Sound solution in sight

Earlier this week, the gearbox of Windflow Technology's prototype wind turbine was removed from its tower at Gebbies Pass so that it can be sent to the Auckland manufacturers for modification.

"This is the only significant component improvement that our prototype testing has identified," said company CEO, Geoff Henderson. "A thrust collar has been rubbing on the second stage planet gears, causing unacceptable mechanical wear and noise. The manufacturers will carry out the modification work over Christmas, and we should have the turbine up and running again by February."

"Even with the gearbox fault, the turbine has been operating more efficiently than we had predicted," said Mr Henderson. "We are very confident that our design has significant commercial advantages especially in high wind conditions"

Once the gearbox has been modified, it will be reunited with the two blades that are currently in storage and lifted back onto the tower.

"This exercise has demonstrated another advantage of our two-blade design," said Mr Henderson. "We can assemble all components on the ground for just one lift; whereas the conventional three blade design requires one of the blades to be fitted in situ at over 10 storeys in the air."

"Once the Gebbies Pass turbine is back up and running we will be able to turn our attentions to our first batch of production machines," said Mr Henderson.