North American Clean Energy - September October 2009

VOLUME 3

Harvesting More Energy The changing paradigm of large-scale solar power production Maximizing Wind Farm Performance Greater Funding for Geothermal Technologies Becoming an Independent Power Producer

PLUS Show in Print features…

• CanWEA 2009 • Solar Power International • Geothermal Energy Expo

ISSUE 5

~ A MESSAGE FROM THE SUN ~

“LAB TESTS ARE GREAT. BUT IT’S HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION THAT WILL REALLY PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. I’ve heard some impressive-sounding announcements about recent laboratory successes in converting my energy into electricity. But to make solar power the global resource it’s capable of becoming, you’re going to have to expand on those lab results with high volume panel production. And you’re going to have to deploy those panels on a massive, worldwide scale.

I’m talking gigantic panels. Lots of them. Everywhere. Which is where Applied Materials comes in. They’ve spent the last 40 years mastering the challenge of taking scientific breakthroughs and scaling them into commercialized products, at lower and lower prices, year after year. Now they’re doing for solar panels what they’ve already done for computer chips and flat panel displays. I mean, they can already deliver 5.7m 2 thin film solar panels at over 8% efficiency in high volume production. Which makes me one happy mid-sized star.”

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE SUN. For over 40 years, Applied Materials has been the world leader in nanomanufacturing technology, and is now the world leader in solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. appliedmaterials.com/solar Applied Materials and the Applied Materials logo are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. © 2009. All rights reserved.

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VOLUME 3

ISSUE 5

Harvesting More Energy

September/October 2009 Volume 3, Number 5

Editor

Michelle Froese mfroese@nacleanenergy.com ART DIRECTOR

The changing paradigm of large-scale solar power production Maximizing Wind Farm Performance

Ian Stuart istuart@nacleanenergy.com

06 New Bites

08 Government Support for Financing Renewables: A win and a draw

12 Materials Durability Testing Methodologies for PV Products

14 Accurate Field Monitoring of Photovoltaic Arrays

Greater Funding for Geothermal Technologies Becoming an Independent Power Producer

PLUS Show in Print features…

• CanWEA 2009 • Solar Power International • Geothermal Energy Expo

Rommel Ramirez production@nacleanenergy.com Sales Manager

contents

Cover photo courtesy Shuco www.schuco-usa.com

departments

16 Solar Photovoltaic Connectors: Simplicity, reliability & safety

18 Timing the High Volume Makeover

Circulation Manager

Kristy Vail circulation@nacleanenergy.com Accounting

Alison Bell abell@nacleanenergy.com

Solar Energy

12

Wind Energy

26

CanWEA 2009: Infinite Possibilities

38

Solar Power International 2009

52

Geothermal Energy

84

Geothermal Energy Expo 2009

88

20 Case Study: Solar tracking technology

22 Solar Shading Structures: Protecting boats & RVs

24 The Changing Paradigm of Large-scale Solar Power Production

26 Frontier Projects in Frontier Areas: Changes in the US regulatory environment

30 Maximizing Wind Farm Performance with Turbine Control Sensors

32 The Cost of Wind Blade Inspections versus Blade Repair

34 The Stamina to Become an IPP

50 Foreign Investment in the US Wind Energy Industry under CFIUS: A national security risk?

84 Recovery Act Funding for Geothermal Technologies

86 Geothermal Energy: The future looks good

92 Ocean Energy is Making its Mark

93 Optimizing Subsea Power Connection Systems for Tidal Energy Devices

94 The Value and Advantages of an Adsorption Chiller

96 Wastewater Produces Electricity and Desalinates Water

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. Foreign $89 per year. Editorial, Advertising, Production and Circulation

ydro & H Marine Energy

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BioPower

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Events Calendar

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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. Copyright 2008, Action Media Ltd. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation department, 255 Newport Drive, Suite 336, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5H1 email: circulation@nacleanenergy.com.

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North American Clean Energy

5

Photo by Michelle Moore

editor’s note American historian Jacques Barzun, perhaps, said it best when he claimed so matter-of-factly: “If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age.” At least, this statement gives us hope and encouragement for the future—for a sustainable future. Step by step, solar panel by solar panel (not to mention wind turbine by wind turbine, geothermal system by geothermal system, biorefinery by…well, you get the idea), we may be getting there; working toward a cleaner, greener way of life. At least, that’s the case in one European country.

What started on a small scale—with sustainable housing and sustainable communities, for example—has grown in size with the development of a full-blown, sustainable city.

Germany’s Hamburg Harbor has announced ECO CITY, an environmentally friendly business neighborhood with studios and warehouses. ECO CITY is one of few projects in the world designed to achieve a globally green rating from the three major green building rating systems: USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)’s Program.

Designed by Tec Architecture and global engineering group ARUP, both companies hope ECO CITY will serve as a model for future sustainable urban development. Two building-integrated wind turbines will generate more than ten percent of the city’s power (surpassing any other high-rise project in the world, according to www.worldarchitecturenews.com), and solar technology will power the lighting and hot water, offsetting the use of natural gas. Roofs and terraces will be covered with greenery, which will keep a check on water run-off, cool the interior, and create a nature-inspired context.

Of course, ECO CITY is likely considered small scale when compared to Masdar City, labeled the world’s first zero-pollution, zero-waste, zero-carbon city currently being constructed in the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi. Assuming everything goes according to plan, car-free and pedestrian-friendly Masdar City will house approximately 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses, running entirely on renewable energy—including everything from a 40 to 60 MW solar power plant to a 20 MW wind power farm, plus additional PV-, geothermal-, and hydrogen-based power. Virtually everything used and consumed in Masdar, including food, water, and other items, will be recyclable, as will wastes. The city is intended to spread over six square kilometers, with no point further than 200 meters from a public transport link—an electricity powered, light-rail system.

Too good to be true? Only time will tell, but it certainly beats the Stone Age if you can afford it.

As we attempt to rise from the Wastepaper Age in the US, check out Smarter Cities (http://smartercities.nrdc.org) for a list of the most sustainable cities around. Smarter Cities is a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) project, and a multi-media web initiative aimed at exploring the progress American cities are making in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth. And, don’t miss the upcoming North American conferences designed to focus our attention on some of the renewable energies that are going to take us into the future: CanWEA 2009, Solar Power International, and the Geothermal Energy Expo. You’ll find related “show in print” features for each inside this issue, along with plenty of technical articles. Thanks for reading!

Sincerely, Michelle Froese

news bites

Alternative energy patents increasing

Based on the latest research, cleantech patents are on the rise—with fuel cell technology on top. A total of 274 new patents were filed during the second quarter of 2009 for green and alternative-energy sources, according to a new report from the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index. This marks the highest quarterly value for the tracking, up from 243 during the first quarter of 2009 and 217 in the second quarter of 2008. The index, which is published quarterly by the New York-based law firm Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Meiti’s cleantech practice, indicates innovation trends in the cleantech sector in categories including solar, wind, hybrid/electric vehicles, fuel cells, hydroelectric, tidal/wave, geothermal, biomass/biofuels, and other renewable energies. Of the 274 patents, 156 were in fuel cell technology, up from 42 in the second quarter of 2008.

Cleantech Group LLC | www.cleantech.com/news

A smart grid portal

With the launch of its web portal “IEC Global Standards for Smart Grid,” the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides the basis for building safe and efficient Smart Grid projects. The aim of Smart Grids is to optimize energy distribution and use, as well as to integrate electricity from small and big producers and from renewable sources. Smart Grid projects depend on protocols and standards that ensure seamless interoperability of existing and new devices and systems.

The web zone, which will expand as projects evolve, provides a single database of standards and clearly demonstrates the purpose of Smart Grid Standards in facing technical and interoperability challenges. This unique, one-stop access point for anyone involved in Smart Grid projects provides a comprehensive catalogue of well-focused standards and further provides a definition of the Smart Grid concept and a section regarding regional differences, context, and needs.

Reducing residential grid stress

IEC Smart Grid | www.iec.ch/zone/smartgrid

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | http://availabletechnologies.pnl.gov

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A simple computer chip that is changing the way the energy community thinks about power supply and demand is available for licensing. Developed at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the GridFriendly Appliance Controller continuously monitors the electric grid and alters homeowners’ consumption when the grid is stressed. The appliance controller can be installed in household appliances and adjust their energy use for a few minutes or even a few seconds to allow the grid to stabilize when a disruption is sensed. Following initial government investments in the technology, the appliance controller was further developed and subsequently patented by Battelle, which operates PNNL for DOE. The controller is ready for licensing in all fields.

Tyco Electronics can help you to become a leading force in the fast-growing and ever-changing alternative energy markets.

With approximately 7,000 engineers deployed globally and superior technical solutions that are specific to the Solar and Wind industries, we are ready and able to roll up our sleeves to help you tackle your Our focus on alternative energy gives you access to a wide selection of standard and semi-custom solutions, including : connectors, fiber optics, sensors, relays, switches and filters, wire and cable, identification and tooling.

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We are a leading manufacturer of electronic components and solutions for alternative energy.

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www.tycoelectronics.com/windGO www.tycoelectronics.com/solarGO Š 2009 by Tyco Electronics. All Rights Reserved. TE logo, Tyco Electronics are trademarks.

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.

Government Support for Financing Renewables: A win and a draw

By Ed Feo; Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP

T

he American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) was enacted into law in February of this year with two significant incentives for financing of renewable energy projects: The Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) cash grant in lieu of investment tax credit under Section 1603 of ARRA, and the expanded Department of Energy (“DoE”) loan guarantee program for commercialized technologies under Section 1705 of Title VII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These programs were intended to deal principally with the lack of liquidity in the tax equity markets (in the case of the Treasury grant program), and the debt markets (in the case of the loan guarantee program) resulting from the broader financial crisis.

Since the enactment of ARRA, each agency has been working on the applicable program rules. In July, Treasury issued its guidance regarding the grant program, and DoE issued its first solicitations under the Section 1705 program (For more detailed analysis of these programs, read the “Client Alerts” at www.milbank.com/en/ NewsEvents/ClientAlerts.)

The Section 1603 program addresses the clearest liquidity need in the renewable energy finance market—the absence of tax equity. The effect of the financial crisis was to wipe out the taxable income of many of the financial institutions, which were the historic providers of tax equity. While a number of players remain in the space, the volume of available tax equity has been greatly diminished.

The guidance issued by Treasury on the Section 1603 program reflects a well thought out approach to issues raised by market participants about the program.

The program will provide a grant in lieu of the investment tax credit for most renewable energy projects. The application itself is simple. The submittals with the application are more detailed including a certification from a licensed engineer and, for larger projects, a certification of an accountant as to the eligible costs. The grant can be recaptured during the five-year period after the grant, where either the project ownership is transferred to a governmental or charitable entity, or the project fails to continue to operate on a permanent basis as a renewable energy facility. The recapture claim by the Treasury will be an unsecured debt claim against the applicant, subordinate to the project’s secured lenders. The guidance also provides rules for determining when a project has commenced construction—a key element as ARRA requires construction on qualifying projects to commence by the end of 2010.

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The reception to the Section 1603 program in the renewable energy finance market has generally been positive. A number of construction financings have closed with the grant being part of the capital structure. Project lenders are now satisfied the grant will be treated as a form of equity in the transaction. Prior to the issuance of the Treasury guidance, transactions closed with the sponsor guaranteeing the funding of the cash grant. With the clarifications provided in the Treasury guidance, the finance market has quickly adapted to provide non-recourse funding against the cash grant itself, without sponsor guarantees. The financing is based on the expected size of the grant, and there are detailed requirements for the borrower to apply for the grant.

The Treasury grant has effectively replaced private tax equity to the extent of the equivalent tax credit. Under ARRA, projects qualifying for the production tax credit can elect to take the tax credit and the cash grant in lieu of the investment tax credit. Initial views after ARRA suggested project sponsors would analyze whether it made sense to take the grant in light of the tradeoffs of capital cost, project capacity factors, and applicable discount rate of future tax credit streams. Instead, we see a nearly universal election to take the grant in lieu of any tax credit, mainly given the certainty of the grant over the more complex and expensive tax equity deals.

A number of sponsors are closing transactions with no tax equity, electing to take the cash grant and to use the accelerated depreciation within the project or their broader tax group. Although this structure is not as efficient as monetizing the depreciation in a transaction, these sponsors have concluded that obtaining debt and the cash grant is an easier and more certain transaction to close than doing a tax equity deal in the current market.

Even active tax equity participants are recognizing that the Treasury grant is an attractive alternative and are structuring their transactions to accommodate the grant with the tax equity investor, then monetizing depreciation and cash flow in the project. This approach permits those institutions with tax appetite to stretch their tax capacity to more projects by combining the grant with tax equity. In addition, there are also new entrants in the tax equity market with corporates, including Japanese trading companies, with some taxable income buying into projects to monetize project depreciation and cash.

Continued on page 10…

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…continued from page 8 The conclusion is the Treasury grant program is having the intended effect of providing more liquidity to the tax equity market. As the economy recovers, more companies should have both taxable income and an interest in providing tax equity. The issue will be how additional tax equity will be accommodated along with the cash grant program—which will continue through the date of completion of projects commencing construction by the end of 2010. There is also speculation that the renewable energy industry may push for a continuation of the grant program for a longer period. The effect of the cash grant program, designed to provide liquidity in lieu of unavailable tax equity, may be a displacement of tax equity even as the economy recovers.

The DoE loan guaranty program has had a rougher road than the Treasury cash grant program. The DoE has had a loan guarantee program under Section 1703 of Title VII since 2005, with the first solicitation being in 2006. The 1703 program is available for innovative renewable technologies. Section 1703 loan guarantees may be made up to 80% of project costs and up to 100% of the project debt. Section 1703 program was hamstrung during the Bush administration by a lack of funding and staff — both of which have increased dramatically with the new administration.

benefit from loan guarantees of 100% of the project debt, and those projects with established technology and/or of a smaller size where a lower loan guarantee level makes sense. For the first category, the DoE will be performing its own diligence and the lender will likely be the Federal Financing Bank. For the latter category, the DoE proposes that financial institutions will take the lead in evaluating the projects and will be the lenders of both the guaranteed portion of the loan and the uncovered portion of the loan.

DoE has undertaken an extended dialogue with market participants and, at this point, the intercreditor terms between these two loan tranches has been challenging to settle. Section 1703 rules contemplate that the DoE loan guarantee must be secured by the assets of the project, but may accommodate a pari passu interest of an unguaranteed lender. Those same rules contemplate that the uncovered loan is entitled to a pari passu lien, but does not have rights to accelerate the loan or to exercise remedies (which are reserved to DoE). These points, among others, are of concern to the private finance market. In an attempt to advance the discussion on the intercreditor issues, the DoE published a proposed rulemaking that would leave to the Secretary of Energy the ability to negotiate intercreditor terms on a transaction by transaction basis.

The DoE issued two solicitations in late July. One is for Over the coming months, it will become apparent major transmission projects, with applications due Septemwhether sponsors will choose the loan guarantee ber 14th, 2009, with an available credit subsidy level of $750 million. The other is for renewable energy projects, with a program instead—our suspicion is that the loan series of seven application dates commencing September 14th, 2009. This solicitation is divided between projects, guarantee program will continue to be first choice which would qualify under Section 1703, as well as renewfor projects with new technology, able energy projects which meet the “innovative” requirement and would otherwise meet Section 1705 requirements.

In effect, the Section 1703 program requirement is married Section 1705 loan guarantee program is oriented toward commercialized technoloto the Section 1705 requirements, presumably to better access the credit subsidy apgies, and so may have broader application than Section 1703. In addition, Section propriation for innovative technology projects. The renewable energy solicitation also 1705 provides for appropriation of the credit subsidy (in effect, the premium for the falls into the first category of projects outlined above, thereby avoiding the issues of loan guarantee), whereas under Section 1703 the applicant must fund the credit subthe bifurcated transactions. sidy out of its own pocket. However, Section 1705 requires construction on a guaranIt is expected that the DoE will be issuing many more loan guarantees over the teed project to commence by the end of September 2011, and further requires compli- coming months. These will initially be under the Section 1703 solicitations, which are ance with NEPA and Davis Bacon prevailing wage requirements. currently outstanding, including the innovative renewables solicitation from February DoE initially worked on a proposed set of rules for the Section 1705 program, 2009. These will be followed by awards under the Section 1705 solicitations described but later decided to proceed with solicitations using the existing rules of the Section above. Additional solicitations are expected for later this summer.

1703 program, with waivers as necessary to accommodate the purposes of the The loan guarantee program will clearly have the greatest impact on financing Section 1705 program. of projects with non-commercialized technology, which cannot access the private The DoE will bifurcate loan guarantee projects into two broad classes: those that project finance markets currently for any amount of capital, as well as large transinvolve a technology risk or of a type such as large transmission projects that will mission projects which may have difficulty accessing enough capital in the private finance markets. Less certain is how the loan guarantee program for commercialized technologies will work. The burden of loan guarantee program requirements (such as NEPA and Davis Bacon prevailing wage compliance, as well as the intercreditor issues) must be weighed against the improving availability of unrepresented clients in energy matters since the 1920s, and our climate change practice guaranteed private project finance marhas been active for nearly two decades. From this foundation of experience, we have ket debt. Project finance debt is available developed a dynamic renewable energy practice that advises clients for well-structured projects using comworldwide at every stage, from investment and tax structuring to development, mercialized technology. construction and operation.

Currently, sponsors are heading to the As your plans for solar, wind and renewable energy projects emerge, put the energy of private project finance market rather our lawyers to work for you. For more information, contact: than waiting for the DoE commercialized technology program to be implePhilip Spector - 212.704.6004 Craig Kline - 212.704.6150 mented. Over the coming months, it phil.spector@troutmansanders.com craig.kline@troutmansanders.com will become apparent whether sponsors Brian Harms - 404.885.3682 Todd Coles - 202.274.2810 will choose the loan guarantee program brian.harms@troutmansanders.com todd.coles@troutmansanders.com instead—our suspicion is that the loan guarantee program will continue to be Ronald Ross - 202.274.2963 first choice for projects with new techronald.ross@troutmansanders.com nology, but may be a second (or lower) choice for projects with commercialized technologies—unless the project is so huge as to outstrip the capabilities of the private finance market.

We Know Renewable Energy

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Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP www.milbank.com

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solar energy

Materials Durability Testing Methodologies for PV Products

By Kurt Scott & Matthew McGreer

The need for testing

Conservatively, power generated through photovoltaic (PV) applications will double over 2006 levels by 2010—and go much higher with favorable governmental policies. However, the high initial costs of solar power generation require amortization (and, therefore, warranty) over 25 to 30 years to compete with conventional power sources. That solar cells and modules must be deployed in direct sunlight for the duration of their intended life dictates that materials comprising the cells and modules must be designed, manufactured, and tested to resist the factors of weather.

Though traditional crystalline silicon-based PV cells have shown excellent durability characteristics, their packaging—substrate, superstrate, and backsheets— are also subjected to degradation due to natural weathering. This is even more important as manufacturers strive to use less expensive materials and processing techniques to help reduce costs. Even newer technologies, such as thin films or building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), do not have a durability record of 25 to 30 years. The selected material, design process, qualification, and certification, as well as actual manufacturing and installation (of the system), must be validated.

Testing methodology and degradation modes will vary depending on which aspect of the system is being evaluated.

Functions of testing

Weathering durability tests of PV applications may include: • Temperature cycling (including thermal shock, freeze/thaw); • Humidity testing; • Solar radiation testing; • Moisture testing (immersion, freezing rain, acid rain, high humidity); • Temperature and humidity combinations (“damp heat”); • Fungus testing; • Salt fog testing for corrosion resistance; and • Sand and dust testing for abrasion resistance and dirt pick-up.

Tests like those mentioned above would provide the most accurate answers if they could replicate the exact service environment of the system. Accelerated testing is a necessity since the product development cycle (in this or any other industry) is typically much shorter than the expected life of the product. With that said, realtime testing should not be overlooked because correlation of accelerated tests can only be determined by comparing the performance of the material/system to that exhibited during end-use or real-time testing. Furthermore, there are some stresses that are difficult or impossible to replicate, and some slowly occurring degradation phenomena do not readily occur under conditions of an accelerated test.

Instruments used for accelerated tests

Accelerated weathering tests of PV modules are typically performed in commercially available instruments with a variety of different light sources. The most common light sources are xenon-arc, metal halide, and fluorescent UV. 12

September / October 2009

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Each source has attributes that make it more or less favorable depending on the application.

The xenon-arc light source used in instruments (such as the Atlas Ci-series Weather-Ometers) can be precisely controlled for excellent repeatability. When properly filtered, xenon-arc best replicates natural sunlight in the UV and visible regions of the solar spectrum. These instruments also provide light/dark cycling, temperature and humidity control, and user-defined spray cycles to simulate the effects of rain or condensation (dew).

Due to mounting configurations and light source efficiency, xenon-arc is best suited for specific materials testing on individual cells or small modules.

Custom systems can be designed using metal halide light sources for testing of larger modules and systems, and can more easily incorporate performance evaluations such as I-V efficiency in-situ during exposure testing. Devices incorporating fluorescent UV bulbs that simulate only the short UV wavelengths of the solar spectrum are used primarily for light soaking (material stabilization) and material screening. A new ultra-accelerated testing device can provide up to 63 times the acceleration of the UV portion of the sun by magnifying natural sunlight, while omitting the infrared wavelengths that cause excessive cell temperatures.

The role of standard test methods

Prominent standards-writing organizations for PV testing include: • IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) • UL (Underwriters Laboratory) • ASTM (ASTM International) • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) • ISO (International Standards Organization) Each has several standards that address specific materials, applications, and/or technologies related to PV systems. However, overlap and duplication of testing requirements have caused confusion in the industry, as well as repetitious testing.

This has, in some cases, resulted in product launch delays and unnecessary expenses. To assist, the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCS) has initiated a project with the objective of: “coordinating activity and developing working panels to enable communication and planning across the different codes and standards-setting bodies to develop (and modify) uniform solar codes and standards, as deemed necessary.” (www.solarabcs.org)

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Making sense of the choices

One must understand their test needs based on the issues related to material, component/module, or system/ array, and the most critical degradation modes and mechanisms that apply to each.

As renewable energy technology quickly migrates toward true business enterprises and as government incentives recede, solar businesses will be forced to operate in classic business style—which means controlling costs, managing risk and, ultimately, making a profit. PV business managers must look to their technical staff for sound durability, reliability analyses/assessment, and service life estimations. Businesses must mitigate risks associated with poor product durability and reliability, while simultaneously realizing a compressed development-to-production business cycle.

Technical staff must prepare to meet demands in the following ways (which are not necessarily mutually exclusive): 1. Contributing to the development of consensus standards and more relevant test methods. However, this inherently slow process may render it unviable for businesses needing fast results.

2. B ecoming educated on the subject; numerous quality publications on PV durability exist and will help regardless of the subsequent path chosen.

3. Conducting clear-eyed assessment of in-house resources and capabilities.

4. Not yield to temptation to reinvent the wheel. Compare feasibility of developing in-house capabilities and purchasing services of experts.

Weathering durability is a complicated, specialized area. But there are several fine experts in the field.

Controllers Have you discovered them yet?

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Finally, begin now. It’s already late.

Kurt Scott is the director of Renewable Energy Business Development and Matthew McGreer is the product manager at Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC.

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Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC www.atlas-mts.com North American Clean Energy

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solar energy

Accurate Field Monitoring of Photovoltaic Arrays

By Michael Lucas & Ruben Parra

Array performance in the field

Figure 1: Typical installation shown with monitoring system connected.

Figure 2: Block diagram of a sample PV array; 4 panels in series make up one string, and 8 strings in parallel make up the array. Estimated electrical output 6KVA (220Vdc x 27A).

There is no better method of predicting photovoltaic (PV) array performance than exposing it to reallife conditions in the field. Although laboratory tests can accurately determine PV cell characteristics, real-time monitoring of a PV array in the field can boost confidence in product reliability and overall performance.

The many effects of a real-world environment, such as change in irradiance, temperature, and other external factors, can make monitoring and analysis of PV installations a daunting task for those accustomed to a controlled environment. A fast, accurate, and carefully synchronized test approach is required to obtain meaningful data in such ever-changing conditions. By obtaining Voltage (V) and Current (I) readings at different PV loading levels, a separate I-V curve can be generated for each: the array, the string (series of panels), and the individual panel, which is required for adequate characterization in the field. Measurements collected from I-V data can also be used to calculate the array’s Maximum Power Point (MPP) at different instances throughout the day, providing a key indicator of the installation’s performance. A proposed test/monitoring system for field applications is described below.

On-the-go monitoring system

Figure 3: SW Program controls Step Function Generator connected to analog input of Electronic Load, while synchronized high-speed Signal-Mux collects panel voltage data of each string (real-time data at local ambient conditions).

Multiple field installations can make testing expensive due to the amount of hardware involved. A mobile monitoring system can reduce these costs considerably. By using a Quick Disconnect Junction Box (see figure 1), the system can quickly connect/ disconnect to PV arrays at different locations. This junction box includes remote voltage sensing lines to compensate for voltage drop along the installation, as well as power conductors that connect the array and individual strings to an Electronic Load, which will help generate an I-V curve. Remote sensing lines provide Kelvin measurement points at each individual panel, providing valuable information about “weak links” in the photovoltaic array.

Array installation set-up

Figure 4: The P-V data in graphical form showing detail points on curve where maximum power output occurs.

This information can be utilized to set the grid inverter loading of the array for optimal performance under actual operation conditions.

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A network of high-power relays is used by the monitoring system to switch between strings under test, while maintaining all others connected to a gridtied inverter. These are routed through the Quick Disconnect Junction Box. An illustration of a PV array installation connected to the monitoring system is shown in figure 2.

The switching and signal multiplexing matrix shown must be appropriately sized to meet maximum string Current and Voltage ratings. An optional reference or “golden” panel (figure 2, 8b) or string (figure 2, 8a) is shown in the illustration, and may be a desired addition to the array installation for comparative reasons.

Test sequence

Field testing of a PV array requires efficient methods that can collect data fast enough to compare

every panel’s behavior adequately, thereby minimizing subtle changes in Irradiance and Temperature that may occur if too much time has elapsed.

The monitoring system will test each panel and string sequentially by switching them to the Electronic Load, where Current is controlled to provide representative I-V curve data. Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) and Short Circuit Current (Isc) are measured immediately before the Current sweep to establish upper and lower limits on an I-V curve.

Using a programmable Electronic Load, current is incremented in steps until the upper limit has been reached, while Voltage and Current data is simultaneously collected through the monitoring system’s measurement equipment. This information is processed to obtain key characterization elements such as Maximum Power Point (MPP), Maximum Current Point (Imp), Maximum Voltage Point (Vmp), Fill Factor, and Efficiency. The process is repeated for each panel, string, and array to provide real-time representation of array characteristics.

Selecting and configuring hardware

Selection of test and measurement equipment in the monitoring system will depend on the size of the PV array, as well as pre-defined accuracy requirements. A typical configuration will require the use of an Electronic Load to generate illuminated I-V curves. Source Meters are good all-in-one solutions for I-V characterization at the PV cell level, but lack the power needed to monitor a full array. Many of today’s Electronic Loads can meet power requirements of large 15 Kilowatt arrays. Internal measurement capability in such loads has also improved with newer technologies providing very accurate measurements.

Optimizing the test/monitoring system to achieve greater accuracy and speed can be done by adding Digital Multimeters (DMM) and Function Generators. Additional components to the system include a relay switching matrix, signal multiplexor, and a computer (PC) used for controlling instruments and data processing. Temperature sensors and additional input lines may also be desirable and used for monitoring ambient conditions. Description of a typical system is shown in figure 3.

Although not required, a Function Generator can be used to drive the analog input of an Electronic Load, if such load does not provide a built-in step function. For stringent accuracy requirements, Digital Multimeters are included to measure Voltage (at remote sense Kelvin connections) and Current (through a precision shunt resistor) simultaneously.

System execution

Obtaining synchronous measurements at precisely timed intervals are crucial to the system’s execution.

Careful consideration should be given to the design of the system’s synchronization and timing controls to ensure accurate readings. The monitoring system controls the switching and measurement synchronization moving through each panel and string with

PV laser scribing system

Raytex Corporation introduced its RPS-1000/2000 laser scriber systems for the scribing of thin film solar panels. The cold ablation laser scriber uses specially designed pico-second, MHz Fiber Laser—MHz PRR gives the best scribe lines. Other features include: stable, straight scribe and precise overlay alignment technique that offers the narrow-

minimal delays. The Electronic Load’s analog control mode is used by feeding a stair step waveform that controls the Current sweep from Voc to Isc. After each I-V sequence has been completed, data is stored in memory for postprocessing.

Displaying and analyzing data

Through the system’s software Graphical User Interface, I-V measurements can be graphically represented and displayed in the form of an I-V curve and P-V curve (see figure 4). Collected data can be processed, stored, and managed in a user-friendly environment.

Performance of individual panels and strings can be compared to each other or analyzed collectively to measure overall array performance. If the system has access to an Internet connection, data can be shared through a network and stored on a remote database.

Information from I-V characteristics and Maximum Power Point results gathered over long periods can provide a good assessment of the array’s future performance.

est P1-P3 total scribe width; a UV laser that enables high-precision cold ablation; high throughput by the specially developed stage and alignment technique; top side process for all P1, P2, and P3; and, the ability to cover all the known process materials for thin film PV. Raytex Corporation | www.raytex.com

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Conclusion

Michael Lucas is the director of engineering and Ruben Parra, Sr, is the applications engineer at Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. www.chromausa.com

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Real-life conditions can complicate accurate measurements of PV array performance. When monitoring PV behavior using the method described in this article, true performance can be measured in the field. Using a system that is mobile, fast, and accurate will provide a cost-effective and automated solution for this type of application.

Many of today’s test and measurement equipment, and especially Electronic Loads, can add great value when generating illuminated I-V curves. Using a PC for control and Graphical User Interface operation, this monitoring system requires little user interaction and displays information that is easy to interpret. Over time, accurate I-V data gathered from PV array installations in the field can give important clues about current and future behavior, as well as comparing performance to previous collected data, all leading to improvements in product design.

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Visit us at the 2009 Solar Power International Show, October 27-29, booth# 2521 North American Clean Energy

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solar energy

Solar Photovoltaic Connectors: Simplicity, Reliability & Safety

By Doug Eakin

A

lthough it is one of the smallest components in the balance of system (BOS) for a solar photovoltaic installation, the DC connector plays an important role in safety and reliability. For many years, the only way to connect to the module was by hard-wiring it to the junction box. That meant opening the lid, poking the wire through the opening, stripping the wire, and then landing the wire on the terminal. In addition to being tedious and time consuming, it also invited wiring errors.

The next phase brought about the concept of simply plugging the modules together with assemblies terminated to the junction box. This was first popularized with the MC3 connector from Multi Contact. By having pre-terminated modules, it added speed to the process of connecting modules in series.

One of the disadvantages of this style of interconnect was the possibility of disconnecting under load. While this can be accomplished by adding clips or heat shrink tubing, companies such as Tyco Electronics developed latching photovoltaic connectors. By adding a latching feature, the connectors came with the assurance of being fully mated, reducing the possibility of accidently disconnecting under load.

Concern over accidental disconnection of DC connectors under load, however, was still on the minds of the contributors of National Electrical Code (NEC). For that reason, NEC 2008 690.32 (C) states: “The connectors shall be of the latching or locking type. Connectors that are readily accessible and that are used in circuits operating at over 30 volts, nominal, maximum system voltage for dc circuits, or 30 volts for ac circuits, shall require a tool for opening.”

Although this does not specify the tool, it does mean that fingers alone cannot be used to separate the connectors. The solution provided by Multi Contact for their

MC4 latching connectors is a box-shaped safety clip that is applied over the male connector. A molded tool provides the compliance to NEC 2008 code. Another approach was taken by Wieland Electric. Rather than creating a tool for NEC 2008 compliance, they developed a clip that is removed with a flat blade screw driver. The clip disables the latches, preventing their actuation with the human hand.

Another radically different approach is to have the modules connect by simply pushing them together. That is concept behind the Andalay system by Akeena. As the hardware is actuated, the modules slide together and make their plus, minus, and ground connections. One of the caveats of NEC 2008 code is the wording “readily accessible.” If the connection is not accessible, there is no longer a need for latching, nor is there a need for a tool to disconnect the couplers. Such is the case if the connection is in an enclosure, or if the cabling is hiding in a Building Integrated Photovoltaic system (BIPV). As long as the connectors meet the electrical, mechanical, and environmental demands of the application, it will work.

Although it is impossible to predict the future, it seems likely that harmonized standards will touch many components, including connectors. TUV, UL, and IEC standards each independently set testing standards, but complimentary criteria will facilitate the creation of new solutions. Underwriter’s Laboratory will be establishing testing procedures dedicated to solar PV connectors.

The solar photovoltaic industry has evolved from a grassroots network of rebels to a large-scale industry, and it will continue to attract the attention of connector companies willing to invest the time and effort to create the next innovation in bringing modules together.

Wieland Electric | www.wielandinc.com

Turnkey project implementation

As a project developer in photovoltaics and one of the pioneers of thin film technology, COLEXON Corp provides turnkey PV solutions for investors, utilities, and private entities, as well as PPA and IPP providers. COLEXON has a strong supplier network, a team of professionals, and a unique understanding that allows the company to address key issues to make a PV power plant interesting and reliable for long-term financial commitments.

Benefits from their track record include more than 1,300 successfully executed solar electricity projects.

COLEXON Corp established and serves a network of professionals in the US to achieve the government set goal of significant percent share for renewable energy in America’s electricity supply. Moreover, their mission is to make solar energy systems economically viable for the commercial and utility scale market to create jobs in a high technology sector, secure the energy supply of the US, and cut back the current dependence on foreign fossil commodities.

Solar On

COLEXON Energy AG | www.colexon.de

Small PLC solutions

In modern industrial automation applications, small PLC solutions are often an ideal solution, particularly within stand-alone environments. ABB’s AC500-eCo has been designed to enhance the flexible and scalable concept of the AC500 PLC range, and is extremely cost-effective in smaller projects.

