June 22, 2010
All Installed Blades viewed from distance
June 21, 2010 - Photos courtesy of Dave Nelson
3rd Blade Installed
June 20, 2010 - Photos courtesy of Dave Nelson
2nd Blade Installed
June 19, 2010 - Photos courtesy of Dave Nelson
2nd Blade Installation
1st Blade Installed
June 18, 2010 - Photos courtesy of Dave Nelson
1st Blade Installation
June 16, 2010
Ishpeming project - lift device testing
June 15, 2010
Ishpeming project progress videos and photos
See All Videos (MTI
Youtube Link)
June 13, 2010
WindStor Wind Turbine Blades U.P. Bound
At 1:00 PM EST Sunday, June 13th, blades and lifting rig for the
first commercial WindStor® vertical-axis wind turbine departed MTI's shop in
Brighton, Michigan for the installation at Pioneer Bluff Apartments in
Ishpeming, Michigan. Completion of the installation will begin in earnest Monday
morning, June 14th.
All that remains to complete the installation is to attach the three blades to
the tower. Blades were each transported in three sections that will be assembled
onsite before being lifted into place with a unique "patent pending" lifting rig
designed specifically for lifting vertical-axis wind turbine blades.
The lifting rig had to be transported in pieces much like a giant erector set. A
crane will assemble the lifting rig and will first perform a test lift prior to
installing the blades. The lifting rig has four clamps that will carry the blade
as a passenger into place atop the tower.
Once completed, an extensive testing process will begin immediately and last for
a few months as part of the certification process before WindStor® can be mass
produced.
"If everything goes as planned and the weather cooperates, the installation
could be completed by Saturday", said Bryan Zaplitny, President of MTI Energy
Management / Lighting Specialists Inc. "This installation will signal the start
of a new dimension for distributed generation from renewable resources at the
customer's facility."
Blades Leaving MTI - Video
More Photos- Blades and Lift Crossing the Mackinac Bridge
June 11, 2010
Ishpeming Wind Turbine project
update
BRIGHTON - The final installation and construction of the
Ishpeming Wind Turbine project continues on Monday, June 14th with the arrival
of the lifting rig and blade sections.
The trucks were loaded in Brighton on Friday, June 11th.
Pictures and
video follows.
The lifting rig is a tool that will be re-used for future turbine installations.
Once the lifting rig is assembled the blade sections will be joined and raised.
The goal is to have the blades installed by month end.
We also offer an update on our construction electrical partner, Dave Nelson of
Nelson Electric Service.
As the process played out in the restructuring of the companies involved and the
project in Ishpeming, it was decided to contact Dave Nelson of Nelson Electric
Service, Inc. of Ishpeming.
Nelson Electric Service, a 60 yr old business, had been heavily involved in the
design of how the wind turbine would tie into the Ishpeming Housing Commission
building power grid to supplement the utility when the project was started in
2006.
Dave had retired in April of 2008, but had retained his licenses to perform
electrical work in the state of MI. The open electrical permit for the project
was still under the license of Nelson Electric Service and remained so for the
duration of the project.
Dave decided to come out of retirement (and forego his plans to observe the
winter of 2008-09 from a warm climate) to help finish this historical
undertaking and in his words, "One of the most interesting projects he had
worked on in his 35 yrs in the business." The task was given to Dave to assemble
an electrical team to see the project through. He decided that instead of
starting up payroll and other insurances required for Nelson Electric to
proceed, he would contact Dan Audette, owner of Code Electric of Marquette, MI
to see if Dan would agree to provide a labor source to supply a man, and
sometimes two, to finish the project.
Dan agreed to take part. The project would then proceed under the direct
supervision and instruction of Nelson Electric Service for the remainder of the
project.
Next, he asked his brother, Steve, if the company Steve used to work for, MJ
Electric from Iron Mountain, MI might be able to help. MJ was contacted to see
if they could provide the electrical engineering and data communications
services that would be necessary to complete the project.
They agreed to do so, and Joey Wade of MJ Electric was brought onboard and
proved to be a phenomenal asset to the project. Joey is the chief engineer of
MJ's industrial, power, and controls division. His expertise has been absolutely
critical to the successful outcome of the wind turbine project in Ishpeming.
