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With rated currents of up to 3,600A, the SKiiP4 module is the most powerful IPM available. It is one third more powerful than a SKiiP3 version with the same mechanical dimensions. SKiiP4 modules are ideal for use in wind and solar power applications and others with power ratings of 400 kW to 1.8 MW. The company says the units have five times the thermal-cycling capability as conventional modules.

A Chinese wind-power company, Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd, has agreed to purchase advanced electrical equipment from Germany-based, local manufacturer Semikron China. The intelligent power modules and complete Semistack power electronic assemblies will come from Semikron China. The power modules, called SKiiP, are optimized for wind-power applications. Semikron says the modules are the most powerful intelligent power modules on the market capable of a long service life. In addition, Semistack power assemblies boast a high power density of 12 kW/liter and a flexible modular design.

For comparisons, the SKiiP4 power packs are said to deliver up to a third more power than the SKiiP3 modules. The latest versions have been improved for a maximum rated current of 3,600 A at a maximum voltage of 1,700 V. A 1,200-V version of the SKiiP4 is also available. This order further seals the business partnership of Goldwind and Semikron (offices in Hudson, NH), which provides equipment for the growing Chinese wind energy market.

Goldwind is one of the first enterprises in China focusing on innovative research and manufacturing for wind turbines. Since 2000, the company has had an average annual growth of 100% for the last ten consecutive years. The company was one of the top five global suppliers of wind power generators with a market share of 7.2% of the newly installed wind power capacity in 2009.

“It is an honor to be the supplier for Goldwind,” says Lixin Ren, managing director of Semikron Greater China. “Semikron technology powers nearly half of the globally installed wind-power capacity and Goldwind is one of the top five wind turbine manufacturers in the world. Our goal is to establish a long-term business relationship providing the most efficient technology and best service beneficial to both companies.”

“The state-of-the-art technology, reliable product quality, and professional technical support of Semikron met our high standard of requirement,” says Goldwind Supply Chain Manager Kai Wu. “Semikron`s experience in stack design and production gave us confidence that we can work together and achieve long-term success.”

China has the world’s largest wind power capacity. In 2009, 13.7 GW of wind power was installed thereby more than doubling the cumulative installed capacity in a single year, which has now reached 25.8 GW (Source: BTM Consult ApS, March 2010).

Semikron adds that its technology powers nearly half of the globally installed wind power capacity. According to a survey carried out by BTM Consult ApS, the total wind power capacity installed until 2009 was 122 GW, with 57 GW comprising semiconductors from Semikron. In 2009 the company formed a 50/50 joint venture with Magna Electronics to develop and produce inverters and chargers for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Semikron

www.semikron.com

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd.

www.goldwind.cn

A manufacturer of wave power products will research its energy converter. Columbia Power Technologies LLC received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to research an intermediate-scale version of its Manta Wave Energy Converter.

Columbia Power consortium partner, GL Garrad Hassan, will review and analyze wave data at sea trials. The company has already assisted in review and development of the technology road map, numerical modeling of the wave energy converter response, tank testing guidelines, and on-site support during tank trials. Deployment for the converter is projected for late 2010, in advance of a full-scale ocean demonstration.

Columbia Power Technologies www.columbiapwr.com
GL Garrad Hassan www.gl-garradhassan.com

A renewable energy consultant will conduct offshore wind research in the Baltic Sea for the next several years. The FINO 2 research and measuring platform in the “Kriegers Flak” area, 35 km north of the island of Rügen in Germany, delivers important data, which will ultimately assist in the realization of offshore wind farms planned for the area. The equipment platform is located ten meters above the surface of the sea. Measuring 15 by 15 m, it offers sufficient space to hold all the required operational equipment and measuring instruments.

GL Garrad Hassan's Windtest team Kaiser Wilhelm Koog GmbH will be responsible for the overall operations and maintenance of the platform, as well as manage the research program and associated technical data. The data will include various metrological and hydrological measurements, long-term bird migration patterns, and maritime traffic around the platform.

Participants in the project include the research institute WIND-consult, the Institute for Applied Ecology (Institut für Angewandte Ökologie) and the Shipping Institute Warnemünde (Schifffahrtsinstitut Warnemünde).

GL Garrad Hassan
www.gl-garradhassan.com

WindEnergyUpdate speaks to Petter Karal, CEO of offshore wind turbine foundation technology provider, Seatower, to learn how the latest gravity base foundations resolve installation issues that have plagued the offshore wind industry to date.

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The tremendous growth of wind power in the United States is the result of several factors including state Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) as well as the nation's Smart Grid implementation, which requires the electric grid to accommodate and encourage increasing renewable resources.

Many investors find the prospect of selecting individual stocks simply too daunting. For those investors interested in investing in peak oil, but uncomfortable with the risks and moral dilemmas inherent in oil company stocks, there is another option: Powershares Global Progressive Transportation Portfolio (PTRP).

Many investors find the prospect of selecting individual stocks simply too daunting. For those investors interested in investing in peak oil, but uncomfortable with the risks and moral dilemmas inherent in oil company stocks, there is another option: Powershares Global Progressive Transportation Portfolio (PTRP).

The huge turbines at the Guanting Wind Farm are popular backdrops for photos of newly married couples who find the 60-meter-tall structures a symbol of modernity; an endearing addition to the distant mountains, corn fields and lake a few dozen kilometers outside bustling Beijing.

