More thermal transfer tapes to I.D. equipment

A manufacturer of labeling has added two tapes to the K-Sun LABELShop line: white removable and silver matte. The thermal transfer tapes now include 60 color-and-size combinations with new ½ black on white removable adhesive (Part no. 212RA) and ¾ black on silver matte (Part no. 218SM).

“The versatility of repositionable tape and the visibility of the silver matte tape are requested in industries,” says Mike Kasun, president of K-Sun Corp. “Our K-Sun LABELShop cartridges are recyclable and halogen-free.”

The black on white removable tape is durable and tear-resistant, yet repositionable for identification, bar coding or sequential alphanumeric or variable data. It is designed for labeling glassware, metals, plastic, or other equipment for repeat usage when labels might need to be removed quickly and easily without leaving adhesive residue. The polyester material and initial tack is strong enough for permanent adhesion on radial and flat surfaces, can withstand variable and harsh temperatures, and is chemical, smear, and UV fade-resistant. Symbol libraries available include laboratory, medical and chemical, homeland security, and electrical with K-Sun MaxiLabel Pro V3 software that accompanies several models of the company’s thermal-transfer printers.

The white background brings visibility on surfaces and, when used on white surfaces, adds a professional appearance.

The new black on silver matte is designed for bar code, asset management, and property protection and inventory for warehouses, plants, and others. Intended for permanent positioning on a variety of surface materials, silver matte is the choice to use with bar code readers, and can withstand harsh temperatures, abrasion, and pressure.

The tapes are made of a durable, all-weather polyester base with an industrial grade acrylic adhesive. The tapes comply with ANSI/TIA/EIA-606A standards. Tapes tests have yielded a 5 to 7 year outdoor life, and tapes can withstand heat and cold temperatures.

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Renewable energy purchase can be easier for large power users

A recently launched Windfrastructure Partner Program lets large power users purchase renewable energy in a financially neutral manner. The program, devised by National Wind, Minneapolis, provides its partners with an economic interest in a new community wind project in exchange for buying electricity from the new project. Participating in the program is income-statement neutral because the additional cost of buying renewable energy is offset by the economic interest the participant receives in the wind farm.

Elements in the program are that it promotes sustainability and creates a new source of renewable energy. “Receipt of economic interest in a new wind farm makes the program an attractive alternative to purchasing RECs or purchasing green power through a utility,” says Robert Martorano, Managing Director of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Finance & Leasing Group. In addition, the program is traceable and brandable.

“Companies want to become more sustainable,” says Leon Steinberg, CEO of National Wind. “But given the economic climate, many corporations are unwilling to recognize the additional expense for renewable energy. Windfrastructure will let companies achieve and perhaps surpass their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in a manner that will not affect their profit and loss statement.”

Different types of large power users may become Windfrastructure Partners at varying levels of participation.

Windfrastructure Overview Sheet: http://www.nationalwind.com/files/WindF%20overview%20sheet-final.pdf

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Better blade lets 1.5-MW turbines deliver 5% more power

LM Wind Power’s LM 42.1 GloBlade 1 will extend the life cycle of the 1.5-MW segment by offering a design that provides annual energy production and requires no mechanical upgrading of the current platform. The blade is a way of meeting expectations for high performing rotors. By using its know-how in aerodynamics and structural design, the company developed a more cost effective blade for the 1.5-MW segment, ensuring the end user up to 5% more power generation from an existing platform.

“The market trend has been to move up in the MW range, however this presents many technical challenges and the need for customers to develop and invest in new equipment. The current 1.5-MW industry standard blades are 34, 37.5, and 40.3-m long with only the latter sold in any real volume now. This underlines the end user requirement to generate more power from an existing platform, and there are many manufacturers who offer these products. This lets OEMs sell a tested designs that offers higher electricity revenues,” says Ian Telford, VP Sales & Marketing.