Among numerous other engineering contributions, Joey designed the electrical
wiring layout for the metering cabinets along with the brake alteration cabinet
which Dave then built in his basement shop.
The many unresolved issues of the electrical design that came to light were
tackled and sorted out one by one.
Finally, it was time for the blades to go on, and at that point, it was realized
there was a design flaw in the blades and they weren't going to be able to be
used. The job then came to a stop, again, while different engineering strategies
were employed to try and rectify this latest problem.
Several months went by, and finally Dave got a call from Bryan Zaplitny last
summer saying new blades had been built and the job was on again. Unfortunately,
October 30, 2009, Dave was diagnosed with stage 3 Esophageal Cancer, one of the
most rare and deadly cancers in the world. He has now been through treatment and
had surgery February 24, 2010. Many complications have arisen due to the surgery
and Dave's roll in the project has become limited. The Nelson Electric Service
Inc. Electrical permit still remains open on the job. Dave has always wanted to
be part of the completion of this project. He has always said it was one of the
most interesting projects he'd ever been involved with in his 35 years in the
electrical trade. Even in his limited capacity, Dave will be there, and this
will become the Nelson Electric Service Inc. final job. Dave's dad would have
been pleased to be a part of a project like this. Dave used his dad's homemade
pulling wheel to get the 4/0 Armored main generator cable up to the top of the
tower 3 yrs ago. It was just taken down a couple weeks ago when work, once
again, was resumed.
Dave Nelson Video link
January 8, 2010
Ishpeming UPDATE
View the Ishpeming update PDF file and associated video files through the links below:
August 14, 2009
BETA BLADE ARRIVES
The first beta blade arrives for additional processing. The new and improved blade will be foamed and skinned. More developments to follow.
June 1, 2009
ISHPEMING PROJECT UPDATE
After completing extensive analysis of the
“alpha” designed blades and a test lift in April, MTI has made a business and
technical decision to produce and install a significantly re-designed “beta”
blade. The beta blade more closely mirrors the production blade design, which
will enable certification. The beta blade is more than 40 times stiffer than the
alpha design enabling a more efficient installation and improvement in
performance.
In addition, the review of the test lift has identified a less costly and faster
method to hoist the blades atop the tower. A special lifting device has been
designed and is being built that will result in a much improved lifting
procedure.
Cranes will be relocated to another job until construction resumes. Blade
delivery and installation completion dates are estimated at six to eight weeks.
April 17, 2009
MTI UPDATES ISHPEMING WINDSTOR WIND TURBINE INSTALLATION
BRIGHTON, MI – MTI Energy Management / Lighting Specialists has advised McKenzie Bay International Ltd (“MKBY:OTC.PK)that the WindStor® installation process at Pioneer Bluff Apartments in Ishpeming, Michigan continues to advance towards completion according to plan. MTI has taken many extra steps to ensure the successful completion of a renewable energy system where construction began and then delayed more than two years ago.
Most of the components that were not installed until this year have been in storage during this time. To be certain that system integrity is maintained and safe operation is achieved; MTI is testing all parts and components multiple times during the completion process. Testing has resulted in re-engineering parts and processes such as changing nuts and bolts to stainless steel, revising tolerances to higher standards, and identifying and correcting numerous oversights.
The blade installation is the final and most complex process requiring the greatest amount of planning and design. Thus far, one blade has been trial-lifted, temporarily installed, and taken back down. MTI has conducted blade stress analysis tests based on the trial-lift and have determined that a custom-designed lifting support brace will be necessary for elevating the blades in a more efficient, less costly and safer manner. A re-usable custom support brace is currently being designed and manufactured. MTI anticipates the brace will be available in May for a successful completion.
MTI reports that an improved blade design, constructed of a composite material, will be utilized for future installations and will eventually replace the blades at Pioneer Bluff. These blades will be implemented as soon as the manufacturing process is completed and a manufacturing source is identified.
April 6, 2009
The wind turbine installation continues
to advance through planned steps at Pioneer Bluff Apartments and is nearing
completion.
