Wind rotor blade installation goes green

Wind turbines are known for their renewable energy generation, but how green are they during assembly?

Bavaria based specialist supplier Ematec says it now has emission-free single blade installation for its GreenLine products.

“Ematec now also offers its rotor blade lifters RBT, RBC and EMT in the ecological GreenLine version,” it says.

“The Ematec GreenLine high-end battery drive emits no emissions, operates almost in silence and is thus perfect for use in the wind energy industry, can be used in all countries and wind turbine manufacturers may bypass the many different emission regulations that exist worldwide.”

Emtec says its GreenLine version costs no more than conventional technology with an internal combustion engine.

The company describes it as “a perfect match; an emission-free rotor blade installation for regenerative energy”.

“There is an enormous potential,” Ematec AG chief executive Manfred Eberhard says.

“Above all, with our new drive, we do not only offer a particularly ecological solution, but also a technology that is fit for the future which saves wind turbine manufacturers a lot of trouble in complying with the various emission regulations – whether in China, the EU or the US.”

By using an emission-free drive for the rotor blade installation in the onshore and offshore sector, Ematec GreenLine can be used in all countries.

Emission limits such as the stricter emission regulations according to the Euro 5 standard, which have been in effect since January 1, 2019, or the different tier classifications are no longer a problem with Ematec GreenLine, the company says.

“In addition, Ematec deliberately kept the electric motor below 48 volts, which allows being used in the US and meets the requirements of the UL (Underwriters Laboratories).”

The high-end battery drive is not only especially ecological, but also particularly powerful and generously dimensioned, Ematec says.

“Even at temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the battery allows a working time of more than 16 hours thus being able to install three rotor blades in one day.

“With a maximum charging time of 2.5 hours, even an empty battery is quickly ready to be used again; with a charger being integrated.”

Ematec GreenLine is only active when movements on the rotor blade lifter are required. The remaining time the Power Pac is in sleep mode and noiseless.

The GreenLine works in a completely self-sufficient and decentralised way, as every main assembly of the traverse, for example the gripper units on the left and on the right, is equipped with its own Power Pac.

Battery life is put at up to eight years.