Parker Hannifin has been providing hands-on support for hydraulic systems in wind turbines, to ensure they stay in top condition during extreme weather conditions. As the fastest growing energy sector, the wind energy market demands a specific type of technical support. Operating in some of the most severe weather and technical environments, wind turbines are running 24/7 and experiencing extremes of temperature and vibration. Parker's hydraulic filtration and fluid condition monitoring equipment is helping maintain fluid cleanliness in the turbines and ensuring extended life with real time contamination data.

For Matt Fielder (pictured right), hydraulic filter division-Europe's industrial business development manager, this has meant a commitment to learning a new skill of ascending wind turbines safely that entailed attending a Wind Turbine Climbing Course run by the National Access & Rescue Centre (NARC). The two-day course was held in the Lake District in England, near the town of Kendal.

"It was a demanding but exhilarating two days that involved the correct use of equipment, a set of which I now have ready to ensure access to any wind turbine across the U.K.," explained Fielder. "The course also covered working at height, setting up working stations with the use of lanyards, evacuation from a turbine, rescue of injured workers and correct use of emergency evacuation equipment."

The qualification is a mandatory requirement for anyone needing to climb a wind turbine in the U.K. and Fielder's focus is developing new and existing power generation business, a view Parker fully supports and views as being a worthy investment for the company.