Manufacturability was a key design requirement. This means that the GloBlade can be produced in most LM factories. “We expect the new blade will gradually replace the existing 37.3 and 40.3m blades. A next step is to extend the concept to create several platforms also fitting larger wind turbine types. The blade will be in full-scale production in China and North America in 2010 and in other regions in 2011 depending on demand,” says Telford. The company says that based on its projections, more than 50% of its blade sales in 2012 will be from products it does not currently sell.

The first GloBlade will be spinning on turbines in the second quarter of 2010. In China and America, about two out of three turbines installed are within this segment.

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Better blade lets 1.5-MW turbines deliver 5% more power

LM Wind Power’s LM 42.1 GloBlade 1 will extend the life cycle of the 1.5-MW segment by offering a design that provides annual energy production and requires no mechanical upgrading of the current platform. The blade is a way of meeting expectations for high performing rotors. By using its know-how in aerodynamics and structural design, the company developed a more cost effective blade for the 1.5-MW segment, ensuring the end user up to 5% more power generation from an existing platform.

“The market trend has been to move up in the MW range, however this presents many technical challenges and the need for customers to develop and invest in new equipment. The current 1.5-MW industry standard blades are 34, 37.5, and 40.3-m long with only the latter sold in any real volume now. This underlines the end user requirement to generate more power from an existing platform, and there are many manufacturers who offer these products. This lets OEMs sell a tested designs that offers higher electricity revenues,” says Ian Telford, VP Sales & Marketing.

Manufacturability was a key design requirement. This means that the GloBlade can be produced in most LM factories. “We expect the new blade will gradually replace the existing 37.3 and 40.3m blades. A next step is to extend the concept to create several platforms also fitting larger wind turbine types. The blade will be in full-scale production in China and North America in 2010 and in other regions in 2011 depending on demand,” says Telford. The company says that based on its projections, more than 50% of its blade sales in 2012 will be from products it does not currently sell.

The first GloBlade will be spinning on turbines in the second quarter of 2010. In China and America, about two out of three turbines installed are within this segment.

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Better blade lets 1.5-MW turbines deliver 5% more power

LM Wind Power’s LM 42.1 GloBlade 1 will extend the life cycle of the 1.5-MW segment by offering a design that provides annual energy production and requires no mechanical upgrading of the current platform. The blade is a way of meeting expectations for high performing rotors. By using its know-how in aerodynamics and structural design, the company developed a more cost effective blade for the 1.5-MW segment, ensuring the end user up to 5% more power generation from an existing platform.

“The market trend has been to move up in the MW range, however this presents many technical challenges and the need for customers to develop and invest in new equipment. The current 1.5-MW industry standard blades are 34, 37.5, and 40.3-m long with only the latter sold in any real volume now. This underlines the end user requirement to generate more power from an existing platform, and there are many manufacturers who offer these products. This lets OEMs sell a tested designs that offers higher electricity revenues,” says Ian Telford, VP Sales & Marketing.

Manufacturability was a key design requirement. This means that the GloBlade can be produced in most LM factories. “We expect the new blade will gradually replace the existing 37.3 and 40.3m blades. A next step is to extend the concept to create several platforms also fitting larger wind turbine types. The blade will be in full-scale production in China and North America in 2010 and in other regions in 2011 depending on demand,” says Telford. The company says that based on its projections, more than 50% of its blade sales in 2012 will be from products it does not currently sell.

The first GloBlade will be spinning on turbines in the second quarter of 2010. In China and America, about two out of three turbines installed are within this segment.

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Gearbox lube for wind turbines

One way to improve wind-turbine efficiency is with proper gearbox lubricant. Dow recently introduced the UCON GL-320 lubricant for wind turbine gearboxes and those in other applications. The high viscosity index of the lube, addresses the issue of cold weather causing high lubricant viscosity without the need for additional VI improvers. It has higher heat capacity than hydrocarbon oils, which allows it to move more heat, forestalling a shutdown when turbine output is at the maximum. The lubricant has better lubricity at ambient conditions, so it has potential to shift the power-versus-wind-speed curve to the left, leading to greater power output when the production is less than the maximum design output.

