The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) awarded a $1.37 million contract for the design and fabrication of a 5.8 MW wind turbine gearbox for a new dynamometer at its National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) to Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc., a subsidiary of Broadwind Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWEN).
Jim Green, senior project leader, NREL, said, “We are pleased to leverage Broadwind’s state-of-the-art equipment and their understanding of wind gearing for this dynamometer upgrade project.”
As the primary U.S. wind energy R&D facility, the NWTC provides the wind industry with customized turbine and component testing. The planned 5 MW dynamometer upgrade at the NWTC will enhance the research and operational capabilities of the U.S. wind industry.
Dynamometers enable industry and testing agencies to verify the performance and reliability of wind turbine drivetrain prototypes and commercial machines. Designs are tested by simulating field conditions in a laboratory environment. In a typical dynamometer test, a powerful motor replaces the rotor and blades of a wind turbine. Wind turbine dynamometer testing focuses on the electrical power producing systems of a wind turbine including generators, gearboxes, power converters, bearings, brakes, lubrication, cooling and control systems.
“Broadwind is delighted to have been selected to design and produce this 5.8 MW wind turbine gearbox for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,” said Daniel E. Schueller, president of Broadwind Energy’s Brad Foote Gear Works subsidiary. “With decades of experience in building precision gearing systems for the energy sector, Broadwind’s gearing team is uniquely positioned to support this wind turbine gearbox project.”
The schedule calls for delivery of the gearbox to the NWTC in the fall of 2011. This subcontract is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Development and construction of the upgraded 5 MW (nominal) dynamometer facility at the NWTC is a multi-year project that began in fiscal year 2009, with a scheduled completion in the spring of 2012.
About Broadwind Energy, Inc.
Broadwind Energy (NASDAQ: BWEN) applies decades of deep industrial expertise to innovate integrated solutions for customers in the energy and infrastructure markets. From gears to wind towers, to comprehensive remanufacturing of gearboxes and blades, to operations and maintenance services, and heavy industries, we have solutions for the energy needs of the future. With facilities throughout the U.S., Broadwind Energy's talented team of more than 800 employees is committed to helping customers maximize performance of their investments —quicker, easier and smarter. Find out more at www.bwen.com.
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