A trial blade installation was performed on Wednesday and Thursday last week. We
are now making final adjustments to the blade installation and lifting process.
The next to last mechanical component to be installed is a German designed
braking system. Technicians are awaiting visa approval for their entry into the
USA to certify that the brake system meets their technical specifications.
Blade installation will proceed after final adjustments are completed and the
installation of the braking system. We have completed all of our testing for
this phase. Weather permitting the installation will proceed after the Easter
holiday.
March 27, 2009
Turbine shaft Cap installation - the snow returns
March 26, 2009
More turbine shaft installation
March 25, 2009
More turbine shaft installation
March 24, 2009
Blade Preparation
March 20, 2009
Generator Installed & Turbine Shaft Installation in progress
One of the Village People
Extending Crane
March 18, 2009
McKenzie Bay
International (MKBY), Settles MTI Lawsuit; Appoints New Board
March 9, 2009
Platform hoisting
March 3, 2009
Cranes arrive onsite
February 18, 2009
Blade sections unloaded in Ishpeming
February 17, 2009
Blades sections skinned, painted, loaded and shipped
January 12, 2009
December 22, 2008
Blade completion in process. Happy
Holidays!
Another shipment arrives
December 19, 2008
More components for the WindStor installation
at Pioneer Bluffs in Ishpeming, MI are scheduled to arrive by truck on Monday,
December 22, 2008.
December 16, 2008
Wind turbine nears
completion
Pioneer Bluff in Ishpeming is ready to finish their form
of alternative energy.
ISHPEMING -- After two years of waiting, a senior housing complex will soon be using cheaper, alternative energy.
Pioneer Bluff in Ishpeming received some of the parts that will complete their wind turbine project.
So far, only blade hubs and steel pipes have been delivered.
They'll be assembled to the tower sitting in front of the 88-unit apartment building.
MTI Energy, which took over the project, says it will provide 500,000 to 750,000 kilowatt hours a year and should take no more than a month to complete, weather permitting.
Tuesday,
December 16, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
WLUC
TV6
Original link: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=235932
December 16, 2008
Wind project getting off ground
By JOHANNA BOYLE, Journal Staff Writer
ISHPEMING - The wind turbine that will power the Pioneer Bluffs Apartments is
one step closer to the start of construction.
The bulk of the two truckloads of equipment, which included the long inner and
outer shafts of the turbine, arrived in Ishpeming Monday.
"I'm hoping to assemble in January," said Bryan Zaplitny, CEO of MTI Energy
Management, the downstate company which designed the turbine. "We're sticking
with it," despite predicted cold temperatures.
When fully constructed, the turbine will stand 90 feet above the already-built
tower and will feature an 85-foot sphere to house the turbine blades.
In addition to Monday's deliveries, Zaplitny said four more trucks are expected,
with two possibly arriving before Christmas.
One of the next shipments should include the turbine blades, which are being
constructed, Zaplitny said. Once installed, the weather will not affect the
blades' finish, he said. However, in extremely cold weather, workers will have
to be careful during the unloading process when the turbines could be damaged.
Following the installation, the turbine will go through a series of tests,
lasting about a month, before the apartment complex can begin to use the power,
Zaplitny said.
The turbine will help lower the Pioneer Bluffs energy costs and will keep that
energy rate stable for about 15 years, Zaplitny said. The turbine should produce
500,000 to 700,000 kilowatts annually.
Yalmer Mattila Contracting, the Houghton-based company that will be installing
the turbine, plans to use a five- or six-person team to complete the assembly,
said Jeremy Mattila, equipment operator for the company.
Although the project has been stalled for various reasons over several years,
Zaplitny said Yalmer Mattila has been helpful and easy to work with.
"They've just been real good about everything. It instills a lot of faith in the
people of the U.P. for sticking with it," he said.
Check out the video -
Video Exclusive
By JOHANNA BOYLE, Journal Staff Writer
POSTED: December 16, 2008
Original story link:http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/519939.html?nav=5006
December 16, 2008
Wind turbine nears completion
Pioneer Bluff in Ishpeming is ready to finish their form
of alternative energy.
