North American Clean Energy - May/Jun Edition by North American Clean Energy

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 3

Windpower

2008 Show in Print

Protecting wind turbines increases profits PV system answer to power challenges in Mexico City E-Coal is here

Progress on the sea development of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great un-tapped energy source is finding its feet

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VOLUME 2

ISSUE 3

contents

Windpower

2008 Show in Print

May/June 2008 Volume 2, Issue 3 EDITOR

R. Keith Barker kbarker@nacleanenergy.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Hydrogen from wind — A potentially cost effective power source

Protecting wind turbines increases profits PV system answer to power challenges in Mexico City

Catching the wind: Testing for turbine placement

E-Coal is here

Morena Zanotto mzanotto@nacleanenergy.com ART DIRECTOR Progress on the sea

Rommel Ramirez production@nacleanenergy.com

development of the earth’s great un-tapped energy source is finding its feet

Planning considerations and techniques for companies expanding into cross-border wind markets

Can wind turbines get any bigger?

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucy Casacia Adventis Capital Inc. lcasacia@adventiscapital.com Ed Feo Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP efeo@milbank.com SALES MANAGER

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kristy Vail circulation@nacleanenergy.com ACCOUNTING

Alison Bell abell@nacleanenergy.com WEBMASTER

Ariel Savion-Lemieux ariel@nacleanenergy.com PUBLISHER

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com

255 NEWPORT DRIVE, SUITE 336

Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 Phone: (604) 461-6223 North American Clean Energy is published bi-monthly by Action Media Ltd. Subscriptions: $48 per year. Editorial, Advertising, Production and Circulation are at 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 (604) 461-6223. North American Clean Energy accepts no responsibility or liability for reported claims made by manufacturers and/or distributors for products or services; the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of North American Clean Energy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation department, 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 email: circulation@nacleanenergy.com. Return undeliverable U.S. addresses to 515 University Ave., Henry, IL 61537. Subscription updates can be made at circulation@nacleanenergy.com.

departments Editor’s Note

Wind Energy

WINDPOWER 2008 Show In Print

Solar Energy

Waste to Energy

Biofuels

NAWTEC 2008 Show In Print

Geothermal Energy

Investing In Clean Energy

Ocean Renewables

Protecting wind turbines increases profits

Relocating the wind: New strategies for moving wind generation from high-wind areas to high-load areas

How aerospace technology is improving the electrical transmission grid

PV system answer to power challenges in Mexico City

E-Coal is here – ECO Torrefied and ECO-Densified biomass is a coalalternative, version upgrade to biomass in BTU content and sustainability

Events Calendar 48

Cows, carbon credits and climate change

Advertisers’ Website Directory

Algae farming in the Midwest? All signs point to “yes”

Emission control improvements enhance the appeal and viability of biomass power plants

Prospects for offshore wind: Lessons from Europe

Progress on the sea – Development of the earth’s great un-tapped energy source is finding its feet

nacleanenergy.com Information will remain strictly conﬁdential.

North American Clean Energy

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About the Author: Lucy Casacia is Managing Partner at Adventis Capital Inc. She is an experienced CEO and strategic planning specialist and has extensive experience working in executive management consulting and consulting engineering for industrial, engineering and power related (renewable energy) companies. Photo courtesy of: CNW Group

Hydrogen from wind a new frontier for power independence is blowing in he ocean salt spray and winds along the shoreline of Utsira, a small coastal town in western Norway may seem typical of any coastal location. Utsira however is situated on a small island 18 km off the coast in the North Sea, in an area that creates a particularly exceptional renewable energy bonanza. This remote island location of 240 residents, the smallest municipality in the country, is exceptional enough in fact to have been the recipient of the Platts Global Energy Award for the best site in renewable energy – an award that has become the most recognized in the energy industry. Amidst the rural landscape are two towering wind turbines, provided through a partnership between Norsk Hydro, Norwegian Authorities and Enercon, the stand alone system manufacturer on the project.

When hydrogen is produced from wind, the greenhouse impact is zero… The conditions at Utsira can vary from raging winds to none at all. These extremes combined with a moderate climate (temperatures range from 0oC to 30oF) make the site particularly suitable for development of an innovative power plant solution. When the wind blows, power is generated and consumed by the 10 households on the grid. Surplus energy at Utsira is converted into hydrogen, using an electrolyzer, and stored. When there is no wind, the hydrogen is used to run a motor and fuel cell to convert the stored hydrogen into electricity. The hydrogen plant is sized for two days of no wind, which for any coastal town is rare. Being one of the ﬁrst of its kind in the world, this plant has put Utsira, Norway on the map as a fully ‘green power’ community. Over to North Dakota where the city of Bismarck is the host of a wind to hydrogen project in which the hydrogen is created through an electrolyzer from Belgium. When the wind is abundant, hydrogen is generated, and is then compressed and stored. Later, it is blended with diesel for fuel. This is the same fuel blending process which assists with the ‘greening’ of diesel 4

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currently used in the majority of commercial and industrial vehicles. Typically, hydrogen is produced through a natural gas reformation process to separate or strip the hydrogen molecules apart. This process creates greenhouse gases however, so scientists are currently seeking ways to produce hydrogen in a costeffective and reliable manner without the use of fossil-based fuels. When hydrogen is produced from wind, the greenhouse impact is zero. Electrolyzer technology splits water (hydrogen and oxygen) into each element without CO2 production. Since wind is a non-depleting resource, hydrogen from wind offers a very impressive potential alternative to fossil fuels. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, a recent collaboration with Xcel Energy has launched a potentially signiﬁcant demonstration project. Their objective is to generate hydrogen in a way that can be cost-competitive with gasoline. There is still development work necessary. At the current state-of-the-art level, it is estimated that hydrogen in an equivalent amount to one gallon of gasoline is in the range of $8. It will take many years of trials and tribulations to achieve a cost of production in the range of $2 to $3 per gallon. We are likely 10 years from this target, but the demonstration project in Golden could show huge upside potential. There are many other projects currently underway in the U.S. and Canada looking towards hydrogen as an emissionfree energy or transportation-enhancing solution. Innovation and vision are required for such projects, especially where wind can be harnessed economically to produce it. And a paradigm shift is necessary to enable consumers to view hydrogen as a viable contribution towards carbon-free living. Once this happens, hydrogen power from wind will provide a particularly outstanding option for remote communities and others seeking power independence and cost control over escalating energy prices. Adventis Capital Inc. | www.adventiscapital.com

Also from this article: Enercon | www.enercon.de Xcel Energy | www.xcelenergy.com

nacleanenergy.com

5/7/08 4:06:38 PM

editor’s note There are two sides to every story. It’s one of the earliest, really valuable proverbs many of us learn. And so it is with the development of alternative energy. There can be no growth without some growing pains. And with progress, there is always roadblocks to get around and a learning curve to take into account. On the one hand, the advancement of new sources of energy as replacements for fossil fuels is an undoubtedly positive, exciting development. It is essential to this century’s progress and it

is our best answer to the current global situation we’ve found ourselves in. On the other hand, there is always a controversial side to consider with the advent of any major new technology – involving issues either practical or philosophical. The production of energy, depending on the method, uses a varying amount of fresh water, for example (see our news item on page 48 for a brief comparison of water use between sectors). It also creates waste issues in most cases, and requires materials

which may or may not be sustainable in their own right. Biofuel crops are often food crops, waste to energy is not always entirely “clean” and proponents for the protection of wildlife and natural landscapes have issues with the wind and ocean energy industries, and so on and so forth. But this is all part of a larger picture which is extremely positive overall. Alternative energy is relatively young. It’s industries are learning, and improving. There are issues certainly, and particular sectors have immense hurdles to over-

come. But it is all about moving forward, beyond the negative impacts of using fossil fuels to power human activity. If an alternative energy technology isn’t perfect, it is still worth the discussion. Especially at these early stages. To that end, we try to keep our coverage as neutral as possible, and we welcome letters and comments concerning material we choose to run, as well as opinions from all sides. Email: kbarker@nacleanenergy.com.

Sincerely, R. Keith Barker

GE Energy

Rural college gets world’s tallest classroom Representatives from the General Electric Corporation and Mesalands Community College have signed a contract for a 1.5 Megawatt wind turbine to be installed during the fall semester at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The installation will be for the North American Wind Research and Training Center (NAWRTC), and at nearly 400 feet tall, will make it the tallest classroom in the world. Obtaining the turbine from GE (similar to the turbine shown above) is the first phase of putting in place the equipment needed to establish NAWRTC at Mesalands Community College. The purchase is possible because of funds received from the State of New Mexico totalling $2,101,697. The College firmly believes that an on-campus, commercial sized turbine is necessary to give prospective energy industry technicians insight into realworld work environments, as well as provide a state-of-the-art facility for training qualified individuals in the developing wind energy industry.

Our customers have high standards. So do we. That’s why we’re teaming with other GE businesses to help bring added value to you. From Global Research to Consumer & Industrial, from Transportation to Commercial Finance – with locations in more than 100 countries and 300,000 team members worldwide, we’re working together to raise the bar when it comes to advanced, cost effective and reliable wind technology and services. Our goal is to help you succeed. Our capabilities cover the full range of wind energy supply, support services and project development assistance. What you can imagine, we can make happen. www.ge-energy.com/wind

Mesalands Community College www.mesalands.edu/wind North American Clean Energy

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wind energy

Catching the wind:

Testing for turbine placement

omputer systems at the National Weather Service rely on data from radar, satellite, images, computer models, weather balloons, and even measurements from commercial jets in ﬂight. Despite the plethora of sources, today’s forecasts "can dazzle us with dead-on precision one day and be completely off the mark the next.” At least, that’s what Anastasia Kusterbeck of the ever-enduring Old Farmer’s Almanac has to say. Thankfully, when it comes to wind patterns, prediction is somewhat closer to an exact science, says Robert Powell of Class One Technical Services (CTS). This New Mexico-based environmental sciences ﬁrm is helping the state determine the optimum conditions for harnessing power from wind – and

using some rather unique technology approaches to get the job done cost-effectively. Among Powell’s repertoire of devices is a Research and Technology (ART) Model VT 1 SODAR (Sonic Detection And Ranging). This small, self-contained “mobile laboratory” incorporates 48 speakers for capturing sound wave transmission, as well as sophisticated electronics and modeling software for proﬁling wind speeds and directions. “We don’t necessarily have line power or hard-line communication such as a telephone lines in remote locations,” he explains. “But in New Mexico we can go virtually anywhere, because we have seemingly unending sun to supply the power, and under the right conditions

we also have wireless communications. That means we can keep the SODAR operating within specified parameters and providing real-time data.” The mobility also means the team can work in more challenging terrains that would make standard testing with fixed towers too complex, costly and time consuming. The New Mexico project involves two phases. Phase one of the project was focused on certifying a wind resource site based on over a year’s worth of data that includes wind patterns from the proposed site and computer-generated wind field maps. Phase two – which is currently under way – entails determining specifics on ideal locations and exposures for production of wind-based power.

At this point the team is using the SODAR with a tower at a designated site with the goal of collecting 500 hours of data to see how well data between the SODAR and the tower correlates. This base site’s “wind regime” will then be used to identify two additional locations with the same profiles and conditions. A key part of the overall research and testing processes is capturing accurate data and measurements. One critical component of the SODAR readings for example is phase angles. By way of explanation, the SODAR emits three pulses in quick succession – one vertical, one east and one north. After each signal is transmitted, the SODAR “listens” for the return signal. Powell then uses modeling software to aggregate the three return signals and derive the direction and velocity of the wind. “The software integrates all of those return frequencies, amplitudes, directions, and delay timings resulting from the triggering of the three signals. For this to work, it’s critical that we know the angles are phased properly.” An integral part of ensuring the integrity of that process is the Fluke ScopeMeter® (portable oscilloscope) test tool, a handheld device that uses real-time sampling rates to verify all the components of the outgoing signals. “In doing that we can be sure that the return signals are correct,” says Powell. “We use the ScopeMeter to calibrate each signal, as well as to measure voltages and validate that the signals are at the proper amplitude. We also look at frequencies to see that the generated frequency expected for a certain set of parameters is the frequency that is actually going out.” He adds that the ScopeMeter setups make the job easier and more repeatable. “It’s nice because we have to program all of these phase angles, trigger delays, frequencies and amplitudes into flash memory, and ScopeMeter has an intuitive program interface that simplifies matters. At the job site, we pull up the appropriate program, attach the test leads, and we’re ready to go.” Powell is the first to admit that as an environmental consultant, he’s not used to working with electrical test equipment to verify proper calibration of wind-monitoring hardware. “I’m not highly conversant with scopes, but what I do know is that the calibration we perform with the ScopeMeter has really backed up the validity of the data we record. The physical set up of our equipment is paramount to success. It’s the very lifeblood of what we do and the reason we can take our data to the state and say ‘You can rely on these findings’.” Fluke | www.flukecanada.ca/scope

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nacleanenergy.com

5/7/08 4:06:42 PM

Robin saves Batman

Is the flight behaviour of bats impaired by wind turbines? In answer to this question, Volkswind, together with the TNO Institute of Eindhoven, is testing the effectiveness of ‘Robin’ at their wind farm in Egeln. Robin is a software-supported radar identifier, which was originally implemented in Dutch airspace to give an early indication and subsequent clearance of birds. During the field study, Volkswind will not only investigate the flight behaviour of birds, but of bats as well. Therefore Robin should be able to recognize radar emissions of animals in the wind farm as well as the range and direction of any flock of birds, while also being able to exclude the noise of cars and rain. The effects of the 100-metre high turbines on the varying annual and daily flight behaviour of the animals and how this is registered by Robin, is what Volkswind and TNO will be closely observing. A particular focus of the study is placed on the behaviour of the bats and how their flight direction is affected by the turbines. Bats have a specific orientation system, the “echolocation.” Ultrasound waves are emitted – these are returned by the objects – and are again received and arranged by the bats. The effects of wind farms on birds have already been investigated in various studies, as well as the aforementioned bats. Between five to 10 million birds die each year through traffic and high voltage pylons, however it is apparent that in Germany, wind farms only account for 0.08 percent of that figure, and in a country with a power output of 20 GW. Even though year-long studies on wind energy and animal protection have established that an animal’s behaviour is barely disturbed by wind turbines, Volkswind is actively researching the funding of an information point in order to reassure people’s concerns. As Robin succeeds in detecting unknown flying objects and their routes throughout the wind farm, the research continues even further. The results of the study could show a need to amend the previous measures if necessary; for example the emission of opposing signals in order to change the flight route. Both the organization and the project partner TNO are satisfied with the results; the first radar pictures and videos of the past few months are already being studied. Robin is expected to still be a guest for some time in Magdeburg’s town of Egeln and could even become a long-term resident after the completion of the field study. Volkswind GmbH / Booth 759 www.volkswind.de

New vertical axis wind system Pfister Energy, Inc. recently announced a distribution agreement with Cleanfield Energy Corp., of Ontario, Canada, which grants Pfister rights to develop and install wind projects utilizing the Cleanfield 3.5 kW Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) to national accounts throughout the U.S.

The Cleanﬁeld VAWT is a smallscale, rooftop mounted system, which converts kinetic wind energy into mechanical rotational energy. A low-speed direct-connected permanent magnet synchronous generator then converts this rotational mechanical energy into usable electric energy. A custom in-

verter, which converts the DC power to AC, is extremely innovative, and can be conﬁgured to accept additional energy sources, such as solar photovoltaics, creating a hybrid renewable energy system. Pﬁster Energy, Inc. www.pfisterenergy.com

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wind energy

Planning considerations and techniques for companies expanding into cross-border wind markets By James K. Alford

ind energy experienced a record year of international growth in 2007. As a result, it is clear that the development of wind power is now a global opportunity, and for many companies, establishing operations in new international markets may be a sound and profitable part of their strategic growth, particularly markets in which sponsors can achieve greater cost efficiencies and profitability. In order to expand into cross-border markets sensibly and effectively, new or existing wind energy companies can be well-served by designing and implementing a set of project development principles that help them manage their financial and operating risks. This article provides an introduction to some of those principles and the key techniques that can be employed to achieve this, and it focuses on companies undertaking projects in new markets, in particular, emerging markets such as China and India. The planning considerations and techniques set forth below are for illustrative purposes only, and none are offered or should be taken as legal advice for your specific project without further legal consultation and analysis.

Risk sharing through consortia

The initial planning of project sponsors should centre on developing a team of companies that will allow them to control all aspects of development, implementation and operation of the venture, to effectively achieve vertical and horizontal integration of all project functions and participants. Such a team can be brought together by sponsors through a combination of co-ownership, through a new special

purpose entity, contractual joint ventures, teaming arrangements and service contracts, in accordance with team members’ relationship to the sponsors and role in the project. While it will be necessary to retain local professionals in the new market country, it is important for the sponsors to have their own team work with local counterparts to ensure an understanding of all aspects of the project, and to ensure timely, accurate, vetted and cost effective project plans, designs and work performance.

Local partner

Organizational structuring

Due diligence

Each project has its own technical, financial and operating variables. For this reason, it is advisable to develop a separate corporate structure for each project that will protect the sponsors and their other operations from the obligations and liabilities that arise from the new project, and to facilitate obtaining equity and project financing for the specific venture. U.S. sponsors should start by forming a new U.S. company that will be the U.S. parent holding company for the project. This may be a wholly-owned first tier subsidiary of an existing company, or a new special purpose entity co-owned by multiple companies comprising the sponsoring group. That company should then form directly, or through a second tier offshore company offering management or tax advantages, a wholly-owned company in the market country to serve as the project company, or to enter into a joint venture or other co-ownership entity with local partners to form the project company. Whether wholly or jointly owned, a local project company will be required to obtain permits and approvals, and to build-out the project.

In addition to industry, market and environmental studies, sponsors should analyze in detail the legal and regulatory framework for working in the new market, as follows: • Foreign Investment Laws, including the ability of foreign investors to own wholly or in part local corporations, the need for national or local government approvals for the investment and project and currency exchange controls. • Bilateral or Multilateral Treaties and Accords, including double tax treaties; regional accords eliminating or reducing tariffs on imports or exports of goods or services and bilateral agreements affording foreign investors equal treatment to local companies under local laws. • Local Tax Regime, including corporate income taxes; sales, excise and value added taxes; stamp taxes on the transfer of property; capital gains on the sale or transfer of real property and withholding taxes on distributions ranging from interest payments to dividends, both locally and abroad. • Local Corporation Codes, including the forms of companies through which operations may be carried out and the options in each for ownership and management control. • Special Incentives, including the availability of tax exemptions and holidays; waivers of duties or other tariffs on imports or exports and other incentives designed to facilitate the growth of an industry sector. Renewable energy is increasingly targeted for growth in national markets, and sponsors will often ﬁnd that their projects qualify for incentives that will enhance their economic performance.

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Project phasing

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Unless the project sponsors have existing operations in the project country, it is important that sponsors associate with local partners with appropriate industry experience before commencing any project development or implementation. This can be achieved by acquiring a company established in the market and the industry, or by establishing joint venture, teaming or agency arrangements with local individuals or companies.

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In order to manage cost and other risks, new projects should be planned and implanted in severable phases, with deﬁned scopes of work and budgets for each. An illustration of how this phasing can be structured is as follows: • Market Analysis and Due Diligence, under contract, have the sponsors and

key team members contribute to the cost of a technical, legal and commercial market analyses in the new market, deferring further action until the results of the study indicate a viable project. • Company and Teaming Structure, upon determining that the project is viable, negotiate sponsor relationships, including new company formation, capitalization and governance rules. Upon the formation of the new project entity, have that entity contract with other service providers and team members that will not be sponsors, but whose services are needed, establishing how, when and for what compensation they will participate in the project. • Local Partners, upon the successful formation of the sponsoring group, identify and develop local partners, including negotiating the relationship with them either as co-owners, team members or agents. • New Project Company, upon the successful negotiation of local partnership arrangements, establish a new project company in-country that will undertake the project alone or as part of a new joint venture company with local partners. • Project Design, following the completion of the project structure, begin further engineering and design studies in preparation for final project design, an EPIC contract, obtaining permits and project financing. • Project Financing, if seeking project financing, involve target financing institutions at the preliminary design stage, asking them to begin technical due diligence, to follow project development and to consult on issues of project bankability. • Project Implementations, upon the finalization of project design, permits and the EPC contract, project financing may be closed and project construction commenced. Each of the above can be undertaken as separate steps with separate budgets. If the project fails at any stage, the sponsors will avoid unwanted forward costs, expenses and other obligations. The key to successful project design and implementation is to perform detailed front-end analyses and implement the project in a series of pre-planned steps that allow the sponsor to control and manage the pace and timing of its commitments. McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Booth 1709 www.mckennalong.com

1/17/08 2:13:03 PM

5/7/08 4:06:47 PM

Can wind turbines get any bigger? YES. But we need innovation. What is obvious is that wind turbines continue to become larger and more efficient and the demands on materials for manufacturing are ever increasing. At the end of 2007, towers with hub heights of 80 metres and turbines with capacities greater than 2 MW were becoming the rule, not the exception. There has been an influx of market demand for larger units and that trend seems to want to continue for the foreseeable future. The hub height of the turbines is a significant factor in terms of power production. Lower wind speed sites are currently being reconsidered as many prime wind locations have already been developed. As turbines averaging 2 MW and inching closer to the 3 MW mark, rotor diameters get close to and above 100 metres; turbines will continue to increase the demands on the towers as well. There are two options for managing the loads from these massive turbines. The first is to increase the wall thickness of the structure, and the second is to increase the bottom diameter of the tower, thus enabling a continuous or increasing taper towards the foundation. Option number one is at the moment used almost exclusively because transportation restrictions dictate the maximum diameter allowed. Therefore the demand is on the tower manufactures to tool up accordingly.

increasing loads induced by expanding rotor sizes and multi Mega Watt turbines. The tower must maintain the overall look and general properties of the current tower designs. Another key development requirement was to increase safety margins by incorporating an added level of redundancy into the tower connection design. They needed to do all this as well

as lowering installed tower cost by 10 to 15 percent, and enable automated manufacturing and painting processes for higher throughput. The solution

Towers with a continuous taper or an increasing taper are by design the most efﬁcient way to handle wind turbine loads.

