Pumps for Wind Power to Support Sustainable Resources

Celebrating National Energy Awareness Month

The U.S. Department of Energy has designated October as Energy Awareness Month. Businesses, schools, and individuals are encouraged to take steps to learn about and practice energy conservation.

Finish Thompson is supporting these sustainability efforts with pumping solutions for wind power. Wind farms provide clean, renewable energy, without releasing emissions or exhausting water resources. In fact, wind-derived electricity is one of the globe’s fastest-growing renewable power sources. Currently, 115 countries have onshore wind systems, and offshore installations are present in 19 countries. This is expected to grow by 50% by 2027.¹

What role does Finish Thompson play in these green efforts? These remote wind farm locations need components and pumps that are low maintenance and high performing, which are exactly the types of pumps Finish Thompson produces. They have the features necessary to deliver top performance for wind power applications.

What Features Are Important When Selecting Pumps for Wind Power?

Wind power can offer significant energy production, but the power must be harnessed. To do this effectively, the pumps in wind power systems must be reliable and compatible. Four features are key:

• Dependability: If wind power systems shut down because pumps fail, the effects can be significant. The pumps that keep these systems going must be engineered to deliver long-term dependable performance that system operators can count on.
• Low maintenance: Conserving resources in one area but spending more in another counteracts sustainability efforts. Offshore windmills are a growing source of renewable power, but the cost of maintaining remote wind farms can be cost-prohibitive. If pumps for wind power require frequent maintenance or replacement, they place a high demand on resources. Time, money, and energy are wasted. Pumps for wind power should require little maintenance, to reduce costs and facilitate efficient use of resources.
• Sealless design: Pete Scantlebury, VP of Development for Finish Thompson, notes, “We found that when mechanically sealed pumps are used in wind turbine systems, system reliability suffers because those pumps frequently leak coolant. When this happens, someone has to travel to the site and replace the seal or the pump, costing much in labor, parts, and lost energy production.”
• Footprint: Pumps for wind power must be compatible with wind turbine systems. Space may be limited, and not all pump designs offer flexibility to work within the designated footprint. The best pumps can be integrated seamlessly into the system based on size and positioning, as well as performance specs.

Case in Point

A California-based electric supply company discovered first-hand the importance of these features when selecting pumps for wind power. The windmill units in their remote wind farms were initially set up with mechanically-sealed pumps. The municipalities that ran these units could not afford to send people out to these remote locations for seal changes. One sealless mag-drive alternative pump was considered, but their suction connection was too long to accommodate some of the units, and the size of the pumps was an issue.

They found the right solution with Finish Thompson pumps. These remote locations needed components and pumps that were low maintenance and high-performing. Fortunately, Finish Thompson’s DB9P sealless mag drive pumps were the perfect fit, combining ease of use with lasting performance.

Finish Thompson’s Industry-Leading Pumps for Wind Power

Finish Thompson pumps contribute to the protection of the environment by supporting clean air and wind electricity throughout the world. Discover how Finish Thompson pumps for wind power can enhance your energy conservation efforts:

DB Series Pumps for Wind Power

• Strongest neodymium magnets
• Polypropylene or PVDF material
• Rugged construction
• High efficiency
• Hours of run-dry capability
• 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

SP Series Pumps for Wind Power

• Lightning-fast self-priming
• Corrosion resistant
• No seals, so there are no leaks
• Deep lift abilities
• Energy efficient
• 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

ULTRAChem^® Series Pumps for Wind Power

• Sealless, leak-free operation
• Ductile iron construction
• EFTE-lined housing and wetted components
• ANSI dimensional
• Powerful neodymium magnets
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

About Finish Thompson

Finish Thompson Inc. designs and manufactures pumps for the safe transfer of a wide variety of corrosive liquids. Products include centrifugal sealless magnetic drive pumps with run-dry capability, mechanically sealed pumps, drum and barrel pumps, vertical mag-drive pumps, multi-stage pumps, and the FTI Air line of air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps. For durable solutions for your applications, contact Finish Thompson Inc.

Source: ¹ https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/wind