download pdf - Wind Systems Magazine

EDlETTER
As many of the nation’s wind turbines reach the end of their manufacturer
warranty periods, wind farm owners are finally faced with some tough decisions
when it comes to making costly repairs or continuing maintenance
on their turbines.
I suppose it’s the same kind of sticker shock you get when you buy an
expensive automobile and the transmission, timing belt and valves all fail
a week after the manufacturer warranty expires – except with wind turbines
it’s much more expensive than a car and not as simple to repair as
towing the thing to the dealership for service.
This issue of Wind Systems magazine focuses on Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) and how major Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEMs) and other companies are carving a niche into this new frontier of
wind turbine service and repair.
As we’ve talked with manufacturers over the past few months, it’s clear
that the U.S. wind energy industry is sailing into unchartered territory as
far as the failures they may expect or the costs associated with those repairs
or replacement parts.
While wind generated energy isn’t new, the technological advancements
and the rapid pace of the renewable energy market does present
challenges and unknown variables when it comes to the turbines.
Gearboxes are failing faster than anticipated. Blades are wearing faster
or receiving more damage from extreme climate changes or outside
forces.
When a turbine goes down, it not only affects the owner, but it affects
the utility contract and the end users who rely on the power generated
and supplied to the grid.
As you’ll see in our feature articles this month, suppliers, component
manufacturers, turbine makers, designers and service providers are all
looking for ways to provide service to their current and potential customers
by developing plans and options.
Some companies are handling maintenance and ongoing operations
service in-house, while others are outsourcing some or all of their needs
with dedicated construction and service providers or reworking deals
with turbine or component manufacturers as the need arises.
Most owners say they have already developed service plans for the major
O&M functions of their businesses, but some were not expecting early
failures or problems and have had to quickly assess the situation and find
solutions.
I’m curious to see how large the O&M market will grow. Some estimates
regarding the need for additional trained service technicians indicate
that the U.S. Wind energy industry will have 80,000 more workers in
the next few years.
Let’s hope that’s true because that will truly be an indication that our
economy is improving and the wind industry is growing.
6 AUGUST | 2012
Sherri Mabry, managing editor
Wind Systems magazine
sherri@windsystemsmag.com
(800) 366-2185 ext. 205
David C. Cooper
Publisher
Chad Morrison
Associate Publisher
EDiTORiAl
Sherri Mabry
Managing Editor
SAlES
Glenn Raglin
National Sales Manager
Mike Barker
Regional Sales Manager
Tom McNulty
Regional Sales Manager
CiRCUlATiON
Teresa Cooper
Manager
Kassie Hughey
Coordinator
Jamie Willett
Assistant
ART
Jeremy Allen
Creative Director
Michele Hall
Graphic Designer
CONTRibUTiNg WRiTERS
Merritt Brown
Ester Cierco
Jonathan Glessner
Rob Mackinaw
Yahya Modarres-Sadeghi
Vertical Terry White Logo
Published by Media solutions, inc.
P. O. BOx 1987 • Pelham, al 35124
(800) 366-2185 • (205) 380-1580 fax
David C. Cooper
President
Chad Morrison
Vice President
Teresa Cooper
Operations
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval
system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views
expressed by those not on the staff of Wind Systems magazine,
or who are not specifically employed by Media Solutions, Inc., are
purely their own. All "News" material has either been submitted
by the subject company or pulled directly from their corporate
web site, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments
and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to
sherri@windsystemsmag.com.
C