3M
In 2009, the Renewable Energy Directive set a target for the UK to obtain 15 per cent of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, compared to just three per cent at the time.
3M
SPECIFIC PRODUCTS – PROTECTION FROM EROSION
The decision to launch a dedicated division marked a significant commitment from their diversified technology company to not only develop new products and solutions in line with markets but also utilise their portfolio of 70,000 existing products for the burgeoning renewables industry.
While research demonstrates it is possible to achieve this target, the scale of the increase over the coming years represents a huge challenge and will require strong contributions from all sectors of the wind energy supply chain.
A DEDICATED DIVISION
The UK’s pioneering approach to wind energy demands bigger, better and more efficient products. That is why 3M created a focused Renewable Energy Division, maximising their technologies, products and responsiveness to the fast- changing needs of the renewable energy industry.
UK NUMBER ONE
The UK is the number one global market for offshore wind farms and 3M’s capabilities and experience in product innovation, development and manufacturing make them ideally positioned to provide solutions for this sector.
They have a portfolio of 45 advanced core technologies to help the wind industry provide protection, enhance reliability and improve performance in design and manufacturing, with the core competencies of the Renewable Energy Division being films, adhesives, tapes and coatings, as well as abrasives and personal protection equipment.
With 568 offshore wind turbines currently installed in UK waters and another 665 in construction , the UK offshore wind market is growing rapidly. However, given their remote location and the hostility of the offshore environment, original equipment manufacturers and asset owners want their turbines to be protected for long periods to minimise maintenance and repair time and costs.
3m’s 110-year history of industrial innovation allows them access to products from different divisions which are applicable to the wind market. One example is their Polyurethane Wind Tapes, which were first used in the 1960s aerospace industry.
Fifteen years ago, the tape was introduced to wind turbine blades to protect the important leading edge of the blade.
Research has proven that the tape helps protect against erosion and ensures the maximum amount of energy is generated from the turbine. Even moderate erosion can have a dramatic effect on the Annual Energy Produced (AEP), reducing it by 4.2 per cent. At the worst end of the spectrum, aggressive erosion can cause delamination which can reduce AEP by 20.5 per cent. Over the past fifteen years, it has been used across the world on more than 100,000 wind turbine rotor blades.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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