This lubricant also addresses the issue of micropitting, which can lead to wearing and changes in gear teeth shape, reducing gear accuracy, and increasing vibrations and noise. It can also lead to other problems such as misalignment and fatigue failure. High viscosity lubricants like UCON GL-320 are a thicker lubricant film that can help to reduce the debris and worn particles that often accompany less well-lubricated gears.

DOW

www.dow.com

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

In Europe, 118 offshore wind turbines connect to grid in first half of 2010

New offshore wind turbines total 333 MW, well over half the 577 MW installed offshore last year, continuing growth in offshore wind power despite the financial crisis. In addition, 151 offshore wind turbines totaling 440 MW were installed, but not yet connected to the grid, says EWEA, the European Wind Energy Association.

Overall 16 offshore wind farms totaling 3,972 MW were under construction. Of these, four became fully operational: Poseidon in Denmark, Alpha Ventus in Germany, Gunfleet Sands, and Robin Rigg in the UK.

To date in Europe, there are 948 offshore wind turbines in 43 fully operational offshore wind farms, with a total capacity of 2396 MW. Among the developers, E.ON Climate and Renewables developed 64% of the grid connected offshore wind capacity during the first half of 2010, followed by DONG Energy (21%), and power company Vattenfall (11%). Among manufacturers, Siemens accounted for 55% of the grid connected offshore wind capacity during the first half of 2010, Vestas (36%), and REpower (30.9%).

“There is no doubt this burgeoning industry is being held back by a lack of finance. Projects led by utilities are less affected thanks to their ability to fund investments from their balance sheets, but independent developers are constrained. Loans from public institutions such as the European Investment Bank are crucial, and have already helped a number of projects and this support must be extended further,” says Justin Wilkes, Director of Policy at EWEA.

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Connection blocks for high current

Power distribution blocks from Marathon Special Products feature a high-impact resistant thermoplastic insulator base and a UL temperature rating of 125C

A manufacturer of electrical and electronic components for circuit protection and connections has introduced its UL Listed Thermoplastic 135 Series Power Distribution Blocks. The 135 Series Power Distribution Blocks, from Marathon Special Products, include a high current carrying capacity, wide range of wiring options, and suitability for UL508A Control Panel Applications up to a Short Circuit Current Rating of 100,000 SYM Amps. Most company products comply to UL requirements for use with flexible stranded wires, carry short-circuit current ratings, and are CE 1,000 Vac and Vdc rated.

The 135 Series meets UL1953 (Power Block standard) requirements and is listed for general installation. This means they have adequate spacing for most OEM and field applications. The advantage of using a 135 series distribution block can be used in “as supplied condition” because it meets the feeder circuit terminal spacing requirements per UL508A section 10.2 (1 in. through air and 2 in. over surface at 600V). The blocks are identified with a listing mark from UL so inspectors need not check “conditions of acceptability” resulting in a quicker inspection.

The Power Distribution Blocks also comply with National Electric Codes for use in service equipment. The blocks are UL Listed and service-equipment rated, so they are suitable for applications where system components must be connected in the field. This includes installation in wireways and industrial control panel feeder/branch circuits, splicing and tapping conductors in metallic wireways, auxiliary gutters, junction boxes, termination boxes, and similar applications. The blocks can also connect modular tower sections for wind turbines, for large motor connections such as water lifting and material handling, and to interconnect multiple panels in control and power-distribution systems.

Marathon Special Products
marathonsp.com

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

New Stickers Increase Solar Panel Performance By 10 Percent

There is a new entrant to the realm of solar panel accessories that are said to increase panel performance while decreasing costs. Joining solar trackers and microinverters is a new polymer film called FUSION by Genie Lens Technologies. The film, embossed with microstructures that bend sunlight, may be installed like a sticker on panels already in use, improving by up to 10 percent the amount of sunlight that solar panels convert into electricity.

