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In-line Inspection of Welds used for Wind Turbine Tower Assembly

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85456
Agency Tracking Number: 90625
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 20 a
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-08ER08-34
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance, CA 90505
United States
DUNS: 033449757
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Marvin Klein
 Dr.
 (424) 263-6361
 sbirproposals@intopsys.com
Business Contact
 Lothar Kempen
Title: Dr.
Phone: (424) 263-6362
Email: randdoffice@intopsys.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Current manufacturing processes can not meet the worldwide demand for wind turbines. One of the bottlenecks involves the stringent inspection requirements for the welds used for wind turbine tower assembly. Current inspection techniques, which are labor intensive, are applied after the process is complete. This project will develop a laser ultrasonic technique for the inspection of the welds used in tower assembly. The technique will be a completely noncontact process, ideally suited for automated in-line inspection. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed inspection technique should enable the manufacturing of wind turbines at lower cost and increase the number of towers available each year. Related techniques also could be used for the inspection of turbine blades

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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