The Northstar modular, ﬁeld-assembled panel design eliminates the transportation restrictions and therefore allows for a much more efﬁcient tower design. With this design, tower panels can be added to increase the tower diameter. The increase in diameter allows for thinner tower wall thicknesses – the result is less overall steel. Continued on page 11…

Growing pains

As the requirement for larger turbines increase and the market demands more of them, there is an urgent need for an up-scaling of innovation, manufacturing capacity, trucking capability as well as handling methods. With bottom diameters reaching 14.5 feet weighing over 100,000 pounds, towers have reached the limits of all transportation restrictions and a multitude of permits are needed to move them over the road. All aspects of current turbines are pushing the limits of effective transportation and installation. Nacelles are heavy and wide and require special low-boy trailers with pilot escort in a majority of the U.S. Blades are still relatively light but are becoming increasingly longer, requiring over-length permits. Specialized transportation systems will always be available, but is becoming so expensive that it is starting to affect wind power’s competitiveness. The challenge

How do you best develop a structure similar to a conventional, round, painted, tower while at the same time reducing the weight and allow for an increased bottom diameter? Northstar Wind Towers’ engineering team was tasked with developing a tower system that can efﬁciently handle the ever North American Clean Energy

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wind energy

Protecting wind turbines increases profits by Matt Hemphill

owering above the surrounding countryside, wind turbines can stand up to 500 feet tall and are typically the tallest structures in proximity of a wind farm. Because of their massive height and make – tall metal structures – it is relatively safe to assume that a wind turbine will be struck by lightning at least once during its operating life.

Transient overvoltages

Lightning produces an intense electromagnetic ﬁeld that induces transient overvoltages throughout a wind turbines wiring system. The powerful and dangerous electrical surges can propagate through the wind turbine electrical system and cause severe damage to equipment including generators, transformers, power converters, control electronics communication systems and SCADA systems. Damage to the sensitive electronic equipment can be immediate, or may occur after exposure to additional transient overvoltage activity. Damage caused by lightning strikes present serious problems for wind farm operators. Revenue can be greatly reduced as down time interrupts the ability of a wind turbine to generate electricity. In addition, maintenance, repair and replacement costs are expensive, and in many cases, lightning induced failures of the electronics are not covered by manufacturer’s warranties. A single transformer or generator failure can be responsible for losses of up to $50,000 a month, with the majority of the loss from lack of power generation. Current technology

Wind turbine manufacturers typically utilize DIN rail mounted surge protection devices (SPDs) or a multitude of commercial quality, low current rated metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or silicon avalanche diodes (SADs), manufactured in bulk, and positioned in parallel arrays on electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs). DIN rail surge protection modules – initially developed for the residential and light industrial markets – have proven inefﬁcient in protecting the vital electrical systems from lightning strikes. Many of these components can be easily damaged by power surges, leaving the vital electrical and electronic systems of the turbines exposed to serious threat. MOV and SAD surge protection designs call for placing multiple components in parallel arrays to enable the system to suppress greater surge current values. 10

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When these components are soldered to the PCB, wire leads are angled with 90degree bends to accommodate the population on the board. It is common practice for SPD manufacturers to multiply the surge current capacity of each individual suppression component by the number of parallel arrays to report the finished product's total surge current capacity. Often referred to as “MOV Mathematics,” this arithmetic is misleading, and it can add up to an extremely dangerous equation. While it is possible to electrically match MOV operating characteristics, it would have to be done across the SPD’s full operating spectrum and would be cost prohibitive. Poor mechanical design factors preclude parallel-attached MOV components from equally sharing the current associated with a surge event. In these situations, one individual MOV will be called upon to handle more energy during a surge event than its neighboring components. This can cause the stressed component to fail prematurely, and sometimes catastrophically. Many such SPD devices place the equipment they are intended to protect in peril, leaving them ultimately unprotected due to improper suppression circuit design, inadequate surge current capacity and incomplete testing evaluations. In more extreme cases, poorly designed SPD equipment has been responsible for starting fires and compromising safety conditions. Another consideration for the operation of a wind turbine is safety. Specifically, if a fire starts inside the nacelle of a wind turbine, it is practically impossible to extinguish. In most cases the turbine will be irreparably damaged. A serious threat for fires can be the unsafe failure mode of an electrical component and surge protectors can be the primary cause due to their direct exposure to intense lightning currents. The recently revised UL 1449 2nd edition standard specifically addresses the safety issues of surge protection devices. Components meeting this standard comply with the most stringent requirements of the industry and is intended to ensure that even if they fail, they will not pose any safety threat to the rest of the installation or to personnel. Several of the DIN rail, MOV and SAD based protection systems widely used in Europe and North America no longer meet the safety requirements of the 2007 revision of UL 1449 2nd edition safety standard. SPD’s used in wind turbine applications

should provide a high surge handling capability to absorb/dissipate the excess energy from lightning strikes and power surges in a completely safe manner, ensuring in parallel an ultra-low let-through voltage to the load. As an indication of this capability, they should be listed as Class I SPD’s according to the international IEC 61643-1 standard for surge protection devices – which is widely used in the wind turbine industry – and should be fully compliant to the new UL 1449 2nd safety standard. Furthermore they should feature an appropriate mechanical design that would enable their direct integration inside the vital electrical cabinets of a wind turbine. They should also be able to handle high levels of short circuit currents. Such a feature facilitates their direct installation behind the breakers already used in wind turbines without additional fuses and circuit breakers in branch (parallel) connection. In this case the cost of integration is signiﬁcantly reduced and the protection level to the vital systems of the turbine is enhanced. SPD’s that have successfully completed a three-cycle test at high short circuit current ratings are candidates for such installations. Alternative technology

New SPD technologies have been developed that fulfill the above requirements and provide uninterrupted protection from direct lightning strikes under harsh environmental conditions. Devices that incorporate these new SPD technologies base their designs on a robust, monolithic, industrial grade MOV and are available in a variety of configurations, voltage ratings, and energy-handling capacities to ease the retrofitting and installation process. They can sustain multiple and successive lightning strikes and power surges without requiring maintenance, thus minimizing the operational cost of wind farm owners. Several leading wind turbine manufacturers in Europe and North America have already amended their designs in order to include the new SPD technolo-

Single MOV (slice)

gies into their turbines and reach unique reliability levels and unparalleled protection against lightning hits. Wind turbines that integrate these SPD devices meet the international, European and North American standards and are suitable for use worldwide. Upgrading protection in existing turbines

Likewise, it is essential for wind farm owners to upgrade the protection levels of their turbines already in operation by using surge protection retroﬁt kits based on the new technologies available in the market. These kits should be custom designed in order to ﬁt almost any type of wind turbine and allow easy installation in the turbines during periods of preventive maintenance. Conclusion

The wind power industry is one of the fastest-growing means of alternative electricity generation. Since 2000, the megawattage produced from wind power has nearly quadrupled in the U.S. This power generating technology is renewable, clean, and relatively inconsequential to its surrounding environment. For wind power to reach its full potential, it must be affordable and reliable. Protecting wind turbines from inevitable lightning strikes reduces maintenance, down time, and extends the operating life of the wind power generator, ultimately raising profits for the wind farm owner and helping wind power reach its apex. Raycap Inc. / Booth 1062 www.raycapinc.com

About the author: Matt Hemphill is the North American Engineering Manager at Raycap Inc.

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â&#x20AC;Ścontinued from page 9.

Can wind turbines get any bigger?

Increasing base diameters results in the tower design being governed by buckling in the ultimate state rather than being governed by fatigue. As the diameter-tothickness ratio is increased the allowable stress is reduced signiďŹ cantly. The result is that stresses in the normal operation of the turbine are also signiďŹ cantly reduced. Segmented ďŹ&#x201A;anges at the tower top and base allow for conventional interface with the turbine and foundation. The bottom ďŹ&#x201A;ange is modeled using the same mounting criteria as used on conventional towers. The bottom diameter however, creates new options for the foundation design. It is now possible to make foundations wider which results in less depth. Another common area of concern is the dimensioning and manufacturing of the door area. In relative narrow towers the door takes up a larger percentage of the overall diameter, thus requiring substantial and costly reinforcement of the door frame. The Northstar tower has a larger area at the base and therefore the door makes up a smaller section, keeping more steel in the critical load path. Modular or segmented towers must be reassembled before erection. Rather than trying to design a new fastening system or connection method, Northstar Wind Towersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; engineers went searching for connection styles used in other cyclically loaded structures. They also studied various methods used in previous generation wind turbine towers. It became apparent that a connection method that excluded the load passing through the bolt would be the most optimal. These types of loads are collectively called slip critical or â&#x20AC;&#x153;frictionâ&#x20AC;? connections. Friction connections are tried and true and this method has been used in multiple wind turbine towers over the years. The result of panel construction, combined with bolt-up slip critical connections, reduces the amount of welding needed by an average of 85 to 90 percent as compared to an equivalent conventional tubular tower. This in turn reduces manufacturing time and cost further. Although this fastening method is recommended by wind industry engineers it has not been used in the recent past as there was no practical way of holding the bolt in place from outside the tower. Northstar Wind Towers has developed (patent pending) a simple system that ensures all bolt tightening can be accomplished from inside the tower using a simple turn-of-the-nut process. An added beneďŹ t of using the turn-of-the-nut system is that calibration of tension tools is no longer required as this method is not based on torque. The Northstar tower is still roll formed and painted like todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tubular towers, only on a modular scale. Once installed the tower is similar from a visual point of view to a conventional tubular tower.

Transportation

The increasing demands on special shipping companies that are able to haul traditional towers have placed a growth constraint on the industry. Northstar Wind Towers transport their tower modules on standard trailers. The lower tower sections are bolted

together in the ďŹ eld. Top sections are shipped pre-assembled and do not require additional ďŹ eld attention. Today the Northstar towers are competitive with current welded towers. But it is the promise of going even higher that is really exciting. Partnering with key wind turbine manufactures,

work is continuing at Northstar Wind Towers to bring the standard hub height to and above 100 metres cost effectively while keeping all modules within standard transportation dimensions. Northstar Wind Towers, LLC www.northstarwindtowers.com

/PX XIBU

9OUR TURBINE CAME WITH A PARTS ONLY WARRANTY 4HE MANUFACTURER S REPLACEMENT PART IS ON THE GROUND THE INSTALLATION IS FEET IN THE AIR AND YOU CAN T AFFORD DOWNTIME .O PROBLEM 7ITH EN8CO 3ERVICE #ORPORATION WE KEEP YOUR TURBINES UP AND RUNNING WHEREVER AND WHENEVER YOU NEED SERVICE 7ITH MORE THAN YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE OUR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS CAN QUICKLY IDENTIFY YOUR SERVICE NEEDS AND INSTALL REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH MINIMAL DOWNTIME EN8CO 3ERVICE #ORPORATION KEEPS PROlTS TURNING FOR OWNERS OF MORE THAN WIND TURBINES &IND OUT HOW WE CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOU %BWF -VDL %JSFDUPS PG #VTJOFTT %FWFMPQNFOU FO9DP 4FSWJDF $PSQPSBUJPO

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wind energy

Relocating the wind: New strategies for moving wind generation from high-wind areas to high-load areas by Marcus A. Wood and Jennifer H. Martin

he western U.S. has excellent windgeneration resources stretching over a vast expanse of the West and the Great Plains. The U.S. also has great pent-up demand for wind generation, particularly up and down the West Coast and in the Midwest. Exploitation of this vast windgeneration resource, available where the wind blows hardest and most steadily, is greatly hampered by a lack of economic long-distance transmission facilities and by multiple east-to-west and north-tosouth ﬁrm transmission constraints found on existing transmission paths. Any long-distance transmission of large amounts of electric generation presents electrical engineering challenges. Utility engineers routinely surmount such challenges in the construction of long-distance transmission systems for conventional electric generation systems. However, transportation of wind by wire must also accommodate special characteristics of wind generation. Brieﬂy, these key special characteristics are: 1. Low capacity factor. Even in the most energetic wind areas, sites with generation capacity factors of 40 to 45 percent are considered premium sites. By comparison, large thermal generation units can achieve capacity factors in the 85 to 95 percent range. Long high-voltage transmission lines are very expensive, and the reduced capacity factors for wind generation translate to a roughly 2-to-1 cost transmission disadvantage for long hauls of wind-generation megawatt-hours. 2. Hourly forecasting difficulty. Despite continuing improvements in wind forecasting techniques, actual wind generation in each hour can vary substantially from forecast levels. Generally, the geographic areas with the best wind potential are not part of any organized regional transmission organization with centralized dispatch. Instead, each transmitting utility schedules out-of-region deliveries of wind generation based on forecasts and may impose substantial charges for deviations between forecast and actual generation. 3. Intra-hour swings in generation. Wind generation, even if produced over an hour on average in the amount forecast, may vary greatly within the hour. The within-hour output swings can be particularly noticeable as weather fronts pass through. Although the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Open Access Transmission Tariff does not address the cost of such intra-hour

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variations, transmission providers are beginning to assess sometimes substantial new transmission ancillary service charges to cover the supposed cost of such generation swings. As a result of these aspects of wind generation intermittency, the cost per megawatt-hour of relocating wind generation to other regions can be much higher than the cost of similarly relocating thermal generation. An even greater problem arises when control area operators maintain that they lack the generation ﬂexibility required to provide the necessary hour-to-hour and within-hour shaping of the wind generation required for interregional deliveries. Some of the tools needed to overcome the economic barriers to long-distance transmission of wind generation are already in limited use. More creative new approaches are also available. Current tools include: 1. Dynamic scheduling. Wind generation can be telemetered directly into the control area of the distant utility purchaser. With such telemetering, for example, the generation from a Wyoming generation facility sold to Southern California Edison Company could be followed by the centralized dispatch of the California Independent System Operator, rather than by a control area operator in Wyoming. Although dynamic scheduling requires an uncongested transmission path and can present engineering challenges, it has been used frequently in the United States, including for large deliveries of generation capacity over long distances. 2. Storage and exchange arrangements. Utilities have contracted to take the output of localized wind generation to serve local loads in real time each hour, and then deliver an equivalent amount of electricity at a new location convenient to the ultimate output purchaser. Under such “storage and exchange agreements,” a purchaser can receive wind-generation output from an exchanging utility at a prescheduled rate of delivery. The wind generators under the currently effective agreements have not needed to purchase generation-following or intra-hour-variation services. Moreover, the deliveries can be arranged so as to bypass transmission constraints, allowing more generation to be constructed without transmission additions. Finally, because of the delivery provided by the storage and exchange arrangements, the wind-generation owners un-

der the current agreements have avoided the cost of purchasing firm transmission rights equal to the installed capacity of the generation facilities. The existing tools used to supplement transmission of electricity suggest new contractual arrangements that could reduce the cost of interregional delivery of wind generation. For example: 1. Expansion of the use of dynamic scheduling. FERC should require that a transmitting utility either grant dynamic scheduling requests or demonstrate that the requested service is not feasible. If the transmitting utility maintains that its current system would not support such service, it should be required to perform a study and determine the incremental cost of satisfying the request for dynamic service, and then it should be required to offer such service at cost. 2. Adaptation of storage and exchange arrangements as flexible transmission service. If FERC required it, the transmitting utility could provide the wind developer and the wind-generation output offtaker with creative adaptations of current storage and exchange arrangements designed to reduce or eliminate the burden on the applicable control area operator of interand intra-hour generation variations. Such reduction in burden is possible because the control area operator under storage and exchange arrangements both accepts wind-generation output and delivers equivalent output to a new wholesale load. The combination of power deliveries and sales offers opportunities for creative and flexible arrangements beneficial to both the wind generator and the control area operator. Note that not all changes in wind-generation output burden the control area operator. In hours when the control area operator faced the greatest stress from high-load requirements, it would benefit if it could receive wind-generation output in excess of the wholesale windofftaker load it concurrently had to meet. In hours when the control area operator faced minimum generation constraints, it would benefit if it could serve wholesale wind-offtaker load in excess of concurrent wind-generation output. With FERC’s encouragement, transmitting utilities, wind-generation developers, and wind output offtakers could devise storage and exchange arrangements that better matched the needs of wind generation and control area operators, and

that therefore allowed much more wind generation to be economically shaped and delivered from region to region. 3. Use of storage and exchange arrangements to increase the use of new long-haul transmission facilities. Generation planners have struggled with approaches to overcome the relatively low capacity factors anticipated for new long-haul transmission facilities to windrich areas. One proposed approach is to interconnect megawatts of wind generation in excess of the firm carrying capacity of such transmission facilities. This approach would at times require partial curtailment of the wind generation; however, such curtailments have been shown to be relatively small as a percentage of total wind generation. This “excess capacity” approach to increasing transmission facility use could be substantially enhanced through properly designed transmission-wind storage and exchange arrangements. The cost of curtailing wind generation is high, generally approximating the sum of lost energy sales revenues, related lost sales of environmental attributes, and the grossed-up value of related lost production tax credits. Even limited storage and exchange arrangements, with the control area operator taking excess wind generation on the relatively rare occasions when the generation exceeds transmission capacity for delivery during future periods of low wind generation, would greatly reduce the cost of an excess capacity strategy. Moreover, if the control area operator were given in such arrangement qualified rights to select when during low-wind periods it would redeliver the excess wind generation it had stored, as described above, the benefits to the control area operator of such flexibility could offset the cost to the control area operator of the storage and exchange arrangements. Transmitting utilities are not now required to provide dynamic scheduling or the storage and exchange arrangements described above. Without such enhancements to transmission service flexibility, interregional transmission of wind generation will remain unnecessarily constrained and costly. FERC could perform a valuable service by holding technical conferences to explore how cost-based transmission ancillary service could be better adapted to facilitate the long-distance transmission of wind generation from wind-rich areas to wind-generationdeficient regions. Stoel Rives LLP | www.stoel.com

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How aerospace technology is improving the electrical transmission grid By Dave Bryant

or over one-hundred years, electricity has been delivered to consumers using bare overhead conductors that were made up of conductive aluminum strands wrapped around a core that consisted of steel wires. The steel wires were used to augment the strength of the conductive aluminum strands, which, in their most corrosive-resistant alloy, offered reasonable conductivity and modest tensile strength. As demand for electricity grew and new sources of generation were brought on line, many transmission and distribution lines became thermally constrained. This is due to the fact that, as electrical current increases, the temperature of the conductor rises. Unfortunately, as aluminum wires are heated above 95 degrees C, they begin to anneal which causes a substantial loss of strength. While this loss of strength is considered to be more of a long term concern, as it typically happens over a prolonged period of time (where the elongation of the conductor results in increased sag), a more immediate concern relates to the relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion that allow the conductor to sag as its temperature rises. With clearance limitations between the conductor and the ground / vegetation / electrical under-build / and other utility lines well established, sag has become a limiting factor in the ability to increase transmission line capacity. In consideration of the enormous challenge of increasing transmission line capacity and mitigating thermal sag, Composite Technology Corporation (CTC) began developing a new conductor technology using aerospace materials in 2002. The objective was to develop a conductor that could be used to upgrade existing transmission corridors without the requirement of structural modifications. The objective relied on the incorporation of highly evolved aerospace technology and materials science to create a new structural core that could be utilized to reduce thermal sag and allow increased current flow. Very specific grades of carbon, glass and resin materials were selected and developed to provide high strength, minimal thermal expansion, and good compatibility. The glass fibres that surround the ACCC conductor’s carbon fibre core were designed to increase the core’s flexibility and prevent galvanic corrosion that would otherwise occur

if the carbon core came in direct (and substantial) physical contact with the aluminum strands in the presence of an electrolyte such as salt water. While the carbon and glass fibres provide the composite core’s high tensile strength, the hybrid resin system helps improve the composite core’s flexural strength and effectively balances load sharing between the fibres, so they perform in a “unified” and “composite” manner. A “composite” is defined as “the strength of the combined components is greater than the sum of the strength of the individual components.” Recognizing that higher electrical current can also result in higher operating temperatures, CTC spent a great deal of time and resource developing resin systems that would resist thermal fatigue. The systems that were ultimately commercialized in 2005 – after substantial testing – have proven their ability to perform continuously at temperatures of up to 180 degrees C without experiencing thermal oxidation. The ACCC conductor is rated for continuous operation at 180 degrees C and short term “emergency” operation at 200 degrees C. Resistance to cyclic load fatigue is critical with bare overhead conductors, because everything is cyclic including vibration, tension, and temperature variation. And though, as with any other conductor, aircraft component, or other highly stressed part, physical limitations do exist, the ACCC conductor’s improved strength, dimensional stability, and self-damping characteristics allow transmission line designers greater design flexibility, higher performance, and improved longevity in conditions where other conductor’s service lives would be substantially compromised. The ACCC conductor’s greater strength and improved thermal stability can enable longer spans or lower structures on new transmission corridors - which reduces capital costs. Additionally, because the composite core is much lighter than its steel counterpart, the ACCC conductor utilizes 25 to 30 percent more aluminum (using trapezoidal shaped strands) without a diameter or weight penalty. The added aluminum content helps improve electrical throughput and reduces line losses by 30 to 40 percent compared to any other conductor type of the same diameter and weight, under equal load conditions.

Reduced line losses offer the utilities and Wind Farm developer’s huge advantages. Not only can fuel consumption be reduced, which has obvious economic beneﬁts, the reduction of fuel consumption can also dramatically reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. In the case of a renewable resource, where emissions are not a concern, the developer can deliver more power for the same initial capital investment, which can make the economics of a renewable project much more attractive, or conversely, reduce their initial investment and deliver the same amount of power. Saving energy can also help the utilities and their customers conserve money that they would otherwise spend in developing new sources of generation. A Mega-Watt saved is a lot less expensive than a Mega-Watt produced. So profound is this fact that many utilities and regulators are now referring to a saved “Mega-Watt” as a “Nega-Watt.” Though many utility CEO’s, regulators, and politicians suggest that “Efﬁciency Is The 5th (or 1st) Fuel,” most Initiatives, Incentives, Directives, Laws, Acts, Policies, Rebate Programs, and Marketing Campaigns currently revolve around the demand (consumer’s) side of the equation. And while the Energy Pol-

CTC Cable Corporation / Booth 233 www.compositetechcorp.com

About the author: Dave Bryant is the Vice President of Product Development for CTC Cable Corporation.

