You don't have to be a meteorologist to know which way the wind turbine business is blowing. You just have to know that better models are on the way, thanks to companies like
ADI Wind in Sheffield Village.
Basically, the parts of a wind turbine gearbox have to be lightweight and long-lasting. About two years ago, while developing automation equipment for a major wind turbine manufacturer, leaders of Advanced Design Industries Inc. realized they had a way to overcome some problems known in the industry.
Support from a
Lorain County Community College Innovation Grant and the Defense Metals Technology Center helped the company design and build a 125 kW prototype gearbox as well as a test bed. ADI Wind now is an offshoot of Advanced Design specializing in the new unit.
"Many gearless wind turbines weigh even more than their geared counterpart. Our gearbox is six times or more lighter than conventional units. This is accomplished by the unique gearing and reaction configuration which allows us to reach high gear ratios with significantly fewer parts and a much smaller size. With room to spare on the weight side, we can 'beef-up' our components and increase the safety factor," according to Kurt Lauer, ADI vice president.
ADI Wind is also developing an integrated generator, which will be placed directly with the same gearbox housing. The company foresees a mobile wind turbine � one that can be transported by semi or helicopter anywhere in the world, erected and producing 100 kW in hours.
"�We see these mobile units going up at schools, shopping malls, county fairs, on farms and everywhere that people want to make electricity," Lauer says.
ADI Wind is finalizing designs and working on a demonstration model to show potential investors.
Source: Kurt Lauer, ADI WindWriter: Gabriella Jacobs