamic range and track each other closely, producing long-term estimates from as low as 7.12 up to 7.20 m/s.

However, after including as much as three or four years of cumulative data, the longterm estimates have failed to converge.

What’s more, the estimates show a propensity of bias. This is revealed by plotting the individual long-term estimates

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(cumulative regression and ratio) with respect to their concurrent average wind speeds at the MERRA2 node in Long-term wind site estimates at Site 1 vs MERRA. This graph shows a distinct tendency to produce higher estimates of long-term wind speed at Site 1 when the average wind speed at the MERRA node is lower, and lower estimates when the wind speed at MERRA is higher. The slopes of the trend lines indicate that the ratio estimates have a stronger tendency to be biased than the orthogonal regression estimates.

This bias is fairly typical and depicts negative bias.

The opposite of this, positive bias, is also observed at some project sites but seems far less prevalent than negative bias.

So, why does negative bias occur and how does one correct for it?

Understanding bias

Negative bias happens because the wind speeds observed at Site 1 are less sensitive to the meteorological phenomena that produce wind than the speeds represented by the MERRA2 data.

A sensitivity analysis of the concurrent average wind speeds at Site 1 versus MERRA shows that on average, the sensitivity of Site 1 wind speed to MERRA = 0.78.

This means that on average, with a 1.00% change in wind speed at MERRA, there is only a 0.78% change in observed wind speed at Site 1. For example, during a time period when the long-term average at the MERRA node is, say, 2.0% above its average wind speed during the data period, the ratio method will apply a 2.0% upward adjustment to the concurrent average wind speed at Site 1.

However, given the observed sensitivity, the adjustment should only be 1.56%, which leads to an overadjustment and negative bias. The converse also applies, when the average wind speed at the MERRA node is above its long-term average. The orthogonal regression estimates have similar tendencies, although less extreme, which produces the lower magnitude of the slope of its trend line in the Site 1 vs MERRA graph.

In general: • When the met mast’s wind speed sensitivity with respect to the reference is < 1.00, there will tend to be negative bias in long-term wind speed estimates • When the sensitivity is > 1.00, there will tend to be positive bias De-biasing the estimates is quite simple. Simply apply the equations for the trend lines in the Site 1 vs MERRA graph to de-bias both estimates by inserting the long-term

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average wind speed at the MERRA2 node as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;xâ&#x20AC;? value, producing a long-term estimate of 7.16 m/s.

Reliable estimates

De-biasing the estimates will produce long-term wind speed estimates that are more stable as more data is added, and with lower uncertainty. To illustrate this, the researchers used the same long-term wind speed estimates based on orthogonal regression of cumulative data sets (as shown in the first graph, Moving annual and cumulative long-term wind speed estimates).

The initial estimate is produced using 12 months of data, the second uses 13 months of data, and so on. After 15 months of data were collected (the fourth iteration), the process of de-biasing began. The researchers calculated the linear fit of the

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long-term wind speed estimates to the concurrent average wind speeds at the MERRA node and inserted the long-term average speed at the MERRA node into the resulting equation.

The final graph, Cumulative long-term wind site estimates, shows both the time-series of long-term wind speed estimates by orthogonal regression of cumulative data and the de-biased estimates. The first de-biased estimate appears in iteration four. By iteration seven (18 months of data), the de-biased estimate of long-term wind speed is 7.16 m/s. As subsequent iterations are added the de-biased wind speed estimate varies only slightly thereafter, whereas the regression estimates show significantly higher variability.

The de-biased estimate represents the most likely wind speed at Site 1 when the MERRA speed is equal to its long-term average.

Final thoughts

Long-term wind speed estimation at a meteorological mast site is a key component of a reliable wind-resource assessment. Such estimates are typically biased because of unequal levels of sensitivity of the wind speeds at the met mast with respect to the long-term reference. Applying the debiasing technique described here produces long-term wind speed estimates that are more accurate, and with less variability and with lower uncertainty, using as little as two years of continuous data. WPE

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An echolocating bat in flight.

Image courtesy of Bruce Taubert

Globally, bat populations are in decline. According to Bat Conservation International, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has deemed 22 bat species as “critically endangered,” meaning they face an imminent risk of extinction.

Fifty-six other bat species are endangered and more than 100 are considered vulnerable.

New technology reduces bat take at wind farms

T

here are numerous reasons for recent downturns in bat populations, including habitat reduction and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has wreaked havoc on hibernating bat populations in North America. Bat fatalities are also occurring at operating wind farms.

Although the underlying causes of bat fatalities at wind turbines remain unknown, the wind energy sector has made bat conservation a top priority.

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The wind industry has been diligent in its search for solutions, with curtailment taking the lead as the most widely used tactic to reduce bat take at wind farms.

“More than anything, wind industry professionals are passionate about the environment,” said Tim Hayes, the Environmental Director at Duke Energy. “We go to work every day driven by a mission to reduce the impacts of global climate change and we certainly do not want to do that at the expense of biodiversity. While curtailment is an effective method for reducing bat take, it is important to find a balance between producing renewable wind energy and sustaining the environment.”

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A S A F E S PAC E FO R B ATS

NRG’s Bat Deterrent Systems emit an ultrasonic acoustic field in the same range as bats’ natural calling frequencies. When a bat enters the airspace where the deterrent units are operating, the ultrasound from the deterrent units (blue) will be louder than the echo return the bat is listening for (yellow). This effectively “jams” the bat’s ability to hear its own return. If the bat cannot hear the echoes, it is unable to successfully forage and orient itself, so it chooses airspace without the ultrasonic noise and away from the turbine’s rotor swept zone.

Deterring bats In 2015, NRG Systems, Inc., a Vermont-based company that designs and manufactures technologies for all stages of wind and solar development, began developing an ultrasonic Bat Deterrent System. The goal was to create a tool for minimizing bat take at turbines without affecting energy production.

NRG’s deterrent system is based on “jamming” the echolocation capabilities of bats, which they rely on for communicating, foraging, and orienting themselves. When switched on, the Bat Deterrent System emits an ultrasonic acoustic field in the same range as bats’ natural calling frequencies. This interferes with their ability to receive and interpret their own echolocation calls, which creates disorienting airspace that is difficult to navigate. By jamming their echolocation systems in such a way, bats are discouraged from entering the treated airspaces and roosting location, effectively pushing them out of dangerous territories such as the rotor-swept area of a wind turbine.

NRG’s Bat Deterrent System features multiple Bat Deterrent Units (BDU), which are the ultrasonic speakers mounted to the outside of the nacelle, as well as a Deterrent Unit Controller (DUC), which tells the speakers when to turn on and off and provides information to the SCADA system.

The BDUs only create ultrasound in front of the units, much like typical speakers, so multiple units are arrayed near a turbine to provide enough coverage of the rotor-swept area.

NRG developed two system configurations: 20

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1. With five BDUs on the nacelle of a wind turbine, this configuration is meant for bats with calling frequencies between 20 to 35 kHz. 2. An eight BDU configuration places speakers on the nacelle and the turbine tower. It is intended for bats with calling frequencies between 20 to 50 kHz. It is important to note that the ultrasonic acoustic field is not harmful to bats or other wildlife, dissipates quickly, and is inaudible to humans.

Deterrent testing The Bat Deterrent System has been trialed at several wind farms across the United States and Canada. In December 2018, NRG released the results of a two-year test at the Los Vientos Wind Energy Facility, a Duke Energy-owned wind farm in Starr County, Texas. The results showed that the system reduced overall bat fatalities at the wind farm by 54% during the second year of testing, proving that the technology is an effective tool for reducing mortality of certain species of bats caused by wind turbines.

