Dec 2, 2010
Tulsa World - Muskogee firm innovator in wind-power business
By ROD WALTON World Staff Writer
Published: 11/30/2010 6:36 PM
Last Modified: 11/30/2010 6:36 PM
A Muskogee-based wind-tower company will partner with a national renewable energy nonprofit and Texas Tech University to research, improve and commercialize a unique flange ring to connect sections of turbine towers.
Eagle Claw Fabrication LLC and the National Institute for Renewable Energy announced the research deal with Texas Tech this week. The Lubbock university will perform validation testing for Eagle Claw’s patent-pending Talon flange, which is used in bolting together sections of large wind towers.
The Talon flange was developed by Eagle Claw founders Tom Word and Cecil Hartman. The device eliminates vibration in operating wind turbines, a flaw that can led to performance failures, according to reports.
The joint venture with NIRE aims to eventually market the flange once the research, which begins early next year, is completed.
Eagle Claw also plans to begin construction in 2011 on its $28 million tower manufacturing plant at the Port of Muskogee. The 150,000-square-foot facility could employ up to 175 people.
The company is eligible for up to $4.37 million in federal stimulus money to build the new production plant, according to reports.
By ROD WALTON World Staff Writer
tags: Texas Tech in the News