Included within the AC500-eCo package is a comprehensive range of communication options, which are rarely provided in such products. A second serial interface and an SD card interface are available and a Real Time Clock is optional. The AC500-eCo also includes integrated digital and analog inputs and outputs on-board the CPU, which can support up to seven S500 I/O expansion modules. A secure connection to the system bus is established using sturdy, laterally integrated plugs.

A major AC500-eCo system feature is that it is configured and programmed using the same PS501 Control Builder programming software, which complies with the EN 61131-3 standard.

This includes the five programming languages, delivering a single, simple, and integrated software platform. PS501 software includes extensive simulation, diagnostics, and integrated visualization.

Solar Greening by Design

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ABB | www.abb.com nacleanenergy.com 4/26/09 7:57 PM

Dry vacuum pumps

Edwards has introduced a new iXL line of dry vacuum pumps. The first member of the family, the iXL 500, is one of the most compact and efficient pumps in its class. It is designed primarily for load lock applications in solar cell and flat panel display manufacturing where high gas throughputs and fast pump down times are crucial. It also offers up to 60% improvement in cost of ownership compared to its predecessor.

The new iXL 500, which measures only 1186 X 517 X 966mm, offers a pumping speed of 1800 m3h-1, while consuming only 7kW of power. Its low intertia booster shortens load lock evacuation times with faster, more efficient pumping at higher inlet pressures. The system’s maintenance-free design uses long lasting oil lubrication and eliminates the shaft seal by enclosing the motor within the vacuum. For multiple iXL 500 pumps on a single chamber, Edwards offers multi-pump systemization—a pre-configured system with integrated power distribution, control, and EMS to make hook-up simple and fast.

Edwards | www.edwardsvacuum.com

Sunshine is our business.

Residential hot water tank

A new generation of residential hot water tanks is at the center of Schüco’s developments for private residential construction. In the field of innovative solar system solutions, Schüco offers a range of corrosion-resistant hot-water tanks with above-average technical features and performance. Thanks to CFC-free insulation on the sides of the tanks, heat loss and energy consumption is reduced.

The innovative devices possess double-walled enameled steel heat exchangers (1.5" O.D.), and can be combined more easily than ever with other system components, such as the Schüco Solar Station PS 1.3 and the digital system controller Schüco SDC 204. The Schüco Solar Station PS 1.3 is the core of the solar thermal system, controlling the flow of solar fluid between the storage tank and collectors.

Among other things, it contains three-speed circulating pumps. All components can be directly connected to the tank, so time-consuming wiring and system piping is a thing of the past.

Both tank versions will be offered in two size options: 70/75 gallons for smaller residential systems, with approximately 2 to 3 collectors; and, 110/115 gallons for mid to large size residential systems, with 3 to 4 collectors.

Schüco USA | www.schuco-usa.com

CENTROSOLAR’s New SunPAC Systems CENTROSOLAR America is proud to introduce it’s latest product offering, SunPAC grid-tied solar generation systems. These engineered packages arrive on site with a complete residential installation, featuring:  CENTROSOLAR America’s D-Series 220W Modules  Best-in-class Inverters, Mounting Systems and Balance of System Parts  Permit-ready Electrical Drawings and NEC-Required Labels  Single part number shopping for residential systems between 3kW and 8kW

CENTROSOLAR is one of the leading publicly-traded solar companies in Europe.

CENTROSOLAR has production facilities in Germany and Netherlands for its PV modules and components like solar glass and mounting systems.

With over 60% of sales revenues from outside Germany, CENTROSOLAR is continuously globalizing its business with presence in 11 countries.

Stop by our booth at Solar Power International 2009 and learn more! October 27-29, Anaheim California Booth # 2314

CENTROSOLAR America Inc. 8350 E. Evans Road, Suite E-1 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 info@centrosolaramerica.com 877-348-2555

www.centrosolaramerica.com CentroSolarAdVersion3.indd 1

North American Clean Energy 8/20/09

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solar energy

Timing the High Volume Makeover

By Michael Orshan

E

ven before the PV glut, many of the concentrating PV (CPV), concentrating solar power (CSP) and concentrating thermal power (CTP), and lowcost low-power systems were in the process of driving down prices and finishing their first prototypes or first phase products. Using these prototypes or first phase products, some of these companies have been awarded a type of power purchase agreement (PPA) with utilities. Generally speaking, these have all followed a pattern of: first deployment – 250kw, wait six months; second deployment – 1MW, wait six months or so; and, finally, assuming everything has gone well, a large deployment of 10MW to 100’s of MW. Going from a prototype to 250kw is a major undertaking. While the costs to deploy at high volume might be $4/watt to $6/watt installed, it is quite different at 250kw.

The cost of installation might be $7/w to $10/w, and the utility may or may not want to deploy at that price. For 250kw, this could mean about $2M—which is a lot of money, especially for start-ups, and getting this right is critical for further development and deployments. Plus, bear in mind: first products always need more work.

This is where the concept of high volume manufacturing needs to enter the process.

Although many of us are upset at the auto industry these days, remember that if we, as individuals, wanted to build a car, it would cost $300,000 or more. These companies have been able to figure out how to get that number to $20,000. This was through high volume concepts.

The following are a list of subjects that need to be considered prior to building products at high volumes. Of course, the sooner these concepts become action items the better off such companies will be.

Analysis. The difference between the last two technological revolutions— telecommunications and computers—in comparison to renewable energy is mechanics. This is first a mechanical and, secondly, an electrical revolution.

Today, there are fewer mechanical engineers than electrical engineers. This makes the analysis process less familiar to many. First, a CAD/CAM design needs to be completed. Knowing mechanical automation tools and how to maximize the options of these tools with the design is critical for high volume. Then, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) needs to be done on the equipment for stress, environmental issues, weather, and other factors.

Bill of Material (BOM). Here is an area that most prototype companies have done a good job at; maybe because it is so obvious. Most use materials with the best quality and the lowest cost. Many material shops have been willing to give good prices in exchange for future business. One area of weakness that prevents high volume is the amount of parts it takes to assemble a device. BOMs need to be created that maximize the use of kits or combined parts.

Assembly. High volume requires tools and fixtures. Tools often need to be created to build certain unique parts on a device. Large manufacturing plants should be able to make their own tools, while others may need to find a supplier to build special tools. This is an important issue to discuss. Fixtures are templates that adhere to the final product and allow the assembly team to know exactly what parts go where and how far. Screw holes are aligned, material shapes are put into place, and slots are created for combined parts. This is one of the most critical, high-volume concepts, and the more experience the better. This takes more thought process than expected; it is like creating another device, but the results drive assembly costs down.

Shipping. Shipping air is expensive. Shipping density may be the single greatest area where the most money is lost when it comes to renewables. It is an absolute requirement to understand how to build crates, how to disassemble for optimization of space and reassembly, and how to transport. Again, this takes experience because there are many tricks to be learned in packing.

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Deployment. Another money pit is deployment. A deployment fixture, where

deployment labor knows exactly how to unpack and reassemble devices, is critical for quick assembly. There is a direct correlation between the number of parts and time to deploy. Finally, there are tricks. Slick design that helps deployment is wise and shortens the process.

So, what should one expect from a high volume solar manufacturing partner? Some of the basics include cost effectiveness, knowledge and compliance of regulatory issues, reliability, lean manufacturing, and connections with raw material suppliers, quality precision equipment, just-in-time inventory systems, as well as a process to handle intellectual property, cross-company information, engineering staff, and access to transportation. Zero waste and managing lead times are also critical to cost and customer satisfaction.

For solar-related manufacturing, further issues include the use of reflective vendors and surfaces—applying this can be a labor-intensive process, so experience is a good thing. Also, some type of a test rig that can quickly test against environment issues, such as wind, is important. Another significant tool relates to laser measurements, as the accuracy of many of these devices needs to be extremely precise.

These are just some of the subjects that guarantee a quality product, lowest cost to produce, and lowest cost to deploy. Experience counts here as there are plenty of tricks to be learned along the way. Knowing when to seek out high volume manufacturing experience is critical to success.

Michael Orshan is the solar sales director for the Patriot Solar Group, a subsidiary of world satellite antenna manufacturer and distributor Patriot Antenna Systems, and wholly owned by Cobham of the UK.

Patriot Solar Group | www.patriotsolargroup.com

Elevated ground mounted solar arrays

Going solar at home has never been easier with an elevated ground mounted solar array system from Sun Storage. Designed in four conveniently sized structures, a solar array system not only accesses the abundant and free power of the sun, but also provides a host of secondary uses by freeing up the ground space beneath—from providing shade for a dining table to protecting outdoor equipment from inclement weather. Each structure is finished in powder coated aluminum for an architecturally appealing addition to any property. With aggressive tax credits and incentives, the cost of a solar array system can be made surprisingly affordable and, in some cases, virtually free.

Sun Storage | www.sunstorage.org

150-81 Solar Ad_NACE 5_09:Layout 1 4/24/09 12:28 PM Page 1

Direct solar water heating appliances

EnerWorks offers a new line of Focus Solar Water Heating Appliances. The Focus line includes residential and commercial waterbased appliances that offer a direct and efficient way to heat water in climates where there is no risk of freezing. Rather than a freeze-protected fluid, potable water runs through the roof- or rack-mounted collectors, directly absorbing heat from the sun.

The Focus Appliances are available with one or two EnerWorks HeatSafe Collectors— low-profile roof or rack-mounted collectors, which resemble skylights and have patented overheat protection to prevent stagnation during times of low or no hot water usage.

They are available as a Pre-Heat or Single Tank Appliance depending upon hot water needs and site parameters. The Focus Solar Water Heating Appliances have been designed specifically for residential and small commercial applications, and will be appropriately sized and oriented during installation to optimize solar energy capture.

EnerWorks Inc. | www.enerworks.com

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Silicon carbide coating technology

Sixtron Advanced Materials provides a cheaper, safer, and more flexible platform for applying anti-reflective and passivation coatings to silicon solar cells.

Sixtron’s silicon carbide coating technology fundamentally eliminates highly volatile silane gas from manufacturing, allowing solar cell makers to benefit from improved safety, reliability, and flexibility on their lines. Additionally, Sixtron’s solutions are “plug & play” with today’s standard chemical vapor deposition equipment (PECVD), enabling the solar industry to quickly achieve reductions in cost and improvements in scalability.

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solar energy

Case Study: Solar Tracking Technology

Generating a greater energy yield in solar parks

R

energies Italia currently operates four solar parks. In total, the company generates around 6.3 million kilowatt-hours annually from the sun with these four installations that are both environmentally friendly and virtually pollution-free. Recently, Renergies started up its newest photovoltaic park near Andria, in the Apulia region in the far south of Italy. The installation generates around 40% more solar energy than conventional solar parks.

Here’s how: the company increases the energy yield of the one megawatt installation through the use of tracking systems developed and manufactured in Germany.

They fully and automatically track the course of the sun with systems populated with solar modules. Every solar energy system equipped with this technology possesses a power rating of 7.26 kWp. Patented sensor controller achieves an increased yield

The tracking of the solar modules in Andria is particularly efficient through a special sensor controller, which ensures that Renergies produces about 1.8 million kilowatt-hours in its newest park—without tracking, the yield would be about 1.3 million kilowatt-hours. This efficiency gain of around 40% tipped the scales in Renergies’ decision to adopt tracking with the German systems.

The sensor controller continually measures the intensity and angle of the incident light rays and, accordingly, aligns the installation with the solar modules. It not only takes into account the radiation of the sun, but also (for example) light that is reflected off snow, water, or light-colored rock, or diffuse radiation that penetrates through the clouds. This allows the connected solar module to always receive the greatest amount of energy possible, and output it as usable power.

Decentralized control saves costs and increases efficiency

Decentralized control is another important feature of the systems working in Andria. Every single system aligns itself completely independently according to the optimal angle of incidence of the light. This has multiple advantages: since the systems manage without central control, a networking of the parks with data lines is not necessary. This accelerates the construction and saves on investment costs. Additionally, only a single system is affected if there is a possible failure of the controller—the remaining systems of the park continue to operate normally.

The third effect has significant consequences on the cost-effectiveness of the systems: the sensor controllers always direct every single system of the park into the optimal position, even under different and/or rapidly changing levels of cloudiness.

Every system, therefore, achieves the greatest possible energy yield. Short reaction times ensure that even gaps in the clouds can be efficiently utilized.

The tracking systems in Andria are also extremely energy efficient to operate.

The energy consumption of one system is around 9 kWh per year. In contrast to this, the yield increase achieved because of the tracking is around 5,000 kilowatthours per system and per year. The energy consumption is around 0.2% of the yield increase.

Energy balance is reached after just three years

This efficient handling of energy makes itself noticeable in the environment/energy balance and in the earnings of the solar park operators. With this kind of tracking system, a solar park like the one in Apulia generates as much power from the sun in three years as was needed to manufacture the entire installation (including the entire infrastructure with concrete buildings, steel constructions, and wiring).

Another significant result is that the entire investment in the park, about seven million Euros, will be amortized after about nine years. Because of the tracking of the systems, the operator achieves a yield increase in Andria of between 38% and 40%. Without tracking, the investments would only be made back again after 12 to 13 years.

For more information about these tracking systems, please visit DEGERenergie’s website.

DEGERenergie www.DEGERenergie.com Renergies Italia www.renergiesitalia.it

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Ready to install combiner boxes

Wafer-based or thin film solar module conveyor

Wieland offers its new family of standard and custom combiner boxes. These combiner boxes, including fused lines and an option for an external disconnect, are shipped ready to install with Wieland’s PST bulkhead PV connectors, mounted externally or ready for a conduit connection. DIN rail mounted code compliant components are on the inside.

Wieland Inc. | www.wielandinc.com

The Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group from the Bosch Rexroth Corporation has developed a special transfer system that takes into consideration the special demands of solar production.

The TSsolar Conveyor is designed with carefully engineered features and materials to serve the unique manufacturing requirements of wafer-based solar cell modules or thin film technology modules.

With the explosive growth in demand for solar power technology, manufacturers are ramping up solar cell production across the globe. Wafer-based and thin film solar module manufacturing processes are extremely complex and sensitive, demanding ultra-smooth, vibration-free material transport. Bosch Rexroth has incorporated high-friction belt technologies, special routing and handling devices, and variable speed drives into the TSsolar conveyor line to help ensure a gentle material flow, an extremely clean, particulate-free operation, and the ability to operate in the high-temperature environments (up to 200° Celsius) required for solar cell module manufacturing.

Bosch Rexroth Corporation www.boschrexroth-us.com/brlcatalogs

Portable renewable energy generators

SUNRNR (“Sun Runner”) of Virginia has expanded its product line of portable solar generators with the addition of the linkable power module and auxiliary charge portal. The generators are rugged, wheeled, steel enclosures, which house an 8D 225-amp-hour 2000+Whr AGM rechargeable battery with digital solar charge controller and 3500W/7000W surge DCto-110VAC or -220VAC inverter. Two portals are provided for easy connection to the 130W solar panel included (2 panel maximum) or other renewable energy sources such as wind or microhydro turbines. The new optional power modules are identical, less the inverter and link to the primary unit to double, triple, etc, both energy storage and generation. These units are made in the US, have hundreds of stand-alone applications, can provide supplemental power, and are the perfect clean energy replacement for gas generators.

SUNRNR of Virginia | www.sunrnr.com North American Clean Energy

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solar energy

Solar Shading Structures

Protecting boats & RVs

By Robin Heuer

I

n the RV and boat market, there are limited covered facilities for storage. Most residences are not capable of accommodating RV or boat storage. Cities and homeowner’s CC&Rs (the covenants, conditions, and restrictions governing how the homeowners association operates) are getting stricter about curbside and driveway parking. Many communities just outright prohibit it. Additionally, a key element for any consumer is protection from the elements—rain, wind, snow, water (in the case of boats), and the sun.

The sun is the single greatest factor in the deterioration of such property. Solar radiation destroys the finish on RVs and boats, and weakens materials. Heat from the sun causes materials to expand and then shrink when the temperature cools; a constant cycle that causes continuous damage.

RV and boat storage facilities provide a valuable service to consumers and a good return on investment (per square foot) for investors. The investment can be enhanced with the adoption of a solar electric system. A solar electric system (photovoltaic) incorporates technology that converts sunlight into electricity. The facility remains connected to the grid and any excess electricity is sold back to the utility company. Key components are as follows: • Solar panels: convert sunlight to electricity; • Solar support system: supports panels that generate electricity and provides covered parking (dual purpose); • Inverters: converts DC power to utility grade AC power; • Monitoring equipment: assures all components of a PV system operate at expected efficiency levels; and • Financial motivation: hedge future electric costs and/or generate second income stream from the Feed-In-Tariff law (FIT).

Solar shading structures are an ideal way to generate revenue for shaded parking while protecting and/or cashing in on rising utility rates. Especially in places like California, electricity rates have

spiked over the last five years and are anticipated to rise at a minimum 6% accelerator/year.

A solar integrated RV/boat storage system is the perfect way to shelter one’s assets from the elements, and specifically counter the sun’s attack—while putting money back into an owner’s pocket.

The owner can harness the sun’s energy and convert it into power to cut energy costs, reap rebates and tax incentives, get more customers, and feel good about where they are storing their RV or boat. And, if lucky, one can also get a 20-year contract from the utility company for sale of power.

Three specific factors to be considered in evaluating whether land or a site would be a suitable location are as follows: 1. Latitude and Longitude: approximately five-plus sun hours/day; 2. Site plan orientation: southern exposure is ideal; and 3. Shade: Acceptable shading conditions.

If interested in taking advantage of federal and state tax credits/grants and depreciation, as well as creating an opportunity for additional revenue while bettering the environment and creating greater public appeal for your facility…consider going solar. Learn what’s required to make a solar project work, both structurally and financially. The effect of site location, panel configuration, and energy costs affects a facility’s success.

The recommended steps to building a solar project include contacting a qualified company that can coordinate the solar panel and canopy installation. A solar and construction professional will perform a site evaluation so that the design and engineer team can determine the best placement and slope for the panels. Once a proposal is put together, agree to its terms, and sign a contract—then coordinate applicable rebates, incentives, and/or credits. iParkSolar, Inc. | www.iparksolar.com

PV-therm module

The combination module PV-Term was developed to counteract the sharp fall of voltage and the significant loss of power of crystalline PV modules when faced with high solar cell temperatures. During the summer, solar cells can heat up to over 80°C and lose approximately 0.5% of their performance for each degree that the temperature rises (as they are subject to the temperature co-efficient of crystalline PV modules). The added steel-trough at the back side of the combination module PV-Therm prevents this. In this trough, there is a heat-transport fluid, which can cool the solar cells effectively. A unique polyurethane frame connects the steel-trough to the PV laminate and ensures an optimal impermeability and durability.

In conjunction with the cooling process, the combination module PV-Therm is able to use solar energy for hot water generation and heating support respectively. If required, the solar thermal water circulation can be used in the winter months for clearing the modules of snow and for de-icing the surface of the modules.

Sunrunr Clean energy ad.qxd

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PO Box 102 • Port Republic, VA 24471 • 540-234-0164 • info@sunrnr.com

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“sun runner”

11:35 AM

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Solarzentrum | www.sza-pv.de

Each combination PV-therm module from Green Flash Energy provides 180 Watts, plus an increase of up to 30% by cooling down the cells and at least 720 Watts of therm/heating power (hot water at 140° to 160° F)—the module provides five times the energy of a comparable panel.

Packaged in a single unit, the combination PV-therm module is maintenance-free and comes with a two-year product warranty and an electric performance guarantee of 90/80% for 10/25 years. The modules will have standard certifications including UL-1703, IEC 61250, IEC 61730, CEC, and FSEC. The modules counteract the sharp fall of voltage and the significant loss of power of crystalline PV modules when faced with high solar cell temperatures. They can be used in all sunny and hot areas with no loss in efficiency or power because of the N RN cooling by the circulating water behind the panel. The thermal water circulation on the backside of the hybrid module ensure maximum PV current yields and enables a comof n Virgi prehensive application spectrum within the field of potable water treatment and heating ® support. Hot water degenerated during the Solar Based day and stored can be tapped into during the Portable cool night hours in these areas.

Power ia

Combination module PV-Therm

Registered Trademark

Green Flash Energy www.greenflashenergy.com

Dual use class B wire for installation market

LEONI Studer AG is a part of the LEONI Group, which operates globally. The “solar & wind power business unit” is manufacturing wires and cables using highly specialized compounds that are developed and manufactured on site. The “irradiation processing business unit” utilizes probably the most progressive electron beam crosslinking technology for plastic insulation. Their Solar BETAflam 125 wires comply to UL4703.

The recent product of LEONI Studer AG for the PV market is a wire with a tinned AWG class B conductor for the US installation market. The Swiss quality and the construction, according to UL 4703, results in a perfect wire for the American PV installation market. The dual UL listing as USE-2 and PV WIRE is qualifying this wire for use in grounded and ungrounded systems.

LEONI Studer AG | www.leoni-wind-solarpower.com

Fluorescent weathering device

Atlas Material Testing’s new fluorescent, UV testing device—the Atlas UVTest—has been designed for economical weathering testing with the scientific sophistication of Atlas’ 90 years of weathering expertise. The objective of artificial weathering is to reproduce real-life product failures in a laboratory under accelerated and reproducible conditions. Fluorescent UV lamps are one light source used to simulate specific solar spectral power distributions. These sources are incorporated into fluorescent UV condensation devices like the new UVTest.

With easy to use features including simple touch screen operation and control, pre-programmed and custom tests for error free operation and advanced calibration technology, the UVTest is a low-cost, economical, artificial, weathering device. Additional features include: best in class, consistent distribution of irradiance and temperature; improved, ergonomic specimen retaining clips/ rings for easier sample handling; high maximum irradiance levels of > 1.55 UVA and > 1.23 UVB; state-of-the-art optical and temperature sensor technology for improved accuracy; and, air heater protection from splash water to avoid burn out.

Atlas Material Testing www.atlas-mts.com

North American Clean Energy

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solar energy The Changing Paradigm of Large-scale Solar Power Production Harvesting more energy & creating a controllable solar utility asset through advanced power electronics

By Michael Levi

H

istorically, two distinct and isolated areas of solar power plant performance were measured: a panel’s efficiency in transforming photons into electrons and the efficiency of an inverter as a throughput device—often referred to as CEC efficiency. As solar systems have grown in size and sophistication, the focus for driving the next game changing waves of value have emerged in the form of key systemwide performance opportunities that exist at the nexus of component interaction and their respective integration onto the grid as a proper and stable source of energy production.

More than simply competing for higher CEC efficiency levels, which measures loss under standardized laboratory conditions, understanding the total system—the underlying relationship between the components, the environments in which they operate, and optimally managing those components in relation to overall plant performance, is critical to improving the levels of power plant performance, uptime, and reliability.

Promoting the adoption of renewable sources

Solar panels are the most visible and expensive component in solar installations, accounting for upwards of 80% of costs. Leading panel technologies currently produce between 10% and 25% of consumable energy from the photons they absorb. The way solar PV systems harvest energy from the panel and deliver it to the grid—or consumer interconnection point—determines total system power production, which, in turn, defines performance and profitability.

While solar panel innovation is essential for the continued growth of solar energy use and the industry, other independent aspects of the photovoltaic (PV) system need to be leveraged to drive even more significant and immediate total system performance improvements, especially for large-scale installations.

Utilities are now recognizing that solar power can be a reliable, high-performance energy resource once the installation is viewed as a fully integrated system as opposed to a series of connected components whose performance is measured in isolation. As the only piece of sophisticated power electronics in the system, the advanced central inverter enhances the utility’s ability to harvest significantly higher levels of power, improve system performance on both the DC and AC side, and remotely control the power plant and grid interconnection point, allowing the utilities to monitor and manage total system performance and deploy solar as a dispatachable, controllable power plant asset.

www.NC-4Energy.com

Challenges facing large-scale solar power plants

Financing the Power of Green Dick.Rai@NationalCity.com 661-799-0440

■

■ ■

From panel to grid

Intellectual capital and industry expertise Delivering maximum value

As multi-megawatt, distributed-generation systems from 10s to 100s of megawatts are being built, the issues and challenges that were once considered tolerable are substantially amplified and problematic in this new paradigm, given the sheer volume of contributing components.

Multi-megawatt systems have anywhere from hundreds, to hundreds of thousands of strings and panels in a given array that need to be controlled to maximize performance and enable distributed energy generation to power the smart grid. Factor an estimated eight acres of panels per production megawatt, the multiplier effect of dependent components and the proliferation of critical decision points, it is understandable why total system performance must be managed optimally to achieve profitability.

Harvest more power by solving real-world challenges

As the next wave of large-scale solar approaches, the primary question is how to realize real-world performance gains of the entire system and maintain those levels over the system’s lifespan. Clearly, there is a difference between real, delivered value, and laboratory controlled test results. The real world presents variables such as panel mismatch, panel level soiling, damage, shading or blown debris, climate, and other variables not represented in a laboratory, but factor heavily on system uptime and ability to harvest maximum amounts of energy in changing environments.

The answer resides in the system’s architecture. By addressing energy flow processes from panel through balance of system (BOS) components to the grid, solar project developers immediately achieve vast improvements in system performance, power production, reliability, safety, and power quality, while gaining advanced capabilities that turn solar plants into a distributed energy source for a smart grid.

Micro and central inverters: history & future

Traditionally, the inverter’s primary function is to convert DC power from solar panels into consumable AC power for end users. Proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solutions help inverters maximize production throughout the day, waking them up earlier and putting them to bed later, thereby operating the array at its “sweet spot” in varying and intermittent conditions.

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Because the inverter has traditionally been viewed as a pass-through component, its performance has been based on efficiency metrics. This undervalues the intelligence of the inverter by failing to measure the performance enhancements that it delivers. Yet, as the only intelligent component in the system, the inverter is uniquely positioned to enable advanced command and control in both hemispheres of the installation, from the panels to the inverter and from the inverter to the grid interconnection point. Until recently, large-scale designers had to choose between the micro-inverter and the central inverter, both of which have strengths and weaknesses.

With regard to large-scale installations, central inverters are generally seen as more cost-effective and efficient. They traditionally manage the array field as a single energy source. This brings both advantages of economies of scale and offers a single point of failure to monitor, manage, and maintain. The downside is that connecting solar panels in series forces an averaging of individual solar panel characteristics to produce a common array characteristic.

Conversely, micro-inverters, the deployment of many small inverters as opposed to a single, large central inverter, have gained popularity because they disaggregate the array and perform MPPT optimization at the string or module level. Their value is in their ability to optimize power production at the string or module level, feeding higher performance at the panel level, and isolating sub-par performance at a local level before it impacts the entire array. Each string is managed with its own MPPT circuit and the outputs of hundreds or thousands of solar panels no longer need to be averaged by connecting them to one MPPT. The catalyst for next generation solar

The next leap in solar field power production is coming from harnessing the best attributes of both inverters to achieve local optimization with global control. But more than simply creating an enhanced pass-through device, power electronic architecture becoming available today offers advanced grid interconnection capabilities that allow utilities to remotely control both the AC and the DC sides of the power plant, as well as enable visibility, management, and improvement of the total system, regardless of what panel is used.

One example is Satcon’s system, Solstice—a two-stage architecture on both the DC and AC sides of the array, which delivers fine grained power harvesting and control with critical utility ready grid interconnection. A distributed energy management system, engineered from the ground up, Solstice enables interoperability and control over every component in the array, a central command center, and

millisecond reaction time around faults and failures. String level management is accomplished by moving the MPPT function to the array sub-combiner box, where DC to DC converters bus the paralleled strings at a constant output voltage enabling the inverter to constantly run at its optimal point.

Conclusion

Advances in solar architecture and grid integration are not only helping stabilize the grid and delivering significantly higher returns on investment and power, but they are also redefining the perception and possibility of both solar power and the future path of the industry.

Michael Levi is the senior director of Worldwide Marketing for Satcon Technology Corporation, a provider of utility scale, grid connected renewable energy solutions for distributed power markets.

Satcon | www.satcon.com

Solar energy solutions Aluminum extrusion support structures, frames, and mounting components for the renewable energy sector Aluminum extrusions offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent formability, good corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. And Hydro extrusions are made from our own primary-grade billet which contains more than 70% recycled content.

Hydro is the leading supplier of extruded aluminum support structures for utility-scale CSP plants and manufactures a variety of components for PV mounting solutions. Because project success requires more than just high-quality components and a reliable supply, our dedicated solar unit can provide: • Technical, design, and concept prototyping support • Extrusion, fabrication, and finishing • Raw material management and component procurement • Warehousing, kitting, and JIT delivery • Assistance with on-site installation and on-going support Whether you need complex framing systems for utilityscale CSP plants or frames and mounting components for PV units, Hydro can deliver.

Partner with Hydro, a global leader in renewable energy structural components, and take your next solar project to a new level.

Hydro Solar Solutions 249 S. 51st. Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85043 Phone: (800) 459-3030 • Fax: (602) 269-0220 E-mail: solarsolutions@hydro.com www.hydro.com/northamerica/solar

Bottom photo courtesy of Envision Solar

North American Clean Energy

25

wind energy

Frontier Projects in Frontier Areas

Changes in the US regulatory environment are beginning to propel offshore wind development—but challenges remain

D

espite its steady global growth, development of offshore wind projects in the United States has been slow—in large part due to both regulatory uncertainties and the fact that most projects in the near-term will be located in what are frequently referred to as “frontier areas”: parts of the US where offshore energy projects are few and far between. Although the federal government has recently tried to clarify procedures for permitting offshore wind projects, significant hurdles remain that will continue to present challenges to developers in this new US industry.

The benefits of offshore wind are compelling. Compared to onshore wind, offshore wind has the potential to generate more power on a more consistent basis.

Offshore winds flow at higher speeds and are often less turbulent and more consistent than onshore wind. While land wind slows as it brushes ground and vegetation, offshore wind picks up speed as it travels across the water. In wind power generation, small increases in wind speed can yield significant gains in electricity.

For example, wind with an average speed of 16 mph produces 50% more electricity than wind with an average speed of 14 mph. On the Atlantic coast—an expected hotbed for offshore wind development in the United States—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that average wind speeds are approximately 18 mph, while the majority of land wind resources have wind speeds between 14 and 16 mph. This ample resource (The US Department of Energy estimates 900,000 MW of potential wind energy exists off the coasts) can also feed directly into major population centers, whereas the best quality land wind resources are located in the Midwest, far from load centers.

JOB# 131309 SITES NPPD COM - WIND ADS 7.5 wide x 4.875 high - process color

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By

(from left to right) Daron Threet, Cortney Madea & Larry Eisenstat

Despite these and other benefits, offshore wind development has been extremely slow-going in the US. The first proposed offshore wind project, Cape Wind, to be located off the coast of Nantucket, has undergone more than seven years of federal regulatory review, with no decision to date. Cape Wind’s review has been significantly slowed by the lack of an established federal regulatory process and the absence of a clear regulatory authority for the lead permitting agency to review the proposal and issue project approvals. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 attempted to fill this regulatory gap by giving the US Minerals Management Service (MMS), part of the US Department of Interior, the authority to issue permits for offshore wind facilities. Under its new authority, MMS issued regulations on April 29th, 2009, establishing an offshore wind permitting program. Though MMS’ rules provided some much-needed clarity for the permitting process, the US regulatory landscape remains extremely complex. In addition to MMS, over a dozen federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard have roles in permitting offshore wind facilities. These federal agencies sometimes have overlapping or conflicting jurisdiction in implementing the more than 50 potentially applicable federal environmental statutes and Executive Orders that govern marine projects.

In addition to federal regulation, state, local, and tribal governments can also have roles in permitting offshore wind projects. For example, under the federal Submerged Lands Act, states have title over submerged lands (i.e. the seafloor) generally extending three miles seaward from shore. Texas, Florida’s Gulf Coast, and Puerto Rico have three-marineleague limits (approximately ten miles).

Therefore, to build a project in federal waters, developers must also obtain state approval to install transmission lines that cross state submerged lands to connect their projects to the grid onshore. This requires extensive federal and state coordination for project reviews and additional work for developers to satisfy both federal and state requirements.

Issues associated with what MMS calls “frontier areas” further complicate the regulatory process for many projects. These areas, which include virtually all federal land off the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, were subject to a 26-year moratorium on oil and gas leasing that expired on October 1st, 2008. Under this moratorium, almost all traditional offshore energy project development, including oil and gas exploration and production, was off limits in these areas.

The lack of energy project development in the “frontier areas” creates several challenges for developers.

Unlike in the Gulf of Mexico where more than 4,000 energy facilities built Continued on page 28…

wind energy …continued from page 26 over the course of decades have created an extensive collection of environmental data and studies regarding marine life and ecosystems, offshore energy project development on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts has been almost non-existent.

With comparatively little data in “frontier areas,” project developers must select project sites and make the case to regulators and citizens that their facilities will have minimal impacts on the environment, despite the significant lack of baseline data about the current state of those environments. Addressing this data gap issue can be a costly balancing act for developers as federal and state regulators tend to disagree about how much data should be collected and analyzed before projects are put in the water; or, afterwards, as part of operational monitoring or adaptive management plans. Another challenge associated with “frontier areas” is that state and local communities in these areas are typically not accustomed to energy project development off their coasts, and can raise NIMBY concerns regarding impacts to environment, tourism, and industries such as commercial fishing.

Flux cored wires

The simple truth is that permitting offshore energy projects, particularly outside the Gulf, is a difficult task, given the complex US regulatory environment and the sheer number of state and federal agencies and laws involved and approvals needed. These challenges must be addressed and resolved in order to realize the tremendous benefits of offshore wind.

Daron Threet is counsel in Dickstein Shapiro LLP’s Energy Practice. Cortney Madea is an associate in the firm’s Energy Practice, and Larry Eisenstat is a partner and head of its Energy Practice.

Dickstein Shapiro LLP www.dicksteinshapiro.com

Heavy duty connectors

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has added two additional wires to its popular Dual Shield X-Series flux cored wires. The X-Series wires are more forgiving than traditional flux cored wires, especially for less experienced welders, with an easily controlled arc and improved operation at both lower and higher current levels. Dual Shield X wires also offer high deposition rates, fast travel speeds, flat bead profile, limited spatter, and extremely easy slag removal for overall productivity, ease of use, and outstanding operator appeal.

