- 15 May 2008 -
LM receives funding for new blade technology

LM GLASFIBER of Denmark has received DKK 30 million from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation for the development of novel wind turbine blade technology using new types of fibre. The project is called Blade King and the first blades are estimated to reach market by 2015.

The company could not reveal what the new fibres are, but says they will “revolutionise the blade manufacturing process”. Due to high levels of automation, Blade King will increase the efficiency of the processes of laying up the fibre material in the mould, and moulding the actual blade. The aim is to halve the production time.

LM Glasfiber has stepped up its research and development activities with the launch of the research programme, which is worth DKK 60 million.

“Today, wind energy accounts for about 1% of the global consumption of electricity, and statistical projections indicate that by 2030, this level will have increased to at least 10-15%. There is still considerable potential for optimising and improving our existing technology platform, but in order to sustain our ability to meet the market demands for an extended future, the industry needs a quantum leap in materials and production technology,” says Frank V. Nielsen, Vice President of Research & Development at LM Glasfiber.

The development of the Blade King technology is partnered with Aalborg University and Risø DTU, which will supply research and know-how on the new fibre types; and with the Danish company Comfil, which will provide know-how on thermoplastic composites. The partners will develop the new technology and make it ready for production over the next five years.

 “At a time when wind energy accounts for an increasing part of the global production of electricity, it is important for the Danish wind turbine industry to secure its continued technological development and innovative edge in its efforts to maintain this leading position,” says Jørgen Mads Clausen, Chairman of the Foundation and CEO of Danfoss.

LM Glasfiber; www.lmglasfiber.com

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