Engineering Innovative Power Solutions for a Better World The Powercorp Group is a world leader in power generation automation and control, the stabilization of weak power networks and isolated renewable/diesel hybrid power stations. Powercorp Alaska, LLC / Powercorp Pty. Ltd. Provides: • Wind Resource Assessments • Automation and Control for power stations • Wind/Solar/Hydro Power Station High Penetration Technology • Power Quality and Grid Stabilizing Technology • Technical Modeling / Reporting

For more information: • www.pcorpalaska.com • www.pcorp.com.au • tel: 907-646-9997 • toll-free 877-646-9997 • erin-pcorp@alaska.com

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icy Act of 2005 does allow the utilities to apply for an ROE increase of up to 200 Basis Points for using new efﬁcient technologies including the ACCC conductor, not many utilities have taken advantage of this, even though progressive utility CEO’s such as James Rogers, of Duke Energy, have acknowledged that they typically loose between eight to 10 percent of their energy to line losses. While reducing line losses by 30 to 40 percent or more is easily accomplished by re-conductoring an existing corridor with the ACCC conductor, it’s noteworthy that re-conductoring a single line can also improve overall system efﬁciency. For instance, after a relatively short 12 mile section of a thermally constrained line was re-conductored in Arkansas in February, 2007, American Electric Power (AEP) reported that the ACCC conductor reduced line losses by .9 MW on that section of line, and also reduced the overall system losses by an additional .2 MW, for a total improvement of 1.1 MW.

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windpower 2008

WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition

Show in Print Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.

June 1-4, 2008 WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition has much to offer including three days of conference sessions, an interactive tradeshow of wind energy products and services, and numerous networking opportunities. The exhibition will feature an impressive display from over 650 of the leading companies from all facets of the wind energy industry. The conference program includes 300 speakers and moderators, 150 poster presentations, and over 50 sessions on leading wind energy topics.

Know your wind The CR850 Measurement and Control Datalogger is ideal for wind-energy prospecting and monitoring. Sustainable energy researchers choose the CR850 datalogger because of its rugged design, low power consumption, versatility in making environmental measurements, and its comprehensive telecommunication options. It can make and record measurements and control electrical devices, and it lets users retrieve data using just about any communication tool. The CR850 can be programmed to record data for pre-installation research, and then for monitoring turbine power and performance. One datalogger can measure strain on turbine blades, wind speed, and power output, even while controlling peripheral devices. Campbell Scientiﬁc Inc. / Booth 1658 www.campbellsci.com/windenergy

Bigge expands wind power fleet Bigge Crane and Rigging is doubling the size of its crane fleet dedicated to erecting wind turbines and investing in the very latest innovations in lifting technology. Bigge has has been deploying its family of Liebherr crawler cranes to wind power projects around the country, including the 330-ton class LR 1300. For customers more familiar with the Manitowoc brand, Bigge offers the 300-ton class Model 2250. Larger crawlers up to 600-ton capacity are now being added to the Wind Power Fleet, including the Terex-Demag CC 2200, (375 ton), CC 2400-1 (440 ton) and CC2500-1 (550 ton). The new flagship of the fleet is the 600-ton Kobelco SL 6000, which is ahead of the field when it comes to rapid deployment between wind turbines. The SL 6000, designed for lifting 2.5 megawatts turbines on 105-metre masts, has an innovative design with rope drums in the base section so they do not need to be removed when stripping the crane down for transportation. For ancillary lifting work, Bigge offers the Terex RT 1120 (120 ton capacity) and Link-Belt RTC 8090 (90 ton) models. Joining the fleet in the next few months is the Link-Belt RTC 80130. Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. / Booth 2467 www.bigge.com

LIEBHERR’S LR 11350 and the hurricane “Storm-tested”is an adjective that definitely doesn’t appear on the data sheet of any crane. However, Liebherr would now be justified in printing precisely this adjective in big, bold font in the LR 11350 prospectus, the new and biggest crawler crane to emerge from the Liebherr Ehingen works. In early November 2007, shortly after the initial assembly in Cuxhaven, Germany the first heavy autumn storm swept across wide stretches of northern and eastern Germany with wind speeds of over 100 km/h and gusts up to 130 km/h. This meant that the hurricane-force wind whistled with particular ferocity through the brand-new boom over one hundred meters aloft. For the first time ever, the LR 11350 with SDWVB boom configuration and equipped with198 ton suspended ballast lifted the machine houses of the ‘5.0 MW’ manufactured by REpower as fully assembled installation in one piece. The weight of these 5.0 MW installations is a tremendous 316 t and together with the cross spars, 325 t were suspended from the hook; which needed to be transported across 120 m. Previous to this “superlift” the components always had to be hoisted singly. This, however, is precisely what Liebherr wants to avoid when assembling by the sea shore, because salty spray could seriously affect the material. This is also true for the construction of land-based wind turbines due to rain. The big Liebherr crawler crane demonstrated that it doesn’t have to be this way: the heavy machine house, measuring 20 x 6 x 6 m, was in position on the topmost part of the mast in just under an hour. It is more than just the sheer power required that predestines the LR 11350 for this type of operation. It takes little time for assembling and the crane is capable to travel between building sites, making the crane a highly efficient piece of equipment, too. In Cuxhaven, the crawler crane had to cover a distance of just under 300 metres to the second site after completing the first installation. Fully fitted, with main mast, heavyduty short jib, derricking jib and a maximum of 300 tonnes of superstructure ballast, the tremendous crawler crane travel gear still managed to transport a total weight of 1,150 tonnes along the North Sea Dyke. Liebherr Cranes, Inc. / Booth 262 | www.liebherr.com

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show in print Computer solutions for harsh, wind farm environments CCS-Inc. (Comprehensive Computer Solutions) designs, integrates and manufactures turnkey computing solutions for industrial applications. CCS has recently purchased equipment to test its products for tough environmental speciﬁcations. It now operates a 32 cubic ft. capacity testing chamber capable of temperatures ranging from -73 degrees C to 190 degrees C and relative humidity levels of 10 to 95 percent. With this new capability, CCS can design computing and networking solutions for wind farms and then test their operability in conditions similar to that of the speciﬁc operating locations.

Radolid protection caps with VCI additive Corrosion is initiated when moisture is present on the surface of metal forming an electrolyte. When an electrolyte forms, an electrical circuit is completed enabling electrons to ﬂow from high-energy areas to low energy areas. Volatile corrosion inhibiting (VCI) products contain proprietary chemical systems that emit a non-toxic vapour that is diffused throughout an enclosure effectively blocking the corrosive effects of electrolytes. Radolid protection caps with VCI additive are one of the best nut and bolt combinations designed to prevent corrosion. Radolid caps with VCI can be reused two to three times before requiring grease to be added to the caps. Advance Products & Systems, Inc. / Booth 2745 | www.apsonline.com

CCS-Inc. / Booth 2919 | www.ccs-inc.com

34.5 kV TRXLP insulated underground cable Hendrix Wire & Cable will showcase its 34.5 kV TRXLP-insulated medium voltage cable for applications in the wind power industry at WINDPOWER 2008. The 34.5 kV cable is available in both aluminum and copper conductor. Standard conductor sizes ranging from 1/0 through 1250 kcmil in full and reduced concentric neutral conﬁgurations are also available. Hendrix can accommodate quantity and length changes just prior to manufacturing to adapt to last minute changes to farm layouts. Hendrix collaborates with customers to develop a ﬂexible delivery schedule that best meets the client’s project construction schedule. All of Hendrix’s delivery solutions offer extremely high ontime shipment rates. Hendrix Wire & Cable, Inc. / Booth 3057 www.hendrix-wc.com

Get blown away by the Power of One. Composites One. Kvtu!pof!dbmm!up!Dpnqptjuft!Pof!qvut!zpv!jo! upvdi!xjui!xjoe!fofshz!fyqfsut!xip!dbo!ifmq! zpv!ßoe!uif!nbufsjbmt!gps!sfqbjs!ps!cvjmejoh! dpnqpofout/!Boe!jg!zpv!bsf!jo!offe!pg!hmbtt! boe!dbscpo!ßcfs!sfjogpsdfnfout-!fqpyz-! sftjot-!hfm!dpbut!boe!puifs!dpsf!nbufsjbmt! offefe!gps!qspevdjoh!spups!cmbeft-!obdfmmft-! ivct!boe!puifs!ijhi!qfsgpsnbodf!xjoe! fofshz!dpnqpofout-!xf!ibwf!uibu-!upp/!! Qmvt!uif!ufdiojdbm!tvqqpsu-!mpdbm!dvtupnfs!

CM Super Strong Shackles out muscle similar shackles of equal size CM Super Strong shackles out perform many of its competitors with the same size shackles and have higher working load limits than speciﬁed by United States Federal Speciﬁcations. Available in numerous styles including screw pin anchor, round pin chain, bolt, nut, and cotter, all bolt, nut and cotter shackles have thread protected ends. CM Super Strong Shackles are available either galvanized or painted with the familiar CM orange. In addition to the shackles themselves, all shackle pins are forged from alloy steel, heat treated and tempered to give greater strength. Shackles are marked with size (inches and millimetres) and working load limit in tons.

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Columbus McKinnon / Booth 3401 | www.cmindustrial.com

Leading transportation company CSX Transportation, a subsidiary of CSX Corporation, is the largest railroad in the eastern U.S. CSX can safely move all wind energy components including tower sections, machine heads, blades and hubs. CSX can extend your market reach to their thousands of rail-served stations and to western rail carriers, with whom they interchange shipments at various points across the midwest. CSX can handle entire moves, from plant to installation site. They partner with rigging companies and 3PLs to ensure safe, smooth transit. CSX Transportation / Booth 764 | www.csx.com

800.621.8003 www.compositesone.com www.b2bcomposites.com

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windpower 2008 Fibercrete transformer pads

Break-Away HYLUG

Concast Inc. has been manufacturing Fibercrete Boxpads for nearly 40 years. They supply three-phase transformers with the base and support required for these heavy units. Their thin walled precast concrete boxpad is constructed of Fibercrete, a product that was developed in 1969. The pads are sized to ﬁt, easy to install, delivered when needed to the job site, and give ample training room for cables under the transformer. Knockouts for conduit running from the turbine foundation to the boxpad are also available, or what Concast calls an integrated tunnel that mates up to the foundation for a protected raceway from foundation to transformer.

The new Break-Away HYLUG line of copper and aluminum compression terminals (types YBA, YBA-FX and YBA-A) provides maximum field flexibility by allowing the installer (using the Break-Away feature) to easily convert a two-hole terminal to a one-hole terminal to suit the application. The FCI-BURNDY UL and CSA Listed Break-Away HYLUG line of terminals is 90 degrees C, 600 volts to 35 kV. With a slotted second stud, the Break-Away line of terminals can conform to various bus bar dimensions. For additional flexibility, the Narrow Tongue design allows the terminal to fit into tight spaces. Plus, the Break-Away line of terminals accommodates a wide range of conductor combinations (AWG, Compact, DLO, Flex and Metric).

Concast Inc. / Booth 2645 | www.concastinc.com

FCI-BURNDY Products / Booth 2907 | www.burndy.com

Consulting and site investigation Fugro collects and interprets data related to the earth’s surface and the soils and rocks beneath. Areas of specialization include marine site investigations from deepwater through coastal developments and shore approaches/landing points for infrastructure in disciplines such as positioning to centimetric accuracy, metocean, geophysics, geotechnical engineering, foundation studies, structural monitoring, consultancy services, mapping, permitting, data handling and geographic information systems. Desktop and consultancy studies beneﬁt from a large database on the marine environment. Fugro has been involved in offshore wind projects worldwide including thousands of megawatts in Europe from met towers to site investigation to monopile installation. Fugro / Booth 3345 | www.fugro.com

Service provider for renewable energy industry GES USA is an independent services provider for the entire renewable energy industry. They continually invest in training and knowledge sharing to maintain a high standards of service. As a proud part of Global Energy Services, a group of companies with over 25 years of demonstrated experience and success in assembly, installation and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, GES USA is positioned to service clients through all phases of the project lifespan. Services include engineering, construction, installation and assembly, quality control and O&M, as well as turnkey solutions. GES USA / Booth 2353 | www.ges-usa.com

Value Engineered Deep Foundation System For Wind Turbines

Benefits

www.contechsystems.com 16

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Foundation integrity tested before commissioning

Easy monitoring of foundation integrity over lifetime

Environmentally less intrusive

g g g

Works in soil and rock Speedy construction More economical than mass foundations

CTS Western Division Tel: 604 946-5571 Fax: 604 946-5548 e-mail: ctswest@contechsystems.com CTS Eastern Division Tel: 613 342-0041 Fax: 613 342-0609 e-mail: ctseast@contechsystems.com

Intertek expands solar/photovoltaic testing capabilities in North America and China Intertek has expanded its photovoltaic (PV) module and inverter testing laboratories and capabilities. This growth will enable PV manufacturers around the world to design, test, certify and deploy their nextgeneration products faster than ever before. Intertek is expanding its global PV testing capabilities with the construction of state-of-the-art PV module testing facilities in California and Shanghai, China. Intertek is also adding a new photovoltaic module testing chamber in Cortland, NY. These new chambers will signiﬁcantly reduce testing queue times to just 15 days. To best serve PV manufacturers’ needs for quicker time to market, Intertek will continue to leverage its partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida for additional testing capacity and industry leading expertise. Intertek ETL Semko / Booth 2212 www.intertek-etlsemko.com

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show in print AMSC offers solutions for wind energy American Superconductor produces a broad scope of proven solutions for the wind power market. The company’s proprietary Dynamic VAR (D-VAR) solution provides a cost-effective way of stabilizing voltage levels by injecting dynamic reactive power (VARs) precisely where voltage problems can occur. AMSC’s D-VAR has emerged as the de facto standard for connecting wind farm to the power grid. AMSC Windtec provides licenses and customized designs for onshore and offshore turbines ranging in power from 750 kW to ﬁve megawatts. Customers receive unlimited service and support from the prototype stage to full-scale production and are able to begin producing wind turbines in as little as 12 months. AMSC also provides complete electrical systems and core electrical components for wind turbines. American Superconductor (AMSC) / Booth 1452 | www.amsc.com

Efficient welding for wind tower manufacturers ESAB is a leader in integrated welding automation and cutting systems for wind tower production. As a key supplier to the wind energy industry, ESAB’s global experience brings proven, leading edge technology for advanced productivity solutions. When working with ESAB, you work directly with the manufacturer. This means efficient organization for large projects with fixed costs and timely delivery. ESAB manufacturers oxy-fuel and plasma plate and bevel cutting machines for plate and seam preparation, column and boom manipulators for internal and external longitudinal submerged arc welding of tower sections, machines for manual or automated welding of flanges and supports, material handling equipment for tack welding and joining of shell sections, and automated door frame welders. ESAB has also developed specific wire and flux combinations that give superior performance in sub arc welding applications for wind towers, which are available worldwide.

John Deere Wind Energy John Deere Wind Energy invests in and provides value-added services to wind projects. It offers project ﬁnancing and expertise in construction project management, wind turbine procurement, and wind energy technology and operations. Thus, John Deere Wind Energy serves as co-developer of commercial wind energy projects for a variety of customers and stakeholders. The company is involved in wind energy projects in commercial operation, or under development, in the U.S. states of Texas, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Idaho and Oregon, and continues to consider investments in new projects and locations. The current portfolio includes projects capable of producing more than 600 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough to power up to 180,000 homes. Wind energy projects can provide additional income for landowners, ranchers and other ag-related businesses, enabling them to directly beneﬁt from the production of renewable energy. John Deere Wind Energy / Booth 1901 | www.deere.com

Using our past to

connect to the

future Since its founding in 1924, FCI-BURNDY® Products has had a reputation for being a leader in innovation in the design as well

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products / Booth 1451 | www.esab.ca

as manufacturing of high quality compression connectors, tooling and

Reduce waste oil in wind turbines

grounding products. Today FCI-BURNDY®

The average wind turbine uses two barrels of oil for lubrication and power transmission. C.C. Jensen Fine Filters greatly improve oil cleanliness and safely extend oil drain intervals. Cleaner oil increases reliability, saves time, money, and the environment. Over the life span of a wind turbine this can save dozens of barrels of oil. C.C. Jensen offers a technology that removes particles, water and oxidation products simply and economically. They provide offline (kidneyloop) filters and filter carts for all oil maintenance needs. Applications include gearboxes, bearings and hydraulics. Retrofit packages are available for all wind turbine types.

Products brings that rich tradition of

C.C. Jensen, Inc. / Booth 1761 | www.ccjensen.com

product innovation to the renewable energy industry. To learn more about what FCI-BURNDY® Products can do for you, please call or visit our website today.

P R O D U C T S

US 1-800-346-4175 International 1-603-647-5299 Canada 1-800-387-6487 Mexico 011-52-722-265-4400 Brazil 011-55-11-5515-7200 www.burndy.com

Experience. Technology. Answers.

MEMBER

North American Clean Energy

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windpower 2008 Geo-support systems Con-Tech Systems supplies geosupport systems to anchor wind turbine tower foundations and transmission line towers. Products include strand, high strength solid bar and the CTS/TITAN Hollow Bar IBO Injection Bore System. The latter is particularly well suited for transmission line towers in all ground conditions, speciﬁcally in sandy and gravelly soils, where it offers substantial advantages over conventional systems. All products are backed through ongoing development and technical service. Con-Tech Systems has developed a post-tensioned deep foundation system as an alternative to concrete spread footings. This foundation is more economical than conventional mass foundations, as it requires substantially less concrete, is environmentally less intrusive, works in soil and rock and can be easily monitored over its lifetime. Con-Tech Systems Ltd. Booth 659 www.contechsystems.com

SGS Group expands its wind energy services to North America SGS Group is expanding its wind energy services to North America with the addition of a wind energy business development manager at its Houston, Texas location. SGS Wind Services offers a six phase inspection and certification program for utility companies, wind farm developers and wind turbine manufactures in North America. This inspection and certification service is already available in Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and Latin America and will complete the global network for wind farm projects. The expansion of SGS Wind Energy into the U.S. market is being driven by the explosive growth of wind energy projects in the U.S. and Canada. With such a rapid increase in production and manufacturing, developers of wind energy projects are finding it necessary to have an independent third party company like SGS acting as their representative to verify that all aspects of the wind project are being completed to the proper specifications. Wind Energy Services, SGS Group / Booth 3110 | www.sgs.com

Growing machining and fabricating business K&M MachineFabricating, Inc. is a contract service company known for their expertise in machining large size complex components. K&M has machined large wind turbine components, (HUBS and main frames) for various wind turbine OEM’s for 10 years. K&M is committed to growing within the wind power industry by adding 52,000 square feet to their machine shop, plus adding two new larger machines for the next generation size of components. SNK, the ﬁrst machine will be production ready late 2008. The second machine, PAMA, will be production ready early 2009 with capabilities to machine parts to 787 in. x 196 in. x 157 in. Pictured above: K&M machining a main frame casting on an SNK vertical bridge machine, which is one of eight machines K&M has to machine these size castings. K&M Machine-Fabricating, Inc. / Booth 2556 | www.k-mm.com

RomaxWIND software package now available Romax Technology’s latest RomaxDesigner software package, release 12.6, is now available. The new edition includes a completely new wind turbine speciﬁc product line called RomaxWIND and a number of additional features within the RomaxDurability and Romax Bearing product ranges. Romax’s mission is to provide the most complete environment for virtual product development of wind turbine nacelle drivetrains, gearboxes and bearings. RomaxWIND provides an “all-in-one” software tool tailored for wind turbine applications and encompasses the design, sizing and optimization of drivetrain systems. Using a unique approach to planetary gear simulation, RomaxWIND is able to produce in-depth results for deﬂections, alignments, vibration and dynamic response of wind turbine gearboxes in record time. This accuracy and speed enables complex numerical simulations to be performed up front in the design cycle, so that system interactions between the gearbox, drivetrain and turbine can be considered in full. Romax Technology Inc. / Booth 2807 | www.romaxtech.com

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show in print State-of-the-art renewable energy projects For more than two decades, enXco has been a leader in renewable energy. They are committed to working towards a sustainable-energy economy through deployment of renewable resources: wind, solar and biomass. Wind-energy projects are enXco’s core competency, and their success comes from extensive experience across a spectrum of services required for the development and operation of a successful wind-energy project. enXco is the largest third-party wind plant operations and maintenance provider in North America with nearly 4,000 turbines under contract that represent over 2,000 megawatts of power generation.

