Published

5 months ago

May 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

IntoMachines Reinvents Bolt Tensioning for Wind Turbines

Listen to the entire interview on Spotify

With wind turbines growing larger and bolts getting bigger, the industry needs smarter ways to handle critical bolted connections. IntoMachines has developed unique tools that make bolt tensioning faster, safer, and much less expensive. – Allen Hall, CEO, Weather Guard Lightning Tech

As wind turbines grow taller and more powerful, the hardware that holds them together—those critical bolted joints—have also scaled up. As a result, the technicians and engineers who assemble, tension, and maintain those structural connections. Traditional bolt tensioning for wind turbines is physically grueling, time-consuming, and – most problematic from an operational standpoint – it’s often inconsistent. But a new wave of intelligent, automated tools from IntoMachines is providing significant improvements.

We invited IntoMachines co-founder Martin Kristelijn to explain how team is reshaping bolt tensioning by addressing its core challenges: efficiency, safety, and quality. This is a recap of our interview with him on the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast,.

Bolt Tensioning for Wind Turbines – From Manual to Modern Tools

Today’s wind turbines contain more than 600 critical bolted connections, each requiring precise preload for long-term structural integrity. Manual hydraulic tensioning tools, while accurate, are heavy—some weighing over 50 kg (110 lbs)—and they must be moved from bolt to bolt, often under difficult field conditions.

Technicians report arm strain, repetitive stress injuries, and fatigue after handling thousands of bolts, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of errors. And, it’s a real pain. As Kristelijin said – with what was a bit of understatement, “after a thousand bolts, your arm really starts to hurt.”

The Shift to Tensioning—and Why It Matters

Increasingly, bolt tensioning is preferred over torqueing. Tensioning directly applies axial load, bypassing the unpredictable friction coefficients associated with torque methods. “You apply hydraulic pressure, stretch the bolt, tighten the nut, and release,” Kristelijn explains. “It gives you exact preload every time.”

The downside? Speed and ergonomics. That’s where IntoMachines comes in.

The Solution: Smart, Weightless, and Fast

IntoMachines has engineered a Quantum Smart Tensioning System that integrates:

A motorized tensioner (developed with partner TensionPro)
A compact lift trolley that renders the tool weightless
User-friendly software that enables operation with minimal training

The trolley is designed for mobility inside turbine towers: it’s low-profile enough to slide under staircases, and rugged enough for harsh environments. A gas spring counterbalances the tool’s weight, eliminating manual lifting. IntoMachines offers a “try-out” of their tools on its website.

The result? Dramatically reduced technician fatigue and faster cycle times.

IntoMachines Reinvents Bolt Tensioning for Wind Turbines

Bolt Tensioning for Wind Turbines – Tools in Use Today

The Quantum system is already in use across Europe and Asia. With users reporting faster adjustments, less strain on workers, and high-quality, traceable documentation of each bolt tensioned, interest is growing and requests are coming in from US wind sites as well.

Looking Ahead: Autonomous Tensioning

IntoMachines isn’t stopping there. Their next-gen innovation is a robotic crawler capable of autonomously tensioning blade bolts in nacelle production facilities. The same motorized Quantum tensioner is modular enough to integrate into the robot, creating a seamless upgrade path from manual to autonomous operation.

Importantly, the system is built with simplicity and field robustness in mind. As Weather Guard Lightning Tech CCO Joel Saxum notes, “You don’t need a software engineer on site. Technicians can be up and running with a 15-minute intro.”

Learn More About How IntoMachines Improves Bolt Tensioning for Wind Turbines

If you’re responsible for wind turbine assembly or maintenance, IntoMachines’ system could save you thousands of labor hours and significantly improve work conditions.

Visit intomachines.com
Contact: sales@intomachines.com
Follow: IntoMachines on LinkedIn

Listen to the entire interview on Spotify

Subscribe to the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast here. Over a million listeners count on Uptime to keep up with the Wind Energy Industry!

https://weatherguardwind.com/intomachines-reinvents-bolt-tensioning-for-wind-turbines/

Renewable Energy

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

Published

7 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Alice Rush

Some of us are looking for a single, simple statement to encapsulate what is going so wrong in America today, and perhaps it relates to what Aristotle says at left here.

Even the MAGA folks think that what they’re doing is “right.” By this I mean white supremacy, mass deportation of immigrants (with or without due process), the rejection of science, and so forth.

Doing What’s “Right” Is More Controversial than it Seems

Renewable Energy

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Published

18 hours ago

October 4, 2025

Alice Rush

As Trump’s former lawyer Ty Cobb says at left, in addition to turning the United Stated into an autocratic regime, at the same time, Trump needs to alter history such that future generations don’t think he did anything wrong.

Yes, he has his hands full, but he’s assisted by hundreds of traitors in congress, and hundreds of millions of hateful morons in the U.S. electorate.

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Renewable Energy

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2025

Alice Rush

Exciting opportunity alert for Victorian commercial and industrial sectors! A major energy incentive has
arrived!

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program has just rolled out an exciting new activity offering, deemed solar incentives specifically for commercial and industrial (C&I) properties starting from 1 October 2025.

This means easier access to valuable rebates when you install solar systems, accelerating your journey to cleaner, more affordable energy.

Whether you run a factory, office, or retail space, this update could dramatically reduce upfront costs and boost your ROI on solar investments.

So, if you don’t want to miss this game-changing chance to power your business sustainably and save big, keep reading!

In this blog post:

Breaking Down the 2025 VEU Changes: Is Your Business Ready to Cash In?

