Renewable Energy


blades for onshore and offshore wind energy generation. Huntsman continues to invest in these market


developments in order to cope with the increasing mechanical property demands of large wind blades. For example, the company has launched new Araldite products at JEC 2010 with enhanced mechanical and process capabilities:


● Araldite AW 4870 / Hardener HW 4870. ● AralditeAW 4871 / Hardener HW 4871. ● Araldite AW 4856 / Hardener HW 4856 (Gl approved).


Smart building and solar energy


Twenty-first century objectives of new building construction are based on ‘positive energy balance’. Tis does not mean disconnection from the grid, but that the average energy consumption should be lower than the building is able to produce. Right at the start one should focus on optimised insulation. Reflective coatings minimising infra red absorption, usage of urethane sandwich panels, insulation boards and blocks are all areas where Huntsman is very active. Without doubt we will see a rise in their use in warm climates. Solar heating, solar reflective and solar power


are areas of growth where Huntsman is also actively working with partners in order to help improve efficiency and bring down production costs. Solar thermal panel design has become more


refined and efficient, to the extent that now solar heating panels can be an integral and virtually indistinguishable part of the roof design. Adhesives, fixings and sealants specifically designed for these panels will see increased usage. Alongside solar heating and solar reflective technology there will be a massive growth in solar power arrays to produce electricity from sunlight. Traditionally, silicon wafer technology has always been used, but in future whole areas of roofing may have photovoltaic cells installed which will produce a significant proportion of the energy for the building. Huntsman is currently actively working with its


partners in order to help to improve the efficiency and bring down the production costs of photovoltaic modules. For example, Huntsman has teamed up with CAITEN GmbH, a leading Austrian engineering company providing solar solutions using advanced liquid polymers. It focuses on innovative module concepts which compare favourably to standard systems in terms of build-up, processing, thermal management, inter-connection and costs so as to work in adverse southern climates and deserts. Modules are already 15 per cent more effective and can be optimised up to a 30 per cent higher yield. Currently there are intensive material tests going on,


after which this technology will become commercially available in 2011.


Another example of Huntsman’s work in the solar energy market is Araldite 2015 which has TUV design and type approval for PV modules. What makes Araldite 2015 different is that it allows a module design and construction with improved heat transfer and efficiency together with excellent strength and bonding properties. Often improved heat transfer properties necessary for solar panel output efficiency are only achieved at the sacrifice of bonding features. Araldite 2015 properties of high shear and peel


strength, resistance to water and chemicals and resistance to UV are not affected when used for improved energy efficient solar panels in buildings. Tests prove that bonding of the aluminium extruded profiles bonded onto the surface treated polyvinyl fluoride back sheet of the solar module can withstand thermal cycling temperature cycles from -40˚C up to 85˚C without diminishing the strength of the bond. It makes Araldite 2015 suited to dissimilar materials. Te energy value chain concept and the broad range


of Huntsman products makes the company the first choice for customers seeking innovative solutions. Te way mankind generates, stores and consumes energy is the key to protecting the biosphere, remediation of ecological damage, and enhancing the health and well-being of future generations. Focussing on energy and anticipating tomorrow’s needs for alternative energy defines the direction of our research and development. Huntsman Advanced Materials is a global leader and a pioneer in applications that benefit our customers, consumers and the planet as a whole. To name just a few areas where we are currently working: wind and solar markets, OLEDs (organic light emitting devices) and fuel cell applications are exciting green fields where Huntsman is actively involved. ●


Enter 33 or ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/ies


Thierry Perchet is European Marketing Director, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Basel, Switzerland. www.huntsman.com/advanced_materials


www.engineerlive.com 33


Fig. 2. Huntsman provides innovation and value across the energy chain.


“World energy consumption is forecast


to triple by 2050. Never has the need to find a new generation of energy solutions


been greater.” Thierry Perchet,


European Marketing Director,


Huntsman Advanced Materials.


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