Advanced condition monitoring Swantech and its SwanWind system incorporates patented on-line, machine health and condition monitoring technology based on “stress wave energy” measurement. SwanWind provides the earliest detection of turbine component machine damage and a means for quantifying and trending wear. Its Web based open system architecture allows for communications and integration to existing SCADA and DCS systems enabling parameter correlation. SwanWind goes beyond traditional vibration based condition monitoring systems by: determining lubrication condition; recognizing and avoiding secondary damage; understanding the impact of operational decisions; identifying how stress from loading contributes to part fatigue. SWANtech / Booth 3064 | swantech.curtisswright.com

EnXco / Booth 1717 | www.enxco.com

Transparent covers added to ARCA series enclosures Fibox Enclosures expands its ARCA enclosure product line with the addition of transparent screw covers and transparent hinged covers. Transparent covers are available for five standard interior enclosure sizes ranging from 6 x 6 x 4 inch diameter up to 14 x 12 x 7 inch diameter. Stylized ARCA enclosures, manufactured using injection molded polycarbonate, a high performance plastic, offer ease of customization, robustness, superior chemical resistance and wide temperature range. ARCA enclosures protect electrical and electronic equipment in industrial applications including chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper manufacturing, wastewater treatment systems, and hostile indoor and outdoor environments. ARCA’s rugged construction achieves a unique appearance without sacrificing robustness. All ARCA covers feature an overlapping design providing superior protection of the formed-in-place polyurethane (PUR) gasket. Mounting plates plus fixed and hinged inner panels are available in either metal or non-metallic versions. Enclosure latches can be metal or non-metallic, and are available with or without a padlock option. Fibox Enclosures / Booth 3431 | www.fiboxusa.com

Wind turbine reliability and performance Castrol Industrial North America Inc. helps customers maximize efﬁciency and minimize downtime by delivering worldclass wind turbine gear oils, hydraulic oils, grease, pastes and corrosion preventives to the green energy sector. Castrol focuses on all lubrication areas of the wind turbine, using proven applications expertise and advanced products to deliver solutions that provide reliable and economical performance. Working with key component manufacturers and global wind turbine OEMs, Castrol can understand and deliver on the technical demands of the industry, pioneering innovative technology for the future. Castrol Industrial offers a complete solution designed around wind turbines including: extending uptime through consistency in lubricating critical components; increasing efﬁciency and improving economic competitiveness against other energy sources; and working closely with research and development to utilize advanced technology solutions to deliver lubrication solutions that provide reliable and economical performance. Castrol Industrial North America Inc. / Booth 2706 | www.castrol.com North American Clean Energy

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windpower 2008 LoadMate Electric Chain Hoist for wind turbine applications

Hybrid hub control slip ring

The LoadMate Electric Chain Hoist is a compact, versatile and cost-effective electric chain hoist. With load capacities from 1/8 to 1 ton, a lifting height up to 262 feet, and a wide range of lifting speeds and power supplies, the LoadMate is ideal for wind turbine applications. The LoadMate can be installed inside the wind turbine nacelle to assist with standard maintenance activities, including change-outs and repairs of generators, high-speed gears, yaw and pitch motors, etc. Because of the compact design of a wind turbine nacelle, it is important for the hoist to deliver high efďŹ ciency in small work spaces. The LoadMate is an ergonomic low-headroom hoist that allows for close trolley approaches. R&M Materials Handling, Inc. / Booth 259 | www.rmhoist.com

HĂŠlimax develops expertise in wind turbine icing HĂŠlimax has successfully completed the installation of a test bench for the observation and measurement of icing and freezing rain phenomena at the 110-megawatt Baie-des-Sables wind farm in Quebecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GaspĂŠ Peninsula. The project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; implemented in partnership with Cartier Ă&#x2030;nergie Ă&#x2030;olienne and the Ă&#x2030;cole de Technologie SupĂŠrieure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represents a unique experimental undertaking. Installed on a meteorological tower in proximity to one of Baie-des-Sablesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 73 GE 1.5sle turbines, the test bench is part of the follow-up and optimization program for the said wind farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance. The wind farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output is continuously monitored using a numeric model developed by HĂŠlimaxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meteorologists and engineers. The data collected by this new installation will be entered into this model in order to better model wind farm operational conditions. HĂŠlimax / Booth 2213 | www.helimax.com

Morgan AM&T introduces the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Morgan Rekofaâ&#x20AC;? brand â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hybrid Designâ&#x20AC;? hub control slip ring for wind generators. Addressing all the known failure causes with existing designs, this unique design uses robust metalgraphite brushes for high-power transmission and an â&#x20AC;&#x153;oil-freeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;maintenancefreeâ&#x20AC;? gold-wire system for the effective transmission of signal and communication data. This unique system with a completely maintenance-free lifetime of 10-plus years marks a huge stride for this application. Morgan AM&T also provides electrical carbon brushes, brush holders and alternator slip rings used in wind generators. Morgan AM&T / Booth 2908 | www.morganamt.com

Supply chain services provider Gexpro Services is a world-class supply chain services provider specializing in developing and managing production inventory management programs. Their existing programs provide material support for every major wind turbine section including the nacelle, turbine engine, hub, blades and tower. Their value added services include supplier development and qualiďŹ cation, value engineering and material substitution, complex kitting, point of use and Kanban replenishment, and consigned and stockroom inventory management. Programs are designed to improve the capacity of your manufacturing facilities and drive productivity and proďŹ tability for your business. Gexpro Services offers the global scale, commodity breadth, industry knowledge, technical and administrative support, and fast reliable delivery for your production material requirements. Gexpro Services / Booth 2219 | www.gexproservices.com

Icefree Hybrid Turbine Control Sensor for improved turbine performance After a quiet introduction in 2006, NRG Systems plans to trumpet its Icefree Hybrid Turbine Control Sensor to the industry at Windpower 2008. Turbine owners and wind farm operators rely on Hybrid for its innovative technology that results in a hotter, more robust and â&#x20AC;&#x153;smarterâ&#x20AC;? sensor. Hybrid is smart because it can be programmed to work as either an anemometer or vane. The Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotter temperature provides for improved operation in cold climates, which means greater turbine availability. Its modular design and quick release mount makes Hybrid easy to install and reduces maintenance costs. Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully digital output means reliable and accurate turbine operation. For reliable turbine control in any weather, depend on the NRG Systems Icefree Hybrid. NRG Systems / Booth 1525 | www.icefreehybrid.com

WI N D

blueprint specials TOWER BOLTS nacelle hardware BLADE STUDS full test reports available DACROMET delta tone TZN MoS2 ISO & DIN SPECS all grades and sizes available

AN ISO CERTIFIED COMPANY toll free

fax

WWW CIFWIND COM email SALES@CIFWIND COM 20

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The Power Of One â&#x20AC;Śfrom Composites One Composites One provides its 8,500-plus customers with the Power of One; products, people and processes for wind and power generation applications. With the Power of One, engineers, project managers, and other customers can select from the widest range of reinforcements, resins, gel coats, core materials and processing supplies from over 500 supplier partners. Manufacturers can learn the latest processes for building wind power components â&#x20AC;&#x201C; better, faster, with less waste and fewer emissions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and receive support from Composites Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of technical experts. With the Power of One, manufacturers can receive the products they need when they need them, thanks to customer service reps dedicated to their account and 35 locally based distribution centres. Composites One / Booth 211 | www.compositesone.com

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To get up there, start here. Our partners manufacture towers for wind farms around the world. We support them by providing specialty welding and cutting solutions designed for maximum efďŹ ciency, combined with application expertise and dedicated service. Afterall, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no power without a tower.

Automated Welding Systems

Plate & Bevel Cutting Machines

Welding Wire & Fluxes

Support

AWEA WINDPOWER BOOTH 1451 PUT US TO WORK. www.esab.ca + 1.877.935.3226 + infomaster@esab.com

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windpower 2008 DeWind D8.2 installed at Texas State Technical College In 2005 DeWind embarked on a program to develop an evolution of its existing D8 turbine. This turbine’s design goal was to take a step forward by removing power conversation electronics and deliver power from a conventional synchronous generator, thus providing a more grid friendly turbine. DeWind entered into an agreement with Voith Turbo of Germany to develop a hydro-dynamic torque converter to fit into the already successful D8 platform. This torque converter known as a WinDrive provided the ability to convert variable speed to constant speed. The first turbine was installed in Cuxhaven, Germany at the end of 2006, followed by a high altitude version install in December 2007 at 14,000ft in Argentina. In November 2007 the first 60Hz version was tested at the National Renewable Energy Lab and installed in Sweetwater, Texas in January 2008. Production of the D8.2 is taking place at the TECO-Westinghouse facility in Round Rock, Texas.

Work trucks set up for trailer towing

DeWind, Inc. / Booth 233 | www.compositetechcorp.com

Started in 1999, Interstate Truck Rental has grown to a fleet of over 1,000 trucks with multiple locations in the U.S. When a wind industry customer has a question or an unexpected mechanical issue their management staff and rental agents know the answers. Three types of trucks are available for rent: a light duty half-ton gas unit (no trailer towing); a medium duty threequarter-ton diesel unit that can be used for receiver towing and is equipped with an electric brake controller; and a one-ton dully or flatbed truck used for gooseneck towing and or fifth wheel applications. It is also equipped with an electric brake controller. Four-wheel drive is available on all models upon request. Interstate Truck Rental & Sales Booth 2500 www.goitr.com

Cable-guided fall protection systems Hailo LLC, experts of ladder technology, offers the H9.5 Fall Protection System. This cable-guided fall arrester attaches to the centre of the ladder rungs, ensuring a safe assent and decent. Resting platforms provide a solid foundation every 10 metres should the technician become fatigued while climbing. The H9.5 is available in either stainless or galvanized steel, is easily installed, and can be retroﬁtted to any steel or aluminum ladder. Hailo LLC Booth 1443 www.hailo.us 22

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show in print CIF launches new wind power division Chicago Industrial Fasteners (CIF), a hybrid distributor of standard and specialty fasteners, has launched a new division – CIF WIND. The new division of CIF is an expansion of the existing business with specialized products and services focused on the needs of the wind power industry and related companies. CIF has been involved in wind power in the U.S. for over four years and has valuable knowledge and experience with the demands of companies serving this growing industry. CIF WIIND is a manufacturer of blade studs, double end studs, and all thread rods in various diameters, grades and lengths. CIF’s Tesker 630 thread roller can manufacture 700 to 900 parts per hour, and produces high quality rolled thread studs per customers’ speciﬁcations. Chicago Industrial Fasterners – CIF Wind Division / Booth 2149 www.CIFWIND.com

Manitowoc Crane Care dedicates new facility in Shady Grove Manitowoc Crane Care, Manitowoc’s customer support division, recently opened its new 37,000 sq. ft. quarters in Shady Grove, Pa. The building is home to over 100 Manitowoc Crane Care employees who are responsible for aftermarket support. The facility is also the Center of Excellence for the Grove, Potain and National Crane brands for both North and South America. The new facility houses Manitowoc Crane Care’s Rapid Response Teams. These teams of experts are responsible for helping customers whenever they need any type of aftermarket support, replacement parts, training or technical service. They communicate with distributors and customers to help diagnose problems or facilitate parts orders. Training is an important initiative for Manitowoc Crane Care. In the new quarters, space for training is more than doubled.

Moventas launches wind turbine condition management system To meet the needs of the wind generation market, Moventas is launching a sophisticated condition management system at the Hannover Messe. The aim is to raise the reliability of the mechanical power transmission systems which are at the heart of wind turbine designs and to minimize maintenance costs. Observing the performance and condition of key components is vital to ensure that the reliability of wind turbines can be kept high. Turbines are often located offshore or in remote locations so minimizing unplanned maintenance is important. The condition management system, developed by the company, focuses on the mechanical power transmission equipment which is mainly the gearbox and associated components. The system monitors and senses a range of parameters that show how well the gearbox is operating and those changes which may indicate potential failure modes. Key measurement parameters include oil quality, vibration, load and temperature. Moventas / Booth 733 | www.moventas.com

THE K-LINE GROUP OF COMPANIES

Manitowoc Cranes / Booth 212 | www.manitowoc.com

Contiga’s count of Shuttlelift ISL’s rise to five Contiga, a supplier of prefabricated concrete and steel solutions in Scandinavia, has recently taken delivery of its fifth Shuttlelift ISL gantry crane, demonstrating Contiga’s continuing preference for Shuttlelift to solve its material handling requirements for almost 20 years. The new ISL 30 will join two others currently in service at the precast concrete plant located in Fredrikstad, 90 kilometres south of Oslo. Another ISL 30 is operational a little further to the north, in Moss, while the fifth crane, an ISL 40B, is in Stjørdal. Stig Jakobsen, project leader for Contiga, comments: “These three plants produce over 600,000 square metres of precast or pre-stressed concrete components each year, which require fast and efficient handling, essential to our operations. Shuttlelift’s mobile gantry cranes are an important element in the way we handle and transport this concrete – from manufacturing to storage then loading.”

Canada’s leading EBOP service provider with over 400 MW of installed capacity

renewable energy generation P R O J E C T S

BUILDING CANADA’S

The K-Line Group provides complete turnkey solutions for the high voltage industry and its related sectors. From initial ﬁnancing and consulting though to design, construction, commissioning and ongoing maintenance the K-Line Group is your one-source solution for any renewable energy project.

Phone: 905-640-2002 Fax: 905-640-8887 WWW.K-LINE.CA

Shuttlelift Inc. / Booth 410 | www.shuttlelift.com North American Clean Energy

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solar energy SolarWall part of largest air heated building installation

The largest collection of solar air heated buildings in the world, located at Fort Drum, NY, now employs Canadian-made SolarWall technology. Fifty Conserval SolarWall systems (totalling over 10,000 square metres) have been installed on 27 military buildings and will collectively generate over 4MW of peak thermal energy. By using solar energy, Fort Drum will displace over 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year, and is projected to realize fuel savings of 44 billion BTU/h (46,000 GJ) per year. The SolarWall air heating system reduces onsite energy costs by heating the ventilation air that is required in commercial and industrial buildings, using a patented transpired solar collector. SolarWall is a metal wall system that uses perforated collector panels installed several inches from a wall, creating an air cavity. The metal cladding is heated by solar radiation, and ventilation fans located at the top of the wall create negative pressure in the air cavity, drawing in the solar heated air through the panel perforations. A connection to an HVAC intake allows air to be preheated before entering the air handler, reducing the load on a conventional heater. This heated fresh air is then distributed into the building through the existing HVAC system or with separate air makeup fans and perforated ducting. Eight other U.S. military bases also now use SolarWall technology, as well as two Canadian bases in Alberta. In Ontario, the technology is eligible for up to 50 percent funding by combining rebates from the federal ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program and the new matching Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive (OSTHI). Conserval Engineering, Inc. | www.solarwall.com

Solar engine provides reliable power for remote applications Carmanah has introduced the DuraGEN solar engine – a complete stand-alone solar power supply designed to provide a reliable source of high-quality power for remote applications. Suitable for powering lights, sensors, monitors, security cameras, illuminated signage, trafﬁc signals, communications equipment, and more, the DuraGEN solar engine is engineered to perform in remote and industrial settings where durable construction and reliable operation are critical. Each DuraGEN solar engine comes as a complete, ready-to-install system with all the required components, including solar module, array cabling, mounting hardware, aluminum enclosure, control panel (with solar controller) batteries, and battery cabling. A range of sizes and outputs are available for just about any remote power requirement. Units are constructed of high quality, industry-standard components, and come preassembled, pre-wired and ready to install. All connections are clearly labelled and precise installation instructions are included. Carmanah Technologies Corporation | www.carmanah.com

17th century telescope technology potential to make solar power generation as cheap as hydro Intinergy Solar Inc., a solar concentrator power technology company based in Vancouver, has developed potentially disruptive technology for the solar power industry that is based around 17th Century telescope optics. Intinergy has shrunk conventional optics down in a novel and proprietary way so that they fit into a lightweight, one-inch flat panel. These compact patented telescopes – just inches thick – sit on photovoltaic arrays and fill meter-square panels, resulting in very low-cost electricity. The technology is highly scaleable, allowing for a near unlimited number of panels to be linked together, and include automatic tilting capability to capture maximum exposure to the sun. Units feature no optical alignment (flat front glass), low manufacturing cost, and up to 3,000 times solar concentration. Plus, a significantly lower dollar per watt electrical energy is provided compared to flat panels, according to the company. “Our solar concentrator is currently in the 25% efficiency range, well ahead of photovoltaic technology,” says Tom Mitchell, Intinergy COO. “Furthermore, we anticipate these figures to improve substantially. Already this could put electricity production costs equal to or even better than hydro-electricity and certainly way cheaper than future fossil fuel powered electricity generation. In terms of crystalline silicon PV and thin-film PV, we would be substantially less to produce 100 MW a year for a utility-grade system.” Intinergy Solar Inc. www.intinergy.com

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Partnership enables smart solar hot water systems

Fat Spaniel Technologies, Inc. recently announced a partnership with EnerWorks Inc. to deliver smart solar hot water systems. The joint product offering integrates Fat Spaniel’s monitoring and reporting services with EnerWorks’ Solar Energy Units for commercial and industrial-scale hot water generation. The turnkey solution is designed to enable simplified installation, maintenance and billing. “By combining our trusted energy monitoring and monetization capabilities with EnerWorks’ innovative solar thermal products, we are working together to streamline every aspect of solar hot water, from system deployment through operations and maintenance, which maximizes return on investment,” said Chris Beekhuis, president and CTO of Fat Spaniel Technologies. “The flexibility of Fat Spaniel’s technology makes for easy integration with EnerWorks’ solar thermal products,” said Ken Arnold, CEO of EnerWorks. “By delivering web-accessible views for our end users, verifiable billing information for utilities or third-party investors and improved operations and maintenance tools for our installers and owners, Fat Spaniel has proven to be a true partner for EnerWorks in providing a total solar water heating solution designed with an operating life of 25 years.” EnerWorks Solar Energy Systems are engineered to complement existing electric, natural gas, propane or oil-powered water heating services, providing users with clean energy and reductions in monthly utility bills. Fat Spaniel’s integrated monitoring system remotely tracks water flow and temperature data as well as ambient weather conditions. Greenhouse gas emission reductions and system operating performance can be viewed live on the web, on a lobby or elevator monitor, or from anywhere on a smartphone. In addition, the company’s Insight Manager real-time portal helps owners and installers who are responsible for multiple renewable energy systems to efficiently monitor and manage all systems through a consolidated interface. Fat Spaniel’s monitoring system is ideal for use in larger hot water applications such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, hotels, condos, apartments, community and recreation centres, pools and office buildings. EnerWorks, Inc. www.enerworks.com Fat Spaniel Technologies www.fatspaniel.com

System to provide potential for electricity at 5-cents per kWh A new solar energy system will soon make it possible to produce electricity at a wholesale cost of 5-cents per kWh, according to its manufacturer. XCPV (Xtreme Concentrated Photovoltaics) was introduced recently by SUNRGI at the National Energy Marketers Association’s Global Energy Forum in Washington, DC. The patent-pending system uses a special SUNRGI’s XCPV – Xtreme Concentrated PV module. The solar system model. lens to concentrate the equivalent of more than 1,600 times the sun’s energy onto very efficient solar cells, which then convert more than 37% of the sunlight directly into electricity. According to SUNRGI, this compares to typical non-concentrated, one sun, solar cells (such as thin film) which are less than 1/3 as efficient. To keep PV cells from melting due to such an extreme concentration of sunlight, SUNRGI’s proprietary (patent pending) Cool Move heat transport technology is used to prevent undesirable heat buildup so that the PV cells are actually kept cooler than their normal operating temperature. XCPV is designed to reduce the amount of costly solar cell material needed to generate any given amount of electricity (by up to 1,600 times less), which in turn greatly reduces the cost of the PV solar cells component of a solar system. “This is a world-changing breakthrough,” said Craig Goodman, president, National Energy Marketers Association. “It will make solar generation of electricity as affordable as generation from coal, natural gas or any other non-renewable source of electricity, without requiring a subsidy.” “In a little more than a year we were able to develop and successfully test XCPV,” said Robert S. (Bob) Block, co-founder and SUNRGI principal. “We expect the SUNRGI system to become available for both on and off-grid power applications, worldwide, in twelve to fifteen months.” The XCPV solar energy system is modular, optimized for mass-production, and requires less land area or “roof top” space than typical solar energy systems. It also includes solar tracking and a technology roadmap for continuous improvement. Field installation is low-cost, and systems are custom-designed for easy operation and maintenance. SUNRGI | www.sunrgi.com

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solar energy

PV system answer to power challenges in Mexico City s the demand for electricity continues to soar, power grids, as well as consumers, pay the price. Price volatility, power outages and blackouts are just some of the difficulties characterizing this global issue, and they are particularly evident in Mexico. Expensive and unpredictable power hinders business and puts a toll on its citizens, while coal-powered plants produce harmful, polluting emissions that wear on public health. Nowhere is there a better fit for distributed solar generation, directly at the point of consumption, than in this sun-drenched country that knows all too well the environmental consequences of industrialization. A history of heavy pollution, smoggy air and fossil-fuel based growth have especially taken a toll on the country’s largest metropolis, Mexico City – but there is hope for improvement. Technology advances and an increase in market demand are resulting in solar installations gaining ground in Mexico, with the largest single solar installation in the country completed in Mexico City late last year. L’Oreal, the global cosmetics and beauty giant, operates a warehouse facility located in Mexico City at which batterypowered electric forklifts stock, shelf and ferry around merchandise. The ability of the forklifts to function is critical to the operations at the facility – no power means no shipments filled and no orders delivered. Electricity supply in Mexico City can be unreliable, often producing low voltage with sporadic shutdowns, coupled with inconsistencies during poor weather conditions and expensive usage rates. With the high cost and unpredictability of the electricity supply at the facility, it was crucial that L’Oreal find an alternative source for its power needs, and a solar PV system emerged as the best solution. The L’Oreal warehouse solar project was a collaboration between Day4 Energy Inc., the Vancouver-based designer, manufacturer and seller of PV modules, and Arian Solar, an installer based in Mexico City. Associated through their mutual business relationships with German solar cell manufacturer Q-Cells AG, Day4 Energy was approached by Arian Solar about the warehouse project in the summer of 2007. After several meetings, an agreement was reached and Day4 supplied 300 solar panels – enough to construct a PV system to provide about 50KW of solar electricity, the amount necessary for the facility’s electrical demands. Arian Solar received the panels in September 2007, the installation process was concluded in December 2007, and the final touches were finished on the project in January earlier

The Day4 Electrode is a key component of Day4’s solar panels, and uses a fundamentally new method of contacting and interconnecting crystalline silicon PV cells. Panels use no solder-ribbon bonding on the front of the panel, are highly efﬁcient, uniform-looking, and are designed to blend with and enhance the background of an installation.