The huge turbines at the Guanting Wind Farm are popular backdrops for photos of newly married couples who find the 60-meter-tall structures a symbol of modernity; an endearing addition to the distant mountains, corn fields and lake a few dozen kilometers outside bustling Beijing.

Despite a buoyant European offshore wind market, offshore construction & installation contractors that fall short of budget and technology challenges risk falling by the wayside. Utility scale developers at the forefront will be seeking out only companies capable of providing and meeting the necessary challenges imposed on the industry today.

Iberdrola Renovables, in a consortium with local energy company Neoenergia, is to supply Brazil with electricity from 9 wind farms over 20 years for €60 million ($77 million) a year.

The second annual OLE General Assembly to be held on 11-15 October in Kigali, Rwanda, will explore what is known, what needs to be known and how we can know about scalable approaches to achieving Quality Universal Basic Education with marginalized children around the world. What Works?: 2010 OLE General AssemblyExploring Scalable Approaches to Quality Universal Basic Education with Marginalized ChildrenKigali, Rwanda, 11-15 October 2010Register to attend/ Why? While there are literally thousands of basic education initiatives underway in all parts of the world, very few of them are based on evidence of their effectiveness. Most of these initativies are faith-based: They appear to be worthwhile and they help their providers feel good. Most such programs, however, have not demonstrated that they are effective or that they can be scaled beyond a few limited silos of presumed excellence. Wayan Vota http://www.wayan.com

Material distributor Composites One says that Composites One China will be an exhibitor at China Composites Expo in Beijing. The International Composites Industrial Technical Expo, now in its 16th year, will be held September 15 to 17 at the China National Convention Center.

Closed-mold expert Charles Tur will conduct demonstrations at the Expo on September 15 and 16 at 1:30 pm

“We have found the China Composites Expo to be the best place for us to introduce new products and process technologies and also to meet with both existing and new customers to better understand their requirements and how we can help them to improve the products they manufacture.” said Don Hairhoger, President of Composites One China. “As this is our fourth year exhibiting at the China Composites Expo and we hope to continue to build upon the Composites One brand as the one resource for manufacturers, offering the highest quality products and technical support.”

This year the company will conduct a live closed mold demonstration in its exhibit at the expo. The demonstration will feature the Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) Process and will be presented with assistance from Magnum Venus Plastech and industry renowned closed-mold expert Charles Tur. The demonstrations will be held on September 15 and 16 at 1:30 pm

“The LRTM process is being accepted by China’s open-mold manufactures as an affordable option to convert to a process that produces better quality parts with good surface appearance, reduced labor costs, and gives better overall control of the cost of materials ” said Philip Condron, General Manager Composites One China. “The company is becoming known as the leader in closed mold technologies for the China Composites Industry”

In addition, several suppliers have partnered with Composites One to exhibit at the expo. Those suppliers include: Acrastrip, AGY, ATC, Chomarat, Cray Valley, I-Core, Magnum Venus Plastech, Specialty Products, and Syrgis Initiators. Visitors to the expo can stop by the Composites One booth #1428/1430/1529 and visit with these suppliers to discuss their new products, latest technologies and technical solutions.

Composites One

compositesone.com

The WindFloat is large enough to produce 10 MW.

A new floating platform would allow wind turbines to float offshore without water-depth restrictions. The WindFloat platform was conceived by engineering firm Marine Innovation & Technology and owned by Principle Power. The device is a floating support structure for offshore wind turbines.  The structure would let turbines sit in locations with excellent wind resources that were previously off limits because water depth exceeded 50m.

The WindFloat foundation has many advantages. It’s economic because it reduces the need for offshore operations during final assembly and commissioning. Also, its static and dynamic stability offers low pitch and yaw performance, enabling use of existing commercial wind turbine technology. Its design and size allow for onshore assembly, while its shallow draft allows for depth-independent sitting and towing it to sites not visible from shore.

The design and size of the WindFloat enables overall structure assembly onshore. Horizontal water-entrapment, or heave, plates at the base of each column significantly improve the motion performance of the system, due to additional damping and entrained water effects. A closed-loop active ballast system mitigates wind-induced thrust forces, restoring the system to optimal efficiency following changes in wind velocity and direction. A catenary mooring system uses conventional components, such as chain and polyester lines to minimize the cost. Pre-laid drag-embedded anchors minimize site preparation and impact.

Marine Innovation & Technology engineers used digital prototyping to create the WindFloat. The software from Autodesk, Inc. helped design and render the device in just three weeks. Multiple project proposals are being submitted for full-scale demonstration and utility-scale developments in the UK, Europe, and U.S.

Marine Innovation & Technology www.marineitech.com

Autodesk usa.autodesk.com

The Treasury Department recently issued a series of FAQs in an effort to clarify when projects will be treated as having "begun construction" for purposes of the section 1603 grant. As you may be aware, a project that otherwise qualifies for the grant but is not placed in service before the end of 2010 may still be eligible for the grant if construction on the project is begun in 2009 or 2010 and the project is eventually placed in service before the applicable "credit termination date." The new FAQs address a number of the unanswered questions. However, the framework adopted by the Treasury Guidance and the new FAQs is complex, and there appears to be a considerable amount of confusion among developers about how the "beginning construction" requirement can be met. Therefore, we thought it important to issue this alert.

Turkey plans to connect to the European electrical grid this month using GE's smart grid technology. The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEIAS) will now be able to buy and sell power in the European electricity market, hopefully expanding the reliability and availability of energy, especially renewable energy, throughout all of Europe.