The new system features easy blade manufacturing, low weight, high stiffness, and excellent resistance to fatigue. This material system is being evaluated by Siemens Wind Power for its next generation wind turbine blades.
The novel composite system is based on DSM’s Beyone™ 201-A-01, a resin that is styrene-free, cobalt-free (based on BluCure™ Technology), and 40% bio-based. DSM says that the use of this resin brings faster resin infusion and requires only limited post-cure.
The system also incorporates 3B’s SE3030 glass rovings. 3B adds that through an optimised sizing applied on the glass filaments a good fibre/resin interaction is obtained, resulting in improved composite properties for a long-lasting blade operation.
“For Siemens the new composite system provides many benefits, including a major reduction in blade manufacturing cost and an increased process output,” explains Karsten Schibsbye, Manager Next Generation Blade Project, Siemens Wind Power.
“Peace-of-mind is what the new system brings to energy providers,” adds Povl Brøndsted of DTU Wind Energy. “The resilient material system allows making top performing blades that enable wind turbines turning in sustainable energy day after day.”
The new system has received the 2014 JEC Innovation Award in the Sustainability category.