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At this recent warehouse installation in Mexico City, the installer received the panels in September 2007, the installation process was concluded in December 2007 (300 panels total), and the ﬁnal touches were ﬁnished on the project in January earlier this year.

this year. Following this was a 60-day trial period in which the solar PV system was tested for reliability and performance. According to reports from the trials, the Day4 Energy panels have performed above and beyond expectation, meeting or exceeding benchmarks in all the areas tested, and the project is being touted as a much heralded success for L’Oreal, and an example of solar energy’s great potential in Mexico. One of the challenges for solar power in Mexico City, is that the local climate provides mostly diffuse light for use with PV systems, due to dense air pollution. Day4 Energy’s solar modules are manufactured based on the company’s patented Electrode technology, a proprietary method of contacting and interconnecting solar cells, which results in increased lifespan and productivity of panels. According to Day4, their most recent technological advances have increased the overall performance of their modules, compared to conventional silicon panels, and units tend to produce extremely well in low-light and diffuse light conditions. The fundamental idea behind Day4’s technology is to replace the widely accepted screen-printing process of the PV cell’s front contact metallization with technology capable of signiﬁcantly reducing the total series resistance of the PV cell. An advanced cell interconnection means more power from less area, and Day4 Energy’s latest technology doesn’t use ribbon bonding on the front of the panel, so no energy is lost in this transfer. Plus, a market-driven design incorporates aluminum framing with extra grounding and water draining holes – features that make panels easier to install and increase reliability in a variety of both grid-connected and off-grid applications. The economic value of the project for L’Oreal, coupled with the company’s active commitment to sustainable development, were key in opting for a power solution that was environmentally friendly, and its success has led to two additional solar PV projects and one solar thermal project to be initiated by the company. When faced with the real-world challenges of operational and budgetary constraints, the company was forced to look for an alternative to the traditional electricity grid – or its warehouse facility in Mexico City could not remain economically viable. It has paid off. And it is this type of scenario that will continue to guide forwardthinking companies like L’Oreal away from expensive ﬁnite energy sources towards reliable renewable alternatives. Day4Energy Inc. | www.day4energy.com Q-Cells AG | www.qcells.de

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Plant materials replace plastic for PV cell component

SunSaver MPPT Controller The SunSaver MPPT solar controller with TrakStar Technology is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid PV systems up to 400 watts. The controller (15 amps at 12/24 volts) features a smart tracking algorithm which maximizes energy harvest, and provides load control to prevent over-discharge of the battery. Units enable the use of high voltage and thin ﬁlm modules for off-grid PV battery charging, and provide a means to use up to a 36V array to charge a 24V or 12V battery. SunSaver MPPT’s charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved system performance, and units are epoxy-encapsulated and adjustable via on-board switches or PC connection. Morningstar | www.morningstarcorp.com

BioSolar, Inc, a developer of technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources which reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, reported this past March on the successful development of its first generation commercial product. “BioBacksheet” is a bio-based backsheet component specifically engineered for PV cells. Late last year, the company reported the successful scale-up production run of bio-based films, the culmination of a rigorous testing protocol, which moved the company another step closer to UL certification early this year. In February, the company announced the expansion of its R&D facilities and the establishment of its physical plant. “As a result of our rigorous product development cycle, we now have the relevant data and positive test results that enable us to commit the company to full production of this particular product,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO. Elaborating on the specific characteristics of the final product, Dr. Stan Levy, the company’s CTO, explained that “this backsheet material is a composite utilizing two different sustainable resources, each of which has the necessary Underwriter’s Laboratories Relative Thermal Index (UL RTI) to be accepted by the major photovoltaic manufacturers.” According to BioSolar, this is a key element to rapid attainment of market share, because it is much easier for a photovoltaic module manufacturer to obtain a re-certification of their UL approved module when they replace a component with a material which already has the required UL RTI. “This was a key directive in our product development strategy,” notes Lee. “We expect that backsheet samples will be made available in commercial quantity to crystalline silicon photovoltaic module manufacturers in mid 2008, with full production runs to be scheduled based on the initial market response.” “Availability of these samples at quantity means that mainstream photovoltaic module manufacturers now can undertake their own UL recertification process, utilizing BioSolar’s BioBacksheet product.” BioSolar, Inc. | www.biosolar.com North American Clean Energy

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solar energy Performance fluids enable Spanish solar plants

Revised design on differential temperature controller

The Dow Chemical Company Performance Fluids business is set to enable three large solar power plants in Spain to collect heat and convert it to electrical energy. Starting later this year, Dow will deliver over 2,000 metric tons of DOWTHERM A – a, specialized heat transfer fluid – to the Andasol I Solar Energy plant in Guadix, Parabolic mirrors used at plants in Spain collect located in southern Spain, and concentrate solar heat into tubes filled with high near Granada. A few months temperature heat transfer fluid. The fluid, transfers the later, Dow will fill the Iberheat to the power generating station where it is used to drola Renovables plant produce steam to power turbines for electrical generation. located in Ciudad Real with nearly 1,000 metric tons of DOWTHERM A, and then another 2,000 metric tons of the same heat transfer fluid will be delivered to Andasol II, also located near Guadix. Each plant will supply 50 megawatts of electrical power for a total of 150 megawatts. This is enough electricity for about 90,000 homes. Both of the Andasol plants will save approximately 450,000 tons of carbon dioxide that would have been released to the atmosphere had traditional fuels been burned. The role of DOWTHERM A is to collect the heat energy captured, and transport it to a power generating station. The transported heat converts water to steam which in turn drives turbines to make electricity. DOWTHERM A is a mixture of special fluids that have the high temperature stability needed to collect, transport, and store heat, and is ideal for systems that use liquid or vapour phase heating. According to Dow, the company has spent a great deal of time designing an effective manufacturing and supply chain capability to deliver the incredibly large amounts of heat transfer fluid needed for these solar plants. “Each order is massive in its own right,” said Steven Stanley, Ph.D., global business director for Dow Performance Fluids. “[Our] system of supply, manufacture, and delivery will enable us to continue to replicate these same results for years to come.”

This past March, ART•TEC LLC released a design revision of its Solar Differential Temperature Controller - model DTC-1. This unit now has the capacity to switch 24 Volt DC pumps in addition to 12 Volt pumps, and is designed specifically for closed loop solar heating systems in which the pump is powered by a solar panel. The DTC-1 is rated to operate from 3.5 to 30 Volts DC and can switch pump loads of up to 6 Amps. This controller will improve system performance by preventing pumps from running if collectors become cooler than the storage tank on overcast days, and early and late on cold days when there is enough sunlight on the solar panel to power the pump – but the collectors are not hotter than the storage tank. “Many solar installers are still using designs in which closed loop solar heating systems are pumped with an AC pump and controller,” explains Guy Marsden, President of ART•TEC. “What they are beginning to realize is that a solar direct powered pump can increase the performance of the system by 25-30%. This is due to the servo effect, where more sunlight on the system causes the pump to force fluid through the collectors faster, thus optimizing performance. As the sunlight diminishes due to off-axis angles or overcast sky, the solar powered pump will automatically slow down, allowing the fluid to remain in the collectors longer, thus absorbing more heat. The other obvious advantage of a solar powered pump is the elimination of AC power consumption and reliability when grid power fails.” ART•TEC LLC | www.arttec.net

Solar collectors

Dow Chemical Company | www.dow.com

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Apricus solar collectors use high efﬁciency twin-glass evacuated tubes to absorb solar energy and convert it into usable heat. Freeze protected heat pipes transfer heat from within the evacuated tube up to an insulated copper header pipe through which a heat transfer liquid is circulated. Suitable for domestic or commercial applications, these units maintain strong efﬁciency levels even at high delta-t temperatures, making them ideal for cold regions and high temperature applications. The absorber area is 2.4m2 / 25.8ft2 , aperture area is 2.82m2 / 30.3ft2. , and peak power output is 1,850W / 6312Btu. The model AP-30 solar collector is currently being used on the Apricus factory in Nanjing, China to produce not only hot water but also desiccant cooling for the majority of the facility. These units are engineered to reclaim their carbon footprint from manufacturing and packaging within 60 days of installation. Apricus Inc. | www.apricus.com

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MIT start-up aims to beat coal with improved silicon cell manufacturing 1366 Technologies, a recent MIT start-up with the goal of making silicon solar cells competitive with coal, has announced it has secured $12.4 million in a first round of financing, co-led by North Bridge Venture Partners and Polaris Venture Partners. MIT Professor, 1366 founder and CTO, Ely Sachs, has stated that 1366 Technologies will be combin1366 technology: light (from a red laser) ing innovations in silicon cell archihits the Light-Capturing Ribbon, then reflects tecture with manufacturing process back off the surface of the glass and illuminates improvements to bring multi-crysthe silicon matrix. talline silicon solar cells to cost parity with coal-based electricity. Sachs added, “The science is understood, the raw materials are abundant and the products work. All that is left to do is innovate in manufacturing and scale up volume production, and that’s just what we intend to do.” The company has recently taken space in Lexington, Massachusetts to build its pilot solar cell manufacturing facility, and are working on a new cell architecture that uses innovative, low-cost fabrication methods to increase the efficiency of multi-crystalline solar cells. This architecture, developed at MIT, improves surface texture and metallization to enhance silicon solar cell efficiency by 25% (from 15 to 19%) while lowering costs. 1366 Technologies plans to partner with solar companies and government agencies, licensing its technology, and the company plans to build industrial, 100-megawatt plants around the world. “Once the pilot plant has proven itself, we’ll work with governments and energy agencies worldwide to build a string of factories,” said Carmichael Roberts, general partner at North Bridge Venture Partners.

Solar array combiner boxes The HOMERUN Combiner Box family was developed to reduce the cost and simplify the installation of large PV systems. This product line is UL listed for safety as an inverter accessory to standard UL 1741. An important aspect of the safety listing is the wide temperature testing range which ensures the product will safely deliver full power in the most extreme conditions. Three models are available with 4, 8 and 12 fuse poles. The HCB4 enclosure is Type 3R rated, using powder coated aluminum and includes a rain-proof design that allows for vertical or sloped mounting. HCB8 and HCB12 models are housed in a rugged ﬁbreglass enclosure with a NEMA 4X rating, which delivers superior resistance to harsh weather and corrosion. The weather-sealed, hinged design allows for vertical or horizontal mounting, and inside the enclosure is a user-friendly layout with ample room to route and organize solar array conductors. All models are rated for temperatures from -25 to 50 degrees C, with maximum voltages of 600 (VDC). Maximum currents range from 60 to 180. Blue Oak PV Products | www.blueoakpvproducts.com

1366 Technologies | www.1366tech.com

Off-grid PV power supply The Apollo Solar SPC 120/240 Solar Power Center is engineered as a complete Off-Grid PV Power Supply, fully wired and tested, and ready for quick installation. Installers need only connect the PV Input, battery cables, and AC Load. The inverter, charge controller, and all the circuit breakers are inside a single enclosure. The SPC features Apollo’s TrueSineWave Split Phase Inverter, T80 MPPT Charge Controller, SPC front-panel System Display, and integral DC and AC breakers, ground fault protection, lightning arrestors, and generator start/operation capability. All of this is in a clean, compact 3-foot by 2foot enclosure that stands only 9 inches from the wall. These systems also include Apollo Solar (patent-pending) MPPT energy harvest and built-in TriMetric battery state-of-charge metering in a single unit that can process up to 5,300 watts of PV power. Units are designed as a turn-key solution for remote, off-grid PV applications, and support flooded lead-acid, gel, and absorbed-glass-mat batteries in 12, 24, and 48 VDC configurations, providing four-stage charging with fail-safe, calculated default settings as well as adjustable set points for all parameters. The SPC is a single box that provides both 120 and 240 volt AC power for U.S. and Canadian markets and can be easily installed into tight spaces. Over 200% of the rated power is available as surge-power capacity to allow for intermittent loads for short periods like motor-starting, without interrupting specific essential loads. No external transformers are required for step up, step down, or balancing, thus, saving added costs, installation time, and several percentage points of efficiency. The output provides 240 volts for well-pumps, appliances, or large shop tools, while providing 120 volts for standard circuits, either side supplying up to 75% of the total load. Apollo Solar | www.apollosolar.com

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solar energy North America’s largest solar photovoltaic energy park breaks ground Joint venture partners SkyPower Corp. and SunEdison Canada announced in April the official groundbreaking of First Light, North America’s largest solar photovoltaic energy park. Located on approximately 300 acres of land in Lennox & Addington County, Ontario, between Ottawa and Toronto, construction of the 19-megawatt greenfield solar facility is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2009 and will provide power for more than 2,000 homes annually. First Light will be built in two phases; the first phase will be a 9 MW capacity system, and an additional 10 MW capacity will be supplied under Phase II. The project will be constructed using standard flat panel photovoltaic technology, with a total of more than 200,000 solar panels covering 150 acres in the Township of Stone Mills. The power generated from the project will be distributed through Hydro One utility, and is projected to provide clean energy to customers in Stone Mills for 20 years, and with no up-front cost to taxpayers. It is estimated that First Light will also displace yearly carbon emissions by about 20,665 metric tonnes from gas and coal-fired plants, which would otherwise be used. “We are fortunate to have the expertise of our partner SunEdison, whose experience, vision and approach to utility-scale PV solar projects has led to the successful design and groundbreaking of this project today,” said Kerry Adler, CEO of SkyPower, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on April 21. Tom Rainwater, CEO of SunEdison added; “First Light is possible because of a real commitment by the community and the leadership of Ontario to deliver clean renewable energy.” According to a release issued by SkyPower and SunEdison, the groundbreaking of First Light demonstrates the strong support of the provincial government, municipal leaders, and communities and is a clear indication that Ontario’s renewable energy targets are achievable. The Government of Ontario in concert with the Ontario Power Authority, launched the Standard Offer Program in 2006, which is designed to provide a platform for stimulating investment and job creation in the renewable energy sector. First Light will supply solar power to the grid, helping Ontario reach its 2025 renewable energy targets, and is projected to result in job and tourism development opportunities for Lennox & Addington, and Stone Mills township, who are hosting the facility. “The province commends SkyPower and SunEdison Canada for breaking ground on this very significant project,” said Ontario Minister of Energy Gerry Phillips. “In just over one year, the [provincial] Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program has already exceeded its 10-year target of garnering 1,000 megawatts of contracted generation. We look forward to the program yielding success stories for years to come.” SkyPower Corp. | www.skypower.com SunEdison LLC | www.sunedison.com

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Exhaust management systems used for gas abatement for SiN deposition tool Edwards, a global supplier of vacuum and exhaust management equipment and services, recently announced the sale of two ATLAS thermal conditioning systems (TCS) to Solsonica (Rieti, Italy), a newly established manufacturer of Photovoltaic cells and modules. Edwards ATLAS TCS technology is designed to provide reliable, high-performance, low-cost exhaust management of the flammable and acidic gases that are by-products of the chemical vapour deposition processes used to manufacture semiconductors and next-generation solar cells. Solsonica will use the ATLAS TCS to abate the gases produced during silicon nitride (SiN) deposition in its polysilicon solar cell manufacturing operations. “To successfully meet the growing global demand for alternative energy sources, future generations of solar energy products will have to be manufactured using the same high-volume processes used today in the semiconductor industry,” said Enzo D’Antonio, Chairman of Solsonica. Edwards ATLAS TCS technology incorporates a unique inward-fired radiant combustor and high-efficiency three-stage water scrubber and is ideally suited to the treatment of exhaust streams from CVD tools. The ATLAS TCS helps lower cost of ownership through reduced water usage, and features full tool interfacing for utilities conservation and maximized tool uptime. In addition, a small foot print helps optimize the use of fab space. Edwards ATLAS TCS abates all hydrides and gives sub-TLV removal of acid gases, while minimizing NOx, products of incomplete combustion and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The technology is suitable for all CVD processes where effective powder handling and HAP abatement is needed. “This sale to Solsonica highlights the benefits Edwards offers to customers in the solar industry,” said Sia Abbaszadeh, Business Head, Solar & Flat Panel Display, Edwards. Edwards | www.edwardsvacuum.com

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solar news briefs GT Solar and Trina Solar have entered into a contract whereby GT will supply Trina Solar (Lianyungang) Co., Ltd. with polysilicon reactors and converters worth $49 MM. The equipment will be used by Trina in conjunction with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans to build and operate a multi-phased polysilicon production facility located in Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jiangsu Province. The $49 MM contract is for GT Solarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 48 rod chemical vapour deposition reactor and silicon tetrachloride (STC) hydrogenation conversion units, which convert STC to trichlrosilane (TCS).

arena, the company will design and construct a multi-megawatt solar power system that will supply power to a steel mill and support the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy grid system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;India represents the ďŹ rst of many untapped markets that Clear Skies Solar plans to enter in 2008 and 2009,â&#x20AC;? said

Ezra Green, Chairman and CEO of Clear Skies Solar.

Solar Semiconductor recently allotted 50-acres in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,200acre Fab City, with plans to invest $1.1 billion dollars over next ten years. Fab City was set up in 2006 to encourage the

genesis of chip manufacturing in India, and is now betting big on photovoltaic products. About half of the proposed projects for Fab City are reportedly in the PV arena. Solar Semiconductor is one of the ďŹ rst solar companies approved for a 50-acre allotment there, where they will expand their productions.

Apricus has announced the opening of a new 80,000 square foot production facility. According to the company, this new facility will increase production to more than 20,000 x 30 tube solar thermal collectors each year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which installed would produce more than 43 GWh of energy per annum. The ofďŹ ce building roof on this new facility will be covered with Apricus solar collectors, for hot water, heating and solar cooling.

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enXco has been awarded the contract to develop, construct, own and operate a one-MW solar photovoltaic array in an agreement with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The ground mounted ďŹ xed tilt solar array will consist of approximately 14,000 First Solar modules and is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 600 homes. This array represents the largest solar PV project in the United States built in response to customer enrollment in a voluntary green pricing program.

Mainstream Energy and Renewable Energy have completed an equity transaction worth $40 million. As a result, Oslo, Norwaybased Renewable Energy Corporation will have a 20% shareholding in Mainstream Energy Corp. (MSE), headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. MSE, through its operating companies, REC Solar Inc. and AEE Solar Inc., is one of the largest suppliers of solar electric products, systems, and services in North America. Renewable Energy Corporation ASA is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest producers of silicon materials for PV applications and multicrystalline wafers.

Clear Skies Solar has signed a $20 million agreement, subject to ďŹ nancing, with Power Cube, a company located in Utter Pradesh, India to develop and construct the ďŹ rst of several solar energy projects in India. In this project, which is Clear Skies Solarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst step into the international

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waste to energy

E-Coal is here ECO-Torrefied and ECO-Densified biomass is a coal-alternative, version upgrade in BTU content and sustainability By Constance Scott, NewEarth Renewable Energy

new development in renewable energy called E-Coal has just emerged. Don’t be fooled by the name. There actually isn’t any coal in it. Instead it is made of 100% SRC-certified biomass wood material. The name E-Coal (ECO Clean Coal) is meant simply to help fossil coal industry executives make the paradigm shift to this renewable alternative and version upgrade to fossil coal. E-Coal offers a CO2 negative and greenhouse gas neutral flex fuel alternative to fossil coal. This is truly significant, considering the fact that scientists say an increase of just two degrees will cause severe climate change and chaos. The number one cause of global warming (as verified by the U.N. IPCC) is the harmful emissions that are produced by factories that burn fossil fuels – coal in particular – to generate energy. In response to this, governments are beginning to impose mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, creating an urgent incentive for coal-burning power plants to reduce their harmful emissions by 15 to 20 percent. One way to offset a portion of harmful GHG and CO2 emissions is to replace a percentage of coal with woody

E-Coal is in fact not coal, but is made of 100% SRC certiﬁed biomass wood. It is a smokeless, odourless, CO2 negative and GHG neutral alternative to fossil coal.

biomass, in the form of wood pellets made by compressing dried sawdust and other dried wood material. Before co-firing can begin in this capacity however, retrofits must be made to allow the woody biomass to be fired separately but simultaneously with fossil coal. This is the only way that reactors can accommodate the high-moisture and low BTU content of the woody biomass in relation to fossil coal. Of course, burning a fraction of fossil coal with regular woody biomass will do some good in offsetting emissions. But it can be even better. ECO-Torrefaction

When woody biomass is treated to a process called torrefaction it is able to reach an energy content of 9,750 BTUs, which is compatible with lignite coal, the lowest class of fossil coal. Torrefaction is the process by which woody biomass is heated to 200 to 300˚C in an oxygen-free environment. This process renders the biomass free of its fibrous structure, and no retrofits are needed when up to 20% of torrefied biomass is co-fired with fossil coal. This is a significant improvement in process over

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The reactor portion of a NewEarth ECO-Torrefaction unit, which according to the company is the most efﬁcient heat transfer system in the world. CO2 RELEASED E-Coal (flex fuel version upgrade)

0.9583 tons

Regular Wood

1.8 tons

Coal

3.1 to 3.6 tons

A comparison of the CO2 emissios of ECoal, biomass and fossil coal. regular biomass. Also, torrefied biomass is more effective than regular woody biomass when co-fired with fossil coal in decreasing a utility’s GHG and CO2 emissions. But, there is still an even more effective and sustainable alternative to fossil coal. ECO-Torrefied and ECO-Densified biomass is a superior version upgrade to both regular biomass and torrefied biomass in both BTU content and sustainability. NewEarth Renewable Energy is currently the only company to tout this technology, and the resulting product we call E-Coal. This is a truly sustainable upgrade. E-Coal is a 100% biomass fuel made from SRC-certified wood crops, which is not competitive with food crops, and which has been ECOTorrefied and ECO-Densified to meet the BTU output that exists in all classes of fossil coal. ECO-Torrefaction and ECO-Densification can also be applied to agricultural waste, animal waste, bamboo, coconut husks and any other organic, sustainable feedstock that does not compete with food crops. Unlike the regular torrefaction process, which uses fossil fuel and other non-sustainable elements to produce torrefied wood, ECO-Torrefaction does not use fossil fuels or other non-sustainable elements as part of the process. During ECO-Torrefaction the energy properties of the biomass are augmented and refined for clean-burning electric power generation.

nacleanenergy.com

5/7/08 4:08:07 PM

V-Floor provides efficient storage and metering for biomass Ideal for biomass facilities and waste-to-energy facilities feeding materials such as recycled tires and refuse for energy production, KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems automatically deliver material in a consistent manner and store it until needed. This results in decreased jams, virtually no bridging problems and reduced maintenance. The foundation of this technology is a series of hydraulically actuated ﬂoor slats and a drive unit.

During the process, biomass is heated to 350 to 500˚C resulting in a renewable fuel with an energy content of 14,500 BTUs. Also, during the process the oxygen molecules are separated from the carbon, leaving a CO2 negative form of biomass with an extremely high energy content. During ECO-Densification, a higher energy content is achieved through compression. Any energy released during these two processes is recycled back into the ECO-Torrefaction and ECO-Densification process. Basically, the properties of the resulting biomass wood are similar to the energy structure and heat properties of coal, but without the polluting properties. The high-energy content (up to 14,500 BTUs) allows E-Coal to meet all four BTU-classes of coal: lignite, sub bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. As such, this renewable fuel can be co-fired with any type of fossil coal in power plants. The maximum potential of co-firing biomass with fossil coal is delivered only through NewEarth Renewable Energy’s propriety technology, no retrofitting is needed and GHG and CO2 emissions are reduced in proportion to the amount of fossil coal replaced by E-Coal. For example, if 20% of a power plant’s fossil coal is replaced by E-Coal, a 20% decrease in GHG and CO2 is achieved. E-Coal has less than 1% moisture, has very low resulting ash (lower than coal) and is smokeless and odourless. Additionally, unlike regular biomass or torrefied biomass, it is hydrophobic (it does not absorb moisture) and can be stored out in the open, with coal. By all accounts E-Coal is a flex fuel alternative and true version upgrade to not only regular biomass and torrefied biomass, but also fossil coal. The significance of the processes of ECO Torrefaction and ECO Densification is that they have effectively brought a truly sustainable, energy-rich, CO2 negative and 100% biomass fuel to the market of alternative fuels: E-Coal. The significance of this in turn is that we now have a fuel which can greatly reduce the global warming effects of traditional coal, and help utilities reach mandated emissions reductions with ease.

