RENEWABLE ENERGY
KEEPING EDGE THE
Wind power is here to stay, therefore leading-edge protection is more important than ever
ind energy is no longer just a novel way to generate electricity for a local area. T e rapidly increasing size, effi ciency and number of wind turbines is fast making wind a lucrative method for substantial power generation. In January 2018, a new European record was set for power generated by wind in a single day. In fact, wind power is now the largest source of renewable energy in Europe, overtaking coal on its way to becoming the second largest source overall. T erefore, the importance of a high-quality and easy- to-apply leading edge protection (LEP) coating has never been more important to keep up with the demand from this blossoming industry.
W
PRECIPITATION AND POWER GENERATION Although it may seem innocuous, the impact of debris and weather (particularly
xx 36
www.engineerlive.com
rain) on a blade can cause considerable damage. Using some rudimentary mathematics, the impact pressure of rain droplets can be estimated using modifi ed water hammer equations. Based on a 2mm diameter droplet and an 80m/s tip speed, the pressure imparted by the rain drop is estimated at 120MPa. T is value is already higher than the yield stress quoted for some blade materials. T is type of damage manifests itself as pitting on the blade’s surface, especially on the leading edge, where the most impact will occur. T is deterioration causes a reduction in aerodynamic effi ciency and subsequently a loss in operating effi ciency. Some studies show that leading edge erosion can result in a drag increase of
up to 500%, culminating in a decrease in annual energy output of up to 20%. T e eff ects of this damage can be apparent in as little as two years. As wind turbines can reasonably be expected to perform continuously for 15 years, this is a signifi cant problem for turbine operators. A variety of studies have investigated the costs and strategies of operations and maintenance (O&M) for wind power. Some have found that these O&M ventures can account for as much as 30% of the overall per-MWh-cost for wind turbines. Other studies have looked at failures on a component-by-component basis. Depending on the type of turbine, the blades can account for up to 22% of failures. T e resulting high costs means many companies are moving towards a preventative and predictive approach, especially in off shore markets. As well as being more costly to maintain, off shore wind turbines are
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
