Abstract
Rain erosion damage, caused by repeated droplet impact on wind turbine blades, is a major cause for concern, even more so at offshore locations with larger blades and higher tip speeds. Due to the negative economic influence of blade erosion, all wind turbine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are actively seeking solutions. In most cases, since the surface coating plays a decisive role in the blade manufacture and overall performance, it has been identified as an area where a solution may be obtained. In this research, two main coating technologies have been considered: In-mould coatings (Gel coating) applied during moulding on the entire blade surface and the post-mould coatings specifically developed for Leading Edge Protection (LEP). The coating adhesion and erosion is affected by the shock waves created by the collapsing water droplets on impact. The stress waves are reflected and transmitted to the laminate substrate, so microstructural discontinuities in coating layers and interfaces play a key role on its degradation and may accelerate erosion by delamination. Analytical and numerical models are commonly used to relate lifetime prediction and to identify suitable coating and composite substrate combinations based on their potential stress reduction on the interface. Nevertheless, in order to use them, it is necessary to measure the contact adhesion resistance of the multi-layered system interfaces. The rain erosion performance is assessed using an accelerated testing technique, whereby the test material is repeatedly impacted at high speed with water droplets in a Whirling Arm Rain Erosion Rig (WARER). The materials, specifically the coating–laminate interphase region and acoustic properties, are further characterised by several laboratory tests, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), pull-off testing, peeling–adhesion testing and nanoindentation testing. This body of work includes a number of case studies. The first case study compares two of the main coating technologies used in industry (i.e., gel coating and LEP); the second case investigates the effects of the in-mould gel coating curing; and the third considers the inclusion of a primer layer on a LEP configuration system. Following these case studies, the LEP is found to be a far superior coating due to its appropriate mechanical and acoustic properties and the interface between the coating and the substrate is highlighted as a key aspect, as poor adhesion can lead to delamination and, ultimately, premature failure of the coating.
Highlights
The EU objective to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80–95% by 2050 has severe implications for the sectorto[1].2050, wind power will more any other TheenergyEU objective cut By greenhouse gas emissions by provide2050electricity has severe than implications for technology in this[1]. sector.In the nearpower future, electricity requirements are totechnology be almost the energy sectorBy 2050, wind will provide production more electricity than any other emissions-free the EU willelectricity encourage and facilitate the development of renewable and in this sector
Secondly,and we provide an overview of the liquid impact phenomena allowing one to identify how materials materials andprocessing processingtechnologies technologiesapproach approachemployed employedin inthe theblade blademanufacturing manufacturingare areintroduced
This research has been directed into the coating–laminate interphase adhesion characterisation in order to effectively predict rain erosion performance
Summary
The EU objective to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80–95% by 2050 has severe implications for the sectorto[1]. It is projected that wind with increased rotor(see diameters continue to wind turbine blades with a length of up to m will be in operation in the near future, with be developed and installed (see Figure 1). In this case, wind turbine blades with a length of up to increased tip in speeds from in. There is a lack of consideration o; the coating design location, weather to coatings against rain erosion and it is unclear how to modify their properties depending on the be integrated into the blade manufacturing process. Processes blades into knowledge-based for leading coating material development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