The drive unit powers slats through a four-phase cycle to convey material. In each of the first three cycles, one-third of the slats move, while the remaining two-thirds remain in place. In the final cycle, all slats move together, conveying the load. While in motion, the floor slats remain horizontal, moving in a forward to backward stroke. Power requirements for WALKING FLOOR systems are low and there is no additional energy needed for load start. Boiler pressure controls the conveying system, which meters the fuel mixture and feeds the boiler, and material can be unloaded directly onto the system, even while it is in operation. KEITH Mfg. Co. | www.keithwalkingfloor.com

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VECOPLAN is a leading global manufacturer of preparation systems designed specifically for biomass feedstock pretreatment solutions. Size reduction is our specialty and we have designed and installed many systems worldwide, including thousands of shredding systems in North America. We are the preferred solution in many biofuel, bioenergy, fiber recovery and recycling applications. While shredding and size reduction is our focus, our systems approach enables us to provide complete, turnkey systems including automated sorting, conveying and separation technologies.

VECOPLAN systems can be found in sophisticated, commercial-scale RDF plants to lower-volume W-T-E pilot systems. Vecoplan is experienced in both American and European methods of biomass preparation, and is known for its rugged, unique, and proven shredding technology. Vecoplan pre-shredders and re-shredders offer a unique, patented cutting geometry which results in extremely low operational costs and produces a very homogenous particle consistency. Award-winning energy saving HiTorc™ drives provide more throughput per kilowatt than conventional shredders - maximizing net energy gains.

VECOPLAN designs pre-treatment shredders and systems for: Agricultural Crop Residues – stover and other cellulosic matter • Trees, Wood Residue and Green Wastes Energy Crops • MSW, Food Residue and Other Organics • Other Renewables ;dg BdgZ >c[d K^h^i

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waste to energy

Cows, carbon credits and climate change hat do cows, climate change and carbon credits have in common? At the Whitesides and Westpoint dairy farms in Southern Idaho, cows, carbon credits and climate change have all come together. Both farms have agreed to change their system of processing manure, which will help to reduce the release of methane into the atmosphere and thus help to mitigate climate change. EcoSecurities who is in the business of originating, developing and supplying carbon offsets, is working with Intrepid

Technology and Resources (ITR) to generate emission reductions at the two dairies. The two plants located at the dairies will now capture and destroy the methane gas produced from the waste of nearly 11,000 dairy cows. This gas was previously released directly into the open atmosphere, with about 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Carbon offsets

Carbon offsets represent the act of reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in one place to “off-

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set” emissions occurring somewhere else. The capture and combustion of otherwise fugitive methane gas, similar to what is being done at Whitesides and Westpoint dairies, is an example of an emission reduction project that can be eligible for carbon credits (or “offsets”). Carbon offsets can be used in voluntary and in compliance markets. In the compliance market, carbon offsets are used to comply with government-mandated emission reduction targets, and are subject to highly controlled systems with multiple oversight levels. In the voluntary market, offsets are purchased by companies or individuals to reduce their carbon footprint, without a regulatory requirement to do so. Voluntary credits are largely unregulated at present, but if their quality is known and recognized, they can play an important role by promoting early action, corporate responsibility, and consumer accountability for their carbon footprint. The Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) and California Climate Action Registry protocols (CCAR) are examples of standards currently being developed to establish protocols for voluntary projects that are similar to those for compliance offsets. The compliance market provides a good understanding of the impact carbon offsets have on reducing GHG emissions. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), for example, is the structure under the Kyoto Protocol which allows industrialized countries with a GHG reduction commitment to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries, as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. The CDM is playing a crucial role in signiﬁcantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. As of April 23, 2008, under the CDM, 1,026 GHG emission reduction projects have been registered, and over 135 million tonnes of CO2 have been abated.

Out with methane, in with energy

Prior to the installation of the anaerobic digesters at Whitesides and Westpoint Dairy farms, manure had been managed through the use of open lagoons. “Anaerobic bacteria found in the lagoons broke down the waste into hundreds of tons of methane gas that was freely released to the atmosphere.” said Adam Penque, Project Manager at EcoSecurities. “By diverting this manure to anaerobic digesters, the same biochemical reactions will be achieved, this time in an engineered environment allowing for the capture of this energy-rich biogas.” At the Whitesides and Westpoint Dairies, the biogas digesters process manure in 4 to 5 days whereby most digesters take an average of 25 days to accomplish the same task. The biogas captured by these digesters contains about 65% methane, which is then processed into pipeline quality gas through a scrubbing process and sold to an industrial user where, during power production, it is combusted and destroyed. ITR estimates that enough methane gas will be captured and destroyed each year from these two plants to offset CO2 released from combustion of gasoline in 5,000 cars (using calculation methods provided by the California Climate Action Registry.) “The Whiteside and Westpoint Dairy Digesters represent milestones for voluntary carbon offsets in the U.S. It is proof that with carbon credits, state of the art waste management and renewable energy technologies can ﬁnd their way onto Dairy farms in Idaho,” said Adam Penque “At the end of the day, the projects will result in a signiﬁcant reduction in GHGs, while producing a high quality stream of renewable energy.” EcoSecurities www.ecosecurities.com Intrepid Technology and Resources www.intrepid21.com

nacleanenergy.com

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waste to energy news briefs Golden Spirit Enterprises Ltd. and EnEco Industries Ltd. have signed an agreement to build and operate a series of solid waste recycling and biomass derived renewable energy facilities with greenhouse and algae subsystems that will utilize Golden Spirit’s Thermal Oxidation Process System (TOPS) technology to generate electricity for sale to the local power grid. These Controlled Oxidation Reduction Environments (CORE) gasification plants will operate on the same technical principal as Golden Spirit’s TOPS plants, though with a much higher ton/day capacity, resulting in higher energy output. Once built, the new plants are meant to operate for 35 years as “firm” power producers, and will divert tons of garbage from landfills and drastically reduce greenhouse gas outputs. W2 Energy Inc. and Cobal Chile, S.A. have formed a joint venture to build two waste-to-energy plants which will each convert 40 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity and 70 cetane synthetic diesel. The plants will use W2 Energy’s proprietary plasma technology and Cobal Chile’s expertise in developing waste-to-energy plants. The joint venture will pay W2 Energy for design, construction, delivery and commissioning of the new plants, which will each produce approximately 100 barrels of synthetic diesel per day, and use a 10 MW steam turbine for electricity production. Waste Management Inc. recently broke ground on its new landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) facility in Ottawa, which will produce up to 6.4 megawatts of energy – enough to power more than 6,400 homes in the region. It is expected the facility will deliver electricity to Hydro One transmission lines in the fall of 2008. The Ottawa facility will be the company’s second landfill gas-to-energy facility in Canada, after Ste. Sophie, Quebec, which delivers gas to the nearby Cascades paper mill. Waste Management also has plans to develop a similar energy project at its soon to be expanded Warwick landfill near Watford, Ontario, and is investigating the possibility of building another project at its landfill in Petrolia, Ontario. The Ottawa LFGTE plant is part of Waste Management’s corporate initiative to build 60 new renewable energy facilities by 2012.

generated from the anaerobic digestion of manure at the 9,000-cow dairy. Puriﬁed biomethane from the Phase 3 plant will fuel heavy-duty milk trucks that have been outﬁtted with engines to run on biomethane fuel. The project, which is partly funded by the U.S. EPA, is expected to be operational by the fall of 2008.

company is installing CT-121 TM scrubber systems in 18 utility facilities that generate a total of approximately 9,900 megawatts. In total, CT-121 TM scrubbers are currently being installed on approximately 35 generating units in North America.

Ze-gen, Inc. has announced that it has closed a $2.5 million venture term debt facility with Pinnacle Ventures, L.L.C. of Palo Alto, California. To-date, the company has raised over eight million, and has begun development and pre-engineering work on a full-scale commercial facility, on-track to begin construction by the end of 2008. Ze-gen’s patented technique creates synthetic natural gas to generate clean power.

Veolia Environmental Services and Energy Systems Group (ESG) have reached an agreement to develop a landfill gas-to-energy project in southwestern Indiana. The 3.2 Megawatt project is a partnership between Veolia ES Blackfoot Landfill in Winslow, Indiana, and ESG Biofuels (Blackfoot), LLC to capture landfill gas to generate electricity. Energy Systems Group will design, build, own and operate the power generation facility on site at the Veolia ES Blackfoot Landfill. Veolia will extract the gas from the landfill and send it via pipeline to a new power generation facility. The gas will be treated and used as fuel to power a generator for electricity, and ESG will then sell the electricity to the power grid. The first phase of the project will be for 1.6 Megawatts of power.

Black & Veatch has renewed its exclusive licensing agreement with Chiyoda Corporation of Japan for Chiyoda’s CT-121TM (Chiyoda Thoroughbred 121) wet ﬂue gas desulfurization technology. Black & Veatch has been the sole engineering company licensee in North America since 2001 for the CT-121 TM (scrubber) process developed by Chiyoda. The

Plasma gasification system Alter NRG’s Plasma Gasification System is engineered as a complete gasification equipment supply solution, complete with feed handling system, slag removal system and gas cooling system, for various applications. The company’s subsidiary Westinghouse Plasma Corporation’s (WPC) plasma torch technology is a key component, designed to generate hot gases with temperatures up to 5,500˚C (10,000˚F). Units are selfstabilized and feature a non-transferred arc with nominal power (80 to 2,400kW) to be integrated into an Alter NRG Plasma Gasifier (APG) to gasify and melt various feedstocks. The high temperatures melt all mineral matter and metals to form an inert slag suitable for aggregate use. The APG is a combination of a moving bed gasifier with the WPC plasma torch technology, and is engineered for minimal feedstock preparation to produce synthesis gas (syngas) and an environmentally benign slag. This technology converts a wide variety of feedstocks – including waste, coal and petroleum coke - into the syngas which can then be cleaned to remove any impurities and used to generate power or produce low sulphur clean burning liquid fuels such as ethanol or diesel. As noted above, the high temperatures in the base of the gasifier melt all non organic material into a vitreous slag that can be cooled into an environmentally benign aggregate. Valuable metals can also be removed from the slag and sold. The remainder of the slag can be used as aggregate material or disposed of in non-hazardous landfill. Alter NRG | www.alternrg.ca

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QuestAir Technologies Inc. has announced that it will supply an M-3200 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system to the “Biomethane for Vehicle Fuel” project located at the Hilarides Dairy in Lindsay, California. Phase 3 Renewables LLC will integrate QuestAir’s PSA system into a plant that upgrades a portion of the biogas

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waste to energy Facility to be first high Btu project in state of Georgia Renewable Solutions Group (RSG) has announced an alliance with Republic Services Inc. to build a puriďŹ cation process facility that will convert landďŹ ll gas (LFG) to pipeline-quality gas (High Btu) for use as an energy source for homes and businesses in Georgia. According to the company, RSG pioneered the design and development of the ďŹ rst High Btu LFG projects employing membrane-based separation technology in North America, and will now be the ďŹ rst to bring this state-of-the-art technology to Georgia. LFG from the Oak Grove LandďŹ ll in Georgia will be collected, processed and converted into pipeline-quality natural gas. The ďŹ nished gas will be injected into a nearby pipeline that will supply fuel to the Cities of Winder and Buford. Construction on the project began in February and the facility is expected to be operational in late 2008. According to the companies involved, the facility will afford area residents with minimum sensory impact (no odour or visible emissions, a low building proďŹ le, no exposed process equipment, and minimal noise) which makes it compatible with any population density. Renewable Solutions Group assures its High Btu facilit will be so low in air emissions impact that it requires only a state-level air permit, but can produce marketable gas up to 2,250 MMBtu per day. The Oak Grove project is projected to produce about 1.0 Bcf (1 million MMBtu) per year. Renewable Solutions Group LLC Republic Services, Inc. | www.republicservices.com

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Furnace camera capable up to 4,000Â°F The BASSCAM CF series High Temperature furnace/boiler Camera System is designed to effectively manage furnace/boiler operation, maintenance and performance for applications that require visual inspection or veriďŹ cation in extreme temperatures (up to 4,000Â°F (2,204Â°C.) Forward and off-axis viewing direction allow great ďŹ&#x201A;exibility in adapting to virtually any furnace/boiler system, and lens optics from 20Â° to 120Â°-wide, and insertion lengths up to 72 inches (183 cm) are available. BASSCAM CF Series Cameras are ideal for use in power generation and waste incineration industries, in applications including: bark, biomass, MSW and black liquor recovery boilers, reheat and annealing furnaces, reactors, rotary kilns, acid furnaces, and hazardous waste incinerators. BASS VRI | www.basscam.net

Shredders ideal for woodland residue Designed for the treatment of woodland residue biomass for energy recovery and recycling, the CRAMBO Forest shredder features a 2.8 by 2 m shredding chamber, and uses a modular system with a biocutter. The cutter is mounted on a semitrailer chassis, three-axle chassis, on steel tracks or onto a four-axle lorry, with loading via a mounted crane with grab. The slow turning action (rotation speeds up to 40rpm) shreds wood into small chunks and material does not exit the shredding area until the particle size matches the hole size of the screen basket used, maximizing the quantity of shredded material in the desired particle size. There is no additional generation of ďŹ ne fractions, and overlength fractions are reduced to minimum. The combination of a 9.5-metre crane range and swivelling chassis creates a high degree of ďŹ&#x201A;exibility when feeding and when discharging shredded material. Everything is under control from the crane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the positioning of a root stock several tonnes in weight to all of the machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s functions. Komptech | www.komptech.com

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biofuels

Algae farming in the Midwest? All signs point to “yes”

by Porter J. Martin, Anna J. Wildeman and Brian D. Bean

he potential value of commercial-scale algae production cannot be understated – under the right circumstances, algae can out-produce all other known biofuel feedstocks by significant margins. As the price of traditional feedstocks continue to rise, Midwestern biofuel producers are already looking to algae oil as a replacement for soy oil, now at record highs. However, most of the algae farms under development are located in the Southern and Western United States. Obviously, the costs of transporting oil from algae farms will further erode thin profit margins for biofuel producers. While common sense may suggest that the Midwest is not an ideal location for algae farms, a deeper understanding of the technology suggests that the Midwest is poised to become a leader in algae production. There are several reasons why the Midwest may be uniquely situated to take advantage of algae-based biofuel development. First, several Midwestern academic institutions, including the University of Minnesota, are bioengineering high-output strains of algae and pioneering new methods of harvesting the oil. Second, the Midwest’s agriculture-based economy provides key infrastructures for large scale and efficient algae production. Third, recently it has been demonstrated that algae can grow during winter in northern climates. Overall, the potential certainly exists for the Midwest to lead the way in algae-based biofuel production.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has one of the foremost legal practices serving the renewable energy industry. Our attorneys have substantial experience in the ethanol, biodiesel, biomass and wind sectors. We provide renewable energy clients with strategic legal counsel involving project development and ﬁnance, regulatory, land use, and legislation issues as well as commodity trading, contracting and permitting, succession planning and other business-related concerns.

Closed-loop production is key

Indoor closed-loop production systems, often called bioreactors, are the most viable option for producing high oil-containing algae for biofuel feedstock in colder climates. Bioreactor systems provide a controlled environment where high oil-containing algae strains can thrive, protected from competitive low oil-containing strains of algae that thrive in an outdoor pond environment. Closed-loop bioreactor systems can also be installed in most climates, including those not considered ideal for algal growth. For example, a controlled growing environment can be created that pumps water and carbon dioxide through an enclosed system to encourage continuous algae growth. To support cold weather growth, a small generator can be installed to power the water pump system. The carbon dioxide exhaust from the generator can be fed to the algae, and the heat exhaust can be circulated through the water system, further encouraging algal growth. Thus, while the Midwestern winter climate may not be the most ideal for algal growth, it is not impossible and with time and resource investment, it will likely become easier. While the lack of sunlight during Midwestern winter months will slow overall algae production, closed-loop bioreactors will continue to produce feedstock at a time when the surrounding crop lands are dormant. Closed-loop facilities of the future

Indeed, as technology advances, opportunities to capitalize on the Midwest’s most abundant resources will emerge. Specifically, the Midwest boasts a potentially optimal set of circumstances for producing and harvesting algae. Industry experts believe algae production systems, when combined with an existing ethanol plant, a biodiesel plant and a confined animal operation, could be the final component of an optimal closed-loop system. Since ethanol plants, biodiesel plants and confined animal feeding operations are already in place in every Midwestern state, algae producers may actually find it cheaper to grow algae in the Midwest. When properly combined, the Midwest’s existing agricultural infrastructure will be a major contributor to the emerging algae-based biofuels market. Producing algae with these component parts – an ethanol plant, a confined animal feeding operation, and a biodiesel plant – can be thought of as “the next generation” of closed-loop processes. Algae growth in such a system would depend largely on nitrogen-, ammonia- and phosphorous-rich water from manure storage areas, and carbon dioxide emissions captured from the ethanol plant. Once harvested, the algae could be dried and pressed to release the oil, which would then be processed in the biodiesel plant. The starchy algae biomass byproduct could then be used as livestock feed, organic fertilizer, or further processed into ethanol. By utilizing products that are typically considered waste, this type of system maximizes the value of each individual component. Because of its vast agricultural resources, the Midwest is a leader in the production of first-generation biofuels such as corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. When commercial-scale algae production becomes viable, its success in the Midwest will likely depend on agricultural entrepreneurs working with capital investors to finance algae production systems that maximize the benefits of existing infrastructure. In the future, the idea of “Midwestern Biofuel” may invoke images of percolating algae in addition to images of swaying corn and soy. Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | www.michaelbest.com

Continental Biomass Industries, Inc. (CBI) has spent the past twenty years engineering grinding technology, from the ground up, around the singular goal of efficiency – all in the name of doing our part in creating Environmental Sustainability. CBI equipment can process more material using less energy per ton of material processed. It efficiently converts all types of wood debris into biofuel ... faster and cheaper. CBI has become the World-standard for grinding, chipping and shredding because we deliver a cost-effective and Earth-friendly means of producing alternatives to fossil fuel and a wide range of other end products. To learn more, visit www.cbi-inc.com or call us at 603.382.0556 today.

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biofuels Government of Canada invests in Ontario’s biofuels industry The Government of Canada is investing $619,117 in four projects that will help Ontario producers participate in the emerging biofuels industry. These projects include: • $222,975 for Sweet Sorghum Initiative for Biofuels in Port Lambton, Ontario to study the feasibility of sweet sorghum as an alternative to traditional biofuel crops;

• $267,375 to Ag Bio Energy Park/Lynn Cattle Company Inc. in Lucan, Ontario to undertake a feasibility study to develop biodiesel as part of a broader bioenergy facility; • $73,829 to Huron-Perth Biodiesel Feasibility/Huron Business Development Corporation in Seaforth, Ontario to determine which agricultural industry

by-products in southwestern Ontario can be processed into a reliable feedstock for biodiesel production; and, • $54,938 for On-Farm Biodiesel Production in Parkhill, Ontario to look at setting up an on-farm biodiesel production system utilizing feed grade oilseeds to produce biodiesel. “Biofuel production has generated a

Green Fuels Summit&Expo Shaping the future with renewable energy Toronto 2008 This September Toronto will host the ﬁrst Green Fuels Summit & Expo. Business leaders, policy makers, and associations will meet to openly discuss the divergent and convergent interests in renewable energy.

great deal of interest in the Canadian agricultural sector,” said Kim Turnbull, Agricultural Adaptation council chair. In addition, to jumpstart the development and production for the next generation of renewable fuels in Canada, the Government of Canada has provided $500 million to the NextGen Biofuels Fund. It will assist farmers and rural communities in seizing new market opportunities through biofuels and bioproducts initiatives.

Food-for-fuel debate to heighten interest in cellulosic biofuels? Syntec Biofuel Inc.’s president and chairman, Michael Jackson, addressed comments made recently by Nestle’s chief executive Peter Brabeck, warning that the food industry will need to ﬁght the biofuels industry for arable land. Jackson stated that Mr. Brabeck’s comments further illustrate the importance of thermo-chemical biofuel solutions based on the utilization of sustainable waste biomass. Jackson said, “This is fast becoming a bitter debate with battle lines being drawn amidst a great deal of misconception. Syntec’s thermo-chemical technology has zero impact on food supplies or on arable land use, as it only uses waste biomass such as wood chips, sawdust, bark, agricultural waste, corn stover, wheat straw, etc. to produce its biofuels. Syntec Biofuel www.syntecbiofuel.com

We have to look at all our options and make sure we make the best choices to ensure a more sustainable future. David Suzuki in his “Science Matters” column, 14 Sept. 2007

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Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. announces preliminary approval for $2.3m research and development grant Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. received preliminary approval from the Iowa Power Fund for a US$2,315,407 grant to fund research and development of algaebased biofuel feedstock production. Green Plains’ proposal was submitted in cooperation with GreenFuel Technology Corp., a Massachusetts-based ﬁrm with expertise in algae-based biofuels. The grant will allow Green Plains and GreenFuel Technology to conduct a 195-day test to determine the viability of algae production at Green Plains’ ethanol plant site in Shenandoah, Iowa. The project is expected to utilize the plant’s carbon dioxide to produce approximately eight kilograms of algal biomass per day. If the test is successful, the project could be expanded for feasibility and commercialization. Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. www.gpreinc.com

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Emission control improvements enhance the appeal and viability of biomass power plants by Kim Havey

iomass power plants continue to grow in popularity, driven by increased demands for clean, renewable sources of power and advances in woodfueled boilers capable of extracting and recovering maximum energy from biomass sources. At the same time, advances in both combustion and post-combustion technologies have dramatically cut stack emissions from boilers, yielding the cleanest ambient air in decades. Further improvements are coming from new, multi-pollutant control technologies, as well as refinements of existing systems. These advances mean that wood-fired boilers can play a major role in the future of renewable energy around the world. With older combustion technologies, such as stoker-fired boilers, the risk of fire from ash carryover has prevented the use of more efficient particulate control devices, such as baghouses. But it is now possible to incorporate these highly effective emissions controls into woodburning biomass plant, reducing concerns among neighbourhoods and policy makers alike. Baghouses often are capable of 99.9 percent removal efficiencies, and commonly can reduce boiler emissions to below 0.03 lb/MMBtu, and often to below 0.01 lb/MMBtu. Determinants of baghouse performance include the fabric chosen, the cleaning frequency and methods, and the particulate characteristics. Fabrics can be chosen that will intercept a greater fraction of particulate, and some fabrics are coated with a membrane with very fine openings for enhanced removal of submicron particulate. These improved efficiencies have helped soften the image of combustion processes and can be a determining factor in project viability, especially given the increasingly stringent air permitting requirements imposed by many local communities. A case in point is the Midtown Eco Energy (MEE) biomass project currently under development in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When completed, the wood-fueled biomass facility will utilize cutting-edge boiler and emission control technology to create a balanced renewable energy solution. The plant will use urban wood waste as a fuel source (estimated at more than 200,000 tons per year) to provide renewable electricity for approximately 18,000 households and businesses.

