Specifically, the agreement calls for testing and reporting on the performance of the Alstom Pure Torque design, a rotor support concept that delivers gearbox reliability and higher operational availability, Alstom said.
The testing will take place at NREL’s National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), near Boulder, Colorado.
The collaborative research, which will also result in the North American certification of Alstom’s ECO 100, 3MW wind turbine, is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010 and be completed by middle of 2011.
After these initial steps, the parties intend to continue their research and development relationship. The research will also be conducted at the NWTC.
Dave Simms, manager of NWTC Testing & Operations at NREL, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alstom as an R&D partner; project objectives are in direct alignment with DOE’s goals to support R&D efforts to reduce the costs of renewable energy technologies and accelerate large-scale use of carbon-free electricity sources.
“An added benefit is that Alstom’s new factory will stimulate jobs and economic recovery through renewable energy development.”