Dual Shield 810X-Ni1 is an all-position 1% Nickel flux cored wire for general purpose welding of low alloy steel. Dual Shield 810X-Ni1 is designed for use with 100% CO2 and is an excellent choice for welding on CORTEN steel in applications where weathering grade wires are not desirable. Dual Shield 710X-M is an all-position flux cored wire for general purpose welding of mild steel. Dual Shield 710X-M is designed to be used with a 75/25 Argon/CO2 gas mix, however pure CO2 may also be used.

Tyco Electronics offers a wide range of heavy duty connectors, which serve a wide range of applications within the wind turbine topology. The range includes inserts for signal and power applications. Combination inserts for signal and power mounted in the same insert allow for a complete “plug and play” solution.

HTS connectors accommodate up to 5000V, 420A, and up to 216 contacts.

The inserts are available in RJ45, USB, Fire Wire, fiber optics, D-sub, coax pneumatic, power, and signal. The connector housings are made from die-cast aluminum, special composites, and are classified IP56 to IP68. EMI/EMC and corrosion protection are also available.

Specially designed by the wind development team, the HM.16 motor-mount connector simplifies the installation and maintenance of pitch and yaw motors within the nacelle. The housing is available in several sizes to fit standard motor cutouts so that no motor redesign is required. The mounting footprint can be adjusted to fit the motor’s dimensions, up to 140 mm x 140 mm.

ESAB Welding & Cutting | www.esabx.com | www.dualshieldx.com

Tyco Electronics | www.tycoelectronics.com

High wind vertical axis wind turbine

When Measurements Matter What percentage of error can you afford?

The success of your investments can ride on the accuracy of your measurements. With 35 years of proven field experience, unmatched reliability, and exceptional measurement quality, you can trust Campbell Scientific data acquisition systems when your measurements matter.

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Solar

• Wind resource assessment • Turbine performance • Wind forecasting • Research and development

• Solar resource assessment • Diagnostics and alarming • Performance monitoring & validation • Research and development

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Mariah Power recently announced a new high wind version of its innovative Windspire vertical axis wind turbine. The High Wind Windspire is a 13-foot tall and 4-foot wide, propeller-free, verticalaxis wind turbine designed for harnessing wind power in extreme weather conditions— this new version will be able to sustain winds as high as 168 mph. The unit is rated at 1.1 kWs in 30 mph and is estimated to produce 2066 kilowatt hours in 15 mph average wind speeds. The High Wind Windspire will feature a shorter version of the company’s patented giromill straight blade design and will continue to make use of its ultra efficient generator and inverter technology. Mariah Power plans to sell this new product to government agencies, cellular companies, and ski resorts who require alternative energy solutions in consistent high wind and remote areas. The unit can be grid tied or used in DC form to recharge battery systems.

Mariah Power | www.mariahpower.com

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You’ll love the new EZCODE® thermal label printer from Thomas & Betts because it’s designed for maximum ease of use, from its ergonomic design to the software that’s easy to customize and upgrade. The Help screen and Print Preview function improve your speed and accuracy. And the EZCODE printer features a large, backlit LCD screen that’s easy to read, even in low-light environments. Get the label printer that really does make it easy. To learn more, call 1-800-816-7809 or visit www.tnb.com.

wind energy

Maximizing Wind Farm Performance with Turbine Control Sensors

By Larry Jacobs & Laura Goodfellow

T

he job of wind farm operators is to maximize performance and reduce costs—plain and simple. To do so, they rely upon data from various sensors within the turbine, including small devices placed atop the nacelle: turbine control sensors.

The sensors communicate wind speed and wind direction data to the turbine’s controller, which uses this data to regulate the cut in speed, cut out speed, blade pitch, and yaw mechanism.

All large-scale turbines (above 500 kW) have turbine control sensors and would fail to operate without them. There are two main types of technology on the market today: mechanical devices with rotating parts—anemometers and wind vanes—and ultrasonic devices that measure wind speed and direction using ultrasonic acoustic waves.

There alsoAd heated versions of these sensors, which1 are used to guard against Schunkare NACE KK.qxd 8/28/09 1:23 PM Page sensor icing.

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Regardless of which technology is employed, turbine control sensors are used in the same way: to check turbine operation against sensor data. When there is a discrepancy between the two, an automatic fault condition is triggered, notifying the operator of a problem. The operator can then check this against other operational metrics (eg. rotor speed, turbine output, and meteorological data) to identify the root cause. In some cases, the turbine will automatically respond to this discrepancy and clear the fault condition—for example, rotate the nacelle in response to a change in wind direction.

Given the diversity of wind farm sites, turbine models and sensor models, there is no one formula for installing or configuring turbine control systems.

Sensors are located toward the rear of the nacelle and behind the blades. Icing, lightning, and turbulence from the blades all affect sensor performance and must be taken into account, both in the design and operation phases. Because these sensors are so important to turbine operation, it is critical that the sensors are collecting and transmitting data at all times. This is why many turbine manufacturers place redundant turbine control sensors atop their turbines.

As mentioned above, icing, lightning, and blade turbulence are common challenges affecting the performance of turbine control sensors. Icing can be overcome with use of heated sensors, and lightning protection typically involves placing a lightning rod or ring adjacent to the sensors. Movement of the blades distorts the air in its wake and, therefore, a turbine control sensor mounted on the back of a nacelle will respond differently than the same sensor mounted on a meteorological mast in free air. Wind farm developers and operators will typically install one or several meteorological masts to collect wind speed and direction data in free air. This data is then correlated to that of the nacelle mounted sensors for improved accuracy. Doing a complete evaluation of the site, including its wind resource and climate conditions, during the assessment phase will help developers determine which turbine control configuration will work best.

Wind tower rust removal The Wheelabrator Monorail Shot Blast system is fully automated and designed to de-scale and remove rust from large frames, weldments, and fabricated structural steel elements for heavy equipment such as wind towers and components. This high-productivity system effectively cleans work pieces up to 84 inches wide and 96 inches high, eliminating the environmental problems and high labor costs associated with manual air blasting.

The blast chamber is constructed of welded manganese with in-line replaceable wear plates. The airless wheel system consists of 12-bladed Autoblast wheels with TargetLok control cage positioning that dis-

tributes abrasive evenly over the entire length of the blast pattern, up to an abrasive velocity rate of 350 feet per second. Extended vestibules with multiple sets of seals provide optimum abrasive retention. This machine comes with an abrasive recycling system consisting of lower hoppers, elevator with cast iron buckets, and a CFS (Compensating Flow) air wash separator for fine and coarse particle removal. Wheelabrator Monorail machines are available in six standard models to handle a broad range of part sizes with custom sizes available to meet special customer requirements.

Wheelabrator Group | www.wheelabratorgroup.com

We can help your next wind project pay for itself.

When selecting a system, several factors must be taken into account, including ease of use and maintenance, sensor performance, and durability. The ideal sensor should be able to withstand turbulent, harsh conditions, while also maintaining a high level of performance.

And, because turbine control sensors are critical to a turbine’s operation, they must be easy to troubleshoot and maintain. For example, if a sensor is struck by lightning, the operator should be able to determine from the ground a loss of signal output, gather the parts and standard tools necessary, climb the tower, and swap out the sensor with a replacement.

Four technical considerations for turbine control sensors are signal compatibility between the sensor and the controller, mechanical mounting of the sensors, power consumption (of heated sensors in particular), and the service and support of the manufacturer.

Again, the main goal of the operator is to maximize performance and reduce costs. The less power the sensor consumes, the more power available to sell. Likewise, without good parts and technical support from the manufacturer, turbines could be off-line waiting for parts or service.

Turbine control sensors are a critical part of wind farm design and operation.

Although no one size fits all, developers and wind farm operators should carefully select their turbine control sensors and closely monitor their performance.

It can make the difference between optimal and subpar operation and, ultimately, profitability.

Larry Jacobs is the marketing manager for NRG Systems and Laura Goodfellow is the technical sales and turbine controls account manager.

And we’ll show you how in black and white.

: * ( And we didn’t even include the added benefit of tax credits)

* Assuming 30% capacity factor and power sales price of 4 cents/kwh

At MSE, we consistently complete wind projects in up to 50% less time

than other EPC companies. Which helps explain why we’re responsible for connecting nearly a quarter of all wind power currently on line in the U.S. How much can MSE’s efficiency return to your bottom line? Just visit www.msepower.com/canwea and use our project calculator to find out. Then call us MSE is a member of the Crompton Greaves family of companies, the 5th largest T&D manufacturer worldwide. so we can start enhancing your ROI: 877.426.0333.

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NRG Systems, Inc. www.nrgsystems.com North American Clean Energy

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wind energy

The Cost of Wind Blade Inspections versus Blade Repair

Manufacturing plant assumptions:

Average Number of Blades Manufactured Each Year (BPY) = 1,000 Average Sales Revenue per Blade (SRB) = $75,000 BPY x SRB = $75,000,000 Inspection service costs:

Third-party Inspection Service = $400,000 labor* + $80,000 equipment** * Rate is based on $80/hr for two full-time inspectors per year ** Equipment is based on $220/day for a UT scanner

Third-party Inspections = 0.64% of the total cost

T

he US wind industry has been growing, and it has been growing faster than manufacturers can keep up. This means that most have new production facilities in the US, making everything from nacelles to towers to blades. As the rest of the US economy is facing layoffs and unemployment, wind turbine manufacturers simply cannot find enough qualified people to make their wind turbine blades, and herein lays the crux of this discussion.

When a utility company buys a turbine, particularly one that has been around for 20 years or more, they believe they are getting a proven design. What many may not take into account is that some of these critical components might be produced from a relatively new sub-contractor or a new manufacturing facility. Therefore, these major components are being produced by new, and sometimes newly trained, employees with equipment that just came out of the box.

It should be of little surprise that the industry is now reeling in a series of major blade repair and service issues. There are stories of rotor blades breaking off and sailing through the air only to end up in some cornfield, and of manufacturing defects causing wind turbines to sit idle while new blades are being shipped out and replaced. All too often these costs end up being 10 to 100 times the cost of a wellimplemented blade inspection program.

A properly designed manufacturing and inspection program should be viewed as a tool to help reduce a manufacture’s costs and improve quality, not as a cost burden or inconvenience to production. Just last year, the following blade-related issues hit the headlines: one US manufacturer spent $25 million to strengthen 1,251 blades; another spent $15 million to strengthen 780 blades; while yet another had to replace more than 1,200 blades worldwide.

Keep in mind, these cost overruns also contribute to negative perceptions of wind energy as being unreliable, difficult to maintain, and still not a proven technology.

Increasing the quality of all major turbine components and reducing downtime serves everyone in the industry.

The typical costs associated with implementing a third-party inspection program can vary widely depending on the turbine component, manufacturing locations, and production volumes. However, by using previous inspection programs as examples, one can begin to understand the Cost/Benefit Analysis (CBA). By using the simple assumptions below for a “typical” blade manufacturing facility, and including them in the CBA equation, consider the following:

• 16 regional service centers • Uptower maintenance services • Authorized OEM generator repair • Generator unit exchange program • Spare parts—electrical & mechanical • On-site generator pickup and delivery

September / October 2009

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Other advantages of utilizing an inspection company are more difficult to assign a set cost, but one can imagine the potential outcome of not using one: • reduced productivity in the manufacturing facility due to increased repair work; • one’s image and reputation in the wind energy industry; and • a loss in sales to competition.

A recommended course of inspection for a blade manufacturer includes the following services: • Due Diligence Design Review of the Blade Laminate; • Type Certificate Verification; • Evaluation of the Manufacturer’s QA/QC System (ISO Audit or similar); • 100% NDT Inspection of the bonded surfaces of the blade and spars; • Implementation of a Manufacturing Inspection Procedure; • Long-term inspection protocol (reduced inspection frequency over time); • Supply Chain Inspection Services (loading, transportation, and offloading Inspection); and • Carrier Inspection and Crane Rigging Verification.

SGS Group is a 130-year-old inspection company with 55,000 employees in 140 countries, offering third-party wind energy Inspection services for blades, nacelles, gearboxes, towers, coating, foundations, bearings, generators, electrical panels, and more.

SGS Group | www.sgs.com/wind

Lapp introduces its highest performance UL-listed tray cable, OLFLEX FORTIS. This product meets UL-1277 tray cable requirements and provides excellent oil resistance and cold temperature performance.

It is also rated as a CSA tray cable (CSA C22.2 No. 230) and meets UL’s OIL RES I & II, as well as UL AWM 21098—allowing application in environments with long-term oil exposure. OLFLEX FORTIS has FT4 flammability resistance and passes the same crush and impact tests as armored Metal Clad (MC) cables. The combination of outstanding oil resistance, mechanical toughness, and tray rating allows it to be used on machine tools, cable trays, and exposed runs between machines and trays.

OLFLEX FORTIS meets all requirements of UL-2277 for 1000V Wind Turbine Tray Cable (WTTC). The excellent oil resistance is valuable for applications in wind turbine nacelles, and torsion resistance makes it perfect for cables in wind turbine towers. Exceptional cold-weather resistance allows OLFLEX FORTIS to be used in wind turbines installed in arctic climates.

COAST-TO-COAST COVERAGE

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This means that 26% additional costs had to be incurred by the blade manufacturer to fix a problem that could have been corrected by an increase of less than 1% in the total cost by using a third-party inspection company.

If the addition of two inspectors can have such a significant impact in reducing long-term costs, one might question why they can’t simply hire two full-time employees to perform the inspection work. The primary reason: impartiality. It is critical that an independent third party administers the inspection program so as to remain neutral and unbiased in his or her decisions.

High-performance tray cable for wind turbines

WIND POWER SERVICE

888.694.6200 • www.tricotcwind.com

2008 average blade quality issues = $20,000,000 per incident

©2009 TRICO TCWIND

Lapp Group | www.lappusa.com

Lithium-ion rechargeable cells & batteries

International Battery’s new large format lithium-ion rechargeable cells and batteries are specifically designed for the energy storage demands of wind power. Utilizing a unique, water-based, environmentally friendly manufacturing process, these large format cells are 10 to 50 times larger and result in greater energy density than competitive offerings. The rechargeable high-energy lithium-ion cells are packaged into 4.1KWh modules that are the building blocks for 50Kwh community energy storage and 1MWh trailer systems. Managed through International Battery’s comprehensive battery management system, these energy storage systems are safe, reliable, and meet ramping requirements for interconnection to the grid. Manufactured in the US, International Battery’s lithium-ion batteries improve the efficiency of renewable production and assist with intra-day production shifting.

International Battery | www.internationalbattery.com

Innovative Financing to Help New Jersey Businesses Go Green!

Wind turbine maintenance and inspection

TGM Wind Services is a newly formed company that offers an effective way to accomplish wind turbine blade and tower inspection, maintenance, and repair. Utilizing North America’s tallest aerial utility platforms, coupled with on-board phased array ultrasonic technology, TGM service technicians are able to drive the aerial device directly to a turbine and, in a matter of minutes, be fully operational and able to access overhead areas up to 90m above ground level. These unique capabilities result in faster, safer, and more accurate inspection and maintenance at a lower cost than other methods currently in use.

TGM Wind also has the ability to perform phased array ultrasonic inspections directly on in-service turbines.

Phased array ultrasonic inspection is one of the preferred techniques used by many turbine manufacturers to check for defects prior to shipment and delivery. With this capability, TGM can assess weld integrity on tower sections and locate any bonding or laminating defects within the turbine blade, and provide reports on any possible manufacturer defects or structural damage that might have occurred during transport or erection.

TGM Wind Services www.tgmwind.com

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) introduces Clean Energy Solutions, a suite of new financing products that will include interest-free loans and grants to complement the state’s existing clean energy programs. Our new financing products will allow New Jersey to take a leadership role in promoting a “green” economy, ensuring that businesses and institutional entities have the resources they need to grow and prosper.

Categories include: • Energy-efficient end-use projects • Combined heat and power (CHP or cogen) production facilities • State-of-the-art efficient electric generation facilities • Class I renewable energy and energy efficiency manufacturing

Our Edison Clean Energy Manufacturing Fund (CEMF) will continue to support the development and commercialization of Class I renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies in New Jersey.

To learn more about how the EDA can provide your business with the innovative financing vehicles available through Clean Energy Solutions contact us today.

866-534-7789 www.njeda.com For more information about doing business in New Jersey visit www.NewJerseyBusiness.gov NACLE/090109

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wind energy

The Stamina to Become an IPP

By Jeffrey Wagner & Malte Huchzermeier

M

any companies within the renewable energy sector claim the Independent Power Producer (IPP) business model. However, it requires critical resources and patience to fulfill the true requirements of an independent producer of energy.

The definition of “Independent Power Producer” is generally a power-producing entity (not a public utility company), but one which owns facilities to generate electric power for sale to utilities and end users. IPP’s may be privately held facilities or cooperatives, and tend to be active in energy sources such as wind, solar, or biomass, and non-energy corporations capable of feeding excess energy into the system.

IPP’s were rare prior to the US Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.

The few that existed before were seldom able to distribute power as the cost of building the conveyance infrastructure was prohibitive. Standardized transmission and interconnection procedures, more queue transparency, and standardized purchase contracts helped pave the way for smaller generators and IPPs. In the 1980’s, technological improvements also lead to more efficient use of renewable energy resources. However, at that time the sustainability of alternative energy sources was not broadly accepted. Hence, it was not attractive for public utilities. Generally, only small- and medium-sized companies with a strong belief in the future of green energy took the risks within the emerging industry sector. This was the starting point for today’s IPP’s.

At that time one could distinguish between those companies whose capital was provided by passive investors and those with ‘active’ owners who kept development, operation, and ownership of the assets held privately. For the latter, it may have also been necessary to sell some projects to raise equity to finance their own projects.

The growth (with respect to MW built) of an ‘active ownership’ IPP may be slower because of the capital required to keep assets, while IPPs with passive capital may use the money to develop more projects.

Business model of an IPP

In a market slow down, an IPP that maintains ownership of energy producing assets can rely on a stable income from sold energy, while a build-to-sell business model may have no stable income. This difference makes the business model of an IPP more reliable over time. Such a company can be a stable partner for its stakeholders such as landowners, employees, and banks. But before an IPP can rely on a substantial base of operating turbines it requires a long breath, stamina, and patience.

During the last three years, developers—especially public listed developers—have preferred to sell projects in a euphoric environment to deliver a steep growth story over building up an asset base. However, the financial crisis dramatically showed the negative side of this business model within several months. Although project prices (not energy prices) were declining, build-to-sell developers still had to sell projects to get their running costs financed. Over a longer period, this model could have negative results.

In the 1980s, the US missed a great chance to keep a distinguished position in the renewable energy sector. From the experience of Denmark and Germany, for instance, whose renewable energy sectors keep hundreds of thousands of workers busy, it is clear the sector requires stable subsidies to establish its critical mass and to become more broadly accepted. It is easy to see that a stable, predictable energy policy—such as the feed-in-tariff system—has allowed many small- and medium-sized European companies to exercise their stamina in becoming IPPs.

Wind power: a European IPP model

In 2008, US wind installations overcame Germany’s number one position in the world with more than 23 GW wind energy installed. Also, the wind power fairs in the US (such as WINDPOWER 2009, this year in Chicago) have become larger than the German fair in Husum. In Europe, the general opinion is that Obama’s stimulus bill from February 2009 will encourage strong growth in the green energy sector.

The US will not give up its first place position again soon. Still, due to the advances Europe has made during the last years, it is worth looking more carefully at the details of a successful European IPP model with respect to wind energy. One obvious strength from Europe: banks with experience in project finance. German banks, for example, are holding a strong position in the US regarding long-term debt financing due to their experience in Europe with turbines, construction, maintenance, insurance, and repowering.

Another strength an IPP can strive for is geographic diversification (that is, relying on operating wind farms in several countries with different legal systems and different wind resources). The company then diversifies its risk that a country’s change of subsidizing renewables will affect the business performance. Also, a low wind period in one country may be offset by better wind conditions in another country.

Due to an established industry sector of turbine manufacturers, IPPs in Europe are having a broader supply of technology. They can get onshore turbines with up to 3.6 MW, hub heights with up to 140m, with rotor diameters of up to 120m and turbines—with or without gearboxes. The opportunity to choose among different technologies for an IPPs wind farm portfolio helps to guarantee more reliable energy output. Given that even the latest, reliable turbines have not reached their lifetime yet, experience with several types of technologies helps an IPP determine which technology or manufacturer is proving more reliable and cost effective in the long run.

Last but not least, IPPs are planning and developing projects while planning to be involved with their stakeholders over the lifetime of the project. There is no motivation for taking shortcuts. For example, an IPP with a long-term view would not push the limits of setbacks at the expense of quality of life for the local community. An IPP is successful when the landowners ask for an extension for their existing wind farm after a couple of years. At the end of the day, it has to be win-win situation within a long-term partnership.

Volkswind belongs to the leading IPP’s in Europe with subsidiaries in Germany, France, UK, Poland, and Bulgaria. Since 2008, they have been developing projects in the US with an office in Portland, Oregon.

Volkswind USA Inc. | www.volkswind.us

Impact sockets and combination wrenches

In acknowledgement of the growing market for heavy duty bolting tools, Snap-on Industrial has expanded its line of 3/4" Dr. Flank Drive impact sockets and combination wrenches. Both products are used in power generation, wind power, and industrial markets, along with fleet maintenance and other applications where large fasteners are required. The 3/4" Dr. Flank Drive impact socket offering for shallow 6 point and shallow 12 point fractional sockets now incorporates sizes from 9/16" to 2-3/8"; deep 6 point sockets extend from 9/16" to 2". For metric sockets, shallow 6 point sizes range from 17mm to 50mm; deep 6 point extends from 17mm to 41mm. Standard length 12 point Flank Drive combination wrenches extend from 1/4" to 3-1/2".

Snap-on Industrial impact sockets are heat treated to optimize impact service life. With a lower hardness than hand sockets, these sockets are built to withstand the repeated cycling loads of impact wrenches. The Snap-on Flank Drive wrenching system delivers up to 20% more turning power without slipping or rounding versus conventional hex designs.

Snap-on Industrial | www.snapon.com

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Wind turbine balancing

Offshore data collection

Natural Power has launched an offshore data collection platform called OceanPod, improving the design, planning, and environmental stages of wind farms offshore.

The platform is a versatile solution providing developers with a single solution for remote wind resource assessment utilizing the laser anemometer ZephIR, wave and tidal design data collection and interpretation, 24-hour year-round surveys, weather data collection and interpretation, navigation survey, visual observations, scour measurement (where applicable), vessel management, and live data feed.

OceanPod has already begun working closely with SMRU Ltd. to include real-time detection and identification of marine mammals, and with FERA (the Food and Environment Research Agency) to include bird detection radar, identification software, and interpretation. Natural Power’s ZephIR laser anemometer will also be used for remote wind resource assessment, accurately recording data up to 200 metres from sea level.

Natural Power | www.naturalpower.com

Small wind inverters

Power-One, Inc. announces three new wind inverters from its Aurora Family for installations in North America. These small-wind, grid-connected products, having already demonstrated acceptance in European markets, have now been approved to the UL1741 safety standard.

The Aurora PVI-3.0, PVI-3.6, and PVI4.2 Wind Series for North America (using part number suffix-OUTD-US-W) offers efficiencies as high as 96.8% (CEC 96%), installer-friendly designs, long service life, and competitive initial acquisition costs—which provide increased return on investment in 3kW to 4.2kW wind power installations. They also provide 208VAC and 277VAC single-phase and 240VAC (split phase) outputs rated at 3.0kW, 3.6kW, and 4.2kW. Other features include full-rated output power available up to 55°C ambient, and a wide Multiple Power Point Tracking (MPPT) operating range from 50 to 580VDC. Power-One, Inc. | www.power-one.com

LUDECA introduces the VIBXPERT Balancer and Analyzer for the wind industry. Wind turbines turn at very slow rotational speeds, a challenge to balance. The VIBXPERT helps overcome these challenges, improving balance conditions and resulting in a significant increase in the uptime and availability. With its new built-in wind balancing program, software, accelerometers linear to 0.1 Hz, speed sensor, and balance grade tolerance chart (G16), it is the ideal portable system for mass unbalance of wind turbine rotor blades.

LUDECA Wind | www.ludeca.com/prod_vibxpert_balancing.php

What’s Missing from Your Wind Project?

When Competitive Power Ventures Inc. (CPV), a power generation development and asset management company with extensive wind energy development experience, decided to sell Phase I of its Keenan wind farm project to Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company, CPV turned to Dickstein Shapiro’s experienced wind energy and corporate counsel to structure, negotiate, and document the transaction. CPV continues to rely on Dickstein Shapiro’s energy transactional and regulatory attorneys in connection with all aspects of its wind energy development program to help ensure that it remains a significant player in the North American wind energy sector.

Larry Eisenstat, Energy Practice Leader (202) 420-2224 I eisenstatl@dicksteinshapiro.com

“In today’s ever-changing energy market, the success of our power generation development program requires a unique mix of regulatory and transactional experience, and Dickstein Shapiro excels in both.”

Doug Egan Chairman, Competitive Power Ventures CEO, CPV Renewable Energy Company

WASHINGTON, DC | NEW YORK | LOS ANGELES Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. © 2009 Dickstein Shapiro LLP. All Rights Reserved.

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renewable energy for a complex world Wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and bioenergy—these sources offer clean and sustainable alternatives to help meet the world’s rising energy demands. Tetra Tech supports energy projects from the earliest site investigation through operations and maintenance, with expertise in facilities siting, environmental studies, permitting, engineering design, and construction, including EPC and BOP. Tetra Tech provides clear solutions in consulting, engineering, program management, construction, and technical services worldwide.

A TETRA TECH COMPANY

www.tetratech.com

www.wardrop.com

A TETRA TECH COMPANY

A TETRA TECH COMPANY

Wind turbines with coreless technology

Larger sized underground cable

Hendrix Wire & Cable, which has provided primary cable to the utility industry for over 50 years and is a major supplier of 34.5 kV TRXLP cable, offers 1250 KCML underground cable to the wind power industry.

This larger sized cable is fast replacing the smaller 1000 KCML cable in the “homerun” portion of the collection grid. This size change has occurred as the turbine generation capacity has increased. The Hendrix 34.5 kV collection grid cables are available in aluminum and copper conductor. Standard conductor sizes range from 1/0 through 1250 kcmil. Both full and reduced concentric neutral configurations are also available.

All cable is manufactured in the US, made and tested to ICEA/AEIC Standards, and is dry-cure, triple-extruded. Hendrix offers the wind market short lead times, flexible scheduling, and solid delivery performance.

Hendrix will also accommodate quantity and length changes just prior to manufacturing to adapt to last minute project layout changes.

Hendrix Wire & Cable www.hendrix.com

In introducing their new line of wind turbines, HPM America will be addressing the needs of home owners, businesses, schools, universities, governmental institutions, and other applications. The new wind turbines will be available from a 1 kW unit to a 1 MW unit and will incorporate Axial Flux Permanent Magnet (AFPM) technology, which achieves more efficient wind power generation and is able to produce more power at lower wind speeds due to its coreless technology. The ability of HPM generators to eliminate traditional cogging issues make them the ideal candidate for wind turbine applications. This new technology eliminates the need for a gearbox to be used as part of the wind turbine drive train, thereby minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs over the life of the system.

HPM America, LLC | www.hpmamerica.com

Need a Gear Solution?

Turn to Fairfield…

A Global Leader in Gears and Drives If you need a well-engineered, highly reliable Fairfield gear solution to ensure e you’re delivering the clean energy performance your customers demand.

We provide:

Insulation systems for wind turbine generators

Shermco Industries has created two insulation systems designed especially for use in wind turbine generators. The insulation system for generators under 1000kW is constructed to achieve excellent physical, electrical, and thermal endurance properties with additional mechanical support for rotating elements to combat vibration fatigue.

This system conforms to UL 1446 requirements for Class H insulation systems below 1000 VAC and will be certified to the proposed IEEE 1798 for VFD machines once the final version of the standard is adopted.

For larger wind turbine generators, Shermco has created an insulation system with stator and rotor windings designed to be more robust than most OEM designs. The low voltage stator windings conform to UL 1446 requirements, and the HV rotor insulation systems are designed to surpass the new stringent IEEE 1776 requirements. Dissipation factor, tip-ups, and voltage endurance of this system far exceeds normal design parameters for 6900 VAC Class F machines.

Reliability ■ Quality products with continual performance and durability using proven designs and processes.

Engineering ■ A collaborative approach that yields the best solution.

Precision ■ High quality gear manufacturing capability including precision finish grinding.

Experience ■ Over 90 years of gear and drive system expertise.

Support ■ A global presence that can reach anywhere in the world.

Oerlikon Fairfield Meeting today’s green energy challenges.

Tel: 765.772.4000 www.fairfieldmfg.com

Gear & Drive Solutions

Shermco Industries | www.shermco.com North American Clean Energy

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bilities CanWEA 2009: Infinite Possibilities

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

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

September 20th to 23rd, 2009 Metro Toronto Convention Centre—Toronto, Ontario

www.canwea.ca This year, more than 2,000 delegates and 225 exhibitors will come together for CanWEA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition to explore the infinite possibilities of wind energy in the country. Join Canadian and global industry leaders at Canada’s largest renewable energy conference.

THINK WIND ENERGY. THINK NIAGARA.

CONNECTING OUR FUTURE! Underground collector systems are an effective way to connect your project: -

Safe Reduced Installation Time Esthetically Pleasing Cost Effective Minimal Maintenance

Services offered: - Underground Cable Installation - Rock Trenching and Boring - Interconnection Installation - Cable Splicing - Fibre Optic Cable Installation - Material Procurement

Power electronic products

AMSC Power Systems, business unit of American Superconductor, offers products used worldwide to increase electrical grid capacity and reliability, electrical systems used in wind turbines, and power electronic products—such as the AMSC D-VAR system that regulates wind farm voltage to enable interconnection to the power grid. AMSC recently introduced a PM3000W power converter with wind power specific controls for universal generator connectivity, which includes patented D-VAR technology to support reactive compensation and provides LVRT for grid interconnection requirements.

American Superconductor www.amsc.com

Niagara has captured the power of water and we have now set our sights on harnessing the power of wind. We have what it takes to support the fast emerging business of wind energy, including:

ORANGEVILLE/SMITHVILLE Vbine Jul Aug 09.ai 1.888.837.3030 1 7/1/09 8:28WWW.AVERTEX.CA AM

• a diversified manufacturing base and supply chain network

Wind turbine anchor & support systems

• an exceptional strategic location with access to global markets • established multimodal transportation — rail, road, and water • a highly experienced workforce, and • a proactive regional and municipal government.

Come see why Niagara is fast becoming a unique business location for “harnessing the power of wind”.

Coming soon.

The Vbine 6 Kw generator.

Phone: 306-435-3777 or see www.vbine.com

think niagara. think original.

See us at Booth #1028 at CANWEA 2009 or visit www.niagaracanada.com 905-685-1308 • info@niagaracanada.com

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you have the power to make a difference

Con-Tech Systems supplies Geo-Support Systems to anchor wind turbine tower foundations and transmission line towers.

The company offers 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. Con-Tech Systems back-up all of their products through ongoing development and technical service to clients.

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 www.contechsystems.com

Infinite Possibilities For more information on exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, please visit our website.

www.canwea.ca canwea-conf09-ad-half-NACE.indd 1

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

Compression terminals

Wind measurement products

NRG Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of wind measurement systems for the global wind energy industry. SymphoniePLUS, a recent addition to NRG Systems’ product line, is designed to meet industry demand for more sensors on measurement masts.

SymphoniePLUS is based upon the proven and reliable Symphonie platform and supporting software. NRG Systems will give away a SymphoniePLUS 15-channel data logger at the CanWEA conference. A Symphonie Iridium Satellite iPack, which comes with 400 minutes of service provided by Wireless Innovation, is included.

The SymphoniePLUS with iPack has a retail value of $4,800. NRG Systems is an independently owned company that has served the global wind energy industry for more than 25 years.

BURNDY, a manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, construction, telecommunication, petrochemical, data center, and transportation industries, will showcase its expanded line of BREAK-AWAY HYLUG compression terminals. The BREAK-AWAY HYLUG 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. With a slotted second stud, the BREAKAWAY 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. Additionally, the BREAK-AWAY line of terminals accommodates a wide range of conductor combinations (AWG, Compact, DLO, Flex, and Metric).

BURNDY | www.burndy.com

WE’RE NOT THE ONLY RENEWABLE ENERGY BUILDER IN NORTH AMERICA

NRG Systems, Inc. www.nrgsystems.com

WE’RE JUST THE BEST Wind power construction

Renewable Construction Services (RCS), a limited partnership between Rosendin Electric of San Jose, California, and The State Group (State) of Toronto, Ontario, was formed to pursue and construct wind and solar projects in Canada.

The State Group is a large, well-known multi-trade contractor. State has over 40 years of industrial contracting experience with specific expertise in Power Generation and Substation Projects.

Rosendin Electric, founded in 1919, is currently one of the top five largest electrical contractors in the US. In wind power construction, Rosendin Electric has completed more than 50 projects, totaling over 5,000 megawatts. RCS brings the strengths of both partners to offer full EPC services for projects, including electrical design and construction of collection systems, substations, transmission lines, and WTG wiring.

RCS brings the experience, capacity, and resources needed to complete projects safely, on time, and with unparalleled reliability.

Renewable Construction Services www.renewableconstructionservices.com North American Clean Energy

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show in print Wind farm construction

White Construction specializes in renewable energy power generation projects by utilizing the strengths of their long-standing history of heavy industrial construction. White Construction was one of the pioneering companies in the early days of wind farm construction across North America. Their experience, combined with high-quality standards and safety practices, has gained them recognition in the wind industry. Currently, the company has installed more than 4,000 MW in the United States and Canada.

White Construction is distinctive in their ability to provide the engineering, procurement, and construction necessary to provide a turnkey approach to any renewable energy project. They have the knowledge, experience, equipment, and management to ensure projects are on time and within budget. This philosophy has led to many repeat customers and made White Construction well known in the wind industry.

