Insight > Technology investment and is going to be used for some of the development process we’re doing for other parts.” Part of that focus on quality can be explained by mistakes that surfaced with Areva’s previous model at the Alpha Ventus wind farm. A problem with the gearbox, which first arose in 2010, led to serious overheating on the machines. The mistake was corrected quickly and transparently, but it taught the company some important lessons about supply chain monitoring.
speed. Our broader experience with the turbine has been extremely positive, however. It’s functioned very well since we made the original repairs.”
New challenges of transport and installation Other important issues around transport and installation also need consideration. Moving to a bigger machine like the M5000 creates a series of headaches around design. The turbine needs to be
We want to spot any mistake in the production when the machine is still onshore. That will help us save a lot of time when we go offshore. “It’s worth remembering that the company is still very new,” Huby says. “It was part-purchased by Areva back in 2007, but full integration of the group was only finalised in 2010. With Alpha Ventus it became clear that all the processes required were not yet up to
as light as possible to make loading and transport simple. Erecting the blades is also difficult, particularly with high wind speeds and hubs that are hard to turn. “We’ve developed an innovative installation solution,” Huby says. “Instead of putting the three blades
on the hub onshore, we go offshore without actually assembling the blades. That saves a lot of space on the deck and ship. When you do go offshore, you can stick the blades on the hub and position it properly. We are not competing with people who sell installation equipment, but we are partnering with them. “The offshore industry is still very young. If you look at the purpose of governments and companies, there are thousands of megawatts due for installation over the coming decade. Future success depends upon working as a team, with investors, suppliers, installation and cable companies, and with other competitors across the board.” Having made the choice of offshore wind at an early stage, Huby hopes Areva will become a leader in the European market in the years to come. As the sector looks to attract long-term investment, the company will need all the political and technological help it can get can get to achieve that goal.
HARTING Hall effect current sensors People | Power | Partnership
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Modern power electronics needs precise and secure current measurement, especially at high currents beyond 200 Ampere: HARTING Hall effect current sensors are designed for currents between 200 A and 2000 A and for use in harsh conditions. Precise, robust, for applications such as rail technology and renewal energy. In addition, easy to integrate by using a standard footprint. HARTING: Pushing Performance to innovative solutions. Please contact: HARTING Electric GmbH & Co. KG Wilhelm-Harting-Straße 1 | D-32339 Espelkamp | Phone +49 577 247-97100 | Fax +49 577 247-495 | electric@HARTING.com
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