Case Studies
Windspire Wind Turbine Project
Situation: Windspire is a new approach to wind power. The 30-foot high vertical
Windspire turbines have the ability to capture wind in all directions.
Even though they can be grouped together in large wind fields, residential
and business owners are a large percentage of their clientale, installing
one to five units to supplement their power needs. Without the tall towers
of traditional wind turbines, Windspire’s slender, vertical turbines
fall within most zoning guidelines. Windspire turbines originally used
auger-cast concrete piers for the turbine’s foundation. This required
a minimum of two mobilizations, a delay in installing the turbines as
the concrete has to cure several days, installations are often in remote
areas requiring concrete to be shipped in over long distances, high water
tables at the site requiring casing to be used to place the auger-cast
piers. All of these things increased the cost of Windspire’s turbines.
What they needed was an instant foundation system to speed installation
and lower costs.
Solution: Known as a leader in the foundation industry, Windspire sought out Ram
Jack to design a foundation system that was strong, efficient, quick to
install, and would lower installation costs. Ram Jack’s engineering
department custom designed an 8-5/8-inch diameter helical pile to meet
their needs. The helical pile designed to resist up to 130 mph winds allowing
the turbine to be installed immediately after the pile is installed, can
be installed quickly at sites with high water tables and can be installed
in all weather conditions.
Conclusion: Windspire has distributors across the U.S. They needed a partner with
enough trained installers to meet their service needs. Ram Jack currently
has 55 installers across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and South America.
When you need a better foundation, Ram Jack is always nearby!
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