Sept. 20-23 TORONTO

canwea

Reliability Re eliability y in in Obstruction Obstru uction on Lighting LLig Ligh ighting gh ng

Booth #109

Low Intensity (up to 32.5 candelas)*

STI, HISTI, HISTIM Neon Technology Long Life Expectency Complies with FAA & ICAO Standards Includes protection against transient overvoltage

NAVILITE

White Construction | www.whiteconstruction.com LED Technology Low Consumption of Energy Luminous intensity twice higher than ICAO and FAA standard Complies with FAA & ICAO Standards

Rollerbeds for workpiece handling

STIF Neon Technology Long Life Expectency Complies with FAA & ICAO Standards Includes protection against transient overvoltage

*Medium & High Intensity also available

Subsidiary of Group

800.248.3548 | Fax: 954.430.7785 info@obsta.us | www.obsta.us

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has added new conventional and self-aligning rollerbeds to its line of automated handling equipment products. These durable rollerbeds are grit-blasted with a polyurethane finish coating to endure abrasive environments. They also feature solid-state inverter technology for precise speed control to ensure welding accuracy. The rollerbeds are available in a variety of sizes and driver/idler rail bogie versions for a broad scope of applications. Depending on the project, fabricators can choose from conventional rollerbeds with load capacities from 2.5 to 60 tons or self-aligning rollerbeds with load capacities from 2.5 to 50 tons.

These workpiece handling solutions are ideal for wind tower fabrication, offshore and shipyard, pressure vessels, and pipelines. To learn more about ESAB’s new line of rollerbed products, visit the Automation Products section on the company website.

ESAB Welding & Cutting | www.esab.ca

Serving North America’s Wind Energy Industry Northwind Solutions, a leader in North America’s Wind Energy Industry delivers a complete suite of essential services to wind asset owners, OEMs and developers.

Operations and Maintenance • Service and Repair • Construction Services • Crane and Rigging •

Quality Assurance and Quality Control • Commissioning • Consulting •

www.northwindsolutions.com

Let our experience be your advantage.

1001 Burns St, Unit 2 Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A6

3210 West Broadway Sweetwater, Texas 79556

Toll-free 1.877.809.9463 40

September / October 2009

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11993 South State Rd. Clinton, Indiana 47842

Prime alternative energy centre

As a deep water port on the St Lawrence Seaway, Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario, offers easy water transportation of wind tower and turbine components, as well as major highway and rail routes. Local companies are well experienced in large craning and lifting operations.

Excellent manufacturing locations are available adjacent to the Michigan, USA, border and central to the Great Lakes region, along with easy access to excellent wind resources, wind farms, and international markets. The area is known for its skilled metal fabrication and engineering sectors, specializing in instrumentation and largescale fabrication. There is significant cluster power in power generation, industrial chemicals, manufacturing, and the community is becoming known as a leading alternative energy centre. Lambton College provides three-year Alternative Energy Engineering Technology graduates, and research assistance is available at The Research Park in Sarnia-Lambton. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership works with companies and site selectors searching for manufacturing and power generation locations.

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership | www.sarnialambton.on.ca

Infinite Possibilities For more information on exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, please visit our website.

www.canwea.ca Management of the meteorological data from towers

GPCo Inc., a renewable energy consulting firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its new database for high-level management of the meteorological data collected from their clients’ towers. While offering clients simple and secure access to their met data, the database manages information of virtually all the met masts currently in operation for GPCo’s clients. Not only does the database offer a private client login, it also enhances data storage optimization, the efficiency of data processing, and the quality of the data it contains.

Furthermore, the database is built with a geo-referencing system that allows clients to geographically view all the information related to their met towers.

With this launch, the following added-value services will be available to GPCo’s clients: complete and secure web access to their met tower data; direct download of raw data; access to quality control information and validated data for each tower printing capabilities of each tower’s history (metlog) and monthly statistical analysis of validated data (metcal); direct production of summary reports containing average wind speed per tower or per client project; and, visual summary of information on geographical maps including tower locations and basic tower statistics.

GPCo Inc. | www.gpcoenergy.com

Grid-connected wind turbines

Endurance Wind Power extends its line of highly efficient, ultra-safe, and cost-effective wind turbines. Endurance now includes the “new” E and G series wind turbines that generate power anywhere from 100,000 to 250,000 kW/hr per year. These units are ideally suited for farms, schools, businesses, and municipal applications—anything that can be connected to a utility’s power grid. These truly grid-connected (inverter-less) wind turbines join the S series turbines that Endurance has built its reputation; the S series will generate anywhere from 10,000 to 22,500 kWh per year.

50_Equipment_Express.eps 1 9/2/09 8:29 AM Endurance Wind Power | www.endurancewindpower.com

canwea-conf09-ad-half-NACE.indd 1

Trenchless plowing of connector cables

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc. uses trenchless technology to provide innovative installation methods for underground high-voltage connector cables on wind farms and other similar works. By plowing the underground high-voltage cables, AVERTEX provides an underground collector system with a price competitive to aerial installations and in some cases less expensive. Plowing cables is a rapid installation method shortening up the placing time on projects with tight time frames.

Single circuit high-voltage cables are plowed and consist of three cables in triangular formation with sand encasement around them; a patent pending process. Sand is distributed around the cables during the plow process. Placing fibre cable and caution tape are included in this process. Multiple circuits are plowed (with separation) beside other circuit(s). AVERTEX also specializes in directional drilling of pipes and cables.

Carrier pipes for connector cables are directional bored across roads, watercourses, railways, trees, landscaping, etc., in advance of the plow operation.

AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc. | www.avertex.ca

Technical and engineering consultants

Garrad Hassan, a GL company, is the world’s largest independent technical and engineering consultancy for renewable energy, serving the onshore and offshore wind, wave, tidal, and solar sectors. From its offices across the globe, it offers a full service to stakeholders at all stages of the renewable energy project lifecycle, which includes engineering, consultancy services, industry standard technology products, and professional training courses.

Garrad Hassan has been recognized as the technical authority on wind power for the last 25 years and, more recently, has adapted its expertise to help deliver wave, tidal, and solar projects, too. In August 2009, as a result of a shared need to retain the pace of growth in the renewable energy sector globally, it joined engineering and consulting giant Germanischer Lloyd to create a single service provider with a reputation for technical excellence. The companies’ combined complementary offerings have cemented its future at the forefront of developments in the renewable energy industry globally.

Garrad Hassan | www.garradhassan.com

North American Clean Energy

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show in print FAA lighting for wind and MET towers

Invenergy Wind LLC and Flash Technology, an SPX Division, have committed to a multi-year supply agreement for FAA lighting. Under this agreement, Flash Technology will provide FAA lighting for wind turbines and MET towers, along with contractor support services for Invenergy Wind’s energy sites. Both of these USbased companies are excited about this partnership to serve the nation’s growing need for renewable energy.

Flash Technology developed the FTB 360i in response to customer interviews, which identified several unmet marketplace needs for wind turbine lighting products. These interviews revealed a need for a tightly focused light beam, status indicators to convey real-time operating information, and an efficient, compact design for easy installation and longer life. The FTB 360i addresses each of these needs, and offers exceptional operating performance compared to similar products currently on the market.

Flash Technology, An SPX Division | www.flashtechnology.com

Wind turbine gear oil Petro-Canada’s HARNEX is a premium ISO 320 synthetic gear lubricant designed to provide exceptional anti-wear/ EP performance and protection from salt water corrosion in wind turbine applications. HARNEX uses PAO or polyalphaolefin chemistry, known for its excellent viscosity index and low pour point properties. With its outstanding protection, HARNEX can be used for lubricating both onshore and offshore wind turbine gearboxes.

Petro-Canada www.lubricants.petro-canada.ca

Renewable energy products for wind market

7th Annual IPPBC Conference

POWERING THE GREEN ECONOMY

R an un-o F d P o f - r i ield w e v e r trip s re x T h y d to r a ro p di n g ro j Fl ect oo r

Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver, British Columbia, November 1 - 3, 2009

• 8 panels on a range of topics • 2 Keynote Speaker Luncheons • 3 Industry specific short courses • Field trip to Powerex Trading Floor

• 75 exhibitor booths • Monday night Awards Dinner • Field trip to Ashlu Creek run-of-river project

Registration Members until September 18 $975 - after Sept 18 $1575* Non-members until September 18 $1175 - after Sept 18 $1775* Prices in Canadian dollars. Canadians add GST. www.ippbc .com or call: 604.461.4778

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Exhibitors Exhibitor booths and Sponsorship oppor tunities $1375 for members and $1975 for non-members www.ippbc .com or call: 604.461.4778

General Cable offers a broad range of renewable energy products ideal for the wind market. These products included nacelle cable, which are engineered to withstand the flexing and vibrations typically experienced in the rigorous environment where the controls for the turbine are held; custom cable assemblies that meet customer specifications and offer ease of installation; tower cables—both copper and aluminum constructions—which provide cabling solutions for flexible and static vertical applications within the tower; insulated and bare grounding products that meet tower and system grounding requirements; high-dielectric-strength, lowdielectric-loss, underground collection system cables that provide efficient transmission of power to the substation for distribution; substation and transmission overhead and underground transmission conductors and cables that deliver power from the substation to the power grid; and, a full range of fiber optic Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system cables, which offer monitoring and operational networks for wind farms.

General Cable www.generalcable.com

Infinite Possibilities For more information on exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, please visit our website.

www.canwea.ca canwea-conf09-ad-half-NACE.indd 1

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

Wind power legal services

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC), a business law firm with more than 500 lawyers, is one of the few Canadian firms with teams of multi-disciplinary energy lawyers in offices across Canada—including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal. As one of the country’s foremost providers of legal services to wind power developers, investors, suppliers, and lenders, FMC is unique in its ability to service the day-to-day needs of its clients in the renewable energy sector, both locally and internationally, while drawing on the strength and depth of its national resources.

FMC’s team of professionals has first-hand expertise in the industry and has taken a leading role in the development of wind power across Canada. They are valued by clients for their insight into energy markets and intimate knowledge of the regulatory landscape.

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP | www.fmc-law.com/renewable_energy

Elliptical tensioner

Bolting and machining specialist, Hydratight, introduces the Elliptical Base Bolt Tensioner, whose unique ellipticalshaped chamber meets the problem of access-restricted base bolts. The new base bolt tensioner is perfect for all OEM tower base bolting. Specially designed for customers with access issues, the elliptical shape of the new device offers a 20% reduction in tool width, allowing it to fit all turbine applications including limitedclearance inner base bolts. This pioneering compact design allows the tool to fit several sizes of Williams and Dyson base bolts.

Safety and performance enhancements include asymmetric rams, spring-loaded sockets, spring retraction, and a positive stop to prevent damage through misuse.

Like Hydratight’s round-base bolt tensioner, the elliptical model eliminates potential thread-fit problems by using the existing hex nut on the stressing bar to induce the required load. Hydratight’s base bolt tensioners are lightweight and compact, offering up to 25mm stroke one-step operation.

They accurately and consistently apply the precise load to critical base bolts.

Hydratight North America www.hydratight.com

Engineered transportation services

Equipment Express was incorporated in 1950 and began as a transportation arm to two large US rigging companies. The company quickly rose to gain national and continental prowess in the transportation management industry. Equipment Express has been providing turnkey solutions for many different types of projects over the years. They believe that when one incorporates the offloading services, as well as the transportation, this enables a project to share management, thereby avoiding delays and additional costs to the customer. Equipment Express provides fully engineered transportation services, heavy lift cranes, and rigging.

Equipment Express www.equipmentexpress.com North American Clean Energy

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show in print Wind energy consulting services

AL-PRO Wind Energy Consulting Canada Inc. is a new firm established by AL-PRO GmbH & Co. KG of Germany to deliver wind energy consulting services to the North American market. AL-PRO provides a wide range of wind and yield analysis services to wind farm developers. The firm specializes in completing difficult wind data analysis in simple and complex terrain. AL-PRO’s core services are certified by Germanisher Lloyd to DIN ISO 9001, which allows the firm to provide accredited wind reports to clients. In addition to wind data analysis, AL-PRO provides a wide variety of detailed analyses that ranges from turbulence determination to completing visibility studies.

AL-PRO developed and markets the Global Windmapping Service (GWS), and is currently completing the development of a global forecasting service. Recently, AL-PRO introduced a complete LIDAR wind measurement service, which includes deployment, supervision, maintenance, and subsequent data analysis services.

AL-PRO Wind Energy Consulting Canada Inc. | www.al-pro.ca

Harnessing wind energy

Niagara has captured the power of water and have now set their sights on harnessing the power of wind. They have what it takes to support the fast emerging business of wind energy, including: a diversified manufacturing base and supply chain networks; an exceptional strategic location with access to global markets; established multimodal transportation—rail, road, and water; a highly experienced workforce; and, a proactive regional and municipal government. Come see why Niagara is fast becoming a unique business location for “harnessing the power of wind.”

Niagara Economic Development Corporation www.niagaracanada.com

Low-cost hydro-power

The Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena and the Empire State Development Corporation will attend the CanWEA conference as part of a strategy to attract turbine component manufacturers to Northern New York. The organizations will jointly promote the availability of surplus hydro-electric power (with industrial rates as low as two cents per kw/hr), and the availability of more than 800,000 square feet of industrial space that has been vacated by General Motors in Massena. The Massena BDC is a local catalyst in the effort to change the energy paradigm by promoting low-cost hydropower as a tool to manufacture green components.

Massena is a regional hub for green energy projects and is home to the Robert Moses Power Dam, the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Curran Renewable Energy, and Renewable Power and Light. Massena, NY, is located less than 90 minutes south of Montreal and Ottawa, just over the Seaway International Bridge in Cornwall.

Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena www.massenaworks.com

Laser wind sensor

Accurately sensing wind conditions approaching individual wind turbines across a wind farm makes smarter turbine control and wind farm operation decisions possible. When turbines can make intelligent control decisions using feed-forward wind data, the result is increased efficiency and power output, as well as reduced turbine stress. Catch the Wind, Inc. has developed a forward-looking fiber-optic LIDAR system, the Vindicator Laser Wind Sensor (LWS), which mounts on a turbine’s nacelle and uses eye-safe lasers to generate a real-time 3D measurement of the approaching wind. The sensor accurately measures wind speed and direction in the undisturbed air in front of the turbine blades, providing wind data at multiple ranges out to 300 meters. The Vindicator LWS, the next generation of wind sensing technology, is already changing the way the wind energy industry sees the wind by providing precise wind data for smart turbine control, onshore and offshore prospecting, and site resource assessment.

Catch the Wind, Inc. | www.catchthewindinc.com 44

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Infinite Possibilities For more information on exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, please visit our website.

www.canwea.ca canwea-conf09-ad-half-NACE.indd 1

Wind power engineering and construction

Mortenson Construction is a full service EPC/BOP/BOS renewable energy contractor involved in the wind, solar, hydro, and next generation biofuels markets. The company has been involved in the engineering and construction of wind power facilities for the past 15 years.

Mortenson Construction has built safe, quality construction projects since 1954, with 82 wind projects totaling over 8,000 megawatts throughout the US and Canada.

Wind tower access

ThyssenKrupp Safway, offering safe, reliable, suspended access solutions, announces the SafAscent Wind Turbine Platform for external wind tower access.

Safway has nearly 90 branches in the US and Canada to provide SafAscent for wind farms in any location—no matter how remote. Available for rental or sale, SafAscent is designed specifically for maintenance and inspection of wind turbines, enabling unrestricted access to the tower and blades.

The 6'6" modular platform provides a safe, simple, and fast way to travel up the tower. Hoists ensure quick access to the worksite, with quick climbing speeds of 35 feet per minute. Three sets of padded rollers protect the wind tower and blades. SafAscent exceeds OSHA, OH&S and ANSI standards, and meets all UL & CSA requirements.

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

Mortenson Construction | www.mortenson.com 2008-551-05 1400_7.1 AC&T

07.10.2005

14:37 Uhr

Seite 1

Experience the Progress.

Experience the Progress with Liebherr: The LTM 1400-7.1 mobile crane is convincing by its manoeuvrability, performance and safety.

Advanced Technologies are our Business.

ThyssenKrupp Safway www.safway.com

Horizontal-axis small wind turbine

Wind Simplicity’s multi-award-winning Windancer horizontal-axis small wind turbine (3 kW, 7 kW 23 kW) is highly efficient, compact, and noise-free, thanks to its patent-pending 8-blade, 2-rotor design. Its unique windtail immediately responds to the wind direction, countering the torque of windblades. With a 1 m/sec start-up speed (Windancer3/Windancer7)/2 m/sec (Windancer23), its direct-drive technology maximizes power output at low/high wind speeds. The Windancer is ideal for lower towers without guy wires, reducing installation/maintenance costs.

Windancer advantages include: negligible noise/vibration/lightweight; selfstarting without electricity; maximizes competitive advantage with higher green-energy visibility of attractive, eyecatching design; color customization; increases property value with quality engineered turn-key installation; 11 safety features incl. lassoed blades/permanent lightning arrestor; bird/bat-friendly; fearless in ice, hail, and snow; Canadian design/manufacture; and, portable asset.

Wind Simplicity | www.windsimplicity.ca

Head Office Liebherr-Canada Ltd. 1015 Sutton Drive Burlington ON L7L 5Z8 Phone: 905-319-9222 / 800-387-3922 Fax: 905-319-6622 E-Mail: info.lca@liebherr.com Web Site: www.liebherr.ca Branches: 215 Water Street, Suite 810 St. John’s, NL A1C 6C9 Phone: 709-748-7829 Fax:

709-368-6494

10 Lynds Avenue, Moncton, NB E1H 3K2 506-854-2920 877-444-2920 506-854-2940

The Group 4250 Autoroute Chomedey, Laval, QC H7R 6E9 450-963-7174 800-387-3922 450-963-4833

208, 53016 Hwy 60, Acheson, AB T7X 5A7 780-962-6088 888-962-6088 780-962-6799

Fort MacKay Industrial Park, Fort MacKay, AB T0P 1B0 780-791-2967 780-791-6622

158-21300 Gordon Way Richmond, BC V6W 1J8 604-270-3266 888-271-3266 604-270-3254

North American Clean Energy

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show in print Wind resourcing services

Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) has expanded its environmental and engineering services for wind projects by adding a sophisticated weather forecasting and wind resourcing centre that employs the latest modeling systems. Using these applications to analyze weather patterns, topographical features, and historical meteorological data, Golder can provide predictive modeling that can assist in selecting and narrowing prospective project sites.

Specific services Golder provides for energy resourcing assessments include: GIS mapping; meteorological station design, construction, and deployment; meteorological sensor installation and calibration; remote monitoring; SODAR and LiDAR deployment; wind energy potential modeling and micro-siting; and, ongoing meteorological monitoring for operations.

Custom products for commercial wind turbines

Schunk Graphite Technology and associated members of the global Schunk Group manufacture a complete line of brushes, holders, slip rings, rocker assemblies, and custom products that are compatible with almost all commercial wind turbines. Schunk products have been approved by many wind turbine OEM’s worldwide and offer them increased uptime, as well as longer intervals between service shutdowns. Schunk Graphite Technology supports a broad offering of products with sales, customer service, and technical experts across all of North America.

Schunk Graphite Technology www.schunkgraphite.com

Golder Associates | www.golder.com

Small wind turbine

American Zephyr Corporation has announced its newest small wind turbine in the 1 kW category, the constant voltage 250 VDC Airdolphin GTO (“GridTie Optimized”). The Airdolphin GTO connects to the grid via widely obtainable PV inverters. With a cut-in wind speed of only 2.5 m/s (5.6 mph), and no pre-determined cut-out wind speed (due to the Airdolphin series’ unique Intelligent Power Management System), the Airdolphin GTO is ideal for both low-wind and high-wind regimes, with a peak output of approximately 3.5kW at 20 m/s (44.7 mph). Its low mass (under 40 pounds) and small size (1.8 meter rotor diameter) make the Airdolphin GTO the most efficient and easily installed small wind turbine in its class.

Known for reliability even in hostile environments, American Zephyr’s Airdolphin series offers years of maintenancefree operation.

American Zephyr Corporation www.AmericanZephyr.com

Stronger

than the Wind Deep Foundation Systems * for wind turbines

Visit us at

CanWea 25 th annUaL ConFerenCe & eXhiBition *Germanischer Lloyd certification pending; patent pending

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September / October 2009

www.contechsystems.com

Docket Number: 6775 Client: Con-Tech Systems Ltd.

nacleanenergy.com

toronto, ont Booth 100+102

Wind energy O&M service providers

Companies that have long-term success make the right decisions with regard to investments and partnerships. Northwind Solutions, established in 2004, has taken another step in furthering their commitment to the wind energy industry with an investment in custom, mobile oil change systems capable of performing efficient flush and change services for wind turbines. For this initiative, Northwind has partnered with Wilson Machine, a gearbox technologies partner based in Montreal and established in 1913. Wilson Machine brings a deep experience in gearbox inspections and repairs. The partnership with Wilson Machine will allow Northwind Solutions to provide the industry a true solution for maximizing wind investment.

Northwind Solutions www.northwindsolutions.com Wilson Machine www.wilsonmachine.com

Infinite Possibilities For more information on exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, please visit our website.

www.canwea.ca canwea-conf09-ad-half-NACE.indd 1

4/8/09 10:51:38 AM

Robotic cell welding & cutting

Lubrication systems

BekaWind Automatic Lubrication Systems provide a constant supply of lubricant to important components of wind converters. Precisely metered amounts of grease are delivered to main, blade, and yaw bearings, plus pitch and yaw drives. BekaWind provides solutions to meet all applications: BekaWind Single, Pro, and Flow are designed for high operational reliability.

Synonymous with quality, Beka systems have been manufactured by Baier+Köppel GMBH+Co for over 75 years. The company has a proven track record in sales and installation of automatic lubrication systems used in industrial applications, road/off road vehicle applications, packaging/filling applications, and environmental technology.

Baier+Köppel are known worldwide with subsidiaries in US and Canada, as well as Korea, China, and Europe.

Beka Lube Products Inc. Beka Max of America Inc. www.beka-lube.com

Lincoln Electric’s SYSTEM 10 is a flexible, two-station robotic cell designed for welding and cutting applications. The layout is optimized to maximize the work envelope of the robot and is ideal for flexible manufacturing systems, allowing manufacturers to handle high volume production. The system is equipped for the welding of aluminum using the latest hardware and software available to achieve high quality and production throughput.

Servo Torch is a fully integrated, servo-controlled, writs mounted, four roll pull wire feeder controlled by the ARC MATE series FANUC robot. The design is optimized to feed aluminum and other soft alloy wires. The Lincoln Electric SYSTEM 15 is a manual turntable robotic welding and cutting work cell utilizing a single load/unload WindServicesAd_waitress versions.qxd:WindServicesAd_waitress 9/4/09 Page 1fabrication world. zone.

This entry level system uses the latest in welding technology to bringversions the future of welding9:16 into AM the general Lincoln Electric | www.lincolnelectric.com

GE Energy

When it comes to service, the choice is yours.

With GE Energy's wind turbine technology, we have helped you to capture the power of the wind. Now we’re helping you to maximize the return on your investment with a complete program of flexible wind energy service offerings tailored specifically to your needs.

GE Energy offers a full suite of services developed with the expertise that comes from being a leader in the renewable energy industry. From 24/7 Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics, to routine maintenance, to on-site support whenever you need us, we work with you to best understand your requirements and to deliver the customized solutions to meet them.

Experience the next level of customer support: www.ge-energy.com

Engineering and EPC services

Responsible for interconnecting close to 25% of all wind energy in the US and 8% in Canada, MSE Power Systems has proven they consistently complete wind projects in up to 50% less time than other EPC companies.

Check out their new Wind Project ROI enhancement calculator, which enables users to combine specific project parameters with MSE’s quicker turnaround, and see how much MSE can help return to the bottom line.

Founded in 1997, after 27 years in the engineering field, MSE provides comprehensive engineering and EPC services for both utilities and developers. Their extensive experience includes projects with voltage levels ranging from 2.4 kV to 500 kV, both domestic and overseas. Acquired in 2008 by Crompton Greaves Ltd., MSE is poised for continued growth with plans to open new offices soon in Florida and Washington DC area.

MSE Power | www.msepower.com North American Clean Energy

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show in print Synthetic gear oils

Klüber Lubrication will showcase three innovative gear oils for the wind power industry.

Following extensive R&D work and a comprehensive performance test program, Klüber Lubrication has developed three synthetic high-performance, high-load gear oil products: Klübersynth GEM 4 N (polyalphaolefin), Klübersynth GH 6 (polyglycol), and Klübersynth GEM 2 (rapidly biodegradable ester).

Klübersynth gear oils meet the demanding requirements for gear performance and offer excellent wear protection, resistance to micro-pitting, foam and residue formation. Compared with other standard gear oils, these products show good ageing resistance, high load-carrying capacity, and low friction values. Consequently, oil change intervals are increased, power loss is reduced, and the resulting yield increases over the operative life of the turbine. Klüber’s ADDED value program makes it easy for manufacturers and operators to simplify their lubrication requirements.

Klüber Lubrication | www.klubersolutions.com/wind

On-line oil debris sensor

GasTOPS provides products and services to the wind industry to monitor gearbox health using its flagship MetalSCAN product. MetalSCAN is an in-line, full-flow, oil debris sensor designed to provide condition assessment information necessary to effectively manage the risk associated with premature gearbox failures. MetalSCAN is available for installation on new turbines installed by the OEM or retrofitted in the field, including a comprehensive monitoring services package. The output of the sensor can be integrated to interface to an existing wind turbine controller; SCADA or a standalone MetalSCAN Alarm Module with optional wireless communications, and can be incorporated into GasTOPS’ web-based monitoring service.

GasTOPS Ltd. | www.gastops.com

Using our past to

Obstacle warning lights

Since 1948, OBSTA has manufactured reliable Obstacle Warning Lights for Air Traffic. These lights are available with High, Medium, and Low intensity levels in accordance with FAA (L-856, L-864, L-810) and ICAO standards. OBSTA has pioneered the use of COLD NEON and XENON technologies for fixed and flashing light applications and designed new energy efficient LED lights.

OBSTA | www.obsta.us CITEL Inc. | www.citel.us

connect to the

future Since its founding in 1924, BURNDY® has had a reputation for being a leader in innovation in the design as well as manufacturing of high quality compression connectors, tooling and grounding products. Today BURNDY® brings that rich tradition of product innovation to the renewable energy industry. To learn more about what BURNDY® can do for you, please call or visit our website today.

®

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 © FCI USA, Inc.

MEMBER

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nacleanenergy.com

Experience. Technology. Answers.

TM

investing in clean energy Foreign Investment in the US Wind Energy Industry under CFIUS A national security risk? By Stewart A Baker, Michael T Gershberg & Richard G Reinis

I

n 2008, the United States had the largest installed wind capacity in the world. Wind provided 42% of America’s new electric generating capacity last year, but still accounts for only 1% of total US

electricity needs. Benefiting from tax incentives and a growing interest in renewable energy, wind energy seems poised to make large future gains, provided it attracts sufficient investment capital.

For homes, farms, ranches, and businesses, wind energy creates opportunities to make money, save money and be more energy independent.

The Small and Community Wind Conference & Exhibition will bring together industry leaders, project developers, economic development groups, municipalities,

The American Wind Energy Association estimates the minimum efficient wind power facility requires an initial investment of $20 million. In 2008, wind energy accounted for an

and land owners to formulate and enact growth strategies for small and mid-sized wind applications. The program will offer information to help you capitalize on wind technology by learning about national renewable energy legislation, technology costs, zoning requirements, utility interconnection, tax revenues and investment opportunities.

November 3 – 5, 2009 Cobo Center Detroit, Mi

www.smallandcommunitywindexpo.org

AWEA_CWSW_CleanEnergy_June.indd 50 September / October 20091 nacleanenergy.com

6/25/09 10:03:32 AM

investment in the US economy of $17 billion, much of which funding came from Europe, where wind plays a more important role in electricity supply.

Denmark generates 20% of its electricity from wind, and Germany 7%, and these nations have ambitious wind energy development plans for the next two decades. European investors support wind energy projects throughout the world.

Whenever foreign investment in US energy production or infrastructure is contemplated, there are some legal issues to consider. Although the United States is generally open to foreign capital, there is a regulatory process that reviews foreign investment for potential effects on national security.

Since 1988, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) has been the inter-agency body charged with this task. (Though it has been around for decades, CFIUS was most notably in the public eye in the wake of the Dubai Ports World deal). The CFIUS statute authorizes the President to investigate the impact on US national security of mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers by foreign persons. If a transaction would result in an impairment of national security that could not be mitigated by agreement with the parties, the President may block the transaction or order divestiture of an already completed deal.

Nevertheless, the probability of such an outcome is low, and the President has only once blocked a transaction under this provision.

Though filing a notice with CFIUS about a planned transaction is voluntary, doing so provides certainty the transaction has received regulatory approval and will not be subject to a post-closing inquiry. In deciding whether to file with CFIUS, the parties should determine whether the subject of the deal or the identity of the foreign investor potentially raise issues related to national security. A CFIUS notice involves answering a set of questions about the parties, the transactions, and the assets at stake, filing with CFIUS, and 30 days of patience.

While CFIUS reviews transactions only for potential implications for national security, that concept includes effects on “critical infrastructure,” such as major energy assets. “Critical infrastructure” refers to systems that are so vital to the country that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security.

Wind farms can be considered major

energy assets and, like all energy systems, their incapacity could touch on issues of national security. Therefore, parties to foreign investment transactions in US wind farms or the wind energy industry should be mindful of the CFIUS process.

In determining whether to go through the CFIUS review process, parties should consider two questions…

1. Does CFIUS have jurisdiction over the transaction?

The CFIUS regulations are broadly worded and cover any transaction “by or with any foreign person, which could result in control of a US business by a foreign person.” CFIUS has jurisdiction to review mergers and acquisitions that may result in foreign control of a US business in any industry. A US subsidiary controlled by a foreign entity is a “foreign person” for CFIUS purposes.

Transactions may result in “control” in many ways and, unfortunately, there are no bright lines. “Control” is broadly defined as the “power, direct or indirect, whether or not exercised…to determine, direct, or decide important matters affecting an entity.” In particular, “control” does not require the foreign person own more than 50% of the voting or equity interests of the entity, or that foreign persons are directors or officers of the business.

Covered transactions are defined largely by the exemptions to the CFIUS regulations. A purchase of assets is not necessarily a purchase of a US business. If a foreign person acquires land, for example, such a purchase is not covered. What is critical is what is done on the land. If a foreign person enters into a long-term lease, it may not be covered if the foreign lessee does not make substantially all business decisions concerning operation of a leased entity, as an owner might. A loan would not be a covered transaction so long as the foreign person does not have financial or governance rights, but a foreign lender about to foreclose on a wind energy farm may be subject to CFIUS review. A transaction that results in foreign control of any person engaged in interstate commerce in the US is likely to be a covered transaction, unless specifically carved out.

Two such carve outs may offer comfort to wind energy companies. First, there is an exemption for a foreign investor who holds 10% or less of voting interests of the entity solely for the purpose of passive investment. Secondly, and most notably for the wind energy industry, the review process specifically excludes start-up or “greenfield” investments. Therefore, initial foreign investments in new US wind farms may fall entirely outside the scope of the CFIUS regime.

Before arriving at that conclusion, however, parties should closely examine what exactly the foreign investor is purchasing. Is the purchase of stock or membership interests in an existing business? If the foreign investment is made in a business that has acquired certain development rights or secured permits or transmission privileges, is that business developed beyond what might be considered “greenfield?” CFIUS regulations do not cover an acquisition of assets or part of an entity if those assets or part of an entity do not constitute a US business.

2. Should the parties file a voluntary notice?

Assuming a transaction is covered by the CFIUS process, the parties may still not need to file with CFIUS. The primary benefit of a CFIUS filing is that it provides parties with certainty following approval. Once CFIUS approves a deal within the statutorily defined deadlines (30 day initial review, plus an additional 45 day investigation in certain cases), the US Government will not revisit the issue for national security reasons. As a general rule, it makes sense to file a notice unless resources (time, financial, or human) are particularly short or other compelling reasons exist. The filing process is not onerous and a notice can be prepared relatively quickly. Before completing the application, parties may call CFIUS to review what information might be included that will expedite approval. This will include “personal identifier information” about the backgrounds of members on the board of directors and senior company officials of entities in the ownership chain of the foreign acquirer. After a notice is filed, there is one less regulatory process to worry about (especially for a new energy enterprise, which likely has several regulatory hurdles). A foreign investor intent upon controlling a US wind energy company is not likely to leave unresolved the potential undoing of a deal by the US Government, and domestic partners, developers, or others involved in the transaction will be reluctant to indemnify such an investor against the inherent risk. Approval by CFIUS offers safe harbor to investors.

If the parties are not inclined to file voluntarily on this basis, it is recommend that parties notify CFIUS of any deals that may reasonably have national security implications. The CFIUS review process is only meant to examine transactions in which foreign control of a US business or assets might touch on national security issues. Though this might apply in many energy related transactions, it will not be the case in all transactions. Parties should consider whether the particular investment is one in which CFIUS might be interested. While few if any wind farm investments are likely to encounter turbulence from CFIUS, for peace of mind, an investor might decide to seek CFIUS clearance for investments in an off-shore wind farm where undersea mapping, radar shadow, or navigation issues are involved, an elevated wind farm in US Air Force or commercial flight patterns, a wind farm within observation distance of a sensitive, national security installation, or in proximity of any other significant national security site. Another factor is the identity of the foreign investor. If a foreign government (or entity controlled by a foreign government) is involved, then it would be more advisable to file a CFIUS notice.

Steptoe & Johnson LLP | www.steptoe.com

Milbank 30 years of experience in renewable energy Over 180 successful deals completed More than 9,000 MW of renewable power developed We get this business.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP New York Los Angeles Washington DC London Munich Frankfurt Beijing Hong Kong Singapore Tokyo www.milbank.com

For more details, contact: Ed Feo 213-892-4417 efeo@milbank.com

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

North American Clean Energy

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65+ conference sessions

Solar Power International 2009 200+ speakers

October 27th to 29th, 2009 | Anaheim Convention Center—Anaheim, California

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

www.solarpowerinternational.com With top-notch keynote addresses, 200-plus speakers, more than 65 breakout sessions, and dozens of optional workshops, this is the premier show for expanding business opportunities and networking with the foremost members of the solar industry.

