Description
Knight & Carver was founded in 1971 as a yacht construction firm in San Diego. Soon, the company was regarded as one of the nations leading custom boat-builders, specializing in luxury yachts and commercial catamarans along with large-vessel repair. In 1997, using boat-building techniques with composite construction, the company expanded its operations into wind blades, with several small repair and new-build projects. In recent years, the Wind Group has become well-known in the wind energy industry for its innovation and quality, working closely with the worlds largest wind energy producers.
How did your company become involved with wind blade repair? In 1997, an owner of several wind farms inquired whether Knight & Carver, as a well-known yacht builder with experience in composites, could solve structural problems the firm was having with its wind blades. The answer was a resounding yes, because the composite technology required to repair wind blades was surprisingly similar that of vessel hull construction. Thus, Knight & Carver was able to successfully repair the blades and the company soon launched a Wind Blade Division, specializing in repair and production.
How do you serve the wind industry and how do those services enhance the generation of wind energy? Knight & Carver Wind Group is able to repair and rebuild wind blades that otherwise would be discarded. In this way, the life of a blade can be extended longer than its originally intended lifespan. K & C can quickly replace a tip due to lightning damage -- minimizing down time and restoring the turbine to life within a few days. By inspecting blades and finding defects early, larger repairs are avoided --saving the owner expensive repairs. Recoating blades can minimize the effects of ultra-violet rays or moisture that would otherwise shorten the lifespan of the blade when the original coating has worn away or failed. The leading edge of the blade can be restored to its original shape after eroding -- reducing lost productivity due to an inefficient airfoil.
Do you have plans for fabricating new wind blade designs that you would like to feature? Yes, Knight & Carver has developed a new swept adaptive-twist wind blade. This blade has been specifically developed for low-wind speed sites. A longer blade of this type can be installed on a turbine, increasing the output of electricity during low wind -- yet not increasing the loads on the machine in strong winds. The design was funded in a cost-share project with the Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories of Albuquerque, NM.
When tooling is complete this spring, two 90 test blades will be constructed. The first will be static-tested to determine the twist response and deflection. The second blade will be sent to NREL for a fatigue test. Next year, three blades will be built to be tested on a full-scale rotor, where the loads and energy output will be monitored.
If successful, this type of wind blade could replace the traditional straight blade and open up new areas of wind energy production that otherwise would not be cost effective. These new sites could be located nearer to load centers and thus decrease the cost of transmission.
What is the company's best new wind product/service? Without a doubt, I'd have to say our Blade Repair Service. Our company builds new builds and provides field work by going to wind farms and repairing blades on-site. Also, repair work is performed at the San Diego facility, along with design, mold construction, retooling and production. Our services also include blade inspection and testing.
What distinguishes Knight & Carver Wind Group from other companies? Knight & Carver has ten years of experience repairing wind blades. The company has seen every type of blade failure possible and has developed proven methods to repair them. In addition, our blade quality department is ISO 9001:2000-compliant with certification expected by mid-2006. As a full-service blade company, K & C has the ability to design, build tooling, develop a quality system, build or repair blades and then test them on its test stand. Field work is also accomplished by trained field teams that are equipped to go anywhere and repair blades in the air or on the ground.
What part do you see Knight & Carver playing in the next decade in the wind industry? Knight & Carver will continue to develop new and advanced wind blades for the industry. The companys designs will be used throughout the industry. The company will be one of the largest and most productive blade companies in the United States.
Products & Services
wind turbine blade,
vessels
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