SUZLON WIND ENERGY IN PIPESTONE, MN

In 2006, Suzlon Energy Limited began constructing a seven-building, 225,000 sq. ft. plant in Pipestone, MN to manufacture fiberglass propeller blades for their wind farm. These blades, which are over 140 ft. long, require a constant temperature of 80 F. and precise humidity control during every step of the manufacturing process. With the building’s 40 ft. ceiling, the design and engineering of their heating and air handling system was a significant challenge. When we made our proposal, their outside consultants told Suzlon’s management that “it can’t be done.” Ignoring this advice, they gave us the contract and we installed a custom-engineered pressurization package as well as a building automation system by t.a.c (TourAndoverControls) that integrates environmental controls with air pressure balancing.

Precision control of air flow is calibrated so that you cannot feel exchange with outside air even when you open a cargo bay, despite the extreme fluctuations that come with Minnesota’s harsh winters and hot summers. Our controls system eliminates temperature stratification between the floor and the 40’ ceiling. At the same time, the energy efficiencies of our system have also helped Suzlon realize significant cost savings.