Research on the effect of high water content in wind-turbine gearbox oil suggests that it could be problematic for rolling contacts (friction) and have a detrimental effect on bearing life, according to Jon Leather, wind energy technical manager for Castrol Industrial. The impact of water content in synthetic gearbox oil depends on whether the water…
A Communication Gap in the Internet of Things
In an effort to become one of the most responsible food companies on the planet, General Mills has embarked upon a massive global mission to make more nutritious products, reduce the company’s environmental footprint, and increase the safety and sustainability of key ingredients. There are many moving parts in the overall plan, but one project…
Software helps optimize battery lifespan
Editor’s note: Those designing power-storage facilities may find value in this software from NREL. While upfront costs of lithium-ion batteries must be significantly cut for electric vehicles (EVs) to reach a wider audience, lifespan optimization and synergistic business approaches offer additional ways to make EVs more affordable. NREL’s new Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) suite
Southco Concordville greens its facility, more plants to follow suit
Engineered access hardware manufacturer Southco is making strides in becoming more environmentally friendly throughout its facilities worldwide. The company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Concordville, Pa., is leading the company’s global initiative in the United States by implementing environmentally friendly and energy efficient programs. The Concordville plant has taken steps to become a more energy…
Chicago Pneumatic boosts its bolting range with Titan products
Titan Technologies’ bolting equipment has been added by acquisition to Chicago Pneumatic Tools product portfolio of high quality power tools. The integration means that Chicago Pneumatic Tools now has a more complete offering, and is able to respond to all customers’ requirements for industrial bolting tools. Titan’s products include powerful hydraulic torque wrenches, pumps and
3M’s Versaflo cleans breathing air for those working in dirty environs
3M engineers say the TR-600 respirator is intended for those who work in environments with dirty air. The active air filter is the result of comprehensive research to gain an in-depth understanding the needs of those who work in less than clean air. Designed to endure heavy use and long wear, the respirator can help
Solar Impulse unveils route of its first round-the-world solar flight
ABB is proud to accompany Solar Impulse and its crew on the plane’s flight around the world powered only by energy from the sun. Solar Impulse, based in Switzerland, announced today it will begin its historic flight between late February and early March in Abu Dhabi. In 2014, ABB and Solar Impulse formed an innovation…
How much should I torque this bolt? HYTORC app tells
The Official HYTORC App gives users instant access to torque charts, safety and operational videos, product manuals, service center locations, and our comprehensive bolt load calculator. The calculator recommends the best torque values and bolt loads for a job as well the recommended bolting pattern based on the bolting system you are using and the
Moxa’s UC-8100 Series for data acquisition and control, optional 4G LTE
This new platform is ideal for remote data acquisition and control systems. It includes the following features: Small form factor w/ USB, Ethernet & Serial Variable CPU speeds (300 MHz, 600MHz and 1GHz) 4G LTE enabled WiFi expandable Debian ARM7 open system Onboard TPM hardware data encryption UC-8100 embedded computers are carrier-certified for 4G LTE
Proton OnSite launches 1 and 2 MW hydrogen generators
Editor’s note: The hydrogen generator described here provides another way to store surplus wind-generated power. Proton OnSite, developer of the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer technology, recently announced the commercial launch of the 1 and 2 Megawatt (MW) M Series PEM Hydrogen Generation systems. At the 2 MW level, the new M Series provides
Building a better battery: Stony Brook, Brookhaven teams detail pioneering x-ray techniques
Editor’s note: This news should be of interest to the wind industry and others searching for the better storage battery. Scientists at Stony Brook University and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory are using pioneering x-ray techniques to map internal atomic transformations of the highly conductive silver matrix formation within lithium-based batteries that
Haysite launches new website
Haysite Reinforced Plastics, a formulator and processor of thermoset composite materials, has launched its new website at www.haysite.com. At the forefront in technological advances in composites since 1954, Haysite continues its investment in technology with its completely rebranded, responsive web presence. The new user-friendly website provides colorful branding, improved product information and access to Haysite
Possibly the world’s most technologically advanced tension machine, says Hytorc
