Turbines Still New, in Manufacturing Infancy

New Knowledge about Materials to Increase Wind Turbine Reliability
Summary posted by Meridian on 1/5/2010
Source: Nanowerk
Author: n/a

The Danish Council for Strategic Research’s Programme Commission on Energy and Environment, Denmark, has granted funding for a new center at Risø Technical University of Denmark (DTU), to be called the Danish Centre for Composite Structures and Materials (DCCSM). The new center will conduct research to increase the operating reliability of wind turbines. Wind turbines are usually made from composite materials and are designed to last for at least 20 years, but during this period they are exposed to harsh weather, and are often located in areas that make servicing the machines expensive and challenging. Reliability, and minimizing stoppages, is paramount. The DCCSM will look to improve its understanding of what makes a nanoscale defect morph into a major fracture that can cause a wind turbine to stop completely. Sensors that detect damage as early as possible, at the nanoscale level, will need to be developed in order to repair and replace blades before the turbine suffers a stoppage. The DCCSM will also conduct research on best materials, design and manufacture of wind turbine blades. The article can be viewed online at the link below.

The original article may still be available at www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=14215.php