Posts Tagged ‘wind turbine’

The manufacturing process of a wind turbine can be broken down into 4 key components. The root section, the structural spa or cap, the aerodynamic shell and the surfacing solution. The surfacing of a typical blade consists of an in mould gel coat or an in mould fibre followed by a subsequent painting operation.

Now with extensive knowledge of priming technology, Sprint IPT is the next generation of materials for this application that incorporates an integrated primer fill on its surface. After the application of the glass reinforcements core material and a proxy resin are introduced to the mold. Either in dry format for resin infusion or as recombined resin reinforcements known as prep rep.

In the root area additional materials are applied to take the high loads in this area and to enable sufficient thickness to allow attachment to mechanical roots studs. In this critical area of the blade material selection is key to provide high quality laminates and Sprint is the material of choice. Due to its ability to provide low void content cost effective components.

Once the materials have been laid on a vacuum stack is applied to consolidate the materials to the mould shape and remove air from the component. The shells are then closed together and the materials are heat cured. The structural component can be integrated into the blade in a number of ways but fundamental are two spa caps made from unidirectional glass of carbon and the interconnecting sheer web that ensures the caps remain separated and retain the components stiffness. Due to the loads carried by the beam, high laminate thicknesses with low void content and good fibre alignment are required.

As the wind turbine blade market continues to mature there is an increase in demand for materials that help deliver high quality and high performance blades at increasingly competitive prices. Most companies are now pushing boundaries in terms of shape, durability, quality and finish.