The Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) is the key focal point of any wind farm. The blades themselves are the key operational element of the WTG, as their performance in capturing the wind enables each manufacturer to optimise the availability and yield of their turbines. DIAB is a leading manufacturer of core materials, which is one of three primary materials used in the construction of composite wind blades and nacelles since the 1980s. Along with the resin and reinforcement, they combine to provide the final sandwich laminate structure and the resultant technical properties of the blade.
The authors of this article, Peter Norlin and Ray Lewis, have together over 40 years of experience from the industry and have seen the market develop from its cradle through a rapid growth to a global and maturing industry.
This article reflects on the past, present and future challenges, which seeks to broaden knowledge so that the best solutions are chosen to make wind an even more competitive energy technology and bring the associated benefits to its supply chain.
The challenge for wind energy
Renewables and within that, wind, today provide a relatively small amount of the world’s increasing domestic and industrial energy needs. Traditional energy sources of gas, coal, oil and nuclear dominate with their selection based upon history, local demographics, cost of energy and
political drivers.
Whilst the environmental benefits of wind, as a renewable energy, are obvious, and highlighted in recent years with clarity on carbon targets, fluctuating fossil fuel prices and nuclear (following the Fukushima disaster), considerable challenges remain for it to ‘break through’ and secure a double-digit market share.
Technology changes are essential to advancement, but they take time and increase financial risk, overcoming as they must the inevitable inertia and resistance to change from various market forces and certification organisations. One composite-related example is that of aircraft.