The combined heat and power facility will produce 24.5 megawatts of electricity, or potentially enough for 18,000 residents. Another important feature of the project is its district heating system, which will supply hot water heating to buildings within a 1.5mile radius of the facility. District heating uses hot water from cooling the turbine and additional steam off-take that is distributed through a network of pipes from the central plant, and offsets the use of gas, fuel oil or electricity for conversion into thermal energy. The simultaneous generation of both electricity and ready-to-use hot water heating (or cogeneration) significantly increases the overall efficiency of the energy generation equipment in converting the biomass fuel into useful energy. The advanced baghouse system selected for the project gives the facility one of the most efficient mechanisms for removing dust and particulates. In fact, the unique fabric filters used in the system will capture 99-plus percent of the particulates generated during combustion. Project engineers also selected an innovative fluidized bed boiler system (provided by Energy Products of Idaho) to cleanly and efficiently convert the biomass into steam energy. The natural circulation submerged fluidized bed heat transfer mechanism and sparse vapor tubes extract heat energy without the cold wall effect experienced with water wall boilers. The combination creates a high efficiency (low excess air) extremely low emission-producing system. The plant also will employ a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system to control nitrogen oxide emissions. Used commercially in the U.S. on coal-fired power plants since the 1990s, the SNCR process works by injecting a urea or ammonia reagent into the radiant and convection regions of the boiler within a specific temperature window. In this case, the system will help the plant reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 55 percent. The proposed nitrogen oxide emissions limit is 0.1 lbs/million Btu heat input. Air dispersion modeling conducted as part of the air quality permit application process showed that ambient air quality impacts will be below U.S. EPA’s Significant Impact Levels (SILs). Specifically, the maximum ambient impacts from the project were determined to be the following as percentages of the National and Minnesota Ambient Air Quality Standard (N/MAAQS):

• 0.7 percent nitrogen oxides • 2.4 percent particulate matter equal to or smaller than 10 microns (24-hr average basis) • 1.4 percent particulate matter equal to or smaller than 10 microns (annual average basis) • Less than 0.1 percent for carbon monoxide As mandated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency , the facility will have emissions equal to or lower than any similar

facility in the U.S., making it one of the cleanest in the country. By achieving maximum energy conversion while minimizing environmental impact, this renewable energy project offers a classic example of how innovation, technology and community development can create a balanced energy solution. Midtown Eco Energy www.midtownecoenergy.com

About the author: Kim Havey is the Project Director for Midtown Eco Energy.

The Flex Fuel Alternative to Fossil Coal

Introducing E-Coal, the Missing Link in the Fight to End Global Warming E-Coal is a 100% renewable and sustainable, biomass Flex Fuel alternative to fossil coal & natural gas. E-Coal can be used in any ratio with fossil coal without any retrofitting, down time, loss of productivity, or service to customers in any coal-burning power plant. It has all of the energy of fossil coal without the pollution. • CO2 Neutral / Negative • Cost Competitive with fossil coal • 100% Sustainable • Does Not Compete with Food Crops • Smokeless and Odorless

• No Land, Water or Air Pollution • Infinite Supply • Cleaner, Cheaper and Safer than fossil coal • Upgraded Form of Biomass that is Superior to Regular Wood Pellets

For more information on the many uses of E-Coal please go to: www.newearth1.net/E-Coal_Article.pdf

www.newearth1.net

info@newearth1.net North American Clean Energy

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nawtec 2008

NAWTEC 2008 16th Annual North American Waste-to-Energy Conference

Show in Print Features just some of the companies and technologies attendees will see at this year’s show.

May 19-21 • Philadelphia, PA

www.nawtec.org NAWTEC is the leading industry technical conference and trade show focusing on municipal waste-to-energy services, equipment and technology. This year’s program will address some of the most challenging issues facing waste-to-energy, including raising public opinions regarding WTE, plant expansions and contract negotiations, and WTE’s role in mitigating climate change. This year’s show is set to be the largest ever, and will include distinguished keynotes which will address the current state of waste-to-energy nationally and abroad, as well as a facility tour of the Wheelabrator Gloucester Waste-to-Energy Facility.

Waste to energy metals extraction

With over 18 years of experience in waste-to-energy metals extraction, Resource Recycling has demonstrated that Steinert equipment is the best choice for WTE metal recovery systems. All of their customers using Steinert equipment are amazed with the quantity and quality of the metals that are extracted from their ash streams. Steinert users continuously comment on the reliability, ease of operation and minimal maintenance costs of the Steinert Eddy Current Separators and Drum Magnets. Along with Resource Recycling’s design and operation consultation, their services include arranging transportation and marketing of these metals for the best available market price. Visit booth 18 to further discuss exciting project and equipment developments.

Metal detection and release system Designed for CBI Grinders, the CBI Metal Detection and Release System is setting a completely new industry standard. Carefully placed impact measuring sensors detect if a rotor tooth strikes tramp metal. The sensor quickly communicates with the machine's main control system, telling it that metal has been detected. The controller immediately reverses the feed system, throttles down the engine and, depending on the impact, hydraulically opens the anvil/grate frame assembly at an extremely high rate of speed even without requiring an actual impact against anvil or grate, allowing a safe ejection of the tramp metal – thus minimizing potential damage. The sensitivity of the system is easily adjustable by the operator. So, while the most CBI machines come standard with Shear Pin Protection, this option, as an alternative, provides the ultimate protection for your equipment investment. Continental Biomass Industries, Inc. www.cbi-inc.com

Resource Recycling | www.resource-recycling.com

Looking for an insurance broker that will generate power over risk? www.powerhousetech.com ; Jpost@powerhousetech.com; 1-800-724-2763

Powerhouse Technology is a western New York based producer of replacement parts for boilers and combustion related equipment. With over twenty years of experience, the company has been providing spare parts for ash and fuel handling systems. Our principal customers include industrial power plants, waste-to-energy plants, municipal utilities, cogenerators, pulp and paper mills, universities, and independent power producers. Powerhouse specializes in the following services and solutions to keep your powerhouse running at peak performance. Casting Production We supply castings in ferrous and non-ferrous alloy. Common alloys are temperature resistant cast and ductile iron, high temperature steel, and high temperature stainless steel. Pattern Making Capabilities PHT produces industrial patterns for castings in many materials. Working in conjunction with foundries, we are able to provide a cost-effective solution of the highest quality that fits your needs. Outage Planning Our technical service specialists provide a pre-outage inspection to ensure all necessary parts are on site. Our staff will ensure the parts are properly installed and tested before start-up of your system. Equipment Rebuilding Our master mechanics rebuild combustion, ash and fuel handling systems. We can perform on-site or in-house repairs. Our staff has extensive knowledge and expertise in working with products produced by major boiler manufacturers. Maintenance and Repairs Whether it is routine maintenance or emergency repairs, our technical service specialists provide design, site supervision, labor and installation of quality replacement parts. We’ll provide the service necessary to get your system on line.

The mission of HRH’s Energy Practice is to assist the energy industry in producing the lowest cost power through economical and innovative risk management services. Stop by Booth 21 to pick up a copy of the latest CIAB Market Index and to learn how we help energy clients effectively manage risks associated with contractual, financial and operational requirements. From development, through construction and final operation, HRH delivers insurance and risk management solutions in a range of power generation technologies, including hydro power, wind power, biomass, landfill gas, geothermal and fossil fuels. HRH provides services for every component of an insurance program: engineering and risk control; safety management; claims advocacy and litigation; crisis management planning; and contract review, analysis and drafting. HRH | www.hrh.com

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show in print Shaftless spiral conditioner The Shaftless Spiral Conditioner (SSC) represents a major breakthrough in technology for the conditioning of WTE ﬂy ash. Developed over the past six years in cooperation with major WTE facility operators, it eliminates the need for traditional pug mills and substantially reduces water consumption as well as the requirement for twice daily cleaning by operating personnel. The SSC utilizes a double ﬂighted shaftless conveyor, operating at low rpm and high temperature, high-pressure water to completely de-dust and condition the ash to a granular consistence with very low moisture content. Designs are available for any capacity and adapted for injection of the ash into an expeller/ discharger or as a “stand-alone” feeding onto a belt or vibrating conveyor. Materials Handling Systems & Equipment www.screwconveyor.com

From fluid to solid

Worldwide supplier of aftermarket maintenance spare and replacement parts Powerhouse Technology is a New York based producer of replacement parts for boilers and combustion related equipment, used in systems for heating, industrial processing and electrical power generation. Powerhouse Technology has been providing spare parts for ash handling and fuel handling systems for over thirty years. Principal customers include industrial power plants, municipal utilities, co-generators, waste-to-energy plants, pulp and paper mills, universities, and independent power producers. Powerhouse Technology’s employees include a highly trained staff of engineering, sales, manufacturing and technical service specialists who are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality in our products and service. Powerhouse Technology, Inc. | www.powerhousetech.com

LoadMate® Electric Chain Hoist Windmill Application

R&M lifting equipment is perfectly adapted to the windmill crib and its components (compact size, low weight, detachable parts, low maintenance). Visit us at booth 259 Windpower 2008 Houston, TX. June 1 - 4 George Brown Convention Center

Load Capacities: 1/8 to 1 ton Lifting Speeds: 64 & 16 fmp 96 & 24 fmp 128 & 32 fmp Lifting Heights: up to 262 ft Power Supply: 208, 230, 460, 575/3/60 or 380/3/50

www.r mhoist.com www.rmhoist.com PowerShot Build-Up Removal System JBC PowerShot Build-Up Removal System improves your bottom line by drastically reducing shutdown time to remove obstructions in your incineration process. The System is safe, fast and cost-effective. The bottom line is your staff remains safe and your plant continues to produce. JBC | www.jbcindustries.com

The shell-moulding process used in the foundry of MFL, an Austrian-based private company, is a precision casting process suitable for volume production. It is ideal for the production of castings that have to meet the highest demands with regard to surface ﬁnish, dimensional accuracy and reproducibility. This technology, coupled with the know-how in the production of high-alloy, heat-resistant casting materials makes MFL a leading supplier of heatresistant castings. Based on many years of research and development, MFL produces air-cooled and water-cooled grate bars for the major stoker manufacturers. The production expertise with regard to watercooled grate parts cover both, components with integrally cast cooling tubes and precast cooling channels. MFL’s grate bars can be found in waste and biomass incineration plants, coal ﬁred power plants and sinter plants all around the world.

R&M Materials Handling, Inc. 1.800.955.9967

is published 6 times a year. To subscribe, go to www.nacleanenergy.com

years of 20 ﬁeld design experience With

We know how to design systems that increase metal recovery. We have proven Steinert Eddy Current Separators and Drum Magnets produce the highest quality metal recovery from WTE waste and ash. We design for performance, safety, ease of operation and low maintenance while minimizing overall project costs. Our metal marketing program ensures your metals are transported to market easily and you receive the highest price available for your metal. Our years of engineering and operations experience in WTE metal recovery uniquely qualiﬁes us to provide your company with creative system layouts designed speciﬁcally for waste-to-energy.” Mark Bajor, WTE Metal Recovery Design Engineer 13130 56th Court, Suite 604 Clearwater, FL 33760 Phone: (727) 573-2482 www.resourcerecycling.com

MFL | www.mfl.at Resource Recycling.indd 1

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geothermal energy

news briefs Sierra Geothermal Power Corp. Power Corp. (SGP) announced at the end of March that it had commenced drilling of additional temperature gradient wells at its Reese River project in Ladner County, Nevada. SGP contracted Welsco Drilling Corp. to conduct the drilling, which started on the ﬁrst of several nominal 600 meter temperature gradient wells. A 2004 PIER study by GeothermEx assessed the Reese River geothermal resource

to be 13 to 30 megawatts, and previous work has mapped an approximately 5km by 2km thermal anomaly. Also in the works at SGP, the Silver Peak project located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, (with an estimated resource capacity of 15-40 megawatts of power) is near the ﬁnal stages of the permitting process. The Silver Peak property includes two 55 kV transmission lines connecting to the Nevada and California power grids and a substation.

Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. (NGP) announced in April that an updated Status Report of Resource Development at the Blue Mountain Geothermal Project, Humboldt, County Nevada, released by GeothermEx, Inc, gives an estimate of a minimum value of 40 MW net (90% probability) and a most-likely value of 57 MW net. The analysis indicates sufﬁcient heat in place to support NGP’s larger development of the 49.5

MW gross (38.8 MW net) geothermal power plant. Resource drilling at Blue Mountain has indicated a larger and more proliﬁc resource than originally anticipated, and the project has been increased in size from 37.5 MW (gross) to 49.5 MW (gross).

U.S. Geothermal Inc. has acquired a 3.6-megawatt operating geothermal power plant and approximately 28,358 acres (44.3 square miles) of geothermal energy leases and certain ground water rights all located north of Reno, Nevada. The deal was signed with Michael B. Stewart (individually) and Empire Geothermal Power LLC. The total Transaction purchase price was US$16.62 million, with assets comprised of locations at San Emidio (Washoe County, NV), estimated with a total resource potential of 44 MW with a 90% probability factor, and Granite Creek (6 miles north of Gerlach, NV.) U.S. Geothermal’s newly purchased 3.6-megawatt geothermal power plant has been producing power since 1987 and sells electricity to Sierra Paciﬁc Power Corp. under an existing power purchase agreement that extends through 2017. “This acquisition will provide us with our second operating power plant and another proven geothermal reservoir,” said Daniel Kunz, President and CEO of U.S. Geothermal Inc. “Based on our experience at Raft River, we believe that a new plant would utilize the existing well production more efﬁciently and could produce up to 10 megawatts. These 44.3 square miles of geothermal leases are located along thermal geologic structures and are close to the California electricity market.”

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A horizontal ground heat exchanger (GHX) being installed at a large ice arena GeoExchange project in Rochester, MN, by Harty Mechanical of Austin, Minnesota. GHX systems are generally installed adjacent to or under buildings to take advantage of the energy below the surface. Photo courtesy of Geo-Xergy Systems Inc. www.geoxergy.com

GEA reports document status of geothermal energy technologies Early this year, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) released Part II of a report documenting the status of technologies used to produce energy from geothermal resources. The newly released report, The State of Geothermal Technology Part II: Surface Technology, written by Alyssa Kagel, examines everything from power plant basics and their efﬁciency to advanced technologies for enhanced geothermal systems. In November 2007 GEA released Part I of the report on subsurface technology. Both reports on geothermal technology, Part I on Subsurface Technology and Part II on Surface Technology, are available at the GEA web site, and interested parties can download a PDF version of each report free of charge. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) | www.geo-energy.org

Geothermal energy touted as significant investment opportunity According to the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) website, Dundee Securities Corporation recently released a document investigating the investment potential in geothermal energy. In the document, Dundee Securities looks into the basics of geothermal energy, the marketplace, as well as current and future investment opportunities. CanGEA members Western GeoPower and Sierra Geothermal are featured in the article. According to the report: “Within the broad realm of renewable energy investing, a signiﬁcant opportunity is currently available to investors who participate in the advancement of the geothermal industry. Geothermal is a low-cost and reliable energy source. The price for electricity from geothermal power projects is competitive with other forms of power production, and its high level of availability makes it an attractive source of power for utilities that need steady, “base load” supplies of electricity. These beneﬁts among others are not going unnoticed.” The report goes on to say: “Growth rates in the North American geothermal power market are expected to result in a doubling of the current installed base of 2,936 MW in the coming years, and involve over $11 billion in new investment. While geothermal power production tends to take top billing (as it does in the solar industry), geothermal energy for direct use is a substantial part of the geothermal industry, with over 9,600 MWt installed in the United States and Canada combined. Companies in Canada and the U.S. involved in geothermal development should be considered as a part of any comprehensive assessment of renewable energy investment opportunities.” CanGEA www.geothermal.ca Dundee Securities Corporation www.dundeewealth.com North American Clean Energy

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investing in clean energy

Prospects for offshore wind:

Lessons from Europe by Ed Feo

orth America has been a high growth market for wind energy for much of the past decade. Installations last year were over 5,500 MW. All of that wind capacity was installed onshore. There are offshore projects currently being pursued in the U.S., such as the Cape Wind project off Massachusetts, and the Bluewater Wind project off the coast of Delaware. These projects are still in the early stages. Much of the discussion about offshore wind in North America tends to dismiss the prospects because it is too difﬁcult, too expensive, and too far off in the future. I recently spoke at the European Wind Energy Association annual conference in Brussels, and as is often the case, learned

more than I taught. More than anything else, I was impressed by the significant progress being made in the offshore market in Europe. In this regard, presentations by Jerome Guillet of Dexia and Bo Morup of Vestas were particularly instructive. The first European offshore wind projects installations occurred in 2000. As recent as three years ago, the offshore market was seen largely as the domain of strong balance sheet utilities who could handle the significant construction and operational issues. It was not seen as a market capable of non recourse project financing any time in the near future. And yet, by last year over 1GW of wind capacity had been installed in the EU

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For more information on how to participate in the Investment Opportunities advertising section please contact Ian Stuart at 604-461-6223 or istuart@nacleanenergy.com. 44

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and, more importantly two projects had been ﬁnanced on a non recourse basis. I think that the North American market can take some valuable lessons from the European experience, and might in fact see better prospects for offshore wind. The EU wind market is undoubtedly robust, with 56,535 MW installed in the EU-27 at the end of 2007. More impressive are the projections of further development through 2030. By that year, wind is projected by EWEA to have installed capacity of 300 GW – 120 MW of which would be offshore. Annual installations are projected at 19,500 MW per year – approximately 46 percent of all new installed generation capacity – and wind would be meeting 20 to 28 percent of the total electricity demand in the twenty seventy countries of the EU. Signiﬁcantly, for the purposes of this discussion, offshore wind would also be an ever-growing component of the annual installed capacity, equaling onshore in around 2020, and being in the majority of annual installed capacity thereafter. Offshore wind development and construction issues

There have been real issues in the development and construction of offshore wind projects in Europe, and these same issues will be faced in North America. These include the following. 1. High capital costs. Capital costs for all construction projects, including wind projects, have risen over the past few years simply as a function of rising commodity costs. Offshore wind projects have an additional cost burden because there are relatively fewer turbine manufacturers now selling to the offshore market. The volume of production has been low and hence manufacturing scale has not been achieved. Installation costs are also higher than onshore given the logistics of working offshore, including the competition with the offshore oil industry for construction equipment, vessels and personnel. The result is that today the offshore installed cost per MW is estimated by EWEA at 2,300 Euros compared to an onshore cost of 1,300 Euros. 2. High construction risk. Compared to an onshore wind project, an offshore project presents a much more complex logistics problem, and a much more challenging work environment. The different competencies and risk proﬁles of turbine manufacturers and the offshore marine construction

Ed Feo is a partner in the international law ﬁrm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP. He co-chairs the Firm’s project ﬁnance and energy practice and is a member of the Firm’s Global Executive Committee.

industry (there is no entity that under one roof combines the two) has meant that offshore wind projects have been built without turnkey engineering, procurement and construction contracts, but instead have a series of contracts for separate scopes of supply and work. The prevailing wisdom until last year was that this structure mandated an equity only financing by a strong balance sheet sponsor. 3. Grid interconnection. Wind projects, whether onshore or offshore, have grid interconnection challenges. Onshore wind projects almost universally face transmission connection and upgrade issues. Regulatory developments at FERC and at the state level (such as the ERCOT CREZ program and the current RETI process in California) are meant to facilitate transmission connections and upgrades for the purpose of promoting renewable energy development. There is, of course, no transmission grid offshore. The cost of building an interconnect from an offshore facility to onshore and then also paying for onshore upgrades can present a crippling capital cost. 4. Higher availability risk. The lesson of offshore wind development thus far is that the environment is more hostile than onshore, and the ability to fix a problem is more time consuming and expensive than onshore. Ordinary maintenance costs more; and more significant problems can be much more difficult to fix, with a resulting greater loss of revenue while turbine availability is reduced during the repair period. The long term O&M risk is probably the most challenging issue to resolve because of the lack of a long term track record of offshore operation. Addressing offshore wind development and construction issues

1. The solution to the capital cost has several elements. One is manufacturing scale as the industry grows. EWEA projects an increase in the onshore/offshore capital cost gap through 2010 and a narrowing thereafter as the offshore market grows and scale is achieved in manufacturing and dedicated watercraft and equipment. Another cost reduction will occur as construction techniques become better over time. Even with those improvements, EWEA projects a persistent higher cost margin for

