Blade Dynamics D49. (Credit: Blade Dynamics)
Blade Dynamics has announced that the design phase of their “Very Long Blade Project” for the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is now successfully completed and that the prototyping phase will now begin. Blade Dynamics will now assemble an approximately 80-meter (262 ft.) long wind turbine blade prototype, and will begin static and fatigue tests before the end of 2014.
Siemens Wind Power has confirmed its continued support to the development of this advanced rotor technology. This ETI commissioned and funded project is the first application of Blade Dynamics’ innovative technology for large offshore blades, with a rotor designed specifically for the Siemens SWT-6.0 turbine.
Henrik Stiesdal, Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Wind Power said: “We are pleased to confirm our ongoing collaboration with the ETI and Blade Dynamics in this interesting project. After this next phase of further prototype testing, we will consider demonstration of a full rotor on a 6.0 MW turbine. Subject to successful conclusion of the tests it is clear that the potentials of the split-blade technology of Blade Dynamics would be expected to become even more interesting as we move to even larger turbine platforms.”
Andrew Scott, Programme Manager for Offshore Wind at the ETI added: “The ETI’s vision is to support the development of next-generation blade technology because improved rotor performance is fundamental to achieving the goal of reducing the cost of offshore wind energy. We greatly appreciate the ongoing commitment of Siemens to this project with Blade Dynamics. As leaders in this field, this partnership for the development of next-generation rotor technology has the potential to have a huge impact on the cost of offshore wind energy in the future”.
The £15.5 million ($25.2 million) project was launched in January 2013 and the Blade Dynamics technology will demonstrate blades that are both longer and lighter than those made from conventional glass fiber.
In September, we reported that Vestas, a Danish manufacturer, seller, installer, and servicer of wind turbines, has produced the first prototype 80 meter blade for the V164-8.0 MW—the world’s most powerful wind turbine for offshore installation—at the R&D center on the Isle of Wight, UK. The blade is currently undergoing extensive testing to ensure reliability.