The testing at Los Vientos was led by researchers from Texas State University, in partnership with Bat Conservation International, and involved installing Bat Deterrent Systems on 16 of the facility’s 255 Vestas V-110 wind turbines. Eight control and eight treatment turbines were randomly assigned on a nightly basis. The

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BDUs were switched on well before sunset, when bats emerge for the night, and turned off well after sunrise, after the bats have returned to their day roosts.

Searchers then combed plots with a 100-m radius to assess bat take. Sara Weaver, a doctoral candidate at Texas State University and biology lecturer at A&M, San Antonio, who led the Los Vientos study, said: “Our results from this robust, two-year study indicate that NRG’s acoustic deterrents significantly reduce Brazilian free-tailed bat and hoary bat fatalities. Based on these results, the technology is a promising tool for reducing bat fatalities at wind turbines.”

NRG Systems’ Bat Deterrent System is commercially available in North America. Testing this year will focus on European countries to ensure that the technology is effective on local bat species, but there is no biological reason to think that similar results cannot be achieved in this region.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide wind operators with a powerful new conservation tool to reduce bat mortality beyond what is economically feasible with curtailment alone,” said Brogan Morton, Senior Product Manager at NRG Systems. “We can’t wait to see what effect this has on wildlife conservation as well as wind energy production in the future.” WPE

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O&M expenses for windpower assets will cost the industry about $7.5 billion annually by 2021, according to a report from IHS Markit.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/ WindOperationsCosts

WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, the wind operations and maintenance (O&M) industry is expected to hit a critical turning point. For the first time, operating expenses (OPEX) will eclipse capital expenditures (CAPEX). According to a 2018 IHS Markit Wind O&M Benchmarking report, an aging North American wind-turbine fleet will soon cost more than new developments.

“The transition from CAPEX to OPEX is significant, and the wind industry will need to shift its focus away from infrastructure build and toward providing services and minimizing costs at existing projects,” Maxwell Cohen said in a press statement about the study. He is a co-author of the report and associate director with IHS Markit, a global provider of critical information and analysis.

In fact, the average age of installed wind capacity is predicted to rise from seven years in 2018 to 14 years in 2030, finds the report.

“And as projects age, they cost more, making the O&M business even more intriguing than it is today,” added Cohen.

Currently, more than 50,000 utility-scale wind turbines comprising nearly 100,000 MW of capacity are installed in 42 U.S. states and 12 Canadian provinces and territories.

One of the key findings from the IHS study: larger, newer wind projects have O&M costs averaging 25% less per megawatt-hour than ones using smaller turbines installed before 2010. More than 80% of the operations managers who attended an ONYX InSight wind-turbine symposium held in Europe last summer agreed. The

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majority of delegates surveyed at the event said that larger and more efficient turbine technologies are the key drivers for reducing the wind industry’s LCOE or levelized cost of energy.

Participants also cited a need for higherquality data to improve the reliability of their assets, which includes the consistent use of condition monitoring for early failure detection and advanced maintenance schedules. ONYX InSight, a joint venture between Romax Technology and Castrol, is a predictive analytics partner for wind asset owners and operators.

“A new generation of larger, more advanced turbines will mean more complex machinery, operating in harsher operating conditions around the world,” explained Evgenia Golysheva, Head of Consultancy at ONYX InSight, during her presentation at the 2018 symposium. “But it’s a mistake to think that all of these new technologies will be more reliable than their predecessors…or that operating costs will reduce naturally as the industry matures without an increased understanding and streamlining of operations and maintenance processes.”

While big data and advanced analytics have the opportunity to streamline O&M costs, it is of little value if wind operators are unable to properly access or effectively integrate it into their daily operations. It is also important that operators are aware of the advances in new O&M technology and services.

To this end, the staff at Windpower Engineering & Development have compiled a brief guide in the next few pages of the latest O&M products and trends in the industry.

Perhaps one of the most important suggestions for reliable O&M: have a plan. Unscheduled maintenance and unexpected downtime typically result in unplanned costs that may significantly hinder a project’s bottom line.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” WPE

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• GW Sensor – Installed in the filter housing for more precise measurement, it sends a signal if the element is experiencing a sudden influx of contaminant.

• MCS Sensor – A plug-and-play sensor, with multiple vibration measurement unit capabilities, allows for the monitoring of metallic contamination to determine if vibration is due to normal environmental variations or a potential gearbox issue.

• Filter Cart OF5HD-HV – Designed to be lifted through the nacelle hatch, this dual filtration unit can be used to remove both water and particulate contamination or for staged particulate contamination removal.

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the o&m guide

A new idea in wind-turbine

gear oil analysis MICHELLE FROESE | EDITOR

OVER 80% of mechanical failures in oil-lubricated machinery are attributable to particulate contamination. Wind turbines offer no exception. The components lubricants are expected to protect are typically exposed to dust and dirt, given the harsh and variable conditions in which turbines are sited.

Oil contamination is inevitable at some point, which is why early detection is the key to avoid potentially catastrophic machine failures.

An oil analysis assesses the quality of the oil and checks for contaminants.

However, conventional methods have proven deficient in many ways. For example, taking a sample for laboratory analysis is time-consuming and inconvenient from the remote location

of most wind farms. Laser counters used in particle counting are also less than ideal at recognizing air bubbles and eliminating them from the counts.

This presented a challenge: develop a mobile device that can efficiently take and effectively analyze an oil sample directly at a turbine site.

This is precisely what Gemini’s Wind Innovation Challenge asked of its latest round of participants. The Innovation Challenge is a Dutch communitydriven initiative and “proven concept of competition,” according to its developers, to solve the unique problems in the wind industry. (Learn more about the awards at offshorewindinnovators.nl) Now meet the winner of the oil-analysis challenge: the Particle Pal Pro, which took home top place in the “On the Spot Oil Analysis” This new digitalimaging counter, combined with water content and oil condition sensors, helps engineers quickly understand the current health and remaining life of their oils.

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The Particle Pal Pro is a portable oil-analysis kit that provides ISO Cleanliness readings of virtually any gear oil.

category. Particle Pal Pro is a new, tablet-based portable oil-analysis kit that provides wind techs almost immediate insight into the state of turbine gear oil.

“We believe the product we’ve developed for the wind market will help engineers make informed choices on the spot rather than waiting weeks for lab reports,” explains Richard Price, Managing Director of Filtertechnik, a manufacturer and supplier of oil-filtration systems and co-creator of Particle Pal Pro. “The technology allows on-the-spot oil analysis no matter the viscosity of the oil or the quantity of air present.”

Filtertechnik collaborated with engineering specialists, Mel Systems, to develop a product that offers live

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readings of particulate counts and shape analysis. The latter lets users identify where dirt originated from for better O&M work. The Particle Pal Pro also provides users with a broader count spectrum and root-cause analysis. It does so by recognizing the shape of particles and categorizing them into “fatigue,” “sliding,” or “cutting wear” particles.

“The Wind Innovators Challenge was a huge catalyst in understanding and overcoming the unique obstacles in taking on the spot-oil analysis readings in the wind market,” says Price. “We moved quickly to adopt radical new digital imaging technology that eliminates air bubbles from ISO counts and provides live particulate root-cause analysis.”