SolarPowerInternational.com Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/ installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

Automated PV production line

Martifer Solar, located in Portugal, and Spire Corporation, located in Massachusetts, jointly announced that Martifer Solar accepted last month Spire’s 50 megawatt (MW) per year automated module production. Both Spire and Martifer are fully satisfied with the performance of the Portuguese company’s photovoltaic (PV) factory. The fully automated turnkey module manufacturing line uses robotic systems for material handling and processing. Spire has successfully automated the steps that are typically done manually. These included automation of string bussing, encapsulate trimming, module framing, junction box attachment, hi-pot testing, and module simulation characterization. For this project, Spire subcontracted with KUKA Systems GmbH in Germany. The quality robots and engineering expertise provided by KUKA were critical in the success of the program.

Spire Solar, Inc. | www.spirecorp.com Booth 677

Tankless, on-demand electric water heaters

The next generation Tempra and new Tempra Plus models are now available. Enhancements include: output to 140°, upgraded heavy duty electronics, single flow sensor, easy access hinged cover, and a larger inlet filter screen. Tempra Plus models have a digital display for °F or °C readout and Advanced Flow Control to automatically adjust flow rate to maintain set point temperature. Further, the Tempra series is now an ideal backup for solar thermal systems.

The Tempra tankless, on-demand, electric water heaters are designed for whole house and various commercial applications. The Tempra features the latest advanced microprocessor control that allows the exact water temperature to be set via a dial on the front cover. The advanced technology ensures that the water temperature will not deviate from the set point. There is an industry leading three-year warranty on all Stiebel Eltron tankless, on-demand, electric water heaters.

Stiebel Eltron | www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com Booth 2589

Site planning, design & project management

INTRODUCING THE ACCELERA© 300 HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER: ACCELERATE YOUR SAVINGS!

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Energy from nature.

The new math: 1 = 4

The new Accelera® 300 can extract up to 80% of its energy requirements from the air around it. Heat pumps have been around for decades, but a heat pump water heater is a brand new concept.

The Accelera® 300 works like an air conditioner - but instead of dumping the heat outdoors, it puts it into the water.

The Accelera’s compressor and fan consume only 1 kWh of electricity to generate the heat equivalent of 3 – 5 kWh. The efficiency of the unit goes up with increasing ambient air temperatures.

This ground breaking efficiency redefines what a water heater is capable of, and what savings can really mean !

• 6 YEAR WARRANTY • 80 GALLON STORAGE CAPACITY • REDUCES HOT WATER COSTS BY UP TO 80 % • COOLS AND DEHUMIDIFIES THE AIR AROUND IT • LOW STAND-BY LOSSES THROUGH GOOD INSULATION

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September / October 2009

Simply the Best

800.582.8423

nacleanenergy.com

www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

White Construction offers a complete range of services for clients ranging from thermal to PV, and from ground mount to roof mounted systems. At White Construction, success is based on client success. Displaying technical expertise, innovative spirit, and a keen awareness of the newly immerging solar market, White Construction is well positioned in the solar market and has the ability to pull its strengths from other renewable markets. As a result, White Construction is able to offer constructive approaches while providing legitimacy to solar power initiatives. Services offered include: site planning, storm water management, financial analysis, project management, electrical design, road design, foundation design, a selfperforming construction approach, and commissioning assistance.

White Construction www.whiteconstruction.com Booth 538

“I need to replicate the unpredictable variables of the sun.”

Here’s the power to make them predictable.

Designing solar arrays, fuel cells, inverters and other green technologies requires the ability to emulate real-world conditions. Agilent N3300 and 6060 eLoads, and B1505 SMU tools, help you gauge performance across widely varied energy loads. And Agilent E4360 Series Solar Array Simulators let you replicate the variable energy of the sun right from your bench top, making the unpredictable, predictable.

Create a greener tomorrow with Agilent’s application briefs Characterizing the I-V Curve of Solar Cells and Modules Designing and Developing Terrestrial Inverters Using Solar Array Simulators Measuring Fuel Cell AC Impedance

Get your FREE app briefs and enter to win a Kindle Select REC to offset one year’s energy use* *Agilent is committed to purchasing Renewable Energy Credits and carbon offsets that support clean energy and carbon reduction projects — learn more. © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009

www.agilent.com/find/GoGreen u.s. 1-800-829-4444

canada: 1-877-894-4414

show in print VOLUME 3

ISSUE 4

Wind Energy: Forecasting & Assessment Harnessing Solar Power from Space Financing Clean Energy

Tide of Sea Wave power technology PLUS…

Regional Development Guide Intersolar North America show in print

North American Clean Energy is published 6 times a year.

To subscribe, go to nacleanenergy.com

Fully integrated grid-tie with battery back-up

OutBack Power Systems, Inc. has announced that a fully integrated renewable energy grid-tie system with battery back-up is now shipping. The company’s Smart Renewable Energy Solution, SmartRE, offers home owners and small businesses a solution that allows installers to easily sell and install a grid-tied system that harnesses the sun’s rays to create energy, while simultaneously providing owners the peace of mind of battery back-up, always-on power.

SmartRE addresses the common cost and complex installation issues found in other grid-tie with battery back-up solutions, including time required for installation, location of installation, and appealing aesthetic look, while requiring only the addition of batteries and solar to its SmartRE solution. SmartRE is specifically designed with a standard configuration for a simple installation either inside or outside a house or business.

OutBack Power Systems, Inc. | www.outbackpower.com Booth 2500

Your Solar Distributor

Take Advantage of our Experience  Quality PV Products  Competitive Prices  Free Design Support  Project Management

 AluTec Rail System  Full Service Sales  Worldwide Offices  Superior Service

Visit us at Solar Power 2009, Booth #438 See our revolutionary easy-insertion racking system, AluTec, on display!

Call Today - 510 653 5900 We carry name brand products, including:

ThinkSolar 1078 60th Street Oakland, CA 94608 510 653-8900

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www.thinksolar-us.com

nacleanenergy.com

Hydraulic power pack for tracking systems

The KAM 2 hydraulic power pack from HAWE Hydraulics is ideally suited for tracking systems installed in solar power plants. Especially developed for short time and intermittent operations (S2 and S3), the power pack is the ideal choice for applications requiring cylinders to be extended and retracted or where a motor’s direction of rotation frequently changes. This enables tilting and tipping the solar trackers to optimally follow the course of the sun.

In its basic version, the KAM 2 comprises a tank with an integrated submerged electric motor and a sturdy gear pump. The direction of rotation changes by simply switching the phases of the electric motor, thereby also changing the flow direction. This means applications with just one consumer do not require a directional control valve, which reduces the power pack's power consumption. The KAM 2 power pack can generate flows of up to 12 lpm at up to 150 bar with a usable oil volume of 10 liters. Its compact dimensions allow it to be easily integrated or added to the tracker.

HAWE Hydraulics www.hawehydraulics.com Booth 3124

Solar AC demonstration to boost renewable energy

Sopogy, Inc.’s proprietary MicroCSP solar collectors will be one of two unique solar technologies to begin operations as part of a solar air-conditioning demonstration sponsored by Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company). The demonstration, scheduled to run for 18 months, is part of an overall effort to provide customers with energy solutions that will reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sopogy’s collectors, which were installed on the rooftop of The Gas Company’s Energy Resource Center (ERC) in Downey, California, will produce 10 tons of cooling, or enough air-conditioning to cool three average-sized homes. The system will provide solar thermal heat by concentrating the sun’s energy on a collection tube and heating the re-circulated heat transfer fluid within the system.

The generated heat will then be used in conjunction with absorption chillers to provide a renewable source of industrial cooling for the air-conditioning system at the ERC. The unique scalability and modularity of MicroCSP make it ideal for distributed generation applications such as electricity, process heating, and solar air-conditioning.

Sopogy, Inc. | www.sopogy.com Booth 3238

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

CRB-S 1900 Bending and Tempering System

Tempering technology for concentration solar power

Glasstech, which offers glass bending and tempering technology with over 35 years of experience, has introduced the CRB-S 1900 for the concentration solar power market. The CRB-S 1900, capable of producing trough reflector glass up to 1.9 meters in width, is the newest addition to the breakthrough Glasstech CRB-S technology for solar parabolic trough glass shaping and strengthening. CRB-S technology precisely shapes 4mm low-iron glass up to a width of 1.9 meters, while fully tempering the SolarPowerInternational.com part. The system consumes less energy than more traditional forming methods. All of these advantages, in addition to the high productivity, economy of operation, and quality, make it a Glasstech system.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

Glasstech | www.glasstech.com Booth 764

HD-2070_NA Clean Energy_Excellence_SolarPower:Layout 1

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect

8/27/09

10:58 AM

Page 1

with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

®

Tracking system with concentrating technology

DEGERenergie has developed the first mass-marketable tracking system that supports the use of concentrating technology (CT). The high-precision tracking system is the product of oneand-a-half years of research and development, and has achieved a tracking precision of 0.001° in controlled laboratory conditions. The system was tested with nine systems on the company’s own test grounds over six months. The DEGERtraker 5000CT production model achieves a 0.005° precision rate and is, therefore, suitable for being used with concentrating technology.

The tracking system’s energy management has also been optimized. The outcome is that the DEGERtraker 5000CT realigns the integrated solar modules to the sun’s position every ten seconds.

That means the system consumes significantly less energy for tracking than the previously known highly accurate systems that have motors in constant operation. The first DEGERtraker 5000CT models will be available early 2010.

DEGERenergie www.DEGERenergie.com Booth 615

Reliable solar hot water performance, sunup to sundown.

Day-in & day-out dependability — Heliodyne systems installed in the late 1970's are still running smoothly, providing greater energy output (dollar for dollar) than any other renewable energy form. Our featured GOBI® solar collectors are made in the USA, and come factory-tested to 300 psi, with standard American fittings for hassle-free job-site installation. And with our proven designs and dedicated service & support, we’re a dependable leader you can trust. Learn much more about our innovative “plug & play” systems by calling today. We’re the smart design choice for a green future.

Visit us at www.heliodyne.com, or call 1.888.878.8750 for information about us, and our products.

See us at SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2009 • October 27-29 • Anaheim, CA • Booth # 2476 Heliodyne, Inc. • 4910 Seaport Avenue • Richmond, CA 94804 T: 510.237.9614 • T: 1.888.878.8750 • F: 510.237.7018 Information & Support: info@heliodyne.com Sales Inquiries: sales@heliodyne.com www.heliodyne.com

EXCELLENCE

BY DESIGN

®

North American Clean Energy

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Monolithic rotary sputtering targets

As a supplier of planar and rotary sputtering targets for thin film solar cells and flat panel displays, PLANSEE is continually developing innovative solutions for optimal sputtering results and an efficient coating process. For the PV industry, the company now offers monolithic rotary targets made of 100% molybdenum. Their design without a backing tube pays off: hundreds of tests have already proven the benefits in practice.

Without a low-melting bonding layer, monolithic targets allow the highest heat transfer rates. Monolithic rotary targets can be run with up to 30 kW/m power. The advantage: greater productivity and improved efficiency for a faster coating process. In general, rotary targets have doubled or even tripled the material utilization of planar targets. The rotary monolithic versions hold the record as they maintain their stability even after target utilization of more than 75%. Producers profit from bigger production runs. The manufacturing of monolithic targets is carried out without any bonding. This lean process implies a fast production and maximum cost efficiency for customers.

PLANSEE | www.plansee.com Booth 771

Grounding solutions

The Tyco Electronics SolKlip grounding connector brings a new ground connection solution to the market by utilizing the well-known insulation displacement termination technology. The Tyco Electronics SolKlip grounding connector provides an extremely simplified solution for terminating a continuous-run ground wire.

Termination times are measured in seconds using the pre-mounted Tyco Electronics SolKlip grounding connector, saving time and reducing labor costs. The four-point wire contact inherent in the design optimizes grounding performance and provides protection against contact problems due to its low interface resistance. The newly released 6-8AWG grounding connector contains multiple wiping features to score the ground wire for a long-term reliable connection. The 6-8AWG grounding assembly consists of a wire bolt (wire slot on one end and threaded post on the other), 9/16–in. hex nut, and 11/32–in. hex washer nut. Both products are UL approved.

Tyco Electronics | www.tycoelectronics.com Booth 1447

Cooling from the Sun?

Solar hot water systems

Premium Solar LLC has signed an agreement with Ezinc, a manufacturer of solar thermal components, to serve as a master distributor for Ezinc’s thermosiphon solar hot water systems. Ezinc has been in the industry in Europe for over 25 years.

Ezinc’s systems are FSEC-certified and SRCC-certified. The units feature high efficiency and require little maintenance. The closed-loop, passive system uses natural water circulation to heat the water and does not require a pump or control unit.

Thermosyphon systems are one of the most widely used solar hot water heating systems around the world, especially in Israel, India, Australia, and Turkey.

Yes.

Premium Solar LLC | www.presolarnet.com Booth 2587

Solar panel mounting systems Made possible by Sopogy’s patented technology. Visit us online at www.sopogy.com for more information.

Solar Air Conditioning (866) 767-6491 (866-Sopogy1) · www.sopogy.com 56

September / October 2009

nacleanenergy.com

Strong, durable, and cost-effective—these are the characteristics required in solar panel mounting systems, and Roll Forming Corporation (RFC) can deliver. As companies shift their resources to renewable energy, RFC is at the forefront, creating customdesigned solar panel systems solutions designed and built to the highest standards.

RFC solar panel mounts feature: custom roll formed and welded shapes; galvanized, pre-painted, and powder coated steel solar panel kits; simple to complex structures to fit precise specifications; and design consultation to develop new solutions or improve existing ones, while ensuring the solar panel installation goes smoothly.

Roll Forming Corporation | www.voestalpine.com/rfc/en.html Booth 2129

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Photoelectron spectrometer

RKI Instruments’ Model AC-2 utilizes Photo Electron Spectroscopy in Air (PESA) technology at atmospheric pressure. Companies and institutions involved in the research, design, and production of PVs have found the AC-2 instrument to be invaluable. This instrument analyzes the work functions of metals and the ionizaSolarPowerInternational.com tion potentials of organic materials quickly, taking these measurements in open air, thereby saving precious time. Measurements of surface contamination, film thickness or material, as well as coating performance, typically take only 5 to 10 minutes.

Flux-coated ribbon used to link solar

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

Cookson Electronics brings its unique mix of metals and chemistry expertise to PV market applications. Supported by its longterm commitment to innovative R&D and close-to-the-customer product technology development, Cookson assists solar cell/ panel manufacturers in increasing their cell efficiency and in lowering their cost/watt.

The company’s new ALPHA PV Ready Ribbon was developed as a result of intense R&D efforts. PV Ready Ribbon increases manufacturing up-time by eliminating the need to apply flux separately during the tabbing and stringing process. It is a proprietary, resilient flux-coated ribbon that is used to link solar cells in the PV module assembly process. Its unique feature is Cookson’s patented chemistry and technology used to flux-coat the ribbon.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect

RKI Instruments | www.rkiinstruments.com Booth 2676

with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials www.cooksonelectronics.com Booth 2650

Business software solutions

WennSoft shows how business software solutions can manage projects and subcontractors, integrate financials, perform service and maintenance, and increase the efficiency of employees. WennSoft can provide information about its software solutions, including Equipment Management Series, Job Cost, Service Management Series, and Project Management Portal.

Equipment Management Series maximizes the utilization, life, and cost of an organization’s equipment and assets by managing all related information including purchasing, selling, rental, and maintenance. Job Cost enhances organizational accountability by tracking and managing labor, materials, subcontractors, billing, P.O.s, and other related items. Service Management Series improves organizations’ field service by capturing service calls, dispatching assignments, tracking resolutions, and managing contracts.

Project Management Portal is an integrated project-management solution, which enables project managers to administer project documents, project financials, and workflow from one central location.

WennSoft | www.wennsoft.com Booth 2845

«Renewable energy – an excellent idea deserves excellent connections» Solar energy Connect with holistic RADOX® SOLAR connectivity solutions. Use our quality to secure your solar power.

Wind energy Fiber optic, copper and wireless solutions for the nacelle and control system, and between towers in the windpark.

MASTERLINE pre-terminated fiber optic cable system for safe, quick and easy installation

RADOX® Solar cables, connectors and junction boxes for high performance modules

USA and Canada: Toll free 1866 HUBER SUHNER

(1-866-482-3778) Fax 1 802-878-9880

HUBER+SUHNER AG Tumbelenstrasse 20 8330 Pfäffikon

Switzerland

info@hubersuhner.com

hubersuhner.com North American Clean Energy

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Thermal process systems & technology

In thin film PVs, BTU International leverages its experience with large-scale, custom, in-line thermal process systems for CdTe and CIGS processes. These systems can be over 100' in length and include specialized features like coating capability and novel atmospheres. In silicon photovoltaics, the TRITAN Drying and Firing furnace is designed for faster process speeds in combination with innovative heating and gas delivery technology. With optimized wavelengths, wafers can be heated at a steep temperature gradient. The proprietary multi-drive system allows the drying and cooling sections to run at a reduced speed, keeping the same footprint and reducing operating costs.

BTU also features the MERIDIAN In-line Diffusion System, which combines BTU’s second-generation phosphorus coating technology with quartzlined diffusion furnaces. The system is comprised of a direct spray phosphorus coater integrated with a conveyor belt diffusion furnace for processing silicon solar cells. The coater now includes backside, topside, and drying capabilities, which can translate into improved cell efficiency. The system can be configured to achieve up to 1500 wafers per hour (156 mm).

BTU International | www.btu.com Booth 189

Mass production of thin film silicon solar modules

Oerlikon Solar offers field-proven equipment and end-to-end manufacturing lines to mass-produce thin film silicon solar modules. Over 950,000 solar modules have been manufactured to date using Oerlikon Solar production lines. The company is ranked “number one global solar turnkey line supplier” by VLSI, and named the winner of the 2009 CELL AWARD for “best technical product for thin film module manufacturing.”

Oerlikon Solar’s FAB 1200 is a fully automated end-to-end production line with proprietary system components: the LSS 1200, a laser processing system for the industrial mass production of thin film solar modules; the TCO 1200, designed for the deposition of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) ZnO front and back contact; and, the KAI 1200, a PECVD system for the deposition of amorphous and microcrystalline PV absorption layers. Engineered for minimum device cost and maximum productivity, Oerlikon Solar’s fully automated, end-to-end solutions have high yield, high uptime, and low-maintenance operation.

Oerlikon Solar | www.oerlikon.com/solar Booth 561

PV diaphragms

Smartech International supplies PV module laminators with Steinbach Silicone Diaphragms from Germany. Smartech provides the industry with both Steinbach’s high-quality solid silicone, as well as their patented Lamibran two-ply diaphragm.

Steinbach’s Lamibran has proven its value and durability around the world. The patented second layer does not become brittle like standard silicone when exposed to the outgassing from EVA encapsulants, greatly increasing the longevity of the diaphragm.

Steinbach will quickly manufacture customer-specific sizes and Smartech can arrange to stock blanket orders in either Charlotte, NC or Cerritos, CA for the convenience of prompt delivery times. Steinbach also offers a wide variety of PTFE release sheets and transport belts—custom cut and punched to individual specifications.

Smartech International LP | www.smartechonline.com Booth 589

K-Flex Solar™ products provide a quick and easy solution when insulating both residential and commercial solar hot water systems. All products are designed to minimize heat loss and simplify installation of fluid recirculation lines connecting the solar panels and the storage tank. For more information, contact K-Flex USA today and receive your free sample of K-Flex Solar™.

contact us at: www.kflexusa.com • 800-765-6475 PLUMBING

HVAC/R

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

MARINE

OIL&GAS

SOLAR

KFAD-0041-0809

58 September Clean / October 2009 nacleanenergy.com KFAD-0041-0809_NA Energy_Solar.indd 1

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New generation concentrator modules

Concentrix Solar has increased the system efficiency (AC) of its concentrator systems to 25%. This record was achieved using the new, CX-75 generation of modules. Two weeks after the demonstration system went into operation in San Diego, US, and following the installation of new systems using CX-75 modules in Puertollano, Spain, system efficiencies (AC) of 25% were measured under full field operating conditions. This means that an output of over 6 kilowatts (kW) is generated under irradiation conditions of ca. 850 W/m² and with a tracker aperture area of 28.8 m² (301.4 ft²). Output can increase to almost 7 kW on a particularly sunny day. Concentrator systems can only use direct irradiation. This is why the definition of nominal output is based on a DNI (Direct Normal Irradiation) of 850 W/m² (‘PV USA test conditions’). This corresponds to global radiation of approximately 1,000 W/m², the value which is used as a basis for calculating the output of silicon PV systems.

Concentrix Solar | www.concentrix-solar.de Booth 3133

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar modules

Xunlight Corporation is a manufacturer of high-efficiency amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar modules using a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. Xunlight’s triple junction thin film amorphous silicon solar cell is deposited onto a stainless steel substrate, assembled with other cells to achieve desirable electrical characteristics, and then SolarPowerInternational.com encapsulated in a durable polymer material. It is lightweight, flexible, and powerful.

The company has designed it to be easily installed either directly on the existing roof or integrated with the roofing membrane.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

Simulation and design of renewable energy systems

Vela Solaris AG recently announced the upgrading of their Polysun family of products in the US to include the latest data from the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) for all US solar system components. The Polysun family is one of the most flexible and accurate software for the simulation and design of renewable energy systems (PV, solar thermal, geothermal), optimized for any particular site and structure. The software takes into account data from building geometry and orientation, domestic hot water consumer profiles, and a variety of other loads—with a complete year dynamic simulation—providing reliable yield forecasts that generate a more precise read of what the energy efficiency will be, and an accurate return on investment.

Additionally, they offer the most comprehensive climatological database, with more than 8,000 weather station data points, making the Polysun system more accurate than any other program available.

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

Xunlight Corporation | www.xunlight.com Booth 1561

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

There are Only Two Sources You Can Depend on

Vela Solaris AG | www.velasolaris.com Booth 2655

Foundation solutions for compression and tension loadings Since 1912, CHANCE has supplied foundation solutions for both compression and tension loadings. Employing individuals with a combined 11,891 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, CHANCE and the Chance Alliance Network of over 400 certified installers and distributors are considered industry experts for commercial and residential deep foundations, foundation underpinning, lighting foundations, tiebacks, soil nailing, and now foundations for solar farms that go from “in-stall to in-business” in five minutes.

And, CHANCE products are approved by all national building code agencies— CHANCE provides the right solutions.

CHANCE | Chance Alliance Network www.abchance.com Booth 854

...and We’re Not 93 Million Miles Away Cell/Module Output Evaluation

Durability Performance Testing

Cell/Module Qualification Testing

Quality Reliability Tests of Vehicles and Components

Production Line Performance Testing

Urban Environment Simulation Tests

Batch/ Continuous Process Soak Systems

And, with local engineering, manufacturing, and support, there is no reason to look any further.

SOLAR SIMULATION SYSTEMS Quality Reliability Tests of Building Materials

Any solar simulation system is only as good as its light source. Only EYE Lighting/ Iwasaki Electric designs and manufactures the light source and optics system in addition to complete solar simulation equipment. This unique integrated approach ensures that your simulator is designed from inception around the proper lighting system for your particular application requirements.

Call today or visit www.eyelighting.com and click on the Solar Simulation Systems link to find a solution to your solar simulation needs.

Employing light technology to create a safe, comfortable and sustainable environment.

ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:2007 Certified; ISO 17025:2005 Accredited

North American Clean Energy

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show in print Testing & measurement products and services

With over 30 years of testing and measurement experience supporting the solar industry, Atlas offers a comprehensive list of products and services including consulting solutions, standard test equipment, custom testing systems, and testing services for the solar energy and PV markets. Atlas utilizes tailored weathering methodologies, solar simulation exposures, and instruments to measure durability of components/materials, cells, modules, and complete systems—and to help customers make informed material selection and product decisions in the shortest amount of time.

Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC | www.solardurability.com Booth 427

march 24-26

vancouver convention centre, canada

11TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & TRADE FAIR ON BUSINESS & THE ENVIRONMENT 11,000 participants, 2,000 conference delegates, 450 exhibitors, 70 countries represented, 1 opportunity not to be missed

Heat transfer appliances

US solar hot water manufacturer Heliodyne has introduced its newest line of “plug and play” heat transfer appliances, the Commercial Solar Station (HCOM).

The HCOM is a fully pre-assembled closed-loop heat transfer appliance that accommodates large, solar hot water projects of up to 100 flat plate collectors with a single module, while still larger projects can combine modules in parallel for limitless sizing potential.

The HCOM offers installers a predesigned, factory assembled, “plug and play” appliance that works universally with any commercial project reducing the design complexity and labor associated with larger installations. Commercial solar thermal systems can be complicated to the average solar professional. The HCOM eliminates a lot of the sizing and engineering guesswork, making larger commercial projects an easier task.

Heliodyne | www.heliodyne.com Booth 2476

Powering the Future Energy prices are volatile; accessibility and security of fossil fuel supplies questionable; and conservation and efficiency are the new priorities. Change is inevitable, but what will the future hold? Join industry experts from around the world as they discuss how they are managing uncertainty and share their future visions.

Conference Topics Featuring over 50 sessions, including: • • • • • •

Renewable Energy: Advancing the Profit Agenda Carbon Capture + Storage A North American Energy Strategy Renewable Energy Strategies for Cities Clean Energy CEO Roundtable Clean Technology Venture Funding

A Global Marketplace of Sustainable Solutions Experience North America’s largest international marketplace of advanced environmental and clean energy technologies, solutions and services.

• 450+ ground-breaking environmental solutions from Canada, USA, Europe and Asia • International Pavilions highlighting sustainable innovations from around the world • Special showcases for Clean Technology and Carbon Management

SAVE $500 Register before December 11, 2009

Presented by:

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Custom automation

Isthmus Engineering and Manufacturing provides innovative solutions for process automation, helping customers automate functions not served by existing manufacturing equipment. Isthmus has successfully delivered thousands of high-performance automation systems since 1980. The company has substantial experience in both material handling and assembly applications for products closely related to the solar industry. The company’s expertise ranges from miniature assembly to large-scale material handling and web processing.

Current Isthmus applications include integration and deployment of the Quattro high-speed handling robot, along with machine vision for robot guidance and parts inspection. Visit Isthmus for a live demonstration of the Adept Quattro robot with integrated guidance vision handling solar cells.

Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing www.isthmuseng.com Booth 753

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

High-performance polycrystalline module

Developed in conjunction with Porsche Engineering, BP Solar’s high-performance polycrystalline module incorporates the latest technological innovations, including a frame that exceeds the extended IEC 61215 load test (5400Pa) (even in end mount conditions) with a best-in-class weight per watt ratio for easier handling.

With BP Solar’s Integra Bus embedded Schottky bypass diodes (for improved heat management), comSolarPowerInternational.com bined with a power classification that includes allowance for initial energy loss caused by the LID effect, users will be assured of consistent, reliable power through the expected life of the system—and beyond.

BP Solar provides more value over the lifetime of the system, making solar energy affordable today.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

PV central inverter

The utility scale SMA Sunny Central 500U PV central inverter represents years of field-tested experience and reliability. The 500-kilowatt solar inverter enlarges SMA’s US commercial and utility offerings, allowing integrators and developers increased flexibility in system design. The updated unit delivers high efficiency—97%, by CEC-weighting standards—along with an integrated isolation transformer and an updated user interface with an intuitive graphic LCD display. With its updated user interface, the Sunny Central 500U offers a graphical readout of daily plant production, as well as the status of the PV array, inverter, and utility grid. The new Sunny Central 500U is now compatible with industry standard building management and energy service software protocols, and integrates easily into energy aware infrastructures. A vast array of communication options allows users to monitor energy production, system, and grid status, as well as weather data.

BP Solar | www.bpsolar.us Booth 1301

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

SMA America, Inc. www.sma-america.com Booth 1421

Solar product manufacturer & distributor

Samlex Solar, a division of Samlex America, is a diversified high-technology manufacturer and distributor of renewable energy products such as inverters, battery chargers, charge controllers, dc-dc converters, and solar panels. Known for having a relevant and comprehensive line of high-performance technologies, Samlex will feature an extensive selection of off-grid power conversion solutions. One of North America’s fastest growing resources for alternative energy products with locations in Canada, the US, and Europe, Samlex Solar is able to reduce lead times and provide enhanced shipping options to domestic and global clients.

Samlex Solar | www.samlexamerica.com Booth 2238 North American Clean Energy

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show in print Absolute positioning sensor for CSP/CPV systems

US Digital manufactures and supplies the CSP and CPV industries with high accuracy, rugged, cost-effective inclinometers and tilt sensors. The company is proud to introduce their latest innovation: the T7 absolute inclinometer. The T7 is an absolute inclinometer utilizing a unique solid-state sensor to give high accuracy tilt readings over a full 360° range. Positional accuracy is ± 0.1° with a resolution of 0.01°. The T7 is sealed, with an IP-67 rating. Typical applications include elevation control of heliostats and PV modules, parabolic trough tracking feedback, and Fresnel lens tracking feedback. US Digital specializes in standard and custom solutions to support solar tracking position sensing systems.

US Digital | www.usdigital.com Booth 3039

Converted materials for solar power systems

February 3 – 5, 2010 Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

Fabrico recently helped engineers from Pyron Solar solve materials challenges for their new, unique Triad solar concentrator system. The Triad is a floating solar system that takes advantage of large bodies of water to locate solar power near traditional population centers. Not only did Fabrico help enhance the performance of Pyron’s new solar system, but the company also reduced manufacturing costs through intelligent sourcing and process strategies.

Fabrico supports Pyron with a variety of converted materials, including foam panels that provide buoyancy for the Triad system. Triad’s solar panels float on water, ensuring proper orientation to the sun’s rays. Fabrico’s materials expertise is also applied to a variety of other system requirements, such as heat sinks between the optics unit and the solar cell, an edge seal tape between the lens and housing, and die cut 3M VHB adhesive materials that attach an electrical junction box to individual solar units.

Fabrico | www.fabrico.com Booth 444

! e t a D e h Save t Hosted by:

Organized by:

For more information on RETECH 2010 please visit www.retech2010.com or contact: Hunter Jones 713.343.1875 hunterj@tradefairgroup.com Tom Weirich, ACORE 202.777.7582 weirich@acore.org

Maintenance-free battery operation

Rolls Battery is pleased to announce the launch of their new sealed AGM product line. Available in 6V, 12V, and 2V models, enjoy the power and reliability expected from a Rolls Battery matched with the convenience of non-hazardous, maintenance-free operation. Details on the full line of AGM products is available on the company website. Contact a Rolls Battery distributor or dealer for pricing.

Rolls Battery | www.rollsbattery.com Booth 2752

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65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Data logger add-on module

When it comes to solar water heating systems, users are most comfortable when they know what’s going on in their system—how much energy is being generated; the temperature in the collectors; the heat of the water in the storage tank. To access this information, users can rely on Caleffi Solar’s DL2 data logger add-on module, which enables the acquisition and storage of large amounts of data over a long period of time from any iSolar differential temperature controller. Depending on data logging intervals, the DL2 can store over 10 years of an iSolar controller data. The DL2 has a built-in EthSolarPowerInternational.com ernet jack and an SD card slot for accessing stored data.

For extraction of the data stored in the internal memory of the DL2 data logger to a PC, an SD card can be used or, if the data logger is connected to a LAN router, the data can be extracted to any PC connected to the same LAN. The DL2’s network IP address can be changed and password protected.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect

Caleffi Solar | www.caleffi.us Booth 2679

with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

THE NEXT BIG THING!

Introducing the fastest, strongest, most revolutionary ground mount solution EVER! Commercial inverter

PV Powered’s 260kW solar inverter delivers a number of performance and reliability breakthroughs, including 97% CEC efficiency at 295VDC. The PVP260kW also advances the MPPT voltage performance barrier in two critical areas: 1) a standard 295VDC input and an optional 265VDC minimum tap; 2) the ability to operate at full nameplate power output across the entire input voltage range. Developed with extensive customer input, this highly integrated commercial inverter saves installers time and money by including load-rated AC & DC service disconnects, neutral-free installation, oversized busbar landings, and generous cable bending areas for top, bottom, and side cable entry options.

PV Powered designs and manufactures their line of residential and commercial inverters in the US. In today’s highly competitive PV industry, where lifetime cost per kWh is as important as the initial cost per watt, the ability to innovate is critical, and the PVP260kW inverter increases reliability by building on the same proven architecture, iterative time-dependent modeling, and validation processes used to develop the highly successful PVP75kW and PVP100kW.

Imagine BIG Possibilities.

The ISYS Ground Mount solution is the first modular framing system utilizing modern techniques for large scale utility and commercial projects. Designed to deliver the most cost effective system, the ISYS Ground Mount has a total installed cost as low as $0.40 per watt with an industry leading installation rate of more than 10 modules per man-hour.

Size compared to

www.unirac.com

PV Powered | www.pvpowered.com Booth 1513

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Booth #1615

Bright Thinking in Solar

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High-energy yield solar modules

In a recent on-site test conducted by the Desert Knowledge Australia Center (see www.dkasolarcentre.com.au), Trina Solar c-Si modules ranked second best in terms of actual electricity generated (From December 1st, 2008 to July 31st, 2009—test funded by the Australian Government). In over eight months of continuous testing, Trina Solar modules consistently outperformed several leading European, Japanese, and American brands in one of the world’s harshest environments, the Australian desert. And Trina Solar has achieved these remarkable energy yields while boasting one of the best cost-structures in the industry. Combining high performance with affordability, Trina Solar is dedicated to doing its part to move the solar industry towards grid parity.

Trina Solar | www.trinasolar.com Booth 1901

PV power equipment kits

KYOCERA Solar’s MyGen Grid-Connected Systems are convenient and comprehensive PV power equipment kits designed specifically for residential applications.

There are only five kits to choose from, ranging from 1kW to 5kW, to make the selection process easier for the installer and end-user. Each MyGen kit is unique as it offers a five-step program to determine the correct size of system needed and is a complete solution, pre-engineered with the highest expertise to optimize system performance and meet applicable NEC codes and requirements, as well as all UL tests.