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offshore from 2015 to address the very different environments in which offshore projects are built. But these environments may create a benefit. Offshore wind capacity can be greater than on shore given the absence of obstructions, among other factors. The strongest wind regions in the U.S., for example, sit offshore. As noted in a study by Vestas, relatively modest increases in wind capacity factor will have a more significant effect on the bottom line of a wind farm than seemingly more significant capital cost increases. Stated differently, better wind data and siting selection can make an offshore wind farm financially successful, even though it has a greater capital cost burden. 2. The construction challenge is being addressed through better contracting and better project management. Offshore projects are being built with separate contracts for supply and construction, with the construction being split again among separate contracts for the onshore work, cable installation, and tower erection. Instead of a “wrap” where one party guarantees the performance of the package, the contractors enter into an interface agreement covering the overall schedule, the interaction among the contractors with detailed hand-off procedures, and the consequences of delays by one contractor on the other contracts. The overall project management approach uses a higher level of float (extra uncommitted time in the project schedule) and a much higher level of detail in the schedule than would be found on an onshore project. Project management also needs to be considered in the initial project site selection and design, taking into account cable routes and design of the electrical infrastructure, design of foundations, number and location of boat landings and crew vessels, and the number and type of vessels for installation and maintenance. A major development in the past eighteen months has been the acceptance by project finance lenders of this split contract approach in non recourse project financing of offshore wind projects. In addition to emphasizing the detail of the contracts and the importance of the interface agreement, the lenders have relied on extensive due diligence by their independent engineer on the project schedule, including a heavy focus on downside scenarios of multiple contractor delays and increased costs. To support what might be the worst case scenario for increased construction costs (and/or increased interest costs during delay), the lenders have required a significant contingency (up to 16 percent of capital cost). This con-

tingency is funded from a combination of debt and equity. 3. The interconnection challenge generally cannot be addresses within the confines of a single project’s economics. A solution in the UK and Germany has been to improve the procedure of achieving grid connection and to make more of the cost of interconnection pass through to the network and ultimately to rate payers. 4. The long term operation risk is now being addressed with a new class of warranty from offshore manufacturers. The issue to be addressed is the potentially greater impact on availability from a problem with a wind project offshore, given the cost and time necessary to effect a repair. The offshore warranty terms have been developed in the context of recent project financings, and are designed to provide more coverage for debt service for a longer period of time, but with a potential for the turbine vendor to earn bonuses for enhanced performance. The bankable offshore warranty will be for a longer term than an onshore project – five or more years. The availability warranty terms are somewhat similar to onshore contracts, with availability warranted at 90 percent on an annual basis, but the key difference in the offshore warranty is that the penalties paid by the vendor will not kick in until a lower availability level is reached (negotiable, but around 80 percent) in exchange for a much higher cap on

damages than is typical for an onshore contract. The vendor may also have a better bonus for high availability. The result is that the vendor carries less financial risk for modest availability shortfall but a heavier burden for a greater shortfall. This structure is really designed to keep the debt service maintained for a longer period (or more significant shortfall) than in an onshore warranty. Equity has less coverage, but benefits from the ability to achieve a project financing, and at a higher leverage ratio, than would be the case without the enhanced turbine warranty. Moving forward

The evolving solutions to these risks of offshore wind projects has meant that greater non recourse financing is available, in turn meaning that offshore projects can be developed and financed by a broader range of sponsors, and the cost of capital will be reduced as debt replaces equity in the capital structure. The Q7 project in the Netherlands is a 120 MW project that closed on debt financing in October 2006. C-Power is a 30MW project in Belgium that closed debt financing in May 2007. Dexia and Rabobank arranged the Q7 debt, and Dexia arranged the C-Power debt with Rabobank providing mezzanine debt. The maturities are consistent with the fixed revenue periods of the projects, and the interest rates, while higher than European onshore project financings, are not unremarkable by U.S. standards

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(margins commence at 125 basis points and 110 basis points respectively). Debt sizing is conservative in using a P90 wind projection for the debt coverage ratio. There clearly are greater contingencies built into the project budgets and ﬁnanced in part by debt. What is noteworthy, compared to the market just two years ago, is that the challenges of offshore are addressed and the deals closed. That is remarkable progress. So what are the lessons for North America? While the markets are different, most notably in the great expanse of reasonably good onshore wind regions in the U.S. and Canada, many of the issues are the same as faced in Europe and the solutions reached there can (and should) be the solutions here. That in turn will mean the offshore market here may be able to access capital sooner and at a lower cost than is generally believed. As the European market continues to evolve – with likely improvements in project and debt stricture and pricing, the North American offshore developers will have the opportunity to jump the learning curve cut by the European offshore market. So while there may be some skepticism in North America about the viability of the offshore market here, I say watch for the rapid development of the market on this continent as the offshore developers jump the learning curve cut by their European cousins. Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP www.milbank.com

Co-Organizers: www.euromoneyenergy.com

Supporters:

For more information about REFF Wall Street, please visit www.reff-wallstreet.com, email energyevents@euromoneyplc.com, contact us on 212-224-3570 North American Clean Energy

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ocean renewables

Progress on the sea development of the earth’s great un-tapped energy source is finding its feet by William Dick t is possible that ocean waves are the Earth’s greatest un-tapped energy resource. With seas covering two-thirds of the planet’s surface, the potential of this vast energy reservoir is enormous. So what exactly is wave energy, and how can we tap into it? The simplest explanation is that waves are created by the wind, which is powered

by the sun, and as the wind gets stronger, so do the waves. The stronger the waves, the more wave energy there is to exploit. This doesn’t mean though that dramatic crashing waves are the strongest. In fact, the best type of wave for commercial wave farming, is the unspectacular ‘heave’ or ‘swell’ that travels hundreds of miles – the kind of wave that effortlessly lifts small

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ships and trawlers as it passes. As waves break, they lose energy rapidly. For example, in the UK the wave energy offshore is estimated to be of the order of 250 times greater than that at the shoreline. Due to prevailing winds, the areas where wave energy is most powerful are in critically important regions such as the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada, Western Australia, and North West Europe. An important aspect of the increasing focus on wave energy as a potential global source of power is that ocean waves have an energy density far greater than either the wind or the sun’s radiation. This means that when wave energy technology progresses to the point of developing large-scale commercial wave farms, we will have an enormously potent source of power, which can be exploited over vast areas of the planet – and all in an environmentally friendly manner. Finding a practical, robust and economically viable solution to wave energy conversion has been a challenge that has been attracting increasing attention over the last two to three decades. Emerging technologies that have sprung from largely academic beginnings have beneﬁted from the experience gained in the offshore sector, and more recently they are being driven by the dual imperatives of energy security and the need to avoid dangerous climate change. The difﬁculties associated with wave energy however are numerous and severe. The industry is dealing with

Prototype testing off the west coast of Ireland. The Wavebob Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is a self-reacting, oscillating point absorber designed to convert ocean wave energy to electricity. An oscillating device absorbs most energy when the natural period of oscillation is in tune with the incident waves. Wavebob can be tuned and controlled to closely match the prevailing wave climate, even on a waveby-wave basis. It can respond well to long period waves that typify ocean swell, and its absorption bandwidth can be adjusted and the power-take-off stroke controlled. Wavebob is ideally suited to on-board autonomous control and intelligent responses within an array. Installed capacity is currently at 1.5 MW+.

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The Wavebob Wave Energy Converter has accumulated over 3,000 hours of prototype testing at sea and is now entering the commercialization phase of product development. Wavebob’s average electrical output is 500-700 kW.

That, in turn, means that devices should be readily deployed in deep water, implying that they should be ﬂoating and selfreacting, speciﬁcally with no need to react against the seabed. Currently, the majority of leading technologies are oscillators of some form. These types of devices have the ability to resonate with waves, and thereby extract greater amounts of power from oncoming waves. The costs of developing new wave energy technologies are also high, as are most research and development projects in any sector. As global climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, the UK,

Portugal and Ireland have all announced signiﬁcant support and incentives for the deployment of prototype devices and demonstration wave farms. The U.S., Canada and New Zealand are following rapidly. Current projects underway include a mix of ‘plug and play’ test facilities, and grid connections either in place or due to be provided, and incentives are generally feed in tariffs and capital grants. At the same time a number of the major energy companies have made strategic investments and are actively supporting the commercialization of a few carefully picked leading technologies.

an extremely variable resource, a notoriously unforgiving environment and major problems in terms of credibility, as well as resultant difficulties accessing first class talent and financial backing. Luckily these challenges are being overcome and a small number of potentially promising technologies are now reaching the stage of sea trials. The last two or three years have seen significant changes in public perception – commercially viable technologies are now expected in two to three years. At which point the take-off will be rapid.

Wavebob Ltd. www.wavebob.com

William Dick is Chairman, Inventor and Founder of Wavebob Ltd. and has been active in the ocean energy sector for over 10 years. He is an active sailor and has a deep understanding of the power of the sea.

With over 8,000 attendees and over 650 exhibitors expected, WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition is the largest wind energy conference and exhibition held annually in North America. Find out why WINDPOWER is THE premier event of the wind industry!

The four ‘killer issues’ of wave energy

A handful of world-leading wave energy development companies have made significant progress finding practical solutions to the four ‘killer issues’ of wave energy: survival, variable wave climate, operating and maintenance costs and substantial installed capacity. These are issues that until recently were creating enormous difficulties for engineers and scientists attempting to harness wave power. The first and most obvious issue of survival-challenged developers is to design a device that can withstand the most extreme North Atlantic conditions. Secondly, the device had to be able to adapt to a variable wave climate (i.e. to constantly changing waves.) To keep operating and maintenance costs at cost-effective levels, devices must be easily serviceable on location at sea, but should also be remotely controlled and have built-in back-up capabilities. Lastly, devices for use in a commercial wave farm must have a substantial installed capacity, meaning that once installed, the device must be capable of generating a substantial amount of power – at least 1 Megawatt – and they must be designed in such a way that large numbers of them can be located together to form a wave farm. As individual companies and scientists work on their own prototypes, there is now some evidence of convergence across the sector, and there is growing recognition that the best resource is offshore.

This marks a recognition that the R&D process is now well ahead of pure research. Commercial pull is taking over from research push. The latter will of course continue and increase in importance as this new, exciting and highly important technology ﬁnds its feet.

Keynote Speakers Come see these prominent individuals speak as they share their insights into the valuable role of wind energy and how it relates to the overall energy industry, the environment, the local community and the business world.

( Quality Networking Opportunities with Industry Leaders and Decision Makers ( Quality Exhibition Opportunities and Packages ( Quality Speakers, Industry Expertise, Substantive and Topical Sessions ( Quality Attendees and Prospective Customers

The Honorable Rick Perry Governor of Texas

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius Governor of Kansas

The Honorable Bill White

Whether you are an established industry veteran or a newcomer to this exciting and explosive industry, WINDPOWER 2008 has much to offer including 3 days of conference sessions, an interactive tradeshow of wind energy products and services, and numerous networking opportunities.

www.windpowerexpo.org

Mayor of Houston

Thomas C. Dorr Under Secretary for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture Visit the AWEA Job Board at www.awea.org/jobs

WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition ( June 1-4, 2008 ( George R. Brown Convention Center ( Houston, Texas

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eventscalendar JUNE 2008 1-4 WindPower 2008 Conference & Exhibition Houston, TX; George R. Brown Convention Center | Tel: (800) 427-4697 or (713) 853-8000 www.windpowerexpo.org 2-6 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection - From Research to Industry and Markets Feria Valencia, Spain www.conference-biomass.com 3-5 BioEnergy 2008 Conference and Exhibition, In association with Forest and Resources Expo Prince George, BC; University of Northern BC www.bioenergyconference.org North American Waste to Energy Conference 4-9 Philadelphia, PA; Sheraton Philadelphia City Center www.swana.org 17-19 5th Renewable Energy Finance Forum – Wall Street New York, NY – The Waldorf Astoria www.reff-wallstreet.com 24-26 Energy Ocean 2008 Galveston, TX; Galveston Island Convention Center www.energyocean.com JULY 2008 12-13 Art of Being Green Festival A Celebration of Renewable Energy and Green Lifestyles Lanark, ON. www.artofbeinggreen.com 14-18 HydroVision 2008 Sacramento, CA; Sacramento Convention Center Sacramento. Tel: (816) 931-1311 AUGUST 2008 20-22 33rd Annual Conference of the Solar Energy Society of Canada and 3rd Canadian Solar Buildings Research Network Conference Fredericton, NB www.solarbuildings.ca SEPTEMBER 2008 8-10 Green Fuels Summit & Expo Toronto, ON – Metro Convention Centre andrew@thebodisagency.com or vania@mandalagp.com OCTOBER 2008 Geothermal Energy Trade Show/Annual Meeting 2008 5-8 Reno, NV; Peppermill www.geo-energy.org 13-16 Solar Power 2008 San Diego, CA; San Diego Convention Center. www.solarpowerconference.com 14-16 Energy from Biomass & Waste 2008 Pittsburgh, PA; David L. Lawrence Convention Center www.ebw-expo.com 19-22 CanWea 2008 Vancouver, BC www.canwea.ca 29-31 Global WindPower 2008 Beijing, China – China International Exhibition Center; www.globalwind.org.cn NOVEMBER 2008 18-19 APPrO 2008 (Association of Power Producers of Ontario) Toronto, ON; Metro Toronto Convention Centre www.appro.org DECEMBER 2008 Power-Gen International 2008 2-4 Orlando, FL; Orange County Convention Center http://pgi08.events.pennnet.com CanSIA Solar Conference 2008 7-9 Toronto, ON; The Westin Harbour Castle www.cansia.ca

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cleanenergyheadlines NHA recognizes five hydropower projects for extraordinary achievement In April, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) recognized the outstanding practices of ﬁve organizations with the hydropower industry’s Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters (OSAW) Award. The organizations – Brookﬁeld Power, Chelan County PUD, San Diego County Water Authority, Seattle City Light and Yuba County Water Agency – all developed projects and programs that exemplify industry-leading best practices in producing climate-friendly, affordable and renewable energy. “The Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters program demonstrates the true innovation taking place in the hydropower industry today,” said Linda Church Ciocci, NHA executive director. “These projects highlight, in the clearest terms, how power production and environmental protection can work hand-in-hand.” NHA’s selection panel, including representatives from industry, environmental, and recreational interests, determined the OSAW Award winners based on their project or program’s challenge, innovation, collaboration with stakeholders, and results. NHA presented the awards at the association’s annual conference held this past April, in Washington, DC. Visit: www.hydro.org for more on the NHA.

Study examines how much water is needed to produce various types of energy It is easy to overlook that most of the energy we consume daily such as electricity or natural gas, is produced with the help of fresh water. Virginia Tech professor Tamim Younos and undergraduate student Rachelle Hill are currently researching the water-efficiency of some of the most common energy sources and power generating methods. Working at the Virginia Water Resources Center, Younos and Hill have analyzed 11 types of energy sources (biodiesel, coal, fuel ethanol, liquefied natural gas, synfuel-Fischer Tropsch, tar sands, oil shale, hydrogen, synfuel-coal gasification, petroleum/oil, and natural gas) and five power generating methods (hydroelectric, fossil fuel thermoelectric, nuclear, solar thermoelectric, and geothermal). “Our unit is gallons of water per British Thermal Unit (BTU),” explained Younos. “We selected BTU as a standard unit because it indicates pure energy as heat and is applicable to all energy production and power generation methods.” According to the study, the most water-efficient energy sources are natural gas and synthetic fuels produced by coal gasification, and the least water-efficient energy sources are fuel ethanol and biodiesel. In terms of power generation, Younos and Hill have found that geothermal and hydroelectric energy use the least amount of water, while nuclear plants use the most. Hill took the study one step further and calculated how many gallons of water are required to burn one 60 Watt incandescent light bulb for 12 hours a day, over the course of one year, as compared to burning a compact fluorescent bulb for the same amount of time. Findings showed the latter would save about 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of water per bulb, per year. Younos noted that the results of this analysis should be interpreted with a grain of salt. “There are several variables such as geography and climate, technology type and efficiency, and accuracy of measurements that come into play. However, by standardizing the measurement unit, we have been able to obtain a unique snapshot of the water used to produce different kinds of energy.” Visit: www.vwrrc.vt.edu for more info.

Designed for our readers and our advertisers At North American Clean Energy, our overall editorial goal is to provide our readership with a snapshot guide to emerging technologies in all sectors of alternative energy through new product editorials, industry news, event coverage, and relevant articles written by industry professionals.

Go to www.nacleanenergy.com to see all our print content and more, subscribe, and for advertising information

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5/7/08 4:09:17 PM

Integration of energy systems is key to major GHG reductions News courtesy of CNW Group Ltd.

‘Meeting ambitious long term greenhouse gas reductions of 60 percent or more by 2050 needs a fundamental transformation of how we produce, deliver and use energy in Canada.’ This is the conclusion of “Integrated Energy Systems in Canadian Communities”, a report produced from the results of the Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow - QUEST - workshop held last fall in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, which was released at the end of April in Ottawa. The participants at the QUEST workshop agreed that integration of energy systems at the community level is essential to maximize energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, while continuing economic growth. “Half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions come from housing, buildings and transportation,” said Michael Cleland, President of the Canadian Gas Association. “Addressing this 50% is essential if Canada is to meet its ambitious long term emission targets, and integrated energy systems can bring significant benefits.” An integrated approach to land-use, energy, transport, water and waste management puts a greater emphasis upon achieving overall efficiency. It would feature: • Higher density, mixed use developments of energy efficient housing, commercial space and industry. • Smaller scale distributed urban energy systems, integrated with other infrastructure systems. • Increased contribution from multiple local energy sources: solar, geothermal, energy from waste, wind, hydro – supplemented by the electricity and gas grids. Hans Konow, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association, stressed that taking a holistic approach to energy efficiency at the community level – in addition to addressing the discrete parts, including buildings, houses, cars, and appliances – can lead to broader results and greater emissions reduction. “When joined together these measures will form sustainable and efficient communities with significantly reduced environmental impacts.” Examples in Canada and around the world show that compared to a traditional approach, an integrated approach to energy planning could cut grid energy use by more than half. “The feasibility study for the planned Riverbend Heights community energy system in London, ON, shows that integration of energy systems could lead to a 58% overall reduction in energy imported into the community,” said Ken Elsey, President of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Workshop participants called for action to implement integrated, community based systems in Canada. “While implementation is best achieved at the local level, we need leadership and support from governments to accelerate the wide adoption of integrated energy systems,” said Bob Oliver, Acting Executive Direc-

of the QUEST workshop. They, along with the other QUEST participants, believe that integration is fundamental to meeting the energy and GHGs emission reduction challenge facing Canada, and are committed to making Canada a world leader in urban integrated energy systems.

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Turning building envelopes into power plants Solar 2008 show in print

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The Sun Harvest project Taking wind turbines to new heights Waste Expo 2008 Designing a GeoExchange System

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tor at Pollution Probe. “Physical systems we are building today will deﬁne our environment for decades.” The Canada Green Building Council, the Canadian Electricity Association, the Canadian Energy Efﬁciency Alliance, the Canadian Gas Association and Pollution Probe were among the organizers

North American Clean Energy 49 5/2/08 6:07:44 AM

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Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenest powerboat on round the globe race On April 27, Earthrace, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest and greenest powerboat kicked off its round-the-world race. The race is an attempt to break the world record, and at the same time, promote the use of sustainable fuels. Earthrace is a 78-foot wave-piercing trimaran that runs exclusively on 100% biodiesel, and has a net zero carbon footprint, making it one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most environmentally-friendly powerboats. Skipper Pete Bethune and his crew started from the port of Sagunto, Spain, and will head across the Atlantic, PaciďŹ c and Indian oceans, and through the Panama and Suez canals, moving around the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circumference at a maximum speed of 40 knots. The world record to beat for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe was set in 1998, at 74 days, 23

hours, 53 minutes. The record was set by Cable & Wireless Adventurer from the UK. The Earthrace crew hopes to complete their voyage in under 65 days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the next 40 days weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be living on adrenaline,â&#x20AC;? said Bethune, who auctioned off his home and sold his company to fund the building of the GBP 1.5 million boat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The crew have entered â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;race modeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and we have one thing on our minds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the world record.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are fully committed to beating the record, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intend to leave anything to chance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the boat is fully geared up and weather conditions are optimum. There have been ďŹ ve attempts, including our own ďŹ rst attempt last year, since the current record was set in 1998 and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do everything we

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energy mix, and to inspire them to do something themselves to minimize their impact on the environment. Earthraceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress can be seen in real-time at www.earthrace.net, and the crew will be posting regular blogs and video diaries. Earthrace is run as a not-for-proďŹ t venture, with a boat, ground and London HQ crew made up of international volunteers. Earthrace | www.earthrace.net

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can to mark this tenth anniversary by beating it!â&#x20AC;? From Sagunto, Earthrace will head east to the Azores, where it will stop for refuelling before heading to Puerto Rico. Part of the objective of Earthrace is also the undertaking of a two year promotional tour, visiting 100 cities around the globe, where the crew will meet local people, talk about their experiences, and most of all connect with people about the need to get renewable fuels into our

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Chicago Industrial Fasteners, LLC www.cifwind.com

Composites One | www.compositesone.com

Con-Tech Systems Ltd. www.contechsystems.com

Continental Biomass Industries, Inc. www.cbi-inc.com

CORIX Utilities | www.corix.com

Creative Display | www.creativedisplay.ca

EBW | www.ebw-expo.com

enXco | www.enxco.com

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products www.esab.ca

Powerhouse Technology, Inc. www.powerhousetech.com

FCI-BURNDY Products | www.fciconnect.com

PV Powered, Inc www.pvpowered.com

GE Energy | www.gepower.com

Geothermal Energy Association www.geoenergy.org

Renewable Energy Finance Forum www.reff-wallstreet.com

Gexpro Services | www.gexproservices.com

Resource Recycling www.resource-recycling.com

Global Energy Services www.ges-usa.com

R&M Materials Handling, Inc. www.rmhoist.com

Granutech-Saturn www.granutech.com

Solar Energy Industries Association www.seia.org

Green Fuels Summit & Expo | www.gfse08.com

HRH | www.hrh.com

Solectria Renewables www.solren.com

International Truck Rental & Sales www.goitr.com

SSI Shredding Systems, Inc. www.ssiworld.com

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SWANtech http://swantech.curtisswright.com

John Deere Credit Company www.johndeere.com/windenergy.com

VBINE Energy www.vbine.com

Keith Manufacturing Co. www.keithwalkingfloor.com

Vecoplan, LLC www.VecoplanLLC.com

K-Line Maintenance and Construction Ltd. www.k-line.ca

Volkswind GmbH www.volkswind.de

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