What’s more is the Particle Pal Pro assesses the oil’s water content and predicts its remaining life. In addition, the developers built a new pump that can handle highly viscous oils without issues.

“This competition, which took place over a six-month period, majorly advanced our R&D efforts in wind energy,” he adds. WPE

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A reliable way to minimize risks when using and maintaining lifting equipment in the windpower sector is to consult with a member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), a global representative body for the lifting industry. LEEA has many members throughout the world who are active in renewables, including project owners and developers, and those in the legal, financial, safety, maintenance, and repair fields. Visit leeaint.com to learn more.

DENIS HOGAN | PERFORMANCE & SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER | LEEA

Three O&M ideas

for cranes and lifting equipment

AS THE WIND INDUSTRY GROWS and developers contemplate taller turbines that reach stronger winds so, too, does the sector’s requirements for safe lifting equipment. Similar to fall-protection gear, tower lifts and cranes must adhere to strict safety standards and OEMs face unique challenges in wind typically unseen in other industries. Of course, working at height comes with inherent risks, but the harsh winds and conditions typical of these project sites add hazards.

This compounds the costs of maintenance in a sector where uptime is already a necessity to meet ROIs and maintain energy generation. However, worker safety should be the top priority at every wind site, regardless of missed timelines or lost production days. To minimize downtime, there are a few ways to circumvent unplanned maintenance or repairs.

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1 2

1. Shop smart. Lifting equipment and accessories that may be used in the windpower sector should be subject to purchasing controls to ensure it: • Fits its intended purpose • Conforms to the industry-recognized standards • Has been obtained from reliable sources • Will be maintained, serviced, and thoroughly examined on a predetermined periodic basis to ensure it is fit to remain in service 2. Pre-plan care. A regular, pre-planned maintenance program is critical for all lifting equipment and accessories, particularly because of the harsh environment in which it operates. Both offshore and onshore wind equipment can be subjected to highly corrosive climates.

Additionally, given that most wind sites are in remote locations, transportation to the wind site may place unexpected stresses on lifting equipment during transit. Therefore, it is extremely important to properly evaluate equipment onsite prior to use.

A regular maintenance program should include: • A thorough inspection of equipment according to the manufacturer’s stipulations and known industry standards • Tests and checks to ensure equipment is in ideal working order • Identification of faults or damage, with immediate plans for repairs

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3

3. Plan ahead. Consider developing a reliable and easy-to-use spareparts management system to avoid unnecessary delays and the costs associated with repairs. This means: • Ensuring spare parts are available before they’re needed • Obtaining extra parts or equipment from the lift or crane manufacturer (ideally) • If it’s impossible to access parts from the OEM, ensure the parts used fully meet the original manufacturer’s specification. When necessary, a full engineering assessment of the parts should be carried out to ensure this is the case.

TAKE IT TO THE

A couple of final points: Many modern lifting equipment structures make use of high-tensile steels. When repairs are carried out to a specific part of the structure, the procedure laid down by the manufacturer should be strictly adhered to. This is important to avoid changing the properties of the material.

In addition, depending on where the wind farm is located, it is important to follow the potential differences in the regulations of that country.

For example, there are two key pieces of legislation that apply to all lifting equipment and accessories that may be used in the wind sector in Europe. The Machinery Directive polices the market when equipment is in service. The Work Equipment Directive applies to service, maintenance, repairs, and inspections.

In the United States, standards are typically set out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The American Wind Energy Association is also an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited standards development organization for the consensus of wind standards in the country. WPE

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the o&m guide Improving wind-turbine O&M with artificial intelligence APPLYING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) to windturbine data is becoming more prevalent and there is a growing number of use cases for the technology. Many of these cases involve wind-turbine O&M practices and can result in increased efficiency, better spare-parts forecasting, reduced downtime, and lower unplanned maintenance costs.

“The best definition of artificial intelligence is that it is a set of methods or algorithms that use a large amount of data to learn rules or patterns, and that it continuously improves with additional data,” shares Rob Budny, Chief Reliability Officer at Ensemble Energy. He says most AI solutions are cloudbased, directing notifications to a dashboard or email, and many can work with a work-flow management system.

The sources from which AI can pull information may include: • SCADA data (mean, minimum, maximum, and standard deviations), • Maintenance data (component replacement dates, lubrication events, etc.), • Failure histories • Firmware updates • CMS data (if available) These data sources are then used to create models of normal turbine behavior, which serve to quickly identify abnormalities

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and notify the wind-farm operator.

“The models monitor a turbine 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and relieve human operators of the tedious task of sifting through extremely large data sets in search of relevant insights,” explains Budny.

He says one of the Ensemble Energy’s Energy.ML platform uses advanced machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent best examples of an AI use failures. Learn more at ensemble.energy case is automated detection of yaw misalignment. If left undetected, this problem will lead to lost energy production NEW & NOTEWORTHY and increased loads on the turbine. Other examples include detection or prediction of Meet EDDIE, a new AI for turbines problems with pitch-bearings, transformers, generator stator insulation, and poor bearing lubrication conditions.

“Our AI platform continually monitors wind-turbine operation in the background, so it needs no operator input,” he says.

“Look for a system that’s supported by wind industry domain experts, as the combination of data science and industry expertise leads to the EDDIE was developed by big data company, BladeEdge, to best outcomes.” enable automated condition assessments of blade inspection Forecasting is another images, data-analytic processing, and report generation. feature of certain AI systems, According to the company, EDDIE is the world’s first AI image adds Budny. “Many types of analysis engine designed specifically for the wind industry. forecasts are possible, including “EDDIE brings the future to today’s wind industry,” said Chris Shroyer, BladeEdge president, in a recent press power production, availability, release. “This revolutionary technology truly has the power to component over-temperature transform the industry by working up to 75% faster and more events, spare-parts needs, and accurately than traditional data-analysis methods.” other such use cases. Having such increased visibility provides Learn more at tinyurl.com/AI-EDDIE tremendous benefits to windturbine operators.” WPE

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the o&m guide Using thermal drones for detailed blade inspections ANNUAL WIND-TURBINE blade and tower inspections by drone may greatly increase the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of an inspection service.

What’s more is a drone equipped with high-resolution digital and infrared cameras can save time and costs, inspecting multiple turbines in the time a wind tech could climb one tower.

“Thermographic testing that used to require two to three wind technicians and several days can now be completed with one drone and one tech in just a few hours,” says Terry Malagoli, CEO, Infrared Testing, Inc. (ITI), which provides drone services for thermographic testing of wind farms.

Infrared or thermal testing refers to a non-destructive inspection process that uses specialized cameras that can detect infrared radiation. The process measures minute temperature differences that are typically invisible to the human eye, providing an extremely detailed image.

“Defects, such as cracks or other changes to the composition and emissivity of material alters the thermal signature of that material,” explains Malagoli. Emissivity is the ratio of the energy radiated from a material’s surface, meaning its ability to emit, absorb, and transmit radiation.

“So small changes to turbine blade composites can be detected by infrared that would otherwise go unnoticed by visual inspection alone. And detecting anomalies when they are small lowers cost and improves efficiency.”

To perform the inspection, a wind tech first connects the drone to RTK, a satellite navigation technology used to enhance the precision of position data derived from a GPS. “RTK enables the drone to fly more accurately and stay stationary when hovering and taking images, which results in accurate data and zero run-ins with the turbine,” he says.

In addition, the testing can be performed in a variety of climates, day or

Thermal and high-resolution drone imagery typically provides more detailed and accurate inspection of wind-turbine blades and towers.

