A number of wind energy projects (aka wind farms) are starting to appear across the Michigan landscape as our State utilities strive to generate 25 percent renewable power by the year 2025.  These wind farms occupy several square miles; with approximately 50 individual  turbines located on each farm, turbines are spaced several hundred feet apart to catch natural wind currents. Typically, power producing wind turbines are rated at 1.5 MW which equates to a 250 ft blade length, a 275 ft hub height and an overall operating height of 390 ft.  However, GE produces a 2.5 MW turbine, RE Power produces a 5 MW turbine and Enercon produces a 7 MW turbine capable of supplying energy needs to 2086 households.  In the beginning stages, an extensive wind study is needed to approximate sustained wind speed with altitude to match the optimum performance of various OEM wind turbines to the site wind conditions.  In addition, the logistics in the shipment and installation of tower components is a key consideration. These components are frequently shipped via rail, barge, and/or heavy truck haulers and required to safely travel over varied road conditions to the wind farm site.

On-Site Laboratory Performs Concrete, Grout and Soil Testing

MTC recently completed construction materials engineering and testing services for Lake Winds wind farm near Ludington and Harvest Winds wind farm located near Bad Axe, MI.  Both of these projects required the set up of an on-site laboratory and we were able to perform concrete, grout and soil testing on-site which allowed expedited test results and minimized travel costs.  Over 3650 concrete cylinders and grout cubes were tested for these two projects.  The Lake Winds project consisted of 56 turbines and Harvest Winds had 33 turbines.

Projects Completed On Time and Within Budget

Our technicians and engineers proved dedication and commitment to our core values as they worked closely with our clients to ensure the successful completion of these two projects both on time within budget.

Wind Energy Facts

• Wind energy is a renewable energy source.
• Wind energy is a pollution-free energy source.
• Wind energy is a very abundant energy source in many parts of the USA.
• Wind energy is mostly used to generate electricity.
• Wind energy is mostly used renewable energy source.
• Wind energy is the fastest growing segment of all renewable energy sources.
• Wind energy basically transformed form of the Sun’s energy.
• Wind energy has no fuel expenditures.Wind energy should be considered as the long-term energy source.

This picture shows USA potential for exploiting the wind energy in some areas (click on picture for full size)

• Wind energy good sides are: high working reliability, no fuel costs and no pollution.
• Wind energy bad sides are: changeability of wind speed and high construction costs.
• Wind energy could be well used in the prairies because of constant winds.
• Wind energy theory was discovered in 1919 by German physicist Albert Betz and published in his book, Wind-Energie.
• Wind energy can provide us with cleaner air and much healthier environment.