All kits come with light, permit-ready documentation/line drawings, a thorough installation/user manual, easy grounding method, and are combinable for larger sizes, offer smart metering with a monitoring option, consistent components and full customer, technical, and training support for the program. The MyGen GridConnected Systems features the latest Kyocera module (KD 180 watt), combined with UNIRAC SolarMount racking, and inverters from PV Powered. The kit can be ordered with a single part number and can be shipped in the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Latin America.

KYOCERA Solar, Inc. | www.kyocerasolar.com/products/mygen.html Booth 1101

Visit us at Solar Power International Booth # 2646.

Simulation software for PV and solar thermal systems

A N E S S E N T I A L PA RT N E R Unistrut® Energy Solutions, focuses on the balance of the system; we treat the mounting structure as one of the key components of a solar installation.

Our full-range of capabilities includes: • Strong product portfolio • Experienced engineering resource • Proven project management and installation • In-house parts fabrication

In July 2009, Valentin EnergySoftware, a software development company serving the international energy sector and building professionals, established its US company Valentin Software, Inc. The company is excited that they will now be able to support existing and new customers in the US with an office in California, and a top American general manager who has extensive experience in both the solar and software industries. Valentin EnergySoftware, which celebrates 20 years of operations, specializes in design, planning, and simulation software for PV and solar thermal systems. It is well known in the US and around the world for its reliable and easy to use PV*SOL and T*SOL software. Valentin also develops customized applications for solar manufacturers and dealers to give them the edge in a competitive market.

Visit the company website for further information, free demos, and tutorials.

Valentin EnergySoftware | www.valentin-software.com Booth 1433

Visit us at Solar Power International Booth # 2646 to find out how we can optimize your design and create a durable structure that reduces material and labor costs.

Program management, negotiation & risk management

Broadlands Financial Group is one of the only companies in the US to have been involved in utility scale trough CSP, tower CSP, and PV projects. Broadlands’ range of services for renewable energies includes full program management and construction oversight, debt and equity financing acquisition, pro forma modeling, PPA negotiations, and project loss control strategies including disbursement and financial models at completion. With close to five billion dollars in renewable energy projects on the table, Broadlands Financial Group has restructured its operations team to better support this rapidly expanding service sector.

16100 S. Lathrop Ave | Harvey, IL 60426 | 800-882-5543 | info@unistrutenergy.com | www.unistrutenergy.com

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Broadlands Financial Group | www.broadlandsfinancial.com Booth 3274

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Scribe inspection, on-line

The Dark Field Technologies NxtGen system utilizes proprietary dark field optics combined with sophisticated algorithms to deliver 100% inspection of all scribes, online, real-time. The system utilizes line scan technology to achieve the required 100% coverage. Special dark field optics give a large depth of field; the system performance is SolarPowerInternational.com unaffected by normal variations in conveyor speed, panel bounce, or panel warp. Scribe width measurements are normally accurate to ±5 µm, and the system has achieved measurement accuracies of ±2 µm depending on the panel presentation.

Outputs from the system include a defect map, alarms, defect images, control limits for scribe width and defects, Ethernet network link and digital outputs/reject sheet signals. The system is also available with integrated panel warp measurement. Systems are 100% designed and built in the US. Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

Heat transfer system

The new heat transfer system Solex DWHX is a high-performance solution for solar thermal systems with a small footprint. The unit combines the functionality of a solar pumping station for closed loop systems with an integrated heat exchanger and a secondary loop for the storage tank. Features of this unit are: double wall high exchanger for optimized performance of the solar system; solar loop with 3-speed pump for solar use; flowmeter; air separator; checkvalves and isolating ball valves; and, 3-speed bronze pump in secondary loop and isolating valves. The integrated and pre-wired controller complements the unit and leads to an easy installation and easy start-up.

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

Dark Field Technologies, Inc. | www.darkfield.com Booth 1005

PAW | www.paw.eu Booth 2688

Electrical services for solar systems

The PowerPlus Group is a supplier of DPC (Design Procure Construct) electrical services for both PV systems and concentrated solar systems. PowerPlus provides the complete range of services needed to move power from its solar source to the grid. Recent PowerPlus projects include engineering a 6.3 mW PV grid roof system for the US Army at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, and engineering the medium voltage connections for a 3.2 mW PV grid system for Davis Monthan AFB. PowerPlus also provides a full range of DPC services to suppliers of concentrated solar systems. The PowerPlus staff includes all disciplines of engineering and electro/ mechanical construction. The company also engineers and constructs power blocks, sub-stations, O.H. and underground transmission systems up to 500 kV. PowerPlus has offices in Connecticut, Florida, and Arizona with project sites located throughout the country.

PowerPlus Group www.thepowerplusgroup.com Booth 3145

The power behind the panel.

Just as nature adapts to change, so must we. Harnessing the sun's unlimited potential is one of the ways customers are meeting the demands of tomorrow's energy requirements. Trina Solar offers an array of efficient and reliable photovoltaic products that meet those demands today. Plus, Trina Solar’s international team of dedicated professionals is helping customers across the globe achieve their vision before and after the sale.

Adapting - just one more example of the real power behind the panel.

For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.

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PV modules & portable solar kits

Solarland USA is pleased to announce the opening of its North American Distribution Center located in Ontario, California. Coupled with the Solarland USA sales office established in 2008 near Chicago, they are able to offer complete product support and customer service to customers in North America. The products being offered from the warehouse at this time include the SLP Series of PV panels, ranging in size from 3W to 200W, as well as portable solar kits. The SLP Series panels are covered by a two-year workmanship/component warranty, with the power output guaranteed at 90% for 10 years and 80% for 25 years.

Solarland USA | www.solarland.com Booth 2433

Quick install ground mount applications

As the newest product in the Zilla line, the Helical has proved to be an indispensable asset to ground mount applications. Next Generation Energy’s extensive construction experience has lead to a cost-effective design specifically for renewable energy products, allowing for seamless integration from system to ground mount, with advanced structural strength and minimal cost. NGE’s Helical product requires no concrete; anchors can be set in less than a minute and are immediately ready for leveling and attachment. Foundation, racking, and panels for smaller projects can be completed in a single day, saving days worth of labor, parts, and materials. The Zilla Helical system has proven to be a superior means of installation for most ground mount systems—75% of the steel used is from recycled auto parts.

Next Generation Energy | www.ngeus.com | http://zillarac.com Booth 2885

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Solar panel test chamber

BETAflam® Solar Clean cables for clean energy

BETAflam® 125 Solar is a label of our Solar & Wind Power Business Unit. These cables are halogen free, flame retardant and electron-beam cross-linked. With TÜV PFG 1169/08.2007 approval and UL listed as PV wire and USE-2, the wires are suitable for worldwide applications.

The Quality Connection LEONI Studer AG · Herrenmattstrasse 20 · CH - 4658 Däniken, Switzerland · Phone +41 (0)62 288 82 82 · Fax +41 (0)62 288 83 83 · www.leoni-solar-wind-power.com

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Cincinnati Sub-Zero (CSZ) will be releasing their solar panel test chamber, model SPH-110 with over 3,000 liters of workspace. The test chamber is designed to accommodate multiple solar panels for testing all three sections of the IEC temperature cycling, humidity freeze, and damp heat test specifications. These state-of-the-art environmental chambers are designed for increased performance, energy efficiency, ease of service, reduced utility, and maintenance costs. Documented energy savings of 30% to 54% are obtained by using CSZ’s proven and patented Tundra system. The system includes CSZ’s advanced EZT-560i controller for easy operation and virtual control.

Standard features include the CSZ EZT-560i touch-screen controller for data logging, data-file access via USB stick, Ethernet control and monitoring, alarm notification via email or phone message, data-file backup, and more. Small- and large-sized models are available to accommodate various size solar cells and panels.

Cincinnati Sub-Zero Products, Inc. www.cszindustrial.com Booth 2456

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Large-scale inverter

The LTi REEnergy large-scale inverter PVmaster 450-100-ET with 100 kW AC nominal power is ideal for all standard module types. The use of over one million LTi inverters in the past 35 years testifies to the high quality of the components, which guarantee a maximum efficiency of 97%. The PVmaster comes with a five-year warranty as standard. Service and system monitoring contracts can be concluded with a term of up SolarPowerInternational.com to 20 years. The PVmaster ET is available on the North American market with an external transformer, which is manufactured in co-operation with the local supplier.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

LTi REEnergy | www.lt-i.com Booth 1489

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

Thin film tandem junction modules

Sunfilm AG, Grossroehrsdorf and Sunova AG, Grasbrunn recently announced that Sunova is completing projects with a combined capacity of over 1MWp of Sunfilm’s Model Q in various projects in Germany and Spain. Model Q is Sunfilm’s tandem junction silicon thin film module, manufactured in Grossroehrsdorf in a 1.1 x 1.3m2 format. Sunova has developed special mounting systems, connecting to the back bars of Sunfilm’s Model Q for installations on certain membrane or trapezoid industrial flat roofs. These mounting systems, called “Quick Fix” (applied for patents) are designed to have superior mechanical stability, as well as fast installation times and minimal material requirement.

Sunfilm AG | www.sunfilm.com Booth 3375

PRESENTED BY:

Performance Industry-leading field performance is the advantage built into every one of our photovoltaic modules.

PV kit for leak-free solar assembly

The concept of combining PV arrays with standing seam metal roofing is growing— and for good reasons. A standing seam metal roof has a life expectancy consistent with that of crystalline PV modules. A 30-year power source, on a 30-year roof with zero penetrations couples the most sustainable roof system available with alternative power generation.

With the S-5-PV Kit and any S-5!

Mini clamps, installing a leak-free solar assembly is a quick and easy process. The patented design of the attachment clamp and attendant round-point setscrews enables an entire installation without a single penetration of the roof’s surface. The S-5!

Mini clamps are a handy way to install everything from the PV modules to the electrical chases. Providing flexibility, S-5! offers two kits to accommodate various PV frame thicknesses.

Learn more at www.day4energy.com

Or visit us at EU PVSEC in Hamburg, Sept. 21-24 & Solar Power International in Anaheim, Oct. 27-29

MORE THAN POWER™ northamerica@day4energy.com +1 604 297 0444

S-5! | www.s-5.com Booth 2722 North American Clean Energy

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Utility/commercial ground mount solution

Unirac Inc. has launched the ISYS Ground Mount, a modular mounting solution utilizing innovative installation techniques and offering value for the large-scale utility and commercial PV market. Designed for projects ranging between 500 kilowatts to megawatts, ISYS has a total installed cost as low as $0.35 per watt, which includes foundation to hardware costs and labor. Time trials have proven an installation rate of more than 10 modules per man-hour.

Designed with steel I-beam components that have optimal strength to weight ratio, ISYS has the delivery capability of up to 5MW per week.

ISYS components require zero field fabrication—no welding, drilling, or cutting at the installation site, making ISYS fast to install with consistent and repeatable installation steps. In addition, ISYS’ smart design allows for prefabrication of sub-assemblies prior to delivery to project sites. ISYS is engineered to accommodate every foundation option (driven pile, pre-cast concrete ballast, screw type earth auger, traditional excavation, and concrete pier), enabling customers to select the best foundation system for their project site.

Unirac Inc. | www.unirac.com Booth 1615

Increasing PV system capability

WAGO Corporation’s comprehensive automation suite, the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, features 300+ advanced analog, digital, and specialty I/O modules that improve PV performance. The I/O system brings extensive networking capability and specialty functions to the entire solar chain, from PV production to PV performance monitoring to solar tracking.

Several WAGO analog modules interface with common current sensors to monitor DC current production. Fieldbus-independent networking capabilities instantly transmit PV performance data to higher-level systems. WAGO’s Bluetooth RFTransceiver Module streamlines data transmission in large-scale solar applications. Plus, the Bluetooth 2.0 radio technology eliminates extensive sensor wiring and exchanges process data, reducing costs associated with cable-based data transmission. Motion controllers, such as the 750-671 Stepper Motor Module, provide comprehensive capabilities to solar tracking panels. Integrating a stepper motor and servo drive control into the fieldbus node, WAGO’s stepper motor module oversees alignment of PV components with the sun’s arch, improving collection efficiency.

PV monitoring solution

CARLO GAVAZZI’s Eos-Array is an expandable combination of modules that provides complete control of a PV plant. The core unit is the VMU-M, which performs local bus management of both measuring units, the VMU-S and the VMU-P, as well as the VMU-O I/O unit. The VMU-M assigns the local unit address automatically and gathers the local measurements coming from VMU-S and VMU-P measuring units. The VMU-M can provide, via the VMU-O modules, two relay outputs to manage alarms and/ or external loads (such as a lighting system, a PV washing system, etc.) and two PV panel temperature inputs. The VMU-S is the DC powermeasuring unit (generated by the PV panel), features a built-in fuse holder. The VMU-P collects relevant environmental data (through external sensors), such as wind speed, air temperature, and sun irradiation. The Eos-ArraySoft is freeware software, which downloads the Eos-Array system memory to the PC, for improved PV plant efficiency and analysis.

CARLO GAVAZZI www.gavazzionline.com Booth 1642

WAGO Corporation | www.wago.us Booth 2673

Organic PV material

Konarka Technologies is showcasing Power Plastic, its award-winning organic photovoltaic (OPV) material that can be integrated into a limitless array of applications—from microelectronics and portable power to remote power and building products. Power Plastic is being integrated into products such as solar-powered sensors, mobile phonecharging backpacks, and camping gear, plus carport covers that can trickle charge an electric vehicle, portable emergency communications systems, and energy generating windows embedded with transparent OPV panels.

Konarka Technologies www.konarka.com Booth 1660 68

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65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

PV installation

Since 1919, Rosendin Electric has been at the head of the electrical construction industry. Currently ranked second in the US for electrical work and first in the electrical construction of wind farms, Rosendin Electric has taken this experience to the solar industry. With over 35 MW of PV experience completed or under contract, Rosendin Electric’sSolarPowerInternational.com core mission is to provide unparalleled service, safety, and value, which is the reason over 90% of their work is with repeat customers.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

Quick-locking pin for assembly operations

Pivot Point Incorporated has invented a new quick locking pin named the SLIC Pin (US patent number 6,872,039, foreign patents pending). The pin functions as a pin and cotter all in one. SLIC is an acronym for Self Locking Implanted Cotter and, as the name implies, the pin is secure and self-locking through the use of an implanted plunger (locking detent) that effectively functions as a selfcontained cotter pin. The pin features a solid, spring loaded “wedge shaped plunger” that combines ease of use with secure fastening. The wedge-shaped plunger easily and automatically retracts when the pin is inserted into a hole. The angled, ramp-like face of the wedge ensures smooth insertion. Once fully inserted, the plunger springs back up, locking the pin into the application. The vertical face at the rear of the plunger prevents the pin from backing out. The SLIC Pin is intended for use as a semi-permanent quick locking pin and replaces other labor-intensive fastening combinations.

Pivot Point Incorporated www.pivotpins.com Booth 2726

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect

Rosendin Electric | www.rosendin.com Booth 726

with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

Visit us in BOOTH 753 at Solar Power International in Anaheim.

Our expertise + your expertise

= a successful partnership

Components fabrication services

By providing complete components fabrication services, Unistrut Energy Solutions hopes to meet two of the organizations chief goals: reducing costs and installation time. These services give them the capability to deliver ready to install parts directly to the job site, enabling them to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce unnecessary costs. Their engineering staff is highly experienced in working with their products and can aid in developing timely, well designed, and easy to set-up components. This will lead to an efficient design that will help reduce labor time and lower the total cost of installation. Fabrication capabilities include: laser cutting, bending, swaging, hole-punching assembly, welding, haven cutting, cold saw cutting, and packaging.

Custom Automation Solutions for Green Industries • Precision Assembly • Material Handling • Vision-Guided Robotics

• High-Speed Applications • Web Handling Systems • Testing/Inspection

Isthmus is a worker-owned cooperative.

4035 Owl Creek Drive

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Madison, WI 53718-4405

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608.222.9000

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isthmuseng.com

Unistrut Energy Solutions www.unistrutenergysolutions.com Booth 2646 North American Clean Energy

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Control devices for green energy

Our targets continue to perform, where others run on empty:

Lauritzen Inc. is the first company to announce and demonstrate use of a portable device, such as an Apple iPhone or Apple iPod touch, controlling and monitoring Green Energy systems deployed with Lauritzen Inc. controllers and software. The use of Apple iPod touch or Apple iPhone creates another dimension to the control and monitoring trackers or other systems while in the field. Customers have expressed a need for a simple, portable device to do that—and Lauritzen did. Local Wi-Fi access enables the iPhone or iPod to discover and communicate with solar trackers, solar thermal, and wind systems. The portable devices leverage the Valhalla server to gather and display the relevant information. The iPod touch software will be available as a free download to users.

Lauritzen Inc. | www.lauritzen.biz Booth 1354

Turnkey inspection systems for thin film panels

Optical inspection systems play an important role when it comes to the optimization of the production process to improve yield and maximize the output quality. Schenk Vision’s SolarInspect series is designed to fulfill the special requirements throughout the production of thin film solar panels.

These turnkey vision systems offer reliable quality control throughout the running production process. In addition, continuous monitoring of the process allows timely corrective action to be taken when process deviations occur.

Optical inspection systems can be installed after each processing step of the thin film solar panel—from the float glass line up to the final product. Schenk’s SolarInspect systems detect, pinpoint, and accurately classify defects and irregularities on the surface and edges from the incoming glass through to the finished solar panel. The user-friendly graphical interface provides clear diagrams and analyzing tools, displaying detailed defect information together with high-resolution images.

Schenk Vision LLC | www.schenkvision.com Booth 671

PLANSEE rotary and planar sputtering targets offer: - Best target utilization through optimized geometries - Full density and high purity - Homogenous microstructure

Visit us at Solar Power International Booth # 771 Anaheim, CA 10/27 - 10/29/09

PLANSEE USA LLC., Franklin, MA 02038, USA Tel.: 508 553-3800, Fax: 508 553-3823 usa@plansee.com, www.plansee-usa.com

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Green transportation

Grid-tie pre-engineered system

Union Pacific Railroad | www.up.com Union Pacific Distribution Services | www.upds.com Booth 1013

SunWize Technologies, Inc. | www.sunwize.com Booth 201

Union Pacific Railroad, one of the largest railroads in North America, in conjunction with Union Pacific Distribution Services (UPDS), specializes in providing rail-based logistics solutions to a variety of logistics and service-sensitive industries including solar, wind, and automotive. The company offers a total logistics solution by combining carload, intermodal, and truckload with shipment visibility to support efficient supply chains. They’re dedicated to the solar industry and transport virtually all solar project components—from the sand and steel required to manufacture solar collectors to the finished product, even the construction and transmission materials required for the job. Plus, they do all of this in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner.

Shipping by rail is inherently more economical and greener than truck. Union Pacific can move a ton of freight—830 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, the equivalent to 400 mpg in an automobile. And, each ton of freight moved by rail reduces greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds compared to truck.

nacleanenergy.com

SunWize Technologies, Inc. has incorporated the SANYO N Series 215 W solar module into 58 new configurations of its popular Grid-Tie System packages. The new SunWize Grid-Tie Systems with SANYO N Series 215 W produce more power and cost less than the best-selling SANYO BA19 200 W packages. For example, a 4.3 kW package with 20 N Series 215 W modules delivers 7% more power and costs over $900 less than the comparable 4 kW package with twenty 200 W BA19 modules.

SunWize Grid-Tie System packages are pre-engineered, complete solutions that come with permit-ready documentation and an installation manual. They are ordered with a single part number and can be shipped from stock, free of freight charges, direct to a customer’s shop or jobsite. SunWize Grid-Tie Systems are available in a wide range of configurations. The new additions to the product line feature the SANYO N Series 215 W solar module combined with UNIRAC SolarMount racking and inverters.

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

SolarPowerInternational.com Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/ installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

Power harvesting and monitoring system

SolarEdge’s distributed power harvesting and monitoring system maximizes the energy production of any solar PV site by up to 25%, while dramatically reducing cost and complexities. SolarEdge’s end-to-end solution consists of three elements: “PowerBoxes,” which are panel-embedded optimizers based on a groundbreaking chipset, a highly reliable inverter, and a built-in performance monitoring at panel level.

Unlike traditional inverters that cannot optimize each panel’s output, or micro-inverters that add to the cost of each panel, SolarEdge provides the following benefits while reducing the cost of energy: maximum energy due to recouping of energy losses related to panel mismatch, partial shading, and voltage fluctuation; enhanced maintenance at lower M&O cost through remote visibility of individual module performance; fault detection and troubleshooting; a unique safety mechanism that shuts-off hazardous DC voltage to protect electricians and firefighters when they service roofs. The system’s constraint-free site design simplifies installation, allows for optimal PV utilization of any space, and makes clean PV energy affordable in more locations.

SolarEdge | www.solaredge.com Booth 2438

PRESENTED BY:

Grid-tied PV systems

CentroSolar America announced their latest product offering: SunPAC grid tie systems. SunPAC systems provide residential installers a superior PV package solution, including state-of-the-art UL listed components, ensuring a perfect installation.

CentroSolar offers many system packages tailored to suit every roof type. Every SunPAC system is offered with CentroSolar ‘D’ series high-efficiency polycrystalline PV modules enabling maximum output in limited space. Each SunPAC system has been professionally engineered for optimum performance, designed in accordance with NEC and building code standards.

While saving time and money for solar integrators is foremost, years of experience have resulted in the industry’s most complete-code compliant PV system package, with best-in-class balance of system (BOS) electrical and mechanical components, which eliminates separately sourcing hard to find parts. CentroSolar is a publicly traded solar company in Europe with over 800 employees. Their product offerings include PV Modules, as well as components like solar glass, mounting system and integration services.

CentroSolar America | www.centrosolaramerica.com Booth 2314

Left in the dark?

Let our experts shed some light on your solar projects •Due diligence services •PV & CSP consultancy services •Owner's engineer •Site assessment & feasibility studies •Energy assessment & uncertainty estimations

•Support measurement campaigns •Energy optimization of PV layout •Supplier comparison •Electrical infrastructure design •Technical asset evaluation

www.garradhassan.com

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Test set for controlling input for inverter design & development

Newdoll Enterprises has just released a state-of-the-art test set for fully controlling input for inverter design and development. This new “Solar Panel Emulator” has programmable solar panel characteristics. Both static and transient (dynamic) characteristics of solar panels are accurately emulated. The Emulator is ideal for developing and verifying MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithms; has programmable photocurrent profiles for sunrise, sunset, and cloud emulation; has a true analog output stage with output power up to 275 W; is adjustable short-circuit current (Isc) from 0.01A to 11A and adjustable open-circuit voltage (Voc) from 16V to 55V; and, is fully protected against overheating, over voltage, and over current with an input voltage of: 100V to 240V, 50/60 Hz. Further features include: galvanically isolated USB interface for full remote control; the ability to be connected in series to emulate full PV strings; the ability to connect a real solar panel (fully shaded) for perfect, panel-specific emulation; and, LCD display monitors output voltage, current, ripples, and power.

Newdoll Enterprises LLC | www.newdollenterprises.com Accurate Solar Power | www.accuratesolarpower.com Booth 2257 Solar Power Intl | Anaheim, CA Oct. 27-29 | Anaheim Center Visit CITEL Booth# 2654

800.248.3548 | www.citel.us

Reliability In Surge Protection

Surge Protection Since 1937 A comprehensive approach to the application of lightning and surge protection will help to ensure the maximum life expectancy and efficiency for your solar PV power system. The following illustration details the application points for the surge protectors and the primary protection goal of each device.

Are you protected?

1 AC Distribution Panel DS150E

2 Inverter AC Output 3 Data/Signal Lines 4 Inverter DC Input

DS40S/G

M200

5 PV Array Combiner DS60PV DS

V DS50PV

1 2

4

fast, easy PV mounting that lasts

Combining photovoltaic arrays with standing seam metal roofing is made fast and easy with the S-5-PV Kit. Crystalline PV modules mounted with the S-5-PV Kit produces a reliable 30-year alternative power source. The patented design of the attachment clamp and attendant round-point setscrew enables an entire installation without a single penetration of the roof’s surface! If you want it strong without sacrificing your roof, this is the right way!

With a series of design innovations focused on reducing installation costs, Schletter, Inc. has developed an uncomplicated, cost-effective method of adding additional tilt to nearly flat sheet metal roofs, the FixZ-7. Adding this additional tilt of 5 to 7 degrees to flat roofs solves two common problems: low power output yields from a roof-parallel (or “flush mounting”), and improvement of the selfcleaning of the modules. Often, it is not economical to increase the tilt by adding supporting triangles, nor is it structurally possible to add support triangles due to the increased wind load forces imparted to the roof. The FixZ-7 aluminum profiles (recommended for module heights from 4.2 to 5.6 feet mounted in a portrait configuration) are designed to be easily installed to the roof using Schletter’s KlickTop attachment.

Schletter, Inc. | www.schletter-inc.us Booth 1387

COR P

Project Ass incorporat primary ch support s industry, bo the DOE manufactu and a Since 197 record of and contin organizatio

A revolutionary new solution to attach solar PV panels to standing seam metal roofs!

5

3

Solar powerful!

Elevation for slightly inclined metal roofs

DS50PV

DLA

To learn more about the entire S-5! line of attachment solutions visit us at www.S-5.com or call us at 888-825-3432 Toll Free 1 800.248.3548 | Fax: 954.430.7785

www.citel.us | info@citel.us

See us at Solar Power International Booth #2722

Solar quality standard

September / October 2009

nacleanenergy.com

PAC

enjo

client The growing demand for clean energy our manageme services, t has led to a resurgence in the solar documenta to product dedicated industry, but solar lacks an industry in solving t wide ‘Quality Standard.’ To address this performan need, Project Assistance Corporation, in cooperation with several major solar E X P E R I E N C E T H AT CO U N T S equipment manufacturers, suppliers, PAC is an organization of professionals with more than 60 employees, all of which have over 20 years of experie multitude of industries. We havehas managedinitiated client projects that total billion dollars; 2 billion in fossil power; 1 and providers, a 15pilot pro2 billion in oil & gas; 5 billion in nuclear; 1 billion in government and 300 million in renewable energy engineerin gram to develop a following solar-specific QualOur Expertise includes serving the industries and agencies: Electric Power • Architect/Engineers & Constructors ity•• Standard.

A standard would result in Nuclear/Fossil Power Generation • Renewable Energy Engineering/Design Packages • Manufacturing • Spent Fuel Storage/Transportation • Department of Defense higher quality products and lower costs • Department of Energy • Federal Aviation Administration while benefiting larger solar companies • Telecommunications • Petrochemical/Chemical along with smaller commercial and • Pharma/Biotech • Deactivation/Decontamination/Demolition • Environmental Restoration/Monitoring residential providers. They hope this solar QA program will lead to widely adopted industry standards, making large operations more efficient and protecting consumers from substandard work.

Project Assistance Corporation www.pacpeople.com Booth 533 72

PAC provid consulting manageme and confi quality as surveys, e assessment services a services.

ADVERTISEMENT

Innovative Energy Done Right How Safety and Rigorous Quality Standards Add Zing to Bottom Lines While reducing client stress and uncertainty, TTi’s move has also amplified client loyalty and increased sales.

Conclusion TTi showcases how a company can achieve innovative energy by applying safety and rigorous quality standards to its products. The results: Happy customers and increased bottom lines.

Many players are making headway in photovoltaic (PV) product design and standards, but only a handful are achieving the intended results while setting new benchmarks for safety and innovation. While great design can be attractive, product quality, security, and affordability are the end-user’s utmost concern.

Case Study A player making gargantuan strides in the arena is Thompson Technology Industries (TTi®)—a worldwide leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative solar PV products.

Founded by experienced contractors and solar installers, TTi develops and builds its products for ease of use, elegance in design, quality, and performance longevity. Their extensive catalog spans state-of-the art solar trackers like the SunSeeker® and inventive solar mounts like the Flat Jack®.

Just recently TTi reached another milestone by having its Flat Jack become the first and only International Code Council (ICC) certified solar mount (www.icc-es.org, evaluation report #ESR-1999). The rigorous certification process assures clients that ICC certified products have been held to the highest standards possible.

About the milestone, TTi’s CEO Thomas S. Rooney, Jr. states: “The certification gives our clients and end-users peace of mind. It also serves as a catalyst for raising the bar across the industry, while making our product a hassle-free superior option for everyone.”

Nothing is worse than getting a call from a customer after a project telling you that the system you installed is “broken.” Not only does this cost time and money, it costs you your reputation.

“TTi recognized the need for safety and quality standards” says John Patrick, TTi’s VP of Sales, and adds “we felt this was an important achievement to continue our leadership position within the industry.

At the end of the day, clients who purchase the Flat Jack experience instant savings in cost, mounting time, and materials while safeguarding the longevity and ROI of their projects.”

For more information about TTi visit www.ttisolar.com or call 415.475.5480. TTi will exhibit at Solar Power International’s booth 2354 (October 27-29, 2009). For more information about the ICC visit www.icc-es.org.

The FLAT JACK SOLAR MOUNT

®

Now ICC Certified.

View our ICC report at www.icc-es.org, Evaluation Report #ESR-1999

You want a solar mounting solution that’s stronger, simpler, and waterproof positive.

The Flat Jack® takes no special tools, no special training, and can shave 25% off of installation time. And it’s the FIRST AND ONLY solar mount to be ICC certified.

See it in action at Solar Power International, Anaheim (Oct.27-29) – Booth #2354

Call today and receive 10% off your first order. Mention promo code NACE1009

877.251.1803 www.ttisolar.com Offer valid for first time customers only.

show in print Batteries: 12 Volt, 6 Volt & 2 Volt

Sun Xtender Series by Concorde Battery Corporation has released three new batteries: PVX-4050HT, 6 Volt L-16 size; PVX-12150HT, 2 Volt L-16 size; and, PVX1530T, 12 volt Tall 30H. Concorde Battery is the only manufacturer in the US producing these new AGM sizes. All the new Sun Xtender designs offer sealed, valveregulated lead acid absorbed glass mat designs that have been proven and adopted by worldwide commercial users and military users. The non-spillable construction allows the battery to be used upright or on its end or side, and the maintenance-free AGM design means no water replenishment ever. Utilizing pure lead-calcium grids, the plates are thicker than the industry standard for longer cycle life, increased reliability, and power. The low impedance AGM design allows for excellent charge acceptance and there is no current limit required with controlled voltage charging.

Sun Xtender (A Division of Concorde Battery Corporation) www.sunxtender.com Booth 2521

R

Your Solution in Mounting Products Solar

.

H2O

.

Conduit

.

HVAC

.

Custom

The ALL-IN-ONE Waterproof Flashing & Mount For Engineers & Installers who DEMAND: Code Compliance 50 Year Lifespan Labor Savings No Roof Cutting NEW Works with all Racks Meets NRCA’S Standards & Best Practices

Maximum Thermal Performance with Pre-Insulated

®

SunPipe

Type M (or L) hard copper pipe supplied in 12 or 20 foot lengths complete with nominal 1½-2” thick high temp (300°F) polyurethane foam insulation in a seamless black polyethylene jacket. Available in ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ½”, 2" and 2.5” diameters*.

Fittings are factory insulated for direct bury or supplied with userfriendly insulation kits for above ground applications.

Features Efficiency Factory applied polyurethane (best material on the market) equals less heat loss … delivering more energy from solar collector to tank.

Components for manufacturing PV wafers

Schunk Graphite Technology and associated members of the global Schunk Group manufacture a complete line of products used in the production of PV wafers. These include wafer carriers and boats for coating processes, a full line of furnace components for crystal growing, as well as purified products and those containing either pyrolytic carbon or silicon carbide coatings. Schunk manufactures the materials used in these products and works to optimize the products for the greatest efficiency in each individual processes. They support a broad offering of products with sales, customer service, and technical experts across North America.

Schunk Graphite Technology www.schunkgraphite.com Booth 233

Durability Tough, UV resistant PE jacket is built to last.

Flexibility Urecon SunPipe® can be joined by standard solder, compression couplers or push-fit connection fittings - your choice.

Simplicity Piping arrives ready-to-install.

FLAT TILE

COMPOSITION

SHAKE

925-687-6686

www.quickmountpv.com Ask for it by name at your PV distributor

urecon.com | pexflex.net *Other core pipe and jacket materials/sizes available upon request.

Ask us about flexible CU-Flex - insulated copper pipe shipped in coils.

Surge protector for direct current solar application

Large PV installations are generating at 600 and 1,000 Volts DC, which has placed new demands on the current SPD technology products, which are intended to protect inverters and other equipment connected to combiner boxes. Responding to this demand, DEHN has developed and introduced a new Surge Protection Device, specifically designed to function under the issues associated with these DC voltages. The new DEHNguard M PV-SCI containing a switched fused circuit in parallel to the MOV circuit solves the issue, and will be UL 1449 3rd edition compliant for these DC voltage applications, protecting a system against the issues of lightning caused surges.

DEHN Inc. | www.dehn-usa.com Booth 2716

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65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Managing core business processes

When it comes to successfully running operations with a global reach in the rapidly expanding solar power industry, managing core business processes effectively and efficiently is critical to a company’s success. SAP offers applications and services that enable companies of all types to become best-run businesses. These solutions help solar companies increase manufacturing efficiency, improve production quality and capacity, and lower operational costs. Other applications include finance, human reSolarPowerInternational.com sources, operations, and supply chain, all critical to driving growth in business. SAP’s environmental health and safety compliance solutions enable management of the lifecycle of solar panels and their sustainability solutions enable efficient recycling of old panels.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others

from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

SAP Americas | www.sap.com/usa/solar Booth 3033

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

Pluggable solar solutions

Wieland’s family of PST 40i1 connectors provides pluggable connections on the solar inverter’s DC side over extended cable runs. Featuring a 40A DC capability and superior contact conductivity, these connectors satisfy the trend toward increased input on solar string inverters. The IP 68 ingress protection rating ensures operation in harsh conditions.