Visit infraredtesting.com

night. The process also requires zero equipment shutoff, saving wind owners from lost production relating to asset downtime.

“Regular thermographic inspections are critical to the effective maintenance of wind turbines,” says Malagoli. “As a testing technique, it is accurate, repeatable, and economical.” WPE

Opting for more reliable wind-turbine bearings IT’S BEEN SAID a wind turbine is only as good as its components, and a turbine’s bearings are extremely important ones. Although bearings are used many places throughout a nacelle — such as on generators and in the yaw and pitch system — those on main shafts and gearboxes are typically most problematic. Not too long ago, wind operators and engineers began noticing a trend: roller bearings in turbine main shafts and gearboxes experienced premature damage, resulting in major rebuilds that cost up to $300,000.

Bearings in turbines must withstand extreme environmental conditions, vibrations, and loads. In addition, bearings are subject to combinations of dynamic loads that create high-

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contact stresses on rollers and raceways, which can lead to damage. These stresses are difficult to predict and challenge bearing manufacturers to develop new ideas for reducing premature wear.

“You never want the steel surfaces to touch in a bearing,” explains Ryan Evans, Director of R&D for bearings with The Timken Company. “That seems like a tough demand because when you look at a roller bearing, you see rollers moving around in a tight space. But that’s the reason for lubrication — so there’s always a film between the roller and the inner raceway ring.”

www.windpowerengineering.com

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the o&m guide Unfortunately, lubricant films are challenging to maintain consistently.

“So as engineers struggled to solve the steel-on-steel contact problems of a turbine’s bearings, an R&D team began developing a coating for roller bearings,” shares Evans.

Eventually, the team adopted a novel approach: making bearing rollers less “steel-like.”

“We put a super-thin, like fractions of a human hair, layer of the composite material on them,” says Evans. “It’s an engineered combination of ceramic and a polymer or, in other words, a plastic-like thin layer of material full of tiny ceramic particles.”

From this research, Timken’s ES302 coating was developed, which is a specially engineered nanostructure coating that aims to provide maximum durability where metal-on-metal contact occurs. To help wind-farm operators avoid unnecessary O&M costs, Timken can apply its ES302 coating to the rollers of main-shaft and

gearbox bearings, resulting in a highly wear-resistant bearing that’s ideal for low-speed, high-load applications.

Researchers first introduced ES302 in 2010 and conducted extensive analysis at the time that suggested an ES302-coated bearing (compared to an equivalent uncoated bearing) could experience up to six times greater life when operated in standard conditions, and up to three times greater life under debris-contaminated conditions in wind turbines.

Recently, these lab results were confirmed when an ES302-coated main-shaft spherical roller bearing was returned to the company (due to nonbearing-related issues) after seven years of service in a 1.5-MW wind turbine. Extensive laboratory analysis revealed the bearing would have continued to provide reliable, trouble-free operation into the 15 to 20year time frame had it not been taken out of service. WPE

Timken ES302 is a thin-film, diamond-like carbon coating used to protect bearings. The ES302 coating uses a physical vapor-deposition technique that produces a vapor of material (which is then deposited on the object as a thin film) for an optimal level of friction reduction.

Learn more at timken.com

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Digitalizing O&M fieldPRO is a cloudbased inspection and service tool that aims to maximize the health, safety, and efficiency of turbine and equipment inspections. Developed

by ONYX InSight, the web and mobile-friendly fieldPRO offers built-in engineering expertise, providing users with a fully digitalized O&M approach. This means wind operators can stay in control of asset operations and make datadriven decisions from the comfort of their desk. fieldPRO offers instant visibility of clean field data, built-in digital models, and integrates well with other field tools, such as borescopes or drones.

Check out onyxinsight.com/inspection-servicesoftware

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A ground-based habitat for blade repairs WIND AND HARSH CONDITIONS typical of wind sites can turn blade repairs into a serious safety hazard for wind techs. To mitigate such risks, one company suggests bringing blades down to the ground level for safer and faster turnaround time.

“Three blades on one turbine can be refurbished and returned to service on the turbine in 48 hours,” says Daniel Boon, General Manager of GEV Wind Power and a former wind technician. GEV is an independent service provider for blade maintenance service, which

offers a ground-based “Habitat” or enclosure with controlled environmental conditions. This method eliminates the standby periods that typically accompany poor weather and up-tower repairs.

“Bringing the blades down from the nacelle is much safer,” says Boon. “With a special cradle, it only takes about an hour to get the blades to the ground, and another 30 minutes to erect the habitat over the blade,” says Boon.

In addition to safety, there are several advantages of a team working repairs on the

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the o&m guide

Inside the ground-based Ventura Habitat, wind technicians can repair turbine blades without regard to wind or weather.

GEV Wind Power also offers an up-tower Habitat at gevwindpower.com

ground rather than uptower. “Weather is less of an influence, so the seasonal repair window is wider than with other repair methods. And working on the ground lets a tech focus more easily on the job and less on safety issues.”

GEV designed and built the patented Ventura Habitat, an inflatable enclosure for blade repairs by technicians, using blade-climbing platforms. Boon’s team realized that while the suspended Habitat worked well, it worked just as well on the ground.

He says that two teams of two technicians can work around the clock

in 12-hour shifts and complete the work of composite structural repairs, repairing the leading edge and applying protection as required. “Plus, those working on the ground need not have the rope-access training, so their hourly charge is lower.”

Additionally, in the Habitat, the ideal temperatures can be set for the blade materials, including the lowest needed for two-part materials.

“As demands on blades increase through harsher operating environments, the stresses and strains on wind-turbine blades get ever more severe. It’s important to ensure a safe working environment for techs and an ideal one for proper blade repairs,” adds Boon. WPE

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

A clever combination Schaeffler is combining two of its proven measuring systems to form a new condition and torque-monitoring system. Its SmartCheck device performs frequency-selective condition monitoring of bearings and gearboxes based on solid-borne vibrations. A temperature sensor is also integrated into the device, and conspicuous frequencies are automatically attributed to the damaged component. Its TorqueSense device then sends torque and speed signal data to the control system and turbine operator.

The combined SmartCheck and TorqueSense systems perform automated frequency-selective vibration analysis and temperature, as well as speed and torque values for condition and system monitoring. The new duo is particularly suitable for adjustment and rotary drives in the wind industry.

Find more information at schaeffler.com

Detecting ice on turbine blades

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THE ESTIMATED market potential for wind farms in cold climates is more than 200 GW, according to Clir Renewables, a renewable energy AI software company. However, coldweather climates present unique challenges to wind operators and O&M technicians.

For example, icing events on wind-turbine blades may lead to increased loads and reduced aerodynamics, increasing the risk of equipment damage and turbine downtime.

www.windpowerengineering.com

Reports show that turbine productivity losses because of icing events can range from a few percentage points to more than 40% throughout the winter season. What’s more: icing occurrences are typically excluded from warranties or service contracts and the effects are difficult for owners to quantify. SCADA data analysis is generally insufficient at

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the o&m guide Blade icing can have a major impact on wind turbines but has typically been challenging to assess. Clir Renewables’ software works to detect icing on turbine blades before it becomes a serious problem, reducing the associated production loses.

Learn more at clir.eco

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

pinpointing exact instances and effects of icing on wind turbines.

Project owners require a reliable way to accurately quantify production losses and make an investment case for icing mitigation systems. But there is an answer.

