What will be the durability of the turbines in Erie's conditions?
| The first project will utilize General Electric’s 4.1 MW Direct-Drive turbines, variations of which have been in operation since 2005 in climates much harsher than Cleveland. This direct-drive technology eliminates costly gearbox parts, which in turn eliminates hundreds of gallons of gear oil and lowers operating expenses. The GE design also relies on an innovative modular approach to maximize in-situ repair and reduce the need for large repair vessels. With one-half the parts, the direct-drive technology provides a simple, reliable design with built-in redundancy for major components, all focused on keeping turbines operating reliably. 3.0 MW turbines have been installed in Lake Vanern, a freshwater site in Sweden, whose climate represents similar conditions to those that will be faced by turbines installed in Lake Erie. |
How are offshore-power-generating facilities connected to the grid?
| Cabling runs from each turbine via a distribution system to a centralized offshore station, and then subsequently via a larger cable to a substation on the regional power grid. All cables are buried in trenches on the lake bottom and covered, so that they won’t be damaged by boat anchors.
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Once connected to the grid, who monitors power distribution into the grid?
| Transmission system operators (in our case, PJM) are responsible for managing the high-voltage power transmission grid into which power generation facilities such as our initial project are connected. Each utility company is responsible for managing the lower-voltage grid of distribution lines that carry the power from the high-voltage “backbone” system to each individual building.
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Where will the project interconnect with the local power grid?
| The power will interconnect with the grid at one of two locations: Cleveland Public Power Lake Road or Cleveland Electric Illuminating (First Energy) Lakeshore Plant.
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Will any of the parts be made from recycled materials?
| Yes, though we don’t know yet specifically which parts will be suitable for using recycled materials.
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What equipment is needed to install the turbines?
| Barges, jack up vessels, cable-laying boats, tugs, transport vessels, etc...
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