Pre-assembled, either at the factory or quickly on site, these connectors feature easy handling, mate compatibility with industry standard types, resistance to UV, and high conductivity. The pre-assembled, cut-to-length, over molded cable assemblies are tested and delivered ready to install. These cable assemblies replace conventional on-site requirements including cutting cables to length, stripping cable sheaths and wire insulation, and component connection. Elimination of these timeconsuming operations reduces errors and speeds installation. NEC code requiring a tool to disconnect the PV connection is accomplished with a simple clip that is inserted into the mated connectors.

Solar mounting systems

Wieland | www.wielandinc.com Booth 2508

Ganzseitige Anzeige 3.indd 1

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Solar mounting system

The first and only solar mount approved by the International Code Council (Evaluation report #ESR-199), the Flat Jack composition shingle roof mounts

by TTi provide a low profile, roof integrated look for solar panels. The Flat Jack mounting system provides positive waterproofing, eliminating the need for sealants. No special tools or training are required to install it. And, it’s made with extremely durable, corrosion-resistant materials. The Flat Jack’s streamlined design requires minimal to zero shingle cutting and installs 25% faster, making it the preferred choice of installers over other standard mounts.

TTi (Thompson Technology Industries) www.ttisolar.com Booth 2354

Solar racking systems

Schüco USA’s ezFlatroof-Light is one of the leanest racking systems for fast and uncomplicated installation of standard crystalline PV and thin film modules. ezFlatroof-Light is a new development, based on the ezFlatroof concept, which is one of the world’s most flexible PV systems and which can be used on nearly any type of property, from private single-family homes to large commercial complexes. The main reasons Schüco developed ezFlatroof-Light was to cut costs for building components, simplify installation, and to expand the span of the base profile. The innovation was designed for current mono- and polycrystalline PV modules and for standardized framed and unframed panels. Additional benefits are the maximum area utilization and optimum technical efficiency.

The modules have a minimum tilt angle of 7.5 degrees, enabling a maximum number of modules and a self-cleaning effect. In addition, it is possible to precisely orient the modules to standardized tilt angles of 7.5, 15, and 20 degrees or any project-specific tilt-angle, so the user can react to the specific conditions at the location and achieve maximum outputs.

Schüco USA | www.schuco-usa.com Booth 1329

– [ foun-da'sh n] e

foun⋅da⋅tion 1.

The base on which a structure rests or is supported.

2.

The act of establishing.

(It all starts here!)

Regardless of what is being supported above, a solid structure starts with a solid foundation. Enough said.

CHANCE has been the foundation leader and innovator since 1912.

And with a network of over 400 certified installers and distributors, we can provide you with the right solutions that fit your needs.

Contact your local CHANCE distributor today or check out what’s new @ WWW.ABCHANCE.COM

ANCHORING THE WORLD!

Solar-resource assessment and PV performance monitoring systems

Campbell Scientific is offering pre-wired packages for solar-resource assessment and PV performance monitoring. These systems can accurately and reliably measure a variety of on-site meteorological parameters, power generated and consumed, and temperature of PV panels. Couple this measurement capacity with their ability to read leading inverters and power meters, and their new systems that provide a single data-access point.

Use Campbell Scientific’s LoggerNet software with these prewired assessment systems to facilitate automated data collection, or integrate them into existing SCADA or PLC systems via ModBus or DNP3.0. Campbell Scientific designs and manufactures measurement and control instruments, specializing in programmable, fieldbased dataloggers for environmental and industrial applications. Backed by 35 years of experience and more than 150,000 units sold worldwide, Campbell dataloggers are well-known for quality measurements, versatility, and reliable performance— even in harsh, remote environments.

Campbell Scientific | www.campbellsci.com/renewables Booth 638

Tax equity and debt financings

www.abchance.com email: hpsliterature@hps.hubbell.com

01-100 IHP Copyright 2009 Hubbell Incorporated ©

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PNC Equipment Finance—Energy Capital, formerly National City Energy Capital, provides tax equity and debt financings in the solar energy and renewables industry. They offer sale-leasebacks, partnership flips, and tax leases with a deep and leading understanding of the myriad of tax credits, rebates, depreciation, accounting, and documentation issues involved.

PNC Equipment Finance—Energy Capital (formerly National City Energy Capital) www.nc-4energy.com Booth 729

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

SolarPowerInternational.com Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/ installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information

Disconnect combiner solution

SolarBOS is pleased to announce its PV Disconnect Combiner solution for both commercial and residential solar installations. SolarBOS disconnect combiners incorporate an integrated 600 VDC load-break switch into the combiner box. This allows system integrators to greatly simplify the installation of a rooftop PV system. The disconnect combiners come in 28, 55, 75, 150, and 245 amp versions in NEMA-3, 3R, 4, and 4X enclosures, and can be specified with 4 to 24 input circuits.

SolarBOS | www.solarbos.com Booth 2355

visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PV Surge protection for grid-tie systems

CITEL, Inc. has expanded its surge protector line to include models DS60PV and DS50PV, two wire and ground DC power surge protectors for applications up to 1000 Vdc. Designed for the most severe applications, DS60PV is a Heavy Duty DC surge protector, rated to withstand a direct lightning strike (10/350us waveform) as defined by ANSI/IEEE C62.41-2002 and IEC 61643-11. It is typically installed at the DC input to the inverter of a solar power system.

For more general duty applications, DS50PV is surge rated at 40kA 8/20us, and engineered to protect against indirect lightning, ac utility grid surges, and internally generated switching transients and faults. These din rail mount devices can be integrated into a PV combiner box or standalone enclosure. CITEL is also pleased to announce model DS50PV as the first UL recognized DC Surge Protector with replaceable modules.

PRESENTED BY:

CITEL, Inc. | www.citel.us Booth 2654

Exceeding module efficiency milestone

Ascent Solar, a developer of thin film flexible PV modules, recently reached a significant goal in demonstrating the ability to manufacture monolithically integrated flexible Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide (CIGS) modules at a 10.4% efficiency level in commercial production. This efficiency level breakthrough is important to producing low-cost per-watt manufacturing in high volume, and puts Ascent Solar high on the map in the production of lightweight flexible photovoltaics. These modules will be used for portable power and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products.

The modules were independently tested and verified by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). These modules were standard 429 cm2 modules produced by Ascent Solar’s 1.5MW production line that was put into commercial production in the first quarter of 2009. Ascent’s high-volume 30MW commercial plant is scheduled to commence initial production at the beginning of 2010.

11,891 YEARS

Ascent Solar | www.ascentsolar.com Booth 1254

(Unmatched and unsurpassed!!)

Employing individuals with a combined11,891 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, CHANCE is the Industry expert and InternatIonal leader in the world of foundatIon solutIons for both compression and tension loadings.

Solar water heating system

Rheem brings the sun 93 million miles closer to home with SolPak, the company’s first all-inclusive active solar water heating system. Installing a Rheem solar water heating system is a smart choice for any eco-conscious homeowner and leads to lowered utility bills, protection from rising energy prices, and reliable water heating in any climate. SolPak quickly pays for itself, thanks to a new Federal tax credit of up to 30% of the installed cost.

Nicknamed “solar in a box,” Rheem SolPak makes complete installation easy by coming equipped with all the components required. Rheem SolPak comes with a heat exchanger tank, collector panels, a controller, multi-speed pump, thermal expansion tank, and other essential items. SolPak is an active solar water heating system, meaning it uses a circulating pump to transfer water through the system. Due to the circulating pump, active systems do not use roof-mounted tanks, unlike passive solar water heating systems, which rely on natural methods to circulate water through the system.

Rheem Manufacturing Company | www.rheem.com Booth 2371

Whether it’s foundations for solar farms that go from “In-stall to In-Business!” in 5 MInutes or other foundation applications, CHANCE and its network of over 400 certified installers and distributors provide you the right solutions that fit your needs.

Contact your local CHANCE distributor today or check out what’s new @ WWW.ABCHANCE.COM

ANCHORING THE WORLD! www.abchance.com email: hpsliterature@hps.hubbell.com

01-101 IHP ©Copyright 2009 Hubbell Incorporated

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Vacuum sealing technology

VAT, which offers vacuum sealing technology and manufactures vacuum valves, has a new catalog, “Vacuum Valves 2012,” now available. Applications include: Photovoltaics, Semiconductor, High Energy Physics, Lasers & Optics, Nuclear, FPD, and many more.

Published every four years, VAT’s catalog details a complete line of vacuum valves, pressure control systems, and accessories for applications ranging from rough vacuum to extreme UHV. The “VAT Vacuum Valves 2012” catalog is conveniently organized by valve type and provides customers with an excellent reference source for technical information and drawings for 1,000+ standard valves. It is also complemented by the company’s website, where customers can find up-tothe-minute information about VAT and products, in addition to placing orders and downloading drawings and operating manuals.

VAT | www.vatvalve.com Booth 389

“

Solar power tower plant

eSolar unveiled the Sierra SunTower facility in August of this year, heralding a new era of low-cost solar energy. Sierra SunTower will supply 5 MW of clean, renewable energy to the grid. The full-scale power plant, the only one of its kind in the US, produces electricity for Southern California Edison (SCE) and will power up to 4,000 homes. Constructed in less than one year, the project created 300 construction jobs and 21 permanent jobs. eSolar’s technology resolves many of the problems that have held back largescale solar in the past including cost, speed of deployment, and proximity to existing transmission lines. eSolar uses advanced software algorithms to precisely focus thousands of mirrors on a single point to efficiently harvest the sun’s energy and achieve economies of scale with a smaller footprint. eSolar | www.esolar.com Booth 3021

I Want to Install

LESS W MORE t

Green application notes on solar & fuel cell testing

Ith

“

Ime

In addition to the solar inverter testing applications, customers can learn how Agilent Technologies can help measure the power and heat produced by their design and, therefore, impact on the environment. Topics include correlating temperature to various electrical measurements and quantifying the power used by FPGA’s. To download per topic, visit the company website.

Agilent Technologies www.agilent.com/find/powerconservation Booth 3024

(Yeah, that makes perfect sense!?)

When speed of installation is key to the success of the project, CHANCE steel foundations that go from “In-stall to In-Business!” in 5 MINUTES allow you to install MORE foundations with LESS time.

Now THAT makes sense!

Let CHANCE and its network of over 400 certified installers and distributors provide you the right solution to fit your needs.

Contact your local CHANCE distributor today or check out what’s new @ WWW.ABCHANCE.COM

ANCHORING THE WORLD!

www.abchance.com email: hpsliterature@hps.hubbell.com

01-102 IHP ©Copyright 2009 Hubbell Incorporated

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Twist lock connectors

HUBER+SUHNER offers a wide range of standard and tailor-made connectivity systems for solar module manufacturers, system integrators, and installers. These consist of PV cable, pre-fabricated junction boxes, cable assemblies, and connectors, which are optimized for cabling solar systems.

The male and a female TWIST LOCK connectors are especially designed to facilitate highly efficient installation due to fast, simple, and safe assembly. They feature high-quality beryllium copper lamella contacts that produce a large contact surface between the elements, guaranteeing a low, constant transition resistance. The connectors can be assembled simply and quickly on site using just a few parts, or alternatively ordered in the form of a pre-fabricated assembly set.

HUBER+SUHNER solar products are TÜV-certified in accordance with the new requirements, valid from spring 2009. TWIST LOCK connectors also have the CSA-US-approval.

HUBER+SUHNER | www.hubersuhner.com Booth 2764

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Abrasive blasting and coating facility

Techno West introduces its state-of-the-art abrasive blasting and coating facility to the solar power industry. Pre-construction surface preparation and coatings that are scientifically applied extend the lifespan of large solar arrays, heliostat fixtures, steam generating equipment, piping, and structural steel. PreSolarPowerInternational.com construction coating saves time and precious project funds when compared to field applied.

Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/

Techno West | www.technocoatings.com Booth 3090

installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information

Solutions for the metallization of silicone solar cells

visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

ASYS Solar recently released several new solutions for the metallization of silicone solar cells, and will now also release them to the US market. Among those highlights is a high-speed upgrade. Depending on the line configuration existing, ASYS users can increase the throughput of their existing metallization lines by up to 33% without adding additional line length.

Secondly, ASYS will release its microcrack inspection, which can be integrated in any line configuration. To accommodate selective emitter applications, ASYS has developed two new screen printers—the XS2 and the XSR1. The XS2 is based on the proven XS1 and features a repeatability of +/- 12.5 micron at 6 sigma, and is used for line configurations of 1,640 wph and 3,280 wph in dual lane respectively. The XSR1 is a rotary table printer that is primarily targeting metal wrap through, selective emitter, and ultra thin wafer applications.

ASYS Inc. www.asys-group.com Booth 2632

Utility scale solar energy support

Tetra Tech is a main provider of support to utility scale solar energy developers, and dedicated to their client’s success. With the world’s increased emphasis on developing viable energy from renewable sources, solar energy generation developers need a partner who can quickly and cost-effectively evaluate potential sites, successfully negotiate the regulatory environment, and ensure that engineering and construction is completed within the desired timeframes and in compliance with applicable statutes. Tetra Tech is that partner. Their geographic distribution and depth of resources enable them to rapidly mobilize and provide a support network that understands the local environment, politics, and regulatory climate. They have worked with a variety of solar technology throughout the US, and their expertise is based upon decades of work supporting the power and energy industry.

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. | www.tteci.com Booth 3384 North American Clean Energy

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show in print Industry first “smart” solar panel

tenKsolar introduces a new era in PV technology with built-in shade tolerance, safety circuitry, and MPPT. The tenKsolar panel design means the panel is not sensitive to partial shading and gives up output only proportional to the lost light. What’s more, the unique engineering creates a number of additional advantages: tenKsolar panels optimize the output from each cell so any added light from inexpensive reflectors will result in increased power output. tenKsolar panels install at a safe, low voltage, require no string calculations, no panel matching, and no external or add-on electronics. Use with inverters from major manufacturers. tenKsolar, Inc. | www.tenKsolar.com Booth 1153

Foot Pads for commercial solar roof mounting systems

Largest B2B solar event in North America 25,000+ attendees

650+ exhibitors

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

Hisco’s customized foot pads are designed for solar roof mounting systems on commercial buildings. The non-penetrating, durable foot pad uses standard roof membrane materials (EPDM, PVC, TPO) to eliminate direct contact of the racking metal with the roofing membrane, as well as provide a compliant interface. The foot pads are laminated with a high-quality, environmentally stable transfer adhesive and lined for ease of application onto the metal mounting foot. Hisco’s in-house fabrication division specializes in die-cutting the foot pad to meet your specific design requirements.

Hisco | www.hiscoinc.com/solar Booth 788

Proceeds benefit the solar industry

Solar power monitoring and system management

SolarPowerInternational.com Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/ installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

PRESENTED BY:

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ArgusON, an SPX brand, introduces the new ArgusON Solar Power Management Solution (SPM)—the first to combine solar power monitoring and system management in a single solution. ArgusON brings 10 years of experience providing multiple industry monitoring and management solutions for over 24,000 customer locations. Their expertise has enabled customers to significantly reduce operations and maintenance costs and improve ROI. The ArgusON SPM addresses some of the most pressing issues faced by solar PV system integrators, which includes the need for: useful 24/7 technical support; prompt customer service; reliable data acquisition & transmission; at-a-glance status updates on system performance; trouble ticketing and alarm dispatch; and, a monitoring company with stable financial backing.

ArgusON | www.arguson.com Booth 2270

65+ conference sessions

200+ speakers

SolarPowerInternational.com Save the date NOW for the world’s premier solar industry networking conference and expo. Leading experts, manufacturers, integrators/ installers, utilities, investors, policymakers, builders and many others from 90+ countries gather to network and drive the future of solar energy.

There is no better place to see the latest advancements and connect with the foremost experts on solar power.

Exhibit and sponsorship sales now open. For more information visit SolarPowerInternational.com or call 202.552.2031.

Supply and return lines for solar heated water

High reflectance mirror film

OmegaFlex introduces Solar-Trac flexible supply and return lines for solar heated water systems. This system provides the highest level of quality for tomorrow’s energy. Solar-Trac is available in both insulated and uninsulated versions, adaptable to most solar thermal installation configurations. Solar-Trac piping benefits include: T316L stainless steel; available sizes from 3/8" to 2"; tubing bends by hand; routes easily around obstacles; cuts using standard tubing cutter; and, special lengths are available. Solar-Flare fitting benefits are: self-flaring; no special tools; reliable metal-to-metal sealing surface; and, no gaskets or rubber washers. (SLT-007 Rev 08/09)

PRESENTED BY:

ReflecTech, Inc. makes the only high reflectance (94%) mirror film proven for outdoor use in solar concentrators. Commercially proven, lightweight, and UV resistant, unbreakable ReflecTech Mirror Film makes fragile glass mirrors obsolete. In R&D Magazine’s Top 100 Innovations of 2009, ReflecTech Mirror Film is the key design-driving innovation in the award-winning SkyTrough parabolic trough solar concentrator. Both ReflecTech Mirror Film and SkyTrough were developed through cooperative research with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

ReflecTech, Inc. | www.reflectechsolar.com Booth 3125

Omega Flex, Inc. | www.solar-trac.com Booth 2592

Complete

Racking & Mounting System TM

Thermal, PV & Hybrid Systems Residential to Commercial Scale

TM

TM

Guaranteed:

TM

Less Roof Penetrations Less Labor Costs Superior In Any Environment Most Cost Effective Most Comprehensive Most Versatile BLOWS THE COMPETITION AWAY!

Visit our booth # 2885

877.NGE4SUN I www.zillarac.com N O N - T H R E A D E D FA S T E N E R S O L U T I O N S

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show in print Solar thermal energy transfer

Supplying PRE-INSULATED PIPE to the municipal, industrial, mining, and HVAC sectors for 40 years, Urecon introduces SunPipe—designed specifically for transfer of solar thermal energy. For above or below ground, SunPipe consists of small diameter copper pipe, polyurethane foam, and a tough, UV resistant PE jacket. Includes quick-connect couplers or solder joints.

Versatile, rugged, and built to last, SunPipe is made with factory applied polyurethane foam insulation for superior thermal performance resulting in minimal heat loss. Arrives on site, and ready to assemble.

Urecon | www.urecon.com | www.pexflex.net

Engineering and Manufacturing for the Renewable World

H o r i z o n t a l Tr a c k i n g S y s t e m s • Increase the efficiency of your solar array by 30% • Easy to deploy, ship, and assemble • Modular in 2.5kW segments

Fluoroelastomer for vacuum deposition processes

Perlast Ltd.’s is exhibiting its latest ‘clean,’ high-performance fluoroelastomer (FKM) material for solar panel manufacture. Called V75SC, the elastomer is designed for CVD, PECVD, and PVD vacuum deposition processes. It offers low particulation in these critical sealing applications, together with cost advantages over perfluoroelastomer seals. The white colored V75SC has a high fluorine content, providing thermal resistance up to 250°C, combined with high levels of plasma and chemical resistance. In addition, it has a low compression set and modulus, ensuring maximum long-term sealing effectiveness. V75SC can be used for O-rings and formed seals in static and dynamic applications including door seals, slit valve seals, lip seals, valves, and pumps.

V75SC is available in sizes up to 100 inch diameter, fully molded, O-rings, and formed seals manufactured on a single tool, in one pressing operation within a Class 10,000 clean-room facility.

Perlast Ltd. | www.perlast.com Booth 784

• 1 Actuator per 10kW system (4 segments)

PVB encapsulant

Saflex provides PV production lines with the highest quality PVB encapsulant on the market. The world’s largest solar panels use Saflex encapsulants for improved edge stability, long-term adhesion, low moisture content, exceptional processability, and enhanced long-term durability. In addition to traditional solar modules, Saflex is an excellent choice for Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) application developments due to its long history of use in the laminated architectural glass segment. Plus, the scalability of Saflex enhances production optimization, contributing to lower “cost per watt” and, ultimately, reduced levelized cost of energy for downstream customers. With over 80 years in encapsulation technology, Saflex has the product innovation, scale, and speed to serve all production needs. The company’s expertise increases throughput, maximizing line yields.

Saflex | www.saflex.com Booth 1446

• Custom controllers to meet your needs

D u a l - A x i s Tr a c k i n g S y s t e m s • Track the sun with 0.25 degrees of accuracy • Light seeking controllers with 2-axis operation • Energy saving controllers include a pause mode to wait while clouds pass, thereby not drawing current to operate motors in low sun.

• Easy to Deploy, no lifting device needed • Modular to increase the number of panels

Patriot has been manufacturing and distributing products for over 14 years. Patriot Solar Group is an excellent choice for companies looking to par tner with a U.S. manufacturer for their solar needs.

www.patriotsolargroup.com (01) 517.629.5990

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Insulation system for solar hot water market

Ideally suited for residential and commercial solar hot water applications, K-Flex Solar Systems are designed to provide both high-temperature performance and UV resistance. The K-Flex Solar Twin System provides a complete loop system for residential solar hot water applications and includes flexible stainless steel tubing for the supply and return lines, high-temperature insulation rated to +300°F, a UV/abuse-resistant jacket, and a thermostat wire package in 50' and 75' length coils. In addition, supply and return lines are joined together with a hot melt adhesive, providing a quick and easy way to connect the solar panel with the storage tank. Quick connect compression fittings make installation a snap and no brazing of copper elbows is required.

Standard ID’s are 1/2", 3/4", and 1" ID by 1/2", 3/4" and 1" wall thicknesses.

K-Flex USA | www.kflexusa.com Booth 2689

Solar collector assemblies

SkyFuel, Inc. has signed an agreement with Sunray Energy, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cogentrix Energy, LLC, for the installation of SkyTrough collectors at Sunray’s 43 MW parabolic trough generating plant near Daggett, California, formerly known as Solar Energy Generation Systems I and II (“SEGS I & II”). The agreement with Sunray Energy, Inc., allows for the first commercial installation of the SkyTrough, an advanced parabolic trough concentrator, which uses glass-free ReflecTech Mirror Film reflectors. The agreement allows SkyFuel to integrate an array of SkyTrough solar collector assemblies into the Sunray plant to demonstrate their commercial viability in a full-scale, solar generating plant application. The SkyTrough installation is to be operational later this year.

SkyFuel, Inc. | www.skyfuel.com Booth 2994

geothermal energy

Recovery Act Funding for Geothermal Technologies

By Curt Robinson, PhD

Geothermal energy at work: The Big Geysers Geothermal Energy Plant, The Geysers, California.

A

s has been reported, $400 million has been committed to supporting a number of geothermal initiatives through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (“ARRA”).

The US Department of Energy (“DOE”) has developed five Funding Opportunity Announcements total-

Bring on the sun Canadian Solar Industries Association

Solar ConferenCe 2009

December 7-8, 2009 Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario Canada

CanSIA 84

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CanSIA

www.cansia.ca

ing $400 million from the Recovery Act into geothermal technologies, an amount that dwarfs previous government commitments in this area of energy development. This funding will accelerate program targets, generate power, and catalyze growth in the geothermal industry by funding more projects, more aggressively, in more parts of the country than ever before.

Success in these activities will be judged by the number of jobs created, megawatts generated, and speed in which projects are executed. This speaks directly to the DOE’s program goal of supporting a large-scale ramp up of industry capabilities that adds 50,000 MWe of geothermal energy to the United States by 2030.

The DOE has developed funding opportunity announcements for projects that will address the broad portfolio of geothermal technologies.

Recovery Act funding for geothermal technologies will support projects in the following five areas: $140 million for Geothermal Demonstration Projects; $80 million for EGS Technology Research and Development; $100 million for Innovative Exploration Techniques; $30 million for National Geothermal Data System, Resource Assessment, and Classification System; and, $50 million for Ground Source Heat Pumps.

According to Ed Wall, Manager of the Geothermal Technologies Program, a comprehensive strategy for soliciting projects offers exciting opportunities for a wide range of geothermal exploration and development.

“These are wonderful opportunities to explore projects that reflect the broad portfolio of geothermal technologies with the potential to exponentially advance deployment,” said Wall. “There is an opportunity here for everyone in the geothermal industry and for new players that want to get involved in this rapidly growing energy sector.”

Wall encourages all interested parties to review the announcements and to register at www.fedconnect.net as soon as possible (FedConnect is an online marketplace where federal agencies post opportunities, and registered users can electronically submit responses to the government directly through the site). Wall mentions that although the process is not time-consuming, it often takes several days for the registration to activate.

Secondly, registrants will automatically receive important information about amendments and modifications to the announcements.

These are certainly exciting times for members of the Geothermal Re-

sources Council, and the geothermal industry in general. Although it is impossible to predict the future government support of our industry, today’s unprecedented financial assistance affords unrivaled opportunities.

Curt Robinson, PhD, is the executive director of the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC).

Geothermal Resources Council www.geothermal.org Geothermal Technologies Program www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal

Atlas Copco Gas and Process Solutions

Unlock the Vast Potential of Renewable Energy

For several decades, Atlas Copco Gas and Process has helped customers around the world to unlock the vast potential of renewable energy sources. Our technical experts have contributed to groundbreaking projects in the geothermal industry and have invaluable experience in all types of energy recovery processes.

Customer benefits:

Expander generator for geothermal applications

• Customized solutions • Turbo expander stage with up to 15,000 kW power • Single or multi-stage turbine design mounted on the same integral gear box • Binary Cycle Solutions (Kalina / Organic Rankine) • Maximum energy recovery efficiency and plant availability • Partnerships with expert companies for complete cycle design/ complete recovery solutions • Global service network with strong presence in over 160 countries

Find out more at www.atlascopco-gap.com/geothermal.

Visit us at booth #122 at the Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, Nevada.

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geothermal energy

The future looks good

DECEMBER 8-10, 2009 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER LAS VEGAS, NV www.power-gen.com

ER TOD T S I G E R .

P POWER U

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Despite the meek-looking economy, which has curbed many companies ability to finance any type of project, let alone geothermal projects, word is the push for renewable energy will keep geothermal technology at the forefront.

According to an article by Karen Boman of “Energy Current News,” efforts to make geothermal a more economic and accessible source of energy continue.

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), for example, will determine if a new approach (“to have a functioning bench-top prototype generating electricity”) can safely extract and convert heat from untapped geothermal resources: “The goal is to enable power generation from low-temperature geothermal resources at an economical cost” (www.energycurrent.com/index. php?id=3&storyid=20282).

What makes research such as this likely for the future: the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding, which promises $350 million for geothermal energy, including $140 million for geothermal demonstration projects; $80 million for enhanced geothermal systems technology research and development; $100 million innovative exploration techniques; and, $30 million for a national geothermal data system, resource assessment and classification system.

Nevertheless, with any research, two steps forward may mean one step back. Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s first major test of geothermal energy as an alternative to fossil fuels has fallen seriously behind schedule. Intended to extract heat from hot bedrock, this California project has been delayed because the bit on a giant rig, meant to drill more than two miles underground, has struggled to pierce surface rock formations. The project is also under review because of the earthquake potential it could generate in Northern California.

However, beyond the US, the Ministry of Land and Resources in China says it will focus on the development of geothermal energy in the next five years.

Data released by the ministry shows there are more than one-thousand geothermal energy fields around the country, and nearly a quarter of them have been developed. China’s utilization of geothermal energy is number one in the world, and the geothermal energy could help cut carbon dioxide emissions by 25 million tons each year.

FLAGSHIP MEDIA SPONSOR:

www.power-gen.com Your link to PGI at PGI-BUZZ, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube

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OWNED & PRODUCED BY:

For more information on geothermal energy, check out the following sites: www. geothermal.org, www.geo-energy.org, www.cangea.ca.

Geothermal: A cheap source of energy

Engineers develop cost-effective drilling system for geothermal plant

Engineers working for a German government agency have launched GeneSys, a plant with a one-well pumping system that has halved drilling costs for geothermal plants.

Germany is planning to build a 2 MW geothermal power plant, despite less than desirable conditions of the slated site in Lower Saxony, in the country’s northwestern region. The GeneSys-branded plant is expected to need a 2.5-mile-deep well that would be drilled near Hanover, also in northwestern Germany. Of course, the drilling process increases the costs associated with geothermal energy; however, the new system is expected to help cut drilling costs in half, for a total cost of about $13m—because it uses one hole instead of two to pump water into the ground to be heated, then pumps it back up to produce heat or electricity.

The plant, which would benefit the government agency, is projected to save $21m in heating costs during its 25-year lifetime. If the facility proves to be a success, it could be modeled in other European countries.

According to a new study, geothermal is the cheapest source of alternative electricity and could easily leave wind and solar power behind with the appropriate funding—about $3.3 billion in R&D. The report from Melissa Schilling, a professor at New York University at Stern, shows that geothermal technology is improving at the fastest rate and that it has surpassed wind as the most efficient alternative energy technology.

The study, based on data from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory on the cost per kilowatt-hour at active power generation projects in 2005, tracked the S-curve of varicryostar_19.05x25.4_cm.pdf 09/06/2009 14:31:16 ous energy technologies, plotting the performance of the technology

against the money invested to reveal the largest technological payoffs.

Although wind energy was just a few cents more than geothermal, wind is slowing down according the study’s author and geothermal is exponentially increasing.

The results are surprising considering geothermal energy is generally considered underfunded by the government, yet it appears to have the largest impact per dollar of R&D funding.

For more information on this report, check out http://cleantech.com/ news/4891/report-says-geothermal-leaving-wind.

Cleantech Group LLC | www.cleantech.com

PennEnergy | www.pennenergy.com

Construction Complete: Blue Mountain Faulkner 1

Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. has finished construction of the 49.5 MW capacity Blue Mountain Faulkner 1 geothermal power plant in northern Nevada. Mechanical, electrical, and metering systems are installed for three Energy Convertors and the cooling tower, control building, fire protection, safety systems, and site grading are ready for operation. Independently, NGP has completed a 21-mile power line interconnection to the Sierra Pacific Power Company (SPPC) power grid, the production and injection well field, local power distribution system, and microwave communication system.

The power line interconnection was energized in early August so that power from SPPC can now be back-fed to test numerous power plant electrical components, cooling tower fan motors, and production well pumps.

The first of several ground water wells has been commissioned and the water supply pipeline and cooling tower is operational.

In early October, the plant will be operational with approximately 28 to 30 MW of firm output capacity. After start up, two widely-spaced make-up wells are planned, replacing two existing shallow injectors, to allow sustainable plant output to be increased to 40 MW. In 2010, the NGP will commence further investigations aimed at confirming the further build out potential within the 17 square mile lease area.

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Geothermal Energy Expo

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Geothermal Energy Expo 2009 Peppermill Reno Hotel–Reno, Nevada | October 4th to 7th, 2009

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

www.geothermal.org The Geothermal Energy Expo hosts the world’s largest gathering of vendors providing support for geothermal resource exploration, characterization, development, production, and management. It offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their projects, equipment, services, and state-of-the-art technology to the geothermal community. The Geothermal Energy Expo is held in tandem with the Geothermal Resources Council's (GRC) Annual Meeting.

Industrial pipe, valves & fittings

Geothermal drilling, workover & production

Northern Industrial Sales www.jwwoodco.com/industrial/industrial.html

Allis Chalmers Energy | www.alchenergy.com

Northern Industrial Sales has been serving Northern California for more than 10 years, with a combined inside sales experience of over 30 years. The company is a “go to” for any and all industrial pipe, valves, and fitting requirements. The commitment Northern Industrial makes to their customers is on-time quality products at a competitive price. They also excel at hard-to-find emergency inquiries.

Allis Chalmers Energy provides the following products and services to the geothermal industry drilling, workover, and production sectors: air compression services (compressors, boosters, mist pumps, chemicals, personnel); percussion drilling services (hammers, percussion bits, drilling supervisors); directional and horizontal drilling services (downhole motors, measurement while drilling, bottom hole assembly components, wireline steering tools, directional drilling supervisors); and, engineered solutions (underbalanced modeling, directional and horizontal well planning, hydraulics, torque and drag, etc.). Allis-Chalmers has extensive experience in both the US and international drilling, workover, and production sectors of the geothermal industry.

101 PIPE & CASING

www.101pipe.com

WITH 101 IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

101 Pipe & Casing has developed a specialized Pump Column that utilizes Geothermal Couplings and threading.

Together with our modified Geo Tube & Shaft, 101 Pipe & Casing is able to outfit you with all the down-hole tubular products you need for your geothermal water wells.

88

AGOURA, CA

FONTANA, CA

HENDERSON, NV

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

800.332.9101

909.428.6000

702.651.6101

800.951.9101

877.585.1101

30101 Agoura Court, Suite 201

10255 Beech Avenue

2470 St. Rose Parkway, Suite 107

5609 Alameda Place

2779 East Vista Verde Court

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Fontana, CA 92335

Henderson, NV 89074

Albuquerque, NM 87113

Gilbert, AZ 85298

September / October 2009

nacleanenergy.com

GILBERT, AZ

Geothermal Energy Expo

09

Geothermal monitoring and resource assessment

Campbell Scientific is now offering packages for geothermal resource assessment and energy monitoring. These systems can accurately and reliably measure a variety of onsite meteorological parameters, including but not limited to: ground-water level and temperature, including mesh networks; thermal gradient profiling (thermograms); well casing monitoring—temperature profile and integrity; and, water quality and flow in open or closed systems.

Campbell Scientific designs and manufactures measurement and control instruments, specializing in programmable, fieldbased dataloggers for environmental and industrial applications. Backed by 35 years of experience and more than 150,000 units sold worldwide, Campbell dataloggers are well-known for quality measurements, versatility, and reliable performance—even in harsh, remote environments.

Campbell Scientific | www.campbellsci.com

Pressure and temperature data logger

MadgeTech, Inc. is pleased to announce the PRTemp1000, a rugged pressure and temperature data logger. The device is ideal for monitoring hot water and steam flow temperatures in geothermal applications. The PRTemp1000 has a durable stainless steel enclosure and a 1/4" NPT fitting. It can measure and record between -40° and +80°C, and is available in 0 to 30, 100, 200, 300, and 500 PSIA/G, and 0 to 1000 and 5000 PSIA. The PRTemp1000 streamlines data recording, providing an efficient replacement to strip chart recorders. To use, simply activate the logger, place in the monitoring area, and then download the data to a PC. Data can be analyzed using the MadgeTech data logger software, a free download from the company’s website, or exported to Microsoft Excel for further review.