“Clir has recognized this gap in information and developed a software system that automatically detects icing and quantifies the related losses,” shares Rebecka Klintström, Data Scientist at Clir Renewables. “An algorithm uses a probability analysis to flag deviations from turbine-specific power curves that are based on site-specific climatic conditions and historical icing events in the region.”

According to Klintström, software users are automatically notified of anticipated icing events and related production losses so they can proactively make an informed decision about how to proceed. “The method is based on IEA Task 19’s standardized and widely approved method for iceloss calculations, which has been further refined within the Clir system,” she says. The International Energy Agency’s Task 19 is the IEA’s most recent recommended practices report for wind-power projects.

Clir’s system also provides users with recommendations for wind-turbine optimization when a project is experiencing icing, based on the algorithms. Additionally, it evaluates the installed ice detection or mitigation system to ensure effectiveness.

“With all of this information, wind owners have the ability to take action and improve their project’s output,” says Klintström. “In fact, one owner saw an increase of almost 5% AEP after a manufacturer control update was implemented, following an assessment by Clir. While not all sites will see such an increase, it shows that icing is an issue that requires adequate investigation.” WPE

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A cleaner turbine O&M discussions typically relate to component and turbine health, however, cleanliness is also an important part of an effective maintenance plan. A wind turbine that’s free of dirt and debris is critical for worker and equipment safety, and accurate visual inspections. Gladiators Industrial Cleaning offers a patented device that cleans wind-turbine towers in a safe, quick, and efficient manner. Gladiators uses citrusbased cleaners and microbes to eliminate hydrocarbons, along with extensive wastewater removal measures. It is one of the most cost-effective cleaning products available for the interior and exterior of turbine towers, nacelle, hubs, and blades.

Check out gladiatorscleaning.com

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Corrosion resistance Corrosion is a serious concern in the wind industry where turbine components endure harsh conditions such as heat, humidity, and air pollution. Rust and weathering will eventually weaken steel parts and can potentially affect their function, forcing wind operators to increase repairs — which decreases productivity.

Nord-Lock Group has raised the corrosionresistance on all of its steel wedge-locking washers and promises at least 1,000 hours in salt-spray tests, ensuring optimum performance over time. Nord-Lock corrosion-resistant steel washers are ideal to pair with galvanized bolts, offering a big advantage to offshore wind turbines.

Read more at nord-lock.com

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A digital twin refers to a digital replica of a process, system, or physical asset. For turbine manufacturers and wind-farm operators, a twin can simulate component wear and predict overall turbine health for better O&M strategies and ROI expectations.

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Virtual replicas of components and systems, which combine real-world turbine operating data with numerical modeling, is proving significant to the wind industry’s condition monitoring and O&M sectors.

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TO R

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lthough relatively new to the wind industry, digital twins are generating significant buzz. The technology, which involves creating a digital copy — or “twin” — of physical assets, processes, systems, and devices, allows real-time remote monitoring that can save the wind industry significant downtime and maintenance costs while increasing production.

“Within three to five years, hundreds of millions of things will be represented by digital twins,” notes research and advisory guru Gartner, which named digital twins as one of its Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2017. “Organizations will use digital twins to proactively repair and plan for equipment service, plan manufacturing processes, operate factories, predict equipment failure or increase operational efficiency, and perform enhanced product development.”

For the wind industry, a digital twin’s value lies in using the data to understand the health condition of a wind turbine or a full fleet. The data provides valuable insight into when turbine maintenance is anticipated so operators can plan O&M well in advance.

“The digital twin will give you the remaining useful life of your components and, based on that, you can optimize your maintenance schedule to determine when to repair or replace

www.windpowerengineering.com

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RELIABLE SOLUTIONS FOR WIND TURBINE MANUFACTURERS AND OPERATORS.

WHEN HIGH RELIABILITY POWER AND DATA TRANSMISSION IS REQUIRED, MOOG HAS THE SOLUTIONS. Moog has developed direct replacement pitch control slip rings for today’s wind turbines.

The slip ring provides reliable transmission of power and data signals from the nacelle to the control system for the rotary blades. The ring/brush contacts produces minimal wear debris for over 100 million revolutions with field demonstrated performance.

Pitch Control Slip Ring Advantages:

Moog’s proven fiber brush technology has become synonymous with high performance slip rings around the world. With over 50 years of experience and more than 10,000 slip ring designs, our engineers work together with your design team to find a solution that is right for you.

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“People think that digital twin has to be an overly complex model and that’s untrue,” says Jeff Hojlo of IDC, a global provider of market intelligence.

IDC’s Maturity Model explains the stages of digital twin complexity, depending on need. Digital visualization and development of products or projects (which Hojlo says should be part of a digital twin strategy) have been happening in engineering workgroups for years.

components,” explains Xioaqin Ma, Head of Technology at ONYX Insight, which is building a digital twin of an existing offshore wind farm.

The goal, adds Brian Case, VP, Product at GE Renewable, is to convert unplanned maintenance into planned activities, thereby minimizing turbine downtime and reducing tower climbs.

“We think about it in the core outcomes — increased revenue, reduced risk, and reduced cost. Having a digital wind farm with advanced analytics allows us to attack all of those,” he says.

GE Renewable claims the first digital wind farm, built in 2015, in North America. Using the company’s Predix software platform, the digital twin lets wind-farm operators collect, visualize, and analyze unit and site-level data.

GE now has three test sites worldwide, where digital capabilities and advanced analytics are tested. In addition, GE’s more than 15,000 wind turbines operating under long-term agreements are optimized digitally in some capacity.

In addition to improving O&M and reliability, the digital model increases annual energy production. GE’s installations have experienced increased megawatt-hour output in the 5 to 7% range, says Case.

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Twin benefits A digital twin also enables low-risk “what if” scenarios to predict possible outcomes. “For example, what would happen if I increase the power rate of my turbine from 100 to 110% when the electricity price is at peak price?” asks Ma. “It’s a balance between over-running my turbine at the higher power rate to generate more electricity at a higher electricity rate.”

She adds: “This is an economic equation that digital twin will allow customers to calculate how they are going to make the most optimized decision to optimize the fleet.”

While late to adopt the technology, the wind industry has begun reaping the benefits of digital wind farms in the last few years. In fact, ONYX Insight’s second-generation digital wind farm, in development with SSE Renewable’s Greater Gabbard 504-MW offshore wind farm near England’s Southeast coast, could save up to 30% of opportunity expense (OPEX) costs, based on case studies, says Ma. “In UK offshore, OPEX cost is split between planned and unplanned maintenance,” Ma explains. “The unplanned maintenance accounts for

www.windpowerengineering.com

65% of the whole OPEX cost; we believe we can save 30 of that 65%.”

ONYX was recently awarded the Innovate UK research grant for the Greater Gabbard project, expected to last about two years. Likewise, GE currently is commissioning an offshore installation in Europe.

Wind, meet cloud Technologies such as cloud infrastructure and data analytics make it possible to communicate and collaborate globally across time zones, explains Jeff Hojlo, Program Director, Product Innovation Strategies at International Data Corporation (IDC), a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events.

Importantly, they also add a visual layer on top of the information being communicated.

“You have non-engineers or nontechnical people — marketing, product management, sales, even customers — involved the early stage of asset development,” Hojlo says. “You may not want to communicate the entire model to those people. Digital twin allows sending briefcases of information selectively.”