Furthermore, the technology is cheap and could lower the cost per watt of solar power. Genie Lens says it will increase costs of a solar panel between 1 and 10 percent, but that increase in power output more than makes up for the added costs. Installing the film on panels in the factory is optimal for ensuring the most output at the most reasonable price, but adding the lens aftermarket still has a significant benefit.

Tests at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show that the film increases panel output on average between 4 and 12.5 percent. Interestingly, the best results came under cloudy conditions when incident light is diffuse, a testament to how the film works.

According to Genie Lens CEO and co-founder Seth Weiss, the polymer film does three things to improve solar panel performance:

• Prevents sunlight from reflecting off the panel’s surface.
• Traps light inside the semiconductor materials within each solar cell that absorb light and convert it to electric current.
• Redirects incoming light so that it travels along the surface of the panel rather than passing through, increasing the chances that it will be absorbed.

In addition to lowering costs per watt by improving panel output, the film could also lower shipping and installation costs by reducing the amount of solar panels needed for a given installation. Also, this film, as opposed to similar products being developed by the likes of Innovalight, can be used on any solar panel, be it the traditional crystalline silicon model or new thin-film technologies.

However, one very important unanswered question about the film is durability. If the cover starts to break down, it could actually inhibit solar electricity generation and hurt rather than help panel performance. Genie Lens Technologies says their product will last 20 years — a time frame comparable to most solar panel warranties — but that assertion has yet to be independently validated.

The film is being developed by Genie Lens subsidiary, SolOptics.

Source: MIT Technology Review

More »

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Factoid: How is electricity consumed in U.S. homes?

Here’s a little factoid on how American’s are using their home energy from The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA):
U.S. Residential Electricity Consumption by End Use-2008 End-Use Quadrillion Btu Billion Kilowatt- hours Share of Total Space Cooling 0.77 227 16.5% Lighting 0.72 212 15.4% Water Heating 0.43 127 9.2% Space Heating1 0.42 123 8.9% Refrigeration 0.38 110 8.0% Televisions and Set-Top Boxes 0.35 101 7.3% Clothes Dryers 0.26 77 5.6% Computers and Related Equipment 0.17 49 3.6% Cooking 0.11 31 2.2% Dishwashers 2 0.09 27 2.0% Freezers 0.08 23 1.7% Clothes Washers 2 0.03 10 0.7% Other — Miscellaneous Uses 0.89 260 18.8% Total Consumption 4.71 1,379 1 Includes fans and pumps. 2 Excludes energy for water heating. Residential electricity consumption estimates and forecasts by type of end-use, Table 4. Detailed statistics for residential electricity consumption by type of appliance, in 2001. Last updated: June 22, 2010

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Hydrogen Fueled UUV Created by AlumiFuel for Navy

This is not the first time I’ve mentioned AlumiFuel and their hydrogen on demand systems. In the past I’ve also talked about hydrogen powered submarines and hydrogen propelled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Now, AlumiFuel Power Inc. (API) has announced that it is working with the U. S. Navy to create unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs). During various parts of the BP Oil Spill crisis UUVs were deployed such as the iRobot Seaglider to gather information about how much oil was spilled in the Gulf.

According to the AlumiFuel press release, “The overall global UUV market is expected to reach $12 billion over the next decade, encompassing commercial, naval and other national security applications. This number includes $1.2 billion for the power systems, with $400-$500 million related to the fuel modules.

“API has been interacting with selected defense contractors in the design of novel energy generators (including superheated steam as well as hydrogen) to power U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial UUVs and submersibles for over two years. In fact, apart from this Navy R&D contract, API’s technology for underwater applications has been incorporated into three other proposals to DoD customers by three separate major defense contractors. “

The AlumiFuel system is unique because it involves a chemical reaction among aluminum, water and a proprietary catalyst to create hydrogen in an easily swappable cartridge. The hydrogen powered UUV is but one of many specialty applications being developed in the hydrogen vehicle industry.

Visit the original post at: Fuel Cell News

Council presents recommendations on siting wind turbines

A news release issued by the Public Service Commission:

MADISON – Today the Wind Siting Council presented the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) with a report on its final recommendations for the wind siting rules. The report is the result of the Council’s work conducted in 20 meetings over the course of more than four months.