ISHPEMING -- After two years of waiting, a senior housing complex will soon be using cheaper, alternative energy.
Pioneer Bluff in Ishpeming received some of the parts that will complete their wind turbine project.
So far, only blade hubs and steel pipes have been delivered.
They'll be assembled to the tower sitting in front of the 88-unit apartment building.
MTI Energy, which took over the project, says it will provide 500,000 to 750,000 kilowatt hours a year and should take no more than a month to complete, weather permitting.
Tuesday,
December 16, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
WLUC
TV6
Original link: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=235932
December 16, 2008
Wind project getting off ground
By JOHANNA BOYLE, Journal Staff Writer
ISHPEMING - The wind turbine that will power the Pioneer Bluffs Apartments is
one step closer to the start of construction.
The bulk of the two truckloads of equipment, which included the long inner and
outer shafts of the turbine, arrived in Ishpeming Monday.
"I'm hoping to assemble in January," said Bryan Zaplitny, CEO of MTI Energy
Management, the downstate company which designed the turbine. "We're sticking
with it," despite predicted cold temperatures.
When fully constructed, the turbine will stand 90 feet above the already-built
tower and will feature an 85-foot sphere to house the turbine blades.
In addition to Monday's deliveries, Zaplitny said four more trucks are expected,
with two possibly arriving before Christmas.
One of the next shipments should include the turbine blades, which are being
constructed, Zaplitny said. Once installed, the weather will not affect the
blades' finish, he said. However, in extremely cold weather, workers will have
to be careful during the unloading process when the turbines could be damaged.
Following the installation, the turbine will go through a series of tests,
lasting about a month, before the apartment complex can begin to use the power,
Zaplitny said.
The turbine will help lower the Pioneer Bluffs energy costs and will keep that
energy rate stable for about 15 years, Zaplitny said. The turbine should produce
500,000 to 700,000 kilowatts annually.
Yalmer Mattila Contracting, the Houghton-based company that will be installing
the turbine, plans to use a five- or six-person team to complete the assembly,
said Jeremy Mattila, equipment operator for the company.
Although the project has been stalled for various reasons over several years,
Zaplitny said Yalmer Mattila has been helpful and easy to work with.
"They've just been real good about everything. It instills a lot of faith in the
people of the U.P. for sticking with it," he said.
Check out the video -
Video Exclusive
By JOHANNA BOYLE, Journal Staff Writer
POSTED: December 16, 2008
Original story link:http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/519939.html?nav=5006
December 11, 2008
The first two truckloads of components for the WindStor® installation at
Pioneer Bluff Apartments in Ishpeming, Michigan are scheduled to arrive on
Monday, December 15th, 2008.
December 8, 2008
Work to resume on wind turbine project
By JOHANNA BOYLE, Journal Staff WriterISHPEMING - Developers of the wind turbine project at Ishpeming's Pioneer Bluff Apartments hope to have the structure producing energy early next year.
Construction on the WindStor turbine, which was supposed to have been completed in 2006, should begin by the end of this month, according to the Ishpeming Housing Commission and MTI Energy Management CEO Bryan Zaplitny.
"We'd like to let everyone know we're moving forward," Zaplitny said.
Materials for the construction, including the turbine's blades, should be arriving in Ishpeming by Dec. 17, he said.
The project was stalled for the past two years due to a number of factors, he said. Although he would not discuss those factors in detail, Zaplitny said a lawsuit between MTI and McKenzie Bay and YA Global, two companies that were associated with MTI, was not the main factor.
"The issues are being straightened out," Zaplitny said.
Despite the cold weather, MTI is determined to get the project finished, Zaplitny said.
"I don't care if there's three feet of snow on the ground," he said. "That project will be done even in the harshest conditions."
Once it is functional, the turbine will provide cheaper alternative energy to the residents of the 88-unit senior housing complex, said Evelyn Valente-Heikkila of the Ishpeming Housing Commission. The agreement is that MTI erects the turbine free of charge and the apartment complex purchase the power created, Valente-Heikkila said.
"I'm pretty optimistic" it will be completed, she said.