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LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP OR DIRECTLY FROM ARCHIVES AT WINDPOWERENGINEERING.COM AND SOLARPOWERWORLDONLINE.COM

wind talk Podcasts interview the industry’s biggest newsmakers and allow them to tell their stories.

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Solar Power World’s flagship podcast series, gives you the opportunity to hear from the industry’s biggest newsmakers in their own words.

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Cloud computing makes data storage and access less costly and more accessible. “Without the cloud, how do we collect and save the data?” asks Ma. “Cloud computing makes the data computation cheap to use.”

It is also making condition-monitoring systems (CMS) easier to access and decipher. “CMS provide a lot of data. However, digital transformation allows users to quickly visualize what’s going on and pinpoint or predict the problem,” says Hojlo.

“There is often a disconnect between the design stage and O&M stage aftermarket,” says Ma, and twins are closing this gap. For example, rather than making assumptions during the design stage of a turbine (such as how loads will typically behave over 20 years), a digital twin lets operators use real-life data to predict the actual remaining life of the turbine — before it’s ever in use.

“This is where we can combine sensory data together with the design knowledge and the real engineering experience in one digital model for people to access,” says Ma. What’s next “The starting points for using digital twins of product and assets will differ by company size,

Manufacturers and plant owners are using digital twins to optimize product and asset quality, and improve the consumer experience, according to IDC or the International Data Corporation.

industry, and need, but the value derived by all manufacturers will be similar: clarity of communication, rapid collaboration, holistic visibility, and accurate and efficient response to demand,” says IDC’s Hojlo. He adds that the main goals are for predictive and proactive services, as well as closer collaboration with customers.

It’s important to note that a digital twin is only an enabler, points out Case. People and process transformation will be the true drivers.

“Using digital applications to predict faults and plan maintenance activities can help drive down LCOE or levelized cost of electricity,” he explains. “But if we don’t change the processes of how we’re working — and how do we incorporate that advance knowledge — then it’s harder to realize the true benefits.”

Still, the potential is limitless. “We’re really in the early days of digital transformation,” he says. “We’re just scratching the surface.” WPE

GE Energy — one of the first turbine manufacturers to digitize wind farms — says its Digital Wind Farm is a connected and adaptable wind-energy system that leverages big data and analytics, and pairs it with a reliable turbine that has a digital infrastructure.

Essentially, digitalization lets wind-farm operators optimize maintenance strategies, improve turbine reliability and availability, and increase annual energy production.

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www.windpowerengineering.com

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COMPONENTS

W I N D P O W E R E N G I N E E R I N G .COM

a new way to repair

wind-turbine braking systems MICHELLE FROESE | EDITOR

THE NUMBER of emergency stops during a 20-year service life of a wind turbine is typically between 500 and 1,000 stops.

This means a durable and reliable braking system in a wind turbine is essential to its safe operation. Effective wind-turbine brakes must perform two critical functions: maintain the stability of the nacelle when it turns and as it orients toward the wind.

Wind-turbine brakes are critical for managing risk and protecting assets in the case of high wind speeds. The integrity and safety of a wind turbine rely heavily on this system and if it is damaged, repairs and component replacements can be challenging and costly. Wind towers are dozens of meters above the ground, making wind-tech safety another important consideration.

One idea is a portable tool that can be mounted directly to a wind tower, allowing for easier onsite reparations of the yaw disc.

Brakes uncovered The braking system consists of a set of hydraulic clamps and calipers set up around the braking or yaw disc. The job of the caliper is to slow the disc by creating friction. When the brake is activated, a piston placed inside the caliper essentially squeezes the brake pads against the braking disc. This applied pressure generates frictional force in the opposite direction of the rotation, causing the nacelle or rotors to stop.

However, the disc brake must meet specific parameters for an ideal function.

For example, the surface finish and track flatness are important features, and small imperfections may lead to wear or poor performance. The distance from the track to the brake may also affect performance if misaligned. In fact, even slight deviations from these parameters overstress the components and create a lack of traction in the brakes that put a wind turbine at risk of damage or failure.

Hold the brakes Should the brake calipers become damaged in a wind turbine, replacement is fairly simple because they are relatively small and lightweight components (minus the time and cost of the up-tower work). However, the brake discs tell a different story. These discs are big, heavy, and typically more than two meters in diameter.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more: the discs are commonly positioned between the tower flange and nacelle frame, making them extremely difficult to disassemble and move during repairs or replacements.

To complicate matters, wind farms are typically sited in remote locations that are difficult to access.

Wind towers are dozens of meters above ground with limited space in the nacelle for movement. This turns a relatively simple disc repair into a complex and costly process.

Wind turbines are equipped with numerous safety devices to ensure safe operation. One essential safety component is the braking system. Yaw brakes are used to stop and hold the rotating nacelle in position once the rotors have been turned to face into the wind.

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COMPONENTS iZanda Portable Machine Tools recently released a case study about the effectiveness of a new up-tower brake disc repair tool that the company has engineered for wind turbines. The aim is to avoid costly crane use, disassembly or dismounting of a turbine nacelle, and the expense of a brand-new yaw disc. These images show the damage of a braking disc track before repair (right) and after use of iZanda’s new, patent-pending tool (left).

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iZANDA

For example, when a yaw disc is damaged, the conventional repair procedure is to fully exchange the damaged braking track for a new one. Ideal and safe working conditions warrant a more spacious work area than the nacelle provides.

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Tensioning equipment is customized for any bolt configuration or clearance Our customized equipment can be modified or repaired in the field, reducing downtime

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Certified pump guages are recalibrated with each foundation Professional reports routinely provided for each foundation tensioned Free bolt cap installation with tensioning service

A portable repair One company, in collaboration with a host of turbine manufacturers and wind-farm owners, has been working to fix the challenges of up-tower brake disc replacements. iZanda Portable Machine Tools, an engineering and machinery company, says it has analyzed the problems that occur during disc repairs over several years. It has since taken the knowledge gained and developed specialized portable machinery to address up-tower challenges.

“This portable tool can be hoisted and mounted up to the wind tower without the use of a crane to perform onsite reparations of the yaw disc,” explains Marta Díaz International Manager with iZanda. “It is specifically designed to work in the small and cramped space of the nacelle, and can be mounted by screws in the frame or reinforced with welding if necessary.”

According to Díaz, the tool means a full disc repair can occur in about three or four days, rather than a week or longer. “We’ve also recently modified the machine to increase its efficiency by improving the cutting tools and reducing the weight of its components for easier assembly.”

She adds: “It’s an advancement in the industry that allows a quick, cost-effective repair — which more often than not avoids the replacement of a damaged component for a new one.” WPE

NTCWIND.COM JWBRUCE@NTCWIND.COM

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4/8/19 10:01 AM

4/16/19 8:13 AM

Distributed Wind at North America Smart Energy Week September 23-26, 2019 Salt Palace, Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT, USA

The expansion of SPI into North America Smart Energy Week opens the doors for all renewable resources, including distributed wind, to display how distributed energy resources work to create a clean, modern, and efficient grid. In 2019, North America Smart Energy Week is partnering with DWEA to further promote the distributed wind industry within the larger market.

This is your audience. Dedicated distributed wind space on the show floor includes: » A direct connection to the Smart Energy Marketplace + Microgrid, which is home to other DG technologies, EV infrastructure, and geothermal » A distributed banner above the exhibit space » Bergey Windpower’s 15kW system as an exhibit anchor highlighting the technology and drawing attention to the area » The DWEA booth as a central anchor and meeting space » Ability to connect with international buyers through the International Buyer Program, representing over 70 countries » Promotion of the event, and including the distributed wind area, through North America Smart Energy Week and DWEA marketing » Opportunities for thought leadership in the Smart Energy Marketplace + Microgrid theater

Get involved now!

