Garrad Hassan and Insensys announce collaboration for Individual Pitch Control

Insensys, the leading provider of fibre optic load measurement systems for blades and Garrad Hassan the leading developer of pitch control algorithms have combined forces to develop an integrated package which enables turbine manufacturers to achieve significant reductions in rotor, shaft and tower loads. The collaboration is non exclusive and both organisations will continue to offer products and services independently of each other.

"Our two businesses have been working together for some time in this area to meet the requirements of our clients. Coming together is a natural next step for us and will enable us to deliver the benefits of load reduction more efficiently, both reducing costs and timescales for deployment. Garrad Hassan is a natural partner for us given its breadth and depth of experience in this field." comments Mark Volanthen CTO of Insensys.

Tony Mercer, head of control system activities at Garrad Hassan, added
"We see Individual Pitch Control as a 'must have' for the next generation of larger turbines. By using the latest control techniques combined with reliable load measurements throughout the life of the wind turbine, we can improve its structural efficiency, cope with a wider range of adverse flow conditions and/or permit a larger, higher yield rotor for a given nacelle and support structure".

Insensys was founded in September 2002 to develop high performance, low cost, fibre optic strain measurement technology. Its focus has been on opportunities where the technology delivers substantial benefit over conventional technologies. As a result, Insensys has developed opportunities in the Wind Energy, Aerospace and Oil and Gas industries. Insensys has systems deployed with 12 different types of turbine around the world in prototype, testing and production.

Garrad Hassan, founded in 1984, offers independent expert advice on wind energy. With offices in 16 countries, the company is the leading independent authority providing a wide range of consultancy services and products to the wind energy industry. Garrad Hassan has been Bank’s / Owner’s Engineer for over 17,000MW of operating projects and has completed resource assessment of over 50,000MW. For manufacturers, services include design and analysis of wind turbines and components, as well as certification support and on-site measurements. The company is an industry leader in the design and deployment of control software for wind turbines.