Well, the main goal behind these new solar incentives is to help the commercial properties to reduce energy cost,
lower emissions and most importantly increase electrification in the
commercial sector.

It’s a part of a broader push by the Victorian Government to accelerate clean energy adoption in the Australian
C&I sector.

Through this program the government offers incentives of up to $35,000 that support the installation of solar PV
systems ranging from 30 kW to 200 kW across the non-residential premises.

Eventually, by generating Victorian Energy
Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) and combining them with STCs and LGCs, it aims to drive energy efficiency
across Victoria’s business sector.

What Are Deemed Solar Incentives?

“Deemed” solar incentives refer to rebates or energy certificates like VEECs that are calculated upfront based on estimated energy savings over the life of a solar PV system rather than measuring actual savings year by year.

In simple terms, in this incentive program, the government “deems” or assumes how much energy your solar system will save over time and rewards you right away with certificates (VEECs). You can then trade it for either cash or rebates.

How Do These Deemed VEECs Work?

When you install a solar PV system between 30 kW and 200 kW on a commercial or industrial property, the system is assigned a pre-calculated number of VEECs based on its size, expected performance, and energy offset.

These VEECs have a market value, and also the accredited companies, like Cyanergy, can create and trade them for you.

And the best part that creates a difference is that, through these deemed VEECs, we ensure you get substantial upfront savings without waiting years to prove the actual energy savings.

What Makes This a Big Win for C&I Businesses?

Easier application process.
No complicated monitoring is needed for rebates; here, the savings are estimated in advance.
Immediate financial benefit, as there is no waiting time needed for long-term performance data.
Stackable with other schemes, such as combining with STCs or LGCs, can bring you even bigger savings from your business.

Top 6 Benefits of Going Solar for C&I Premises

With the government-backed incentives like the VEU program, commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses have
several reasons to make the switch.

Here are the 6 key benefits:

Saves Energy Cost

Reduce your business’s electricity bills significantly by generating your own clean power. With VEU incentives, STCs,
and LGCs, upfront installation costs are lowered by up to 30–35%, delivering faster return on investment.

Ensure Energy Independence

Adding solar panels protects or shields your business from rising energy prices and grid instability. Incorporating
solar on your premises gives you greater control over your energy use and costs, especially for high-demand
operations.

Boost Your Business’s Sustainability & Reputation

Switching to solar directly supports Victoria’s clean energy and sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions
and dependence on fossil fuels.

In Australia, more and more customers, clients, and stakeholders prefer doing business with companies that support
green initiatives.

So, by investing in solar, you’re not just cutting costs, you’re also enhancing your brand image, thus aligning with
corporate sustainability.

Future-Proof Your Business

Commercial solar systems (30 kW to 200 kW) can be custom-designed to match your building, energy usage, and
operational hours, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.

It future-proofs your business by preparing for growing energy demands and regulations.

Increase Property Value

Installing solar can increase your property’s value and appeal, especially for leased commercial spaces and
industrial buildings that seek energy-efficient certifications.

Access to Multiple Rebates, More Savings!

C&I businesses can benefit from stacked government incentives, including VEU incentives up to $35,000, STCs for
systems under 100 kW and LGCs for systems over 100 kW.

How Much Can You Save With This New Activity?

Under the 2025 update, eligible businesses can receive VEU incentives of up to $35,000 just for going solar.

As mentioned earlier, these Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) represent estimated energy savings and can be combined with other financial incentives, like:

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

This stacking of incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation. For larger system sizes, that’s more than 100kW, this rebate can reduce the price by 30 to 35% or more.

Let’s have a glimpse at the following tables for better understanding!

Small-Scale Commercial Solar Systems (<100 kW)

These are ideal for smaller commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces looking to cut energy costs with a fast return on investment.

Small-scale systems allow you to stack VEU incentives and STC rebates for immediate savings, with simple installation and faster payback:

Large-Scale Commercial & Industrial Systems (≥100 kW)

These are designed for larger facilities like factories, warehouses, and multi-site operations. These systems deliver serious energy savings and qualify for LGCs in addition to VEECs.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the VEU Solar Incentives?

To qualify for these new VEU solar incentives, your commercial property must meet the eligibility criteria.

So, let’s dive into the requirement list and see how your business can make the most of this exciting new
opportunity:

Installation Date: Must start after September 29, 2025
System Size: Between 30 kW and 200 kW
Location: Non-residential premises only.

For example: warehouses, factories, retail stores, health care centers,
schools, universities, sports facilities or new commercial buildings

Accreditation: An accredited company must be engaged to create the certificates.

Special Requirements for Hardware:

Solar Panels and inverters must be approved by the Clean Energy Council.
The panels must have a minimum 10-year product warranty.
Inverters must have a minimum product warranty of 5 years.
For smaller systems under 100 kW, solar panel brands must participate in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative
(SPVI).
The system must include access to a monitoring portal or regular system performance reports.

Need Assistance? Cyanergy is Here to Help!

When it comes to navigating government incentives and getting the most value out of your solar investment, experience matters the most. And Cyanergy excels at it.

With 10+ years of experience and over 467 successful commercial projects, Cyanergy brings years of proven expertise in renewable energy and commercial solar solutions.

From warehouses and retail stores to offices and manufacturing facilities, we’ve helped many Australian businesses to transition faster to clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy.

Our team understands the unique energy demands of commercial and industrial operations and delivers customized solar systems that maximize savings and performance.

Ready to start your solar journey? Let’s talk.

Cyanergy will guide you through every step, making the process smooth, efficient, and profitable. For the latest updates on VEU programs, keep your eyes on the Cyanergy website!

The post Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties appeared first on Cyanergy.