AkzoNobel has inaugurated the first wind turbine blade testing facility at its plant in Felling, UK, capable of performing simulations at half the speed of sound. This project, which required a multi-million dollar investment, will further the development of the company’s International® brand of protective coatings, used in wind farms globally.
The new facility will allow researchers to triple the number of rainfall erosion tests performed weekly, with the ability to simulate extreme weather conditions from different parts of the world. The “helicopter” test can operate at a speed of 176 m/s.
AkzoNobel leads the development of coatings for wind turbines
Ralph Slikkerveer, R&D director for AkzoNobel’s protective and marine coatings business, said this event marks an exciting step in the company’s history, highlighting its commitment to innovation and sustainable product development.
Integrating this type of high quality testing in-house will allow you to generate real-time data, analyze results quickly and extend test periods, transforming your contribution to wind energy innovation. This capability will position AkzoNobel as a key player in discussions on the service life of protective coating systems for wind turbine blades. protective coating systems for wind turbine blades.
Advanced testing in coatings
The new facility is equipped with a 1,000-liter water recycling tank to support the ultra-fast speed tests. During the same, the water flow rates, as well as the water and air temperature, can be adjusted as required.
Slikkerveer added that the protective coatings tested will prepare its customers’ blades for the harshest weather conditions, enabling more efficient and faster testing of new products and providing the best solutions at a time of increasing global investment in wind projects.
Global impact on wind energy
This achievement is evidence that AkzoNobel continues to set industry standards through sustainable innovation, expanding its portfolio of innovative products and technologies. The Felling plant, which has been manufacturing international products since 1904, remains the brand’s global research and development epicenter.
AkzoNobel is currently the only global paints and coatings company offering complete solutions for wind turbines, covering from blade tip to foundation, having coated more than 80,000 wind power installations worldwide.
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Source and photo: akzonobel
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