The HYTORC NUT is a three-piece fastener that will directly replace any type of helical nut. The HYTORC nut’s interlocking surfaces provide pure axial bolt tensioning without the need for an external reaction point. Furthermore, the HYTORC NUT provides accurate bolt loading because all frictional forces are integral to the controlled Clamp’s surfaces. A closer look at
SKF takes next step to “smartify” the industry
SKF is continuing its investments in “smartifying” its maintenance service offering, production and sales processes. As part of the investments, field maintenance engineers, production workers, and SKF sales force members in selected regions will be trained and equipped with smart devices with tailored-made software developed by SKF’s own connectivity team. Integrating SKF’s condition-monitoring technologies into
HYTORC provides the next generation in reaction washers
Replacing a standard washer with a HYTORC Washer makes a job safer, faster and more accurate while increasing the lifespan of your tools. This upgrade can be used on nearly every bolting application without changing your existing bolts and nuts. The design provides advantages in safety, speed, and accuracy. For instance: Increase job safety –
UMaine completes 56m wind blade test for Gamesa
The University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center has completed static testing of a 56 m (184 ft) wind-turbine blade for Gamesa. The blade was manufactured in North America and delivered to the University of Maine in late August. The Gamesa blade was the largest tested to date in the UMaine Offshore Wind Laboratory. The
Aren’t you curious? What top 11 products in Windpower Engineering & Development did readers look for most often in 2014?
As we round the annual circle to end 2014, it has become a tradition to look back on the products that garnered the most attention. And so for your entertainment, we present the top 11 products of 2014, ranked by the number of page views as Google analytics counts them. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Top analog threads this week from EDAboard.com
Gain and phase margin for transimpedance amplifier – I am designing a transimpedance amplifier with variable resistive feedback gain. I have a problem with simulating gain and phase…
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GTI Predictive Tech intros software that turns iPad into a vibration monitor
GTI Predictive Technology, developer of the iPad Vibration Analyzer, is proud to unveil VibeRMS LT – a complete, affordable condition documentation solution for iPad. Developed for the iPad, VibeRMS LT is a single channel vibration documentation tool. Users can view live vibration data (velocity, acceleration, displacement) and create reports at the site on the iPad.
Brewery saves water with dry running conveyor
Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), an independent craft brewing company, sought to reduce the amount of water used during production and prevent damage to the equipment and facility by converting its Redhook Brewery bottling line to a dry running System Plast New Generation (NG) conveyor chain and Nolu-S wear track from Emerson Power Transmission Solutions. By…
Flywheel storage systems increase efficiency
TII Energy, a German-based manufacturer in the heavy-load transporter sector, has expanded its product range to meet future green energy requirements. TII has developed flywheel energy storage systems that are used in mechanical energy storage for stationary and mobile use. The short-term storage devices facilitate fast storage and access times with low operating costs. They…
Hytorc debuts lithium series battery gun line
Dedicated to improving safety, speed and accuracy in industrial bolting, HYTORC has always pushed the limits with innovative tool designs, solutions and improvements for the industry. The company continues this tradition of industrial bolting revolutions with its newest innovation, the Lithium Series Battery Gun, which was unveiled today at the POWER-GEN International trade show in
Three effective visual management solutions using KPIs to improve profitability
This article is the introduction of a white paper by Red Lion Controls. Strategic philosophies or practices such as Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, and Continuous Improvement are used by many organizations to help improve processes, drive productivity and maintain a competitive edge in today’s ever-increasing global economy. Despite varying concepts, each
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC Introduces New Precision Hall-Effect Angle Sensor ICs
Designed for Digital Safety Critical Automotive Applications Allegro MicroSystems, LLC introduces a new family of contactless Hall magnetic sensors with the debut of its A1332 and A1334 high…
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Power store idea combines lead-acid and supercap into the UltraBattery
Editor’s note: This article is the introduction to a technical white paper that describes the power storage device modestly named the Ultrabattery. The UltraBattery, a hybrid energy-storage device, combines a supercapacitor (alternatively called an ultracapacitor) and a lead-acid battery in single-unit cells, incorporating the best of both technologies, a design that passively balances their chemical