Hubbell wins award for environmental energy project

Hubbell Galvanizing has won the top award for Electrical, Utility and Communications projects from the American Galvanizers Association for its work with Optiwind Inc. on a wind turbine project in Torrington, Conn.

The Klug Hill Farm windmill was designed to support the green movement, reduce cost and increase efficiency for Connecticut Light and Power. Optiwind designers wanted to create a sustainable, affordable, environmentally conscious way to generate electricity from wind for smaller markets.

The hot-dip galvanized steel that Hubbell provided throughout the structure helps the project achieve all of these goals. The structure is made entirely of galvanized steel, using infinitely recyclable zinc to protect it. The unbeatable corrosion protection means less energy or materials will be spent on routine maintenance.

Optiwind engineers briefly considered painting the structure, but realized the maintenance cost was too high. Hot-dip galvanized steel's cathodic protection is the perfect marriage of economic and environmental goals. We needed good communications to make all 100 tons of steel work. Many connection points required very tight tolerances, and we had to mask many of the movable parts. We made sure Optiwind's engineers knew what to expect from the hot-dip galvanizing process, and made modifications to ensure success.

This project breaks new ground, allowing small institutions to use wind generators for electricity. And hot-dip galvanized steel is an essential part of its success. The long-lasting, no-maintenance, and sustainable nature of galvanized steel is a crucial element of any affordable, environmentally friendly project.

We needed good communications to make all 100 tons of steel work. Many connection points required very tight tolerances, and we had to mask many of the movable parts. We made sure Optiwind's engineers knew what to expect from the hot-dip galvanizing process, and made modifications to ensure success.

This project breaks new ground, allowing small institutions to use wind generators for electricity. And hot-dip galvanized steel is an essential part of its success. The long-lasting, no-maintenance, and sustainable nature of galvanized steel is a crucial element of any affordable, environmentally friendly project