For applications requiring remote starting, stopping, and downloading, the PRTemp1000 can be used with MadgeTechs’ BTIF1000, BlueTooth data logger interface. The BTIF1000 enables the PRTemp1000 to be started, stopped, or downloaded by Pocket PC or laptop.

24/7 - 365 days a year Geothermal Energy Doesn’t Stop ThermaSource = Geothermal. As a worldwide leader in geothermal drilling and consulting, ThermaSource provides the necessary expertise and services to developers interested in the discovery and development of geothermal resources for power generation and direct use applications.

MadgeTech, Inc. www.madgetech.com

707.523.2960

www.thermasource.com

Drill Rig Operations • Drilling Engineering • Geothermal Economics • Field Supervision Project Management • Resource Assessment • Well Testing Cementing • Drilling Fluids • EGS Exploration • Well Logging

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show in print

Residential drilling rig

RigKits LLC’s K60 Geothermal Drilling Rig is specially designed for restricted access residential retrofit of geothermal ground loops. At just five feet wide (1.5m), the unit can get into most backyards and has an onboard rod rack that can hold 380 foot of 10' rods and is capable of drilling over 500' deep.

The K60 also represents the latest in technology for low environmental impact drilling rigs. From low engine exhaust and sound emissions to ground pressure, a clean work site is essential in residential applications, and that was one of the major factors in designing this equipment. What further separates RigKits from other manufacturers is the equipment is sold in kit form, drastically reducing costs. All the fabrication is done leaving the owner to simply bolt the unit together, fit the hydraulics, and paint it. This makes the K60 Geothermal Drilling Rig one of the most cost-effective ways to purchase new drilling equipment.

RigKits LLC | www.rigkits.com

Binary cycle geothermal solutions

Geothermal drilling and engineering

For many years, Atlas Copco Gas and Process has ThermaSource, a geothermal drilling and engineering helped customers around the world unlock the firm in the US, based in Santa Rosa, California, has vast potential of renewable energy sources. The been contracted to provide their highly trained and company’s engineers have contributed to groundexperienced drilling crews and supervision team to Nabreaking projects in the energy recovery field, colknek Electric Association, located near King Salmon, lecting invaluable experience in the process. Atlas Alaska. This drilling operation will be the first major Copco’s expander generators are typically used in geothermal drilling project for utility scale power probinary cycle geothermal power plants. These plants duction in Alaska. If successful, Naknek Electric Assocan unlock low temperature resources. ciation has plans for additional geothermal wells.

Features of Atlas Copco’s geothermal solutions inThermaSource states that being a part of the pioclude: binary cycle solutions (Kalina/Organic Rankneering geothermal venture with Naknek Electric Asine); turbo expanders with up to 15 MW power per sociation is both exciting and challenging. It is exciting unit; single or multi-stage turbine design mounted because the well is the first of its kind and challenging on the same integral gear box; maximum energy rebecause there is very little well data in the region to covery efficiency and plant availability; partnerships utilize for comparisons. ThermaSource drilling personwith expert companies for complete cycle design/ nel and Naknek Electric have been working diligently complete recovery solutions; and, global service to ensure that this first well is a success. network with strong presence over 160 countries.

ThermaSource | www.thermasource.com In 2009, Atlas Copco was recognized for the fourth time as part of the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable corporations. In addition, Atlas Copco is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Titanium Welded Pipe Index and the FTSE 4Good Index. The company is a cost effective corrosion solution for your piping requirements ISO 9001 certified and ISO 14001 compliant.

Atlas Copco | www.atlascopco-gap.com/geothermal

Get ready for the renewable

energy revolution

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www.uniti-titanium.com

20 to 40 MW (Nominal)

Engineered Solutions for Maximum Reliability and High Efficiency

www.turbocare.com

90

September / October 2009

Seam welded Marketing Manager henson@uniti-titanium.com titanium pipe Phone 541.967.6920

Uniti Titanium has announced the introduction of a new product line, continuous seam welded CP titanium pipe.

Capitalizing on their partners’ vertically integrated mill products capability, Uniti is able to offer a cost-effective welded titanium pipe. Grade 2 titanium coil (ASTM B 265) is readily available for direct application into welded pipe. Other grades of commercially pure titanium, such as grades 7 and 12, are also available upon request. Welded pipe is available in nominal pipe sizes of 3 to 12 inches (76.2mm to 304.8mm), and schedules 10 and 40. A size capability chart is enclosed. Uniti has the capability to package and ship this product globally.

Uniti Titanium | www.uniti-titanium.com

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Geothermal Energy Expo

Axial-exhaust steam turbines

TurboCare will unveil its latest axialexhaust family of geothermal steam turbines: the MAGMA 3000. The 3000 is the company’s most efficient design yet, and incorporates efficiency and reliability features derived from 25 years of evaluating geothermal equipment failures on other equipment. It is designed to prevent recurrence of chronic failures. The axial-exhaust configuration allows for a low-profile, cost-effective Power Island foundation and build-out.

TurboCare’s geothermal aftermarket experience has shown what works and what doesn’t and, most importantly, why. Low stress design, generous nozzle spacings, proper material selection, and efficient moisture removal are combined to create a truly reliable and re-rateable turbine for the 21st Century.

Waste heat generators

ElectraTherm, Inc.’s (ET) technology captures energy from waste heat and gas pressure to drive generators that make electricity with no additional emissions or fuel. They have a quintessential green solution for businesses of all sizes because it works financially. Recycled energy is one of the best sources of fuel-free, clean, and inexpensive energy.

ET’s waste heat generators (WHG) capture waste heat (180°F) from virtually any source (geothermal, internal combustion engines, process plants, industrial manufacturing, and solar thermal, etc.) to generate from 50kW’s to 500kW’s of fuel-free, emission-free electricity.

ElectraTherm, Inc. www.electratherm.com

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Geothermal power

Mammoth Pacific geothermal power plant, operated and partially owned by Ormat Technologies, Inc., received the California Department of Conservation’s Outstanding Lease Maintenance Award for its ongoing commitment to environmental safety and outstanding lease maintenance. The Department of Conservation recognizes those operators that continuously maintain their facilities in an environmentally sound and responsible way.

Ormat Technologies, Inc. is the only vertically integrated company primarily engaged in the geothermal and recovered energy power business. The company designs, develops, owns, and operates geothermal and recovered energy based power plants around the world.

Additionally, the company designs, manufactures, and sells geothermal and recovered energy power units and other power-generating equipment, and provides related services. Ormat has constructed over 1,200 MW of geothermal and Recovered Energy Generation (REG) power projects worldwide and owns and operates over 515 MW of geothermal and REG plants in the United States.

Ormat Technologies, Inc. | www.ormat.com

TurboCare www.turbocare.com

Geothermal water well needs

101 Pipe & Casing, Inc. is a manufacturer of the threaded Pump Column, as well as all forms of Inner Column for all geothermal water well needs. The company has adapted standard line pipe to work seamlessly in geothermal wells, allowing for greater flexibility and substantial cost savings.

101 Pipe & Casing, Inc. www.101pipe.com

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hydro and marine energy

Ocean Energy is Making its Mark

By Maggie L Merrill

W

hen power supplies are distant and expensive, and the population is close to the coast, it is tough to ignore the power lapping at the shores. Be it the rhythmic splash of breaking waves, the predictability of powerful tides, the unleashed winds offshore, or the speed of fast moving currents—the power of the ocean is enormous.

But exactly how to harness that power to generate electricity for generations to come is what the emerging ocean energy industry is all about. Technology advances and expertise garnered from the offshore oil and gas industry means capturing power from wind, waves, currents, and tidal fluctuations has become a reality. Of course, much has been learned from the United Kingdom and throughout the European Union where colleagues have pioneered offshore wind installations and are testing commercial-scale wave and tidal systems.

The New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC), located in Fall River, Massachusetts, is one of several centers emerging in the US to develop marine renewable energy; specifically, tidal, wave, and offshore wind. The initial focus is on building a university research consortium and on ocean test sites. Funded by the US Department of Energy, MREC and its university consortium members are engaged in a wide range of research and technology development projects.

MREC recently completed a survey aimed at gauging interest in the creation of a test site for marine renewable energy in the waters off of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands in Massachusetts. Response to the survey was overwhelmingly positive. Design and development groups across the industry were extremely enthusiastic and embraced the concept as a necessity for successful implementation of marine renewable energy in the US energy market. MREC hopes to work with all consortium members and key private industry players in the future to see the completion of this test site.

A key element in development of test sites will be the establishment of the National Offshore Renewable Energy Innovation Zone (NOREIZ), located on the south side of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. NOREIZ may be the only site in

the nation where tidal, wave, and three regimes of offshore wind (shallow, transition, and deep/floating) can all be tested. MREC has begun a study of NOREIZ to determine actual test sites and to assess potential environmental impacts. Funding will then be sought to install permanent instrumented test stands. Currently, it is estimated that 70% of the cost of any ocean demonstration is in obtaining permits.

The availability of pre-permitted and closely monitored test sites will speed development and lower the costs of new technology.

As a central effort in building the university consortium, MREC is hosting a technical conference on marine renewable energy technologies on Thursday October 15th, 2009, at the Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC) in Fall River. With sessions dedicated to ocean wave energy conversion devices, tidal in stream conversion devices, and offshore wind generation systems and platform design, the conference will provide a forum for researchers to present new technologies. In addition, there will be a discussion of the methodology and results of site survey work completed in the waters between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. This work is crucial to pinpointing exact locations where there is a consistent power resource and for characterizing the seafloor for foundation and/or mooring installation.

This industry is so new to the US that there is a need to explore every aspect of it. Topics such as site selection, permitting, economic feasibility, appropriate technology, stakeholder outreach, grid integration, and government policies are being addressed in conference rooms, classrooms, and workshops all over the country. Organizations, such as MREC, have been established to advance the science of ocean generation of electricity and to assist the industry in finding new technology for commercialization.

MREC is based in University of Massachusetts—Dartmouth’s Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC), an industry incubator for prototyping technologies. To learn more or to register for the 1st Annual MREC Technical Conference, visit www.mrec.umassd.edu.

Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center | www.atmc.umassd.edu

April 12 -16, 2010 David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

held with the 8th Hydrogen Expo® and the 3rd Energy from Biomass and Waste®

Join us for five days full of exciting events at the

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT WEEK Join Now! - Showcase Your Products & Services - Speak at the Conference - Demonstrate Your Alternative Fuel Vehicle - Host a Site Tour

Topic Areas: - Bioenergy - Waste & Recycling - Fuels of the Future - Energy Efficiency For more information visit:

www.ee-week.com 92

September / October 2009

nacleanenergy.com

Hydraulic drive systems

Bosch Rexroth has expanded its product line to include complete hydraulic drive systems from Hägglunds Drives AB, for advanced applications that require high torque at low speeds. The drive systems are used in a wide variety of industries, including marine and offshore technology. In the renewable energy field, Hägglunds’ drives power machines for ethanol manufacturing and are used in the initial prototypes for ocean energy generation. Hägglunds is integrated into the hydraulics technology group of Bosch Rexroth AG, and its products will continue to be offered as a part of the Rexroth brand name.

Bosch Rexroth | www.boschrexroth-us.com

Optimizing Subsea Power Connection Systems for Tidal Energy Devices By Abbie Badcock New solutions are desperately needed to combat grid connection challenges related to laying long distance subsea cables. Subsea cabling features in all marine energy installations and forms a significant cost component in such projects. The role of cable installation and maintenance is fundamental to the success of any interconnector project.

Subsea connection methods are currently feasible to water depths close to 3,000m, using Remotely Operated Vehicles and Diverless Connection Technologies.

“With the advent of subsea processing, high-power voltage cables have also become more prevalent as multiple MW of power are required to power subsea compression and pumping systems,” according to VerdErg’s corporate development officer Ron Tucker.

VerdErg, who are scheduled to share information about techniques and developments in subsea cabling methodologies at the 3rd International Tidal Energy Summit 2009 in London this year (November 17th to 18th), has been engaged in the subsea connection of multiple control umbilicals, which have included electric power/signal, hydraulic control, and fibre optics.

It is believed that advancements made in the subsea processing area will directly benefit power connection systems for renewable energy devices.

“New installation vessels are entering the market to lay longer and larger cables faster, which is lowering their costs. This will allow renewable energy devices to step further into water depths where more energy can be captured,” explained Tucker. “To date, we have seen most systems in shallow water with surface tie-ins of the cables. In deepwater, currents such as the Gulf Stream could be tapped in water depths of close to 1,000m.”

Prospective renewable energy developers require confidence that they will be able to connect to the grid but, conversely, investment in grid infrastructure is reliant on securing a guaranteed level of supply. It has been highlighted that the length of time it takes to co-ordinate supply and demand between projects and transmission capacity could be minimised by planning consents and wayleave agreements being secured ahead of full investment approval for infrastructure.

Connecting devices

Tucker believes there will be emergence of many configurations similar to subsea systems. “These (will) include direct tie-backs where each individual system has its own link to shore or situations where many devices are manifolded into a single cable. These configurations balance different features of redundancy and availability to the grid,” he said.

As far as setting up of electricity transmission network is concerned, the industry is also witnessing the usage of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology.

Issues related to cable installation and grid connection will be discussed in detail at the forthcoming 3rd International Tidal Energy Summit 2009. For more details, visit www.tidaltoday.com/ITES/4.

VerdErg | www.verderg.com TNEI | www.tnei.co.uk

Challenges

The industry has faced challenges pertaining to laying long distance subsea cables from renewable energy projects to areas of large population. For instance, in the past, TNEI, in its study for island authorities (together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Executive) that investigated the best options for transmitting power generated by island renewable energy projects to the mainland, has described the laying of subsea cables as a catch-22 scenario.

First US Hydrokinetic Project

The first federally licensed in-stream hydrokinetic power project in the United States began operating commercially this August on the Mississippi River in Hastings, Minnesota. Hydrokinetic projects produce power from moving water without the use of a dam, and they include wave energy systems and in-stream turbines, which can capture the energy from tidal flows or the flow of a river. The Hastings project, an in-stream turbine from Hydro Green Energy, captures the flow from the output channel of an existing hydropower dam. The turbine, anchored downstream from the dam on a tethered barge, has a nameplate capacity of 100 kilowatts, and an expected output of about 35 kilowatts. After approval of the project by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last December, the turbine was quickly installed on the barge and has been undergoing testing since mid-February.

EERE Network News | http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm

Loan guarantees for hydropower

Up to $30 billion in loan guarantees will be made available to companies investing in new renewable energy projects, including hydropower, under plans announced July 29th, 2009, by the Obama Administration. Companies have 45 days to apply for the loan guarantees, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. The guarantees are designed to help companies secure private financing for hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass projects. Projects that improve the reliability, efficiency, and security of the nation’s electricity grid also are eligible for loan guarantees under the program.

“This administration has set a goal of doubling renewable electricity generation over the next three years,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “To achieve that goal, we need to accelerate renewable project development by ensuring access to capital for advanced technology projects.”

The loan guarantees will be funded, in part by $8.5 billion from the DOE’s 2009 spending budget, and by $3.25 billion from the economic stimulus package approved earlier this year. The guarantees will help companies obtain private financing that would otherwise be hard to get in these tough economic times, DOE said.

The loan guarantees mean part or all of the cost of a project will be paid by the federal government if the project fails.

US Department of Energy (Loan Guarantee Program) | www.lgprogram.energy.gov

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biopower The Value and Advantages of an Adsorption Chiller

By Wes Livingston

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apturing and using waste heat could be one of the largest conservation and greenhouse gas reduction opportunities. Heat recovery is an opportunity to recycle energy that is typically wasted. According to the EPA, in the United States alone it is estimated that the potential for waste heat recovery could substitute approximately 9% of the total US energy usage, or 1.4 quadrillion BTU. Adsorption chillers are a unique approach to achieving air conditioning and process cooling. Adsorption chillers are driven by hot water rather than from large amounts of electricity like conventional air conditioners. This hot water may come from any number

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of industrial sources including waste heat from industrial processes, prime heat from solar thermal installations, or from the exhaust or water jacket heat of a piston engine or turbine. The process and industrial sources include food and beverage processing, chemical, plastic rubber, paper and cement manufacturing, as well as the waste heat from steam boilers or sterilizers used in hospitals, hotels, and campuses.

The heat extracted from the chilled water and the heat consumed from the hot water is directed into a cooling water system used to dissipate this energy. This heat dissipation may occur in a water system, a water heat exchanger, a dry water tower, or an evaporative (wet) water tower. Very little electric power is consumed running the chiller—generally, about the same amount of electricity as a handful of old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. The electric power used drives the internal process computer, a PLC (programmable logic controller), and the intermittent running of a fractional horsepower vacuum pump.

Why recover waste heat?

Industrial operations represent a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and most of the waste heat is simply rejected via cooling towers to the atmosphere. It can be thought of as “dumped” heat. Waste heat is the by-product of system inefficiencies found in industrial and commercial process, and represents a waste of resources, opportunities, and money. Waste heat is commonly generated by steam generation, power generation, process heating, heating and cooling fluids, and gases, or shaft or drivetrain work.

Consensus is emerging among scientists that the global climate is warming and that a significant effort to stabilize and even reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is needed. It will take a combination of technologies and process changes to meet the emerging greenhouse gas reduction targets. Through the installation of adsorption chillers, tons of CO2 emissions will be prevented from entering the atmosphere. An adsorption chiller consumes very little electricity to operate, especially in comparison to conventional chilling systems; it also avoids the greenhouse gases that would have been produced by an electric-driven chiller. Additionally, installing an adsorption chiller as part of a renewable energy system will provide even greater greenhouse gas reductions.

Adsorption versus absorption chillers

Previous thermally driven absorption chillers have been effective, but have been burdened with significant maintenance and upkeep. Absorption chiller systems often depend on a corrosive solution of lithium bromide salt, which tends to corrode the internal copper tubing and steel shell of the unit. Absorption chillers also produce hydrogen gas as a by-product, requiring an expensive palladium cell inside the chiller unit to remove the hydrogen.

The lithium bromide solution in absorption chillers also has phase state challenges and has a tendency to solidify within the system while operating. If the regeneration temperature becomes too hot or too cold, or the conditions change too rapidly for the system to adapt, the liquid salt will solidify and crystallize inside the chiller unit. Many installations of absorption units require a dedicated caretaker to maintain.

Conversely, adsorption chillers use municipal water as the refrigerant and solid silica gel as the desiccant. There are no CFCs or freons, no Li-Br, and no ammonia. Not using these chemicals equates to no potential for hazardous material leaks, no aggressive corrosion, no chemical testing required, and no damage to upper-level atmospheric ozone.

An adsorption chiller significantly reduces the maintenance and upkeep costs by substituting the corrosive salt desiccant with a benign silica gel. Reliability and machine availability are significantly improved. Adsorption chillers have very few moving parts and do not require the maintenance and attention that the absorption chiller systems require.

Adsorption versus conventional mechanical chillers

Adsorption chillers eliminate noisy compressors, high-pressure refrigerant systems, high-amperage electrical connections, refrigerant monitoring and alarm systems, and high-maintenance costs.

How an adsorption chiller works

The principle of adsorption works with the interaction of gases and solids. With adsorption chilling, the molecular interaction between the solid and the gas allows the gas to be adsorbed into the solid. The adsorption chamber of the chiller is filled with silica gel, eliminating the need for moving parts and eliminating the noise associated with those moving parts. The silica gel creates an extremely low humidity condition that causes the water refrigerant to evaporate at a low temperature. As the water evaporates in the evaporator, it cools the chilled water. Adsorption chillers are effective either as an enhancement to a

Call toll-free: (877) 582-7800 201 East Shady Grove Road Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 www.granutech.com W2E(NACE 1\2 Isl).indd/ October 1 94 September 2009

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Torrefaction system current HVAC system or a replacement technology to a current chiller system.

Renewable energy systems, tri-generation or CCHP

Adsorption chillers can easily be integrated to utilize solar hot water collectors and concentrators to produce the source heat for the chiller. Building owners and facility managers are installing electricity generation systems that run on natural gas and have the potential to use the waste heat from the water jacket and exhaust gases to operate a waste heat recovery system. By integrating a waste heat recovery system with on-site generation, the system has the potential to further reduce by CO2 emissions eliminating the chilling system’s electricity consumption, as well as eliminating additional heating requirements in winter. Tri-generation systems can have fuel efficiency rates of 85% to 95%.

The first pilot plant producing torrefied wood chips for biofuels has been in operation using the Wyssmont Turbo-Dryer thermal processor as part of Integro Earth Fuels torrefaction system. The North Carolina company is now ready to move to full-scale commercial production. Torrefaction of biomass is one of the most promising bioenergy technologies because it transforms bulky biomass into a high-quality product that can be readily co-fired with coal, without the need to change anything within an existing coal fired power plant.

The Wyssmont Turbo Dryer thermal processor has proven to be one of the best dryer-reactor to successfully torrefy wood chips.

Wyssmont | www.wyssmont.com

Fuel pucks and consumer fuel products

Briquetting Systems offers briquetters to make industrial fuel pucks and consumer fuel products. They are available from capacities as low as 500 pounds per hour, where the plants can be localized to the markets, to half-million-ton per year plants due to their modular systems. They are available in mobile design in 20-foot ship containers, in plant design, as well as press systems positioned inside large two-story steel fuel silos—which have 400 cubic yard storage capacity or in-house versions.

The cost of operation and capital for fuel puck manufacturing is substantially less than pellets. Fuel pucks can be used in all applications where pellets are used, and have similar heating values and bulk densities. They will max out a truck or train car. Most fibers including wood, agriculture, and paper feedstocks can be briquetted. Multiple systems are available for processing green slash and small diameter logs, taking advantage of portability where the equipment can be taken to the source of the fiber, thereby maximizing logistics and transport costs.

Fuel pucks can be used for heating greenhouses, institutional heating, as well as for co-firing electric generation plants. Briquetters have been used for processing torrefied fiber, which is a new development.

Briquetting Systems | www.briquettingsystems.com

Wes Livingston of Power Partners, Inc. are the manufacturers of ECO-MAX adsorption chillers (www.eco-maxchillers.com).

Diaphragm seal for process industry applications

The WIKA Type M932.DD diaphragm direct drive system is designed for media that typically clogs pressure gauges, processes containing stringent emission requirements, and for use in corrosive, contaminated, or viscous media. The M932.DD is a process industry direct drive gauge with an integral diaphragm seal where hydraulic fluid transmits pressure to the instrument being used. Assembly does not allow access to the diaphragm seal system fill fluid, thereby making it tamper-proof. The M932.DD has a pressure range maximum of 2,000 PSI and operating temperatures from -40°F to +300°F for media.

Wes Livingston of Power Partners, Inc. www.powerpartners-usa.com

WIKA Instrument Corporation | www.wika.com

Disc chippers for short fiber applications

A growing number of specialized biomass applications require short fiber thin wood chips, which include the wood pellet industry, co-milling with coal, and certain gasification processes.

Peterson’s 5900 chipper and 5000H model delimber, debarker, chipper can now be readily adapted to produce uniform chips as short as 0.25 inches (67mm) and 0.08 inches (2mm) thick.

Wood chips need to be a consistent thickness for uniform process control in a digester or dryer. Short fiber length is especially important if the chips will be further reduced in a hammermill. If low bark and ash are a requirement, the Peterson 5000H can achieve less than 1% bark content in many conditions.

The Peterson 4800 stand alone flail debarker can also be paired with the 5900 disc chipper for low bark applications.

Peterson Pacific Corp. www.petersoncorp.com

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biopower

Wastewater Produces Electricity and Desalinates Water

By Andrea Messer

A

process that cleans wastewater and generates electricity also can remove 90% of salt from brackish water or seawater, according to an international team of researchers from China and the US. Clean water for drinking, washing, and industrial uses is a scarce resource in some parts of the world. Its availability in the future will be even more problematic. Many locations already desalinate water using either a reverse osmosis process—one that pushes water under high pressure through membranes that allow water to pass but not salt—or an electrodialysis process that uses electricity to draw salt ions out of water through a membrane. Both methods require large amounts of energy.

“Water desalination can be accomplished without electrical energy input or high water pressure by using a source of organic matter as the fuel to desalinate water,” the researchers report in a recent online issue of “Environmental Science and Technology.”

“The big selling point is that it currently takes a lot of electricity to desalinate water and using the microbial desalination cells, we could actually desalinate water and produce electricity while removing organic material from wastewater,” said Bruce Logan, Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering, Penn State.

The team modified a microbial fuel cell—a device that uses naturally occurring bacteria to convert wastewater into clean water producing electricity—so it could desalinate salty water.

“Our main intent was to show that using bacteria we can produce sufficient current to do this," said Logan. “However, it took 200 milliliters of an artificial wastewater—acetic acid in water—to desalinate three milliliters of salty water. This is not a practical system yet as it is not optimized, but it is proof of concept.”

A typical microbial fuel cell consists of two chambers, one filled with wastewater or other nutrients and the other with water, each containing an electrode. Naturally occurring bacteria in the wastewater consume the organic material and produce electricity.

The researchers, who also included Xiaoxin Cao, Xia Huang, Peng Liang, Kang Xiao, Yinjun Zhou, and Xiaoyuan Zhang, at Tsinghua University, Beijing, changed the microbial fuel cell by adding a third chamber between the two existing chambers and placing certain ion specific membranes—membranes that allow either positive or negative ions through, but not both—between the central chamber and the positive and negative electrodes. Salty water to be desalinated is placed in the central chamber.

Seawater contains about 35 grams of salt per liter and brackish water contains five grams per liter. Salt not only dissolves in water, it dissociates into positive and negative ions. When the bacteria in the cell consume the wastewater it releases charged ions—protons—into the water. These protons cannot pass the anion membrane, so negative ions move from the salty water into the wastewater chamber. At the other electrode protons are consumed, so positively charged ions move from the salty water to the other electrode chamber, desalinating the water in the middle chamber.

The desalination cell releases ions into the outer chambers that help to improve the efficiency of electricity generation compared to microbial fuel cells.

“When we try to use microbial fuel cells to generate electricity, the conductivity of the wastewater is very low,” said Logan. “If we could add salt it would work better. Rather than just add in salt, however in places where brackish or salt water is already abundant, we could use the process to additionally desalinate salty water, clean the wastewater and dump it and the resulting salt back into the ocean.”

Because the salt in the water helps the cell generate electricity, as the central chamber becomes less salty, the conductivity decreases and the desalination and electrical production decreases, which is why only 90% of the salt is removed.

However, a 90% decrease in salt in seawater would produce water with 3.5 grams of 96

September / October 2009

nacleanenergy.com

Bruce Logan, Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering (right) and Maha Mehanna, postdoctoral fellow (left) are already at work on the next generation of microbial desalination cells based on using air cathodes. Photo Credit: David Jones, Penn State

Three chambered microbial desalination cells at work in Bruce Logan's, Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering, laboratory. Photo Credit: David Jones, Penn State

salt per liter, which is less than brackish water. Brackish water would contain only 0.5 grams of salt per liter.

Another problem with the current cell is that as protons are produced at one electrode and consumed at the other electrode, these chambers become more acidic and alkaline. Mixing water from the two chambers together when they are discharged would once again produce neutral, salty water, so the acidity and alkalinity are not an environmental problem assuming the cleaned wastewater is dumped into brackish water or seawater. However, the bacteria that run the cell might have a problem living in highly acidic environments.

For this experiment, the researchers periodically added a pH buffer avoiding the acid problem, but this problem will need to be considered if the system is to produce reasonable amounts of desalinized water.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia and Ministry of Science and Technology, China, supported this work.

Penn State | http://live.psu.edu

Wood bioenergy site

Forest2Market, a provider of pricing data and analysis for the forest, wood products, and bioenergy industries, has launched its new website: www.forest2market.com.

The redesigned site offers a distinct home for each of the company’s customer segments, enhanced information about Forest2Market products and services, and easier access to an enriched, free content library. Also driving demand for a new site was the heightened interest in wood bioenergy as concerns about climate change and energy security and independence emerged to the forefront of the national debate.

Forest2Market www.forest2market.com

Additional sizes for multistage treatment system

Cone Bottom Reclaimer

Schroeder Biofuels has released two new product sizes for ColdClear, the first multistage treatment system for solving the cold soak dilemma in biodiesel and biodiesel blends. After success with the 5gpm, BCC100 ColdClear unit, Schroeder recognized the need for a 15 gpm unit, BCC300, and a 45 gpm unit, BCC900. Both of the new sizes are built on the same foundation of the original ColdClear unit, so now ColdClear can be implemented in larger plants and diesel fuel distribution centers.

A new proprietary multistage separation technology, ColdClear is specifically designed to ensure that biodiesel products conform to the new ASTM D6751 Standard for cold flow properties, effective October 1st, 2009. It is a patent pending technology that ensures any potential factors, which would initiate crystallization or plugging, are dramatically reduced. ColdClear is effective for B100 and a range of diesel blends meaning that producers, distributors, or even fleet consumers of biodiesel blends can use.

Schroeder Biofuels www.schroederbiofuels.com/dsign.php

Biomass & fiber processing systems

From feedstock to premium quality finished fuel, West Salem Machinery’s (WSM) field-proven grinding, screening, milling, and conveying equipment is the core of each customized and fully engineered package: primary processing of raw feedstock and green fiber with WSM’s rugged horizontal grinders and screens; secondary processing of pre-hogged fuel with WSM’s high volume disc screens and vertical grinders. Finish milling with WSM’s heavy duty hammermills. WSM supplies metering feed hoppers, motor starters/controls, in-feed and discharge chutes, support structures, access platforms, and associated conveyors to deliver a complete system. The company’s solution-oriented approach and application expertise in processing systems is demonstrated at successful fiber prep systems in operation throughout the world.

Jeffrey Rader Corporation has brought back the ability to reclaim materials from a storage bin with a cone bottom and with many new improvements. The Cone Bottom Reclaimer (CBR) has been engineered for heavy duty industrial applications that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The unit is constructed of simple, but rugged materials. The CBR design eliminates large rotating bearings and power slip rings typically used on other units. The reclaiming screw, bearings, and drives can all be maintained and/ or removed from outside of the bin and are of a standard off-the-shelf design.

The CBR uses simple technology to make a difficult application reliable, durable, simple to operate and maintain. When located in the cone of a bin, gravity assists in moving the material toward the outlet along the cone sides. A variable speed drive and special center discharge tube maintains a precise reclaim rate without allowing material to free flow. Because of the angled screw design, the CBR also uses less horsepower than typical flat bottom bin reclaimers. The slewing drive mechanism utilizes a torque motor and chain drive arrangement.

Jeffrey Rader Corporation www.jeffreyrader.com Naclean Energy 5710 ad.pdf | 8/24/07 3:14:17 PM

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Next generation fuel testing using biosolids

Nexterra has successfully completed testing of biosolids as a potential new fuel source for its proprietary gasification technology. The first phase of testing took place at Nexterra’s product development centre in Kamloops BC, using biosolids from Metro Vancouver (www.metrovancouver.org), who selected Nexterra’s gasification technology to pilot this initiative.

Nexterra is actively developing a new application of its proprietary gasification technology to convert biosolids into renewable heat for use in sludge dryers at municipal wastewater treatment plants. This new application can displace fossil fuels currently used for drying and will provide a long-term, renewable energy solution for sludge disposal that will lower fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions for municipalities. Nexterra’s biosolids gasification solution is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 4,000 to 15,000 tonnes annually per facility, the equivalent of taking over 1,000 to 3,700 cars off the road.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are more than 16,000 wastewater treatment facilities in the United States, with many of these plants owned and operated by municipalities. Biological sludge is a residual product of the wastewater treatment process. Traditional biosolids management methods include trucking to landfills or using as a fertilizer. Many municipalities would like to discontinue this practice due to rising fuel and management costs, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and diminishing landfill capacity. Nexterra plans to commercialize its biosolids gasification solution, with the objective of completing fuel testing and selecting a commercial demonstration site before the end of 2009.

Nexterra | www.nexterra.ca

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eventscalendar October 2009 7-9

2009 Algae Biomass Summit San Diego, California—Marriott San Diego Hotel & Marina; www.algalbiomass.org

14-16

15

BIOENERGY ENGINEERING 2009 Bellevue, Washington—Hyatt Regency; www.bioenergyengineering2009.com Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center Fall River, Massachusetts—Venue TBA; www.mrec.umassd.edu

15

Renewable Energy Integration STATCOM Technologies Workshop Chicago, Illinois—TBA with confirmed registration; www.amsc.com/statcom4

19-21

28-30

Biomass Summit Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences Biomass Power Technical Seminar Ruston, Louisiana—Louisiana Tech University; www.biomassengineers.com/seminar

November 2009 9-10

12-13

16-18

16-19

18-19

18-20

Renewable Energy Finance Summit Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences 2nd Annual Solar Energy Investment and Finance Summit San Francisco, CA—Hotel Nikko; www.newsolartoday.com/usafinance OPIS RFS-2 & RINs Forum Chicago, Illinois—Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel; www.opisnet.com/rfs2rins/index.html 4th Annual Cellulosic Biofuels Summit Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences Advanced Energy 2009 Hauppauge, New York—Hyatt Regency Long Island; www.aertc.org/conference09/index.html Clean Energy Expo Asia Singapore—Shangri-La Hotel; www.cleanenergyexpochina.com

December 2009 1-4

Advanced Battery Value Chain Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences

2-4

New Hydropower Finance & Investment Summit Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences

7-9

CanSIA: Solar Conference 2009 Toronto, Ontario—Westin Harbour Castle; www.cansia.ca/2009CanSIASolarConference

8-9

Atlas Symposium on Solar Energy Product Durability Phoenix, Arizona—Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort; www.atlas-mts.com/cgi/events.cgi?action=register&id=294

8-10

POWER-GEN International Las Vegas, Nevada—Las Vegas Convention Center; www.power-gen.com

January 2010 1

Washington & The New Clean Energy Economy Washington, DC—The Almas Temple Club; www.infocastinc.com/index.php/Upcoming_Conferences

February 2010 2-5

3-5

Expo Solar 2010 + PV World Forum Kintex Korea; www.exposolar.org/2010 RETECH 2010 Washington DC—Washington Convention Center; www.retech2009.com

Send us your clean energy show and event listings.

Email information to the Editor at mfroese@nacleanenergy.com

98

September / October 2009

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