» 700 international exhibitors » 19,000 attendees from 115+ countries » Energy Storage International, featuring 250 exhibitors » Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace, which includes microgrid technology, EV infrastructure, distributed wind and geothermal

» Over 24 hours of B2B networking across three days » Extensive media coverage » Global marketing activities

» Special rate for start-ups » DWEA members receive the member rate (a $1,000 in savings!)

Contact Jennifer Jenkins at jjenkins@sets.solar for more information.

Thank you to our distributed wind partner:

Co-located with SPI & ESI & North America Smart Energy Week

» Industry renowned keynote speakers » Over 300 educational opportunities North America Smart Energy Week

POWERED BY

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Meet women in wind who are making a difference in the wind industry “Some women are born leaders,” Geraldine Ferraro once said, the first female vice-presidential candidate who represented a major American political party. On the next few pages, you will find stories about women who are clearly born leaders — serving as an inspiration to all entrepreneurs and clean energy advocates. The wind industry should be proud of these dedicated professionals who are pushing the boundaries of equality and sustainability with the aim of a better world for all.

Introducing TerraPro CEO A trailblazer for clean energy and women in renewables

It’s tough to imagine Kimberlee Centera as anything other than a strategic business owner and strong industry leader. In fact, she’s been called a “trailblazer in a male-dominated industry,” and for good reason. She asks for what she wants, faces challenges, and works diligently toward success.

As the president and CEO of TerraPro Solutions, which provides energy risk management and project financing expertise, Centera has more than 20 years of experience and currently leads an impressive team of consultants with a remarkable portfolio of work (see for yourself at terraprosolutions.com/our-work).

“To be successful in renewables, one must be forward-thinking and willing to take risks,” she shares. “These things are not inherent in the conventional energy industry.” Centera has taken a similar progressive approach with her career.

“I started out in the legal department of a small, privately held wind energy company in San Diego and, at the time, had no idea what renewables were, really,” she says. This was shortly after earning a

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Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, California (she’s also a licensed real estate broker in the state).

“But when the corporate attorney left the company, I took a chance and asked management to let me assume his role. I proceeded to negotiate a series of land contracts in Palm Springs and my career was born!”

Centera credits a few male mentors who supported her efforts, shared insights, and encouraged her to push forward in her career. “Let’s be honest: the utility sector has a history of being conservative, risk-averse, and male-dominated,” she says. “When I started working in renewables, I was frequently the only woman in the room. As I moved into an executive role, I was absolutely one of the lone females in the room.”

However, this did little to deter Centera.

Eventually, she established her own company, Centera Land, which later rebranded as TerraPro Solutions. “Owning my own business was never my plan, yet I felt compelled to give it a try. I did so in spite of another great job offer at the time, which would have offered me much greater safety and

www.windpowerengineering.com

Kimberlee Centera is the president and CEO of TerraPro Solutions, an energy risk management firm. She encourages others to consider a career in renewable energy.

“There’s never been a better time with a strong demand for competent professionals — such as consultants, engineers, manufacturers, wind technicians, and others,” she says. “Ask questions.

Learn. Seek opportunities to intern, acquire industry knowledge, and develop relationships. The industry is built on strong relationships.”

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[Kimberlee Centera — continued]

security,” she says. “But I wanted to build something with a personal stake that was worthwhile to me.”

It’s safe to say that she has succeeded. Under her leadership, TerraPro Solutions has generated more than 5,500 MWs in renewables, with a total financed value of over $3.5 billion — making it one of the top risk management practices in the renewables sector.

Centera is known as an expert in identifying, managing, and mitigating project risk, however, she remains modest about her accomplishments. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to check my ego at the door. Defensiveness is counterproductive,” she says. “Every time someone was willing to take the time to educate and inform me, I was able to achieve a higher level of competency.”

When asked about advice for new entrepreneurs, Centera says patience and humility are keys. “Be willing to pay your dues and persevere. Ask for honest feedback.

Be coachable and remain open to input and willing to take direction from others.”

At the same time, she says it’s important to take some chances and ask for what you want. “I had only worked in the wind industry for six months when I asked my supervisor if I could take the reins on land

negotiations. Each time my career advanced, it was because I saw an opportunity and seized it. She says this is a particularly important lesson for women in the workplace. “Women need to get comfortable with asking for opportunities to grow and fully demonstrate their capabilities.”

Although Centera began her career with little knowledge of renewables, today she has full respect for the value of such projects.

“When I look across the U.S., I can point to a series of wind projects that have changed people’s lives by means of contributing to the local economies or providing a source of income for legacy farms and families.”

She adds: “I’d like to feel like I have contributed in some small way to preserving that part of our country and each one of those people and projects has a special place in my heart.”

Centera is also eager to watch and participate in the future growth of wind power in the country, particularly given the commitments made by more than 100 cities to commit to renewables.

“As a mother and grandmother, I believe that by developing renewable energy projects, I can contribute to the betterment of our environment,” she says. “I am also personally passionate about the advancement of women and view the energy sector and renewables as an amazing opportunity for women to advance in their careers, while knowing that they are contributing to the sustainability of our world.” WPE

REGISTER TODAY! MARINE RENEWABLE TECHNICAL SESSIONS Hear from global experts, authors, and peers regarding the ever-changing landscape of offshore energy.

Technical Sessions

GOING THE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF OTC

DISTANCE OF F S H O R E T E C H N O L O GY C O N F E R E N C E 2019 6–9 May 2019 ///// Houston, Texas, USA go.otcnet.org/windpower

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///// NRG Park

• • • • • • •

Geotechnics for Offshore Renewables Methods of Wind Load Estimation Technical Advances for Cost Reduction of Offshore Wind Energy Advances in Offshore Floating Wind Turbine Technology New Developments in Gas Hydrate Production Advances in Gas Hydrate Production Technology Advances in Offshore Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Tools and Technologies • Offshore Renewables: Site Investigation Challenges for Environmental and Engineering Assessment

Panel Sessions

• Offshore Wind Energy in the US: Dawn of an Industry

Topical Breakfasts and Luncheons

• Advancing the Energy Transition: Meeting Energy Demand While Reducing Emissions • Fostering a Sustainable Energy Future: A Closer Look at Natural Gas and Renewables: It’s About Coincidence Not Competition • Gas Hydrate R&D Past, Present, and Future • Floating Offshore Wind: Technology, Policy, and Finance

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meet An advocate for sustainability and diversity in the workforce

Climate change and sustainability interested Lauren Glickman since her college years. In fact, she graduated from Louisiana’s Tulane University with a dual degree in English and Environmental Policy — and left the state right before Hurricane Katrina hit.

“I was fortunate to graduate just before Hurricane Katrina but I witnessed the destruction from Miami, where I was running a grassroots campaign effort to oppose drilling off Florida’s coast,” she shares. Glickman also directed a grassroots campaign in support of Cape Wind (remember the proposed wind project off the shores of Cape Cod that hit permitting setbacks?). “I was already a climate change activist at heart but Hurricane Katrina certainly solidified my career path.”

Glickman now has more than a decade of experience in renewable energy and climate change advocacy, with a strong focus on social media and online campaigns. Case in point: she worked at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), where she was responsible for re-design, re-launch, and management of AWEA’s social media program and the Power of Wind online advocacy portal.

