[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][dt_banner target_blank=”false” bg_color=”#dd3333″ bg_opacity=”50″ text_color=”#dd3333″ text_size=”normal” border_width=”3″ outer_padding=”10″ inner_padding=”10″ min_height=”150″ animation=”none”]Nowadays, most of favorable wind energy locations are already busy (wind up to 7.5m/s and high to 80m above ground level). To catch more winds, lower wind locations as well as offshore’s ones need new suitable wind turbines. So, to be profitable, new WT need to get higher and larger, expecting for larger blades. The cost’s increase due to manufacturing processes, transportation, material reliability and performance in such conditions tend to increase insomuch that optimizing for the minimum cost of energy is a real challenge. Carbon fiber introduction has become unavoidable to get lighter but stronger blades with rotor diameter up to 110m large.
In the same way, adaptations are needed, taking into account that :
‐ Carbon fiber composite is used to reinforce the most constrainted part of the structure, glass fiber and other core material being used in most part of the blade. Particular care is needed in the compatibility in the manufacturing processes and with overall materials.
‐ Compatibility with metallic inserts has to be checked to avoid galvanic corrosion, localized at the blade root
‐ Another induced challenge remains in the lightning effect management, wind turbine engine presenting a high exposure. Compatible lightning protection designs are performed in that way.
New lower cost carbon fibers should help to meet design and manufacture challenging for a competitive wind energy cost.[/dt_banner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
