Intertek, a provider of testing, inspection and certification services, has announced what the company says is the industry's first electrical safety certification of a large wind turbine gearbox in North America, for GE Drivetrain Technologies, a unit of GE Transportation. This certification will provide GE with a means for ensuring that its equipment is accepted by safety inspectors throughout North America.
Confusion on the regulatory requirements for product safety compliance for wind turbines has often led to state, local and provincial inspectors' delaying the completion of wind turbine projects until owners or manufacturers can provide evidence that their product complies with applicable product safety standards.
According to Intertek, the gearbox certification is part of the company's effort to qualify safety critical wind turbine components and sub-systems, and eventually the wind turbine as a whole. By providing certification for the major electrical and mechanical components such as the gearbox, Intertek reduces compliance challenges from inspectors, the company adds.
‘The lack of a U.S. national standard for wind turbines has slowed the growth of wind power in key states,’ says Ann Ruggles, global business manager for Intertek's wind power services. ‘In response, Intertek has stepped up with certification options that result in a quicker approval process. This ensures the greatest revenue potential for manufacturers, provides additional confidence to installers and inspectors, and delivers clean renewable energy solutions to the market.’
SOURCE: Intertek