In the first six months after re-launch, it got 400 times as much traffic than it had previously. Glickman’s efforts earned her a spot among the top 10 social media-savvy trade associations.

Since 2013, Glickman has also been an adjunct professor at The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, teaching undergraduate, graduate, and executive education courses and seminars on social media theory and practice.

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“There is a lot of work to be done when it comes to communications and renewable energy,” she says. And that’s one reason Glickman decided to venture out on her own as a communications consultant in the industry.

She wanted to do more. “As a consultant, I’ve been able to support a range of marketing and communications objectives for organizations and companies such as Women of Renewable Industries & Sustainable Energy or WRISE, the Wind Energy Foundation — now the Wind Solar Alliance — Rope Partner, ACORE, AWEA, Renew Northeast, and others.”

“The WRISE network particularly inspires me and was my first client as a consultant,” says Glickman. She supports the network’s online engagement with its membership base and all of WRISE’s communication and marketing initiatives.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to get to work alongside so many talented and driven women across the industry every single day.”

She points out that while women make up about 47% of the general workforce, in smaller industries such as wind and solar, they only account for 22 to 34% of the jobs. “Some days the challenges we face feel insurmountable, and the internet isn’t always the friendliest and most supportive space, especially for women,” she says.

“However, the network is a constant reminder that the future is bright and we aren’t facing these challenges alone.”

Glickman, herself, is also a reminder of how important it is to push past stereotypes

www.windpowerengineering.com

RenewComm’s managing partner, Lauren Glickman, is dedicated to supporting the communications and social media needs of organizations and companies across the renewable markets. She is a strong advocate for clean energy and diversity in the workforce.

“The success of the renewable energy industry is critical in addressing climate change, and we need to have as many voices at the table as possible to tackle the challenges ahead,” she shares. “This means prioritizing diversity both in terms of race and gender because these are important components for building a successful company.”

and glass ceilings. Last year, she joined in re-launching the strategic communications and public relations firm, RenewComm. It offers senior-level consulting to companies and non-profits in the renewable energy and cleantech sectors. Now she is the majority owner and one of the managing partners.

“I’ve been able to maximize companies’ marketing budgets and deliver measurable results on something that I'm extremely passionate about. That makes me proud,” she says.

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Meet women in wind who are making a difference in the wind industry

[Lauren Glickman — continued]

A couple of other accomplishments Glickman is proud of: delivering nearly a million comments to Congress in support of an ultimately successful extension of the production tax credit, including facilitating a fly-in for veterans working in the wind industry to advocate for the PTC extension (that was six years ago; the PTC expires at the end of this year); and launching and co-producing the podcast, Experts Only, which is hosted by CleanCapital.

“Experts Only explores the intersection of energy, innovation, and finance and has been an opportunity for me to learn a new

medium, while getting to interact with people who are at the forefront of the industry, shaping the renewable energy economy,” explains Glickman.

So what has the wind industry taught her so far? “Wind power has taught me to be hopeful for the future…where I could feel hopeless, wind energy and other renewable sources have taught me that climate change can be — and should be — the greatest wealth creation opportunity in human history. I am fortunate to be able to play a role in telling that story.” WPE

research engineer

Researching controls & optimization strategies for wind There’s an old proverb that states, “He who does not research has nothing to teach.” To her credit, Jennifer King has plenty of insight to share on wind energy and she has years of research to back it up.

She’s currently a research engineer at the National Wind Technology Center, which provides research facilities and resources for wind energy, water power, and electric grid integration. What’s more: researching wind is one of King’s favorite interests.

“I first fell in love with renewable energy research, and particularly wind energy, in grad school,” she shares. “At the time, my advisor introduced me to the world of wind farm control where the main objective was to try and control the wind — a fairly tall order. As I progressed through the program, I became addicted to the research and complexities surrounding wind farm controls, fluid dynamics, and grid integration.”

King went to the University of Minnesota, where she also had the

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opportunity to collaborate with researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a federal laboratory dedicated to renewable energy R&D. Wind farm control is an important area of research that aims to reduce the loads on a turbine’s components and, ideally, optimize and increase wind production at a site.

Today, she is part of a team that’s working to advance control strategies to improve the performance of wind farms.

“We develop control-oriented models, as well as controls and optimization strategies that more efficiently and effectively operate wind farms in real-time,” explains King.

Essentially, her research team is developing algorithms that maximize wind generation for an entire project. Typically, turbines operate individually to maximize their own power without taking into account interactions with the neighboring machines.

King and her team are developing

For the last few years, Jennifer King has worked as a research engineer at the National Wind Technology Center. Her prediction for the future of the wind industry: “Wind will become a force to be reckoned with.”

She adds: “I mainly work on the operational side of things, where we develop controls and optimization algorithms to try to increase power as much as possible. As wind begins to play a larger role, there will be a paradigm shift in how we control and optimize wind farms.”

WINDPOWER ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

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[Jennifer King — continued]

control strategies where turbines work together, rather than individually, to maximize the power of an entire wind farm.

“I also work on ways to better integrate wind into the autonomous energy system of the future,” she says. So, what exactly is this energy system of the future? Think integration and connectivity. For example, imagine an electric vehicle that’s currently plugged in to an EV outlet at your office building, which happens to source much of its power from wind.

“In the future, the electric grid, renewables, buildings, and vehicles will seamlessly work together in a distributed fashion, which takes advantage of the millions of controllable devices that are now coming online,” says King. “My most recent work looks at the advantages of pairing wind energy with other resources, such as solar, to design more reliable power plants.”

If there’s one thing that King has learned over half-a-dozen or so years of researching renewables, it’s this: “Anything is possible,” she says. “When I started research in this field, wind was a costly resource that survived on government subsidies.

Now, in only a few short years, wind is a competitive resource that’s installed and dispatched because it is a cost-competitive energy resource.”

There are other lessons we can learn from King, too. “As wind develops, there will be a paradigm shift in how we control wind farms. Control strategies will increasingly target turbine and grid reliability.” Energy storage will also play a key role, says King, particularly as battery prices decline.

“Currently, we have a centralized system where the grid sends out signals to generators indicating when and where power is needed. But in the future, the grid will shift to a more decentralized or distributed approach.” This is where storage will come into help with the variability of wind and solar. Kings says smart devices, such as smart meters and sensors, will also advance grid communication (between energy sources and operators) and efficiencies. “A distributed grid is more reliable and will improve the energy system as a whole.”

King’s advice to new and future researchers: “Let your voice be heard.” She says it’s tempting to do research behind closed doors but, at a certain point, it is also important to share knowledge and lessons learned.

“Research should not be done in a vacuum,” she says. “Our quest for a sustainable future with renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, is really only possible if we make it a ‘big deal’ that’s worth both the study and the investment.” WPE

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www.windpowerengineering.com

APRIL 2019

4/16/19 8:28 AM

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APRIL 2019

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2018 was a historic year as wind power surpassed 90,000 MW installed and the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference grew 10% making it the largest show in 5 years. The wind industry’s powerful growth is poised to continue in 2019, with more than 37,700 MW of wind capacity under construction or in advanced development.

WINDPOWER is where the industry comes together to plan for the future and keep this success story growing. This May, the biggest wind energy conference in the Western Hemisphere will head to the energy capital of world, where leaders from the wind industry and across energy sectors will gather to take the next steps forward to powering the future, together!

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