[The Council vote 11 to 4 in support of the recommendations, with RENEW executive director Michael Vickerman voting with the majority.]

Originally appointed by the PSC pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40) in March 2010, the Council has worked diligently to provide the Commission with sound advice to consider in finalizing the wind siting rules. The PSC is conducting the wind siting rulemaking pursuant to Act 40, and issued a proposed rule draft in May, 2010 in docket 1-AC-231. The PSC accepted public comments from the public on the proposed rule until July 7, 2010.

“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Wind Siting Council’s final report, and I thank them for their unwavering commitment to provide the Commission with useful advice to consider as we finalize the wind siting rules,” said PSC Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I am confident that the rules the Commission sends to the Legislature will provide a fair, uniform foundation to ultimately benefit future energy projects in Wisconsin.”

The PSC plans to complete the rulemaking by the end of August. Once finalized, the uniform rules will set forth consistent standards for the local regulation of wind energy systems in Wisconsin.

View the Wind Siting Council’s recommendations here. Documents associated with the wind siting rules can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System. Enter case number 1-AC-231 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.

Visit the original post at: Energy News

Council presents recommendations on siting wind turbines

A news release issued by the Public Service Commission:

MADISON – Today the Wind Siting Council presented the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) with a report on its final recommendations for the wind siting rules. The report is the result of the Council’s work conducted in 20 meetings over the course of more than four months.

[The Council vote 11 to 4 in support of the recommendations, with RENEW executive director Michael Vickerman voting with the majority.]

Originally appointed by the PSC pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40) in March 2010, the Council has worked diligently to provide the Commission with sound advice to consider in finalizing the wind siting rules. The PSC is conducting the wind siting rulemaking pursuant to Act 40, and issued a proposed rule draft in May, 2010 in docket 1-AC-231. The PSC accepted public comments from the public on the proposed rule until July 7, 2010.

“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Wind Siting Council’s final report, and I thank them for their unwavering commitment to provide the Commission with useful advice to consider as we finalize the wind siting rules,” said PSC Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I am confident that the rules the Commission sends to the Legislature will provide a fair, uniform foundation to ultimately benefit future energy projects in Wisconsin.”

The PSC plans to complete the rulemaking by the end of August. Once finalized, the uniform rules will set forth consistent standards for the local regulation of wind energy systems in Wisconsin.

View the Wind Siting Council’s recommendations here. Documents associated with the wind siting rules can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System. Enter case number 1-AC-231 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.

Visit the original post at: Energy News

Council presents recommendations on siting wind turbines

A news release issued by the Public Service Commission:

MADISON – Today the Wind Siting Council presented the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) with a report on its final recommendations for the wind siting rules. The report is the result of the Council’s work conducted in 20 meetings over the course of more than four months.

[The Council vote 11 to 4 in support of the recommendations, with RENEW executive director Michael Vickerman voting with the majority.]

Originally appointed by the PSC pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40) in March 2010, the Council has worked diligently to provide the Commission with sound advice to consider in finalizing the wind siting rules. The PSC is conducting the wind siting rulemaking pursuant to Act 40, and issued a proposed rule draft in May, 2010 in docket 1-AC-231. The PSC accepted public comments from the public on the proposed rule until July 7, 2010.

“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Wind Siting Council’s final report, and I thank them for their unwavering commitment to provide the Commission with useful advice to consider as we finalize the wind siting rules,” said PSC Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I am confident that the rules the Commission sends to the Legislature will provide a fair, uniform foundation to ultimately benefit future energy projects in Wisconsin.”

The PSC plans to complete the rulemaking by the end of August. Once finalized, the uniform rules will set forth consistent standards for the local regulation of wind energy systems in Wisconsin.

View the Wind Siting Council’s recommendations here. Documents associated with the wind siting rules can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System. Enter case number 1-AC-231 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.

Visit the original post at: Energy News