AWARD TO BIG WIND

The can-do folks in the wind energy, having conquered 2.5 megawatts, are now designing 3.5 and 5 megawatt turbines.


Largest Wind Turbine Manufactured in U.S. Gets Energy Award; Clipper Windpower receives U.S. DOE award for research and innovation
Adrienne Selko, September 11, 2007 (industry Week)

WHO
Clipper Windpower, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL),

Doing maintenance on the Liberty turbine.

WHAT
DOE gave Clipper an Outstanding Research and Development Partnership Award for the design and development of Liberty Wind Turbine, a 2.5 megawatt capacity wind energy turbine.

WHEN
The turbine went on sale in June 2006. 2,240 units (firm and contingent) are ordered for 2007 through 2011 delivery.

This is NOT your grandpa's windmill.

WHERE
Clipper Windpower is based in Carpinteria, Calif.

WHY
- The Liberty turbine is the largest manufactured in the US. It was developed in partnership with DOE and NREL.
- The design addresses current gearbox and component deficiencies and thereby minimizes unscheduled maintenance.
- Quantum Drive Distributed Generation Powertrain (patented) distributes torque loads 4 times more efficiently using magnet generator technology resulting in simpler,more efficient variable speed operation.
- A 2-ton on-board crane simplifies and reduces the costs of maintenance.
- Installation can be done with cranes used for 1.5 megawatt units.
- The 2240 units on order represent a 5,600 megawatt energy potential.

They call it wind POWER for a reason.

QUOTES
Award acknowledgment: “[For] outstanding contribution toward industry advancements…the Liberty wind turbine, which attained unparalleled levels of efficiency and reliability and reduced cost of energy."