The ITC (Technical Institute of the Canary Islands) is working on the development of new materials that are capable of resisting extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, or strong winds. The aim is to be able to use these materials in the manufacture of more durable and efficient windmills, blades and turbines. The AeroExtreme project, led by Siemens Gamesa, is a joint effort with the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and Feder Funds, with the intention of extending throughout 2018.
One of the main threats to wind turbines, especially those located in offshore environments, is harsh climates. These wind turbines face strong winds and the continuous impact of high-speed particles, which generate significant wear and reduce their performance. In addition, the accumulation of dirt and microorganisms on the blades decreases their aerodynamic capacity. AeroExtreme has already made important advances with highly erosion-resistant materials and photocatalytic and antifouling coatings, which promise to increase the lifespan of wind turbines.
Constitution of a wind turbine
Wind turbines are complex machines that require specialized components to maximize efficiency in generating energy. There are thousands of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HATW) in operation, which are composed of a series of main elements:
Tower and foundation
The tower and foundation are essential to support the wind turbine and maintain its stability. They can be tubular steel, concrete or hybrid structures. Some towers also include more innovative materials such as carbon fibre, which is in development for floating and offshore wind turbines. Guyed mast towers, used in smaller systems, are also viable options due to their lightness and adaptability.
- Steel and concrete towers: They offer maximum durability and are the most used.
- Hybrid structures: They combine various materials and are a growing trend.
Rotor
The rotor is the key component that converts wind into rotational motion. The blades, usually made of fiberglass or carbon, are becoming lighter but stronger, thanks to new materials such as fiber reinforced polymers.
Gondola
The nacelle houses the central system, including the generator and the gearbox. AeroExtreme is also looking to improve the materials of this crucial component, as the nacelle must be able to withstand climatic and mechanical variations.
Multiplier box
One of the most important components in a wind turbine is the gearbox, which increases the rotation speed of the blades to convert mechanical energy into highly efficient electrical energy. Gearboxes must be made of materials that resist wear and are easily recyclable. Currently, gearboxes are being used to reduce the speed of rotation of the blades. Biocomposites and reversible resins of biological origin that facilitate the dismantling and recycling of the system.
Electrical equipment of a wind turbine
Wind turbines do not only rely on their blades and structure to generate power. Electrical equipment is another important factor, including generators, power converters, sensors and control systems that monitor wind speed and direction. The development of new technologies is also essential. sensors It is also a priority, improving performance in adverse conditions.
On the other hand, the energy must be injected into the electrical grid, for which modern wind turbines have systems of individual feeding, increasing the reliability of wind farms. Self-healing coatings and new adhesives are also among the latest developments aimed at extending the operational life of these systems.
Advantages of fast wind turbines
Fast wind turbines generally have fewer blades than their slower counterparts, which, although it may seem like a disadvantage, allows for more efficient control of their power depending on the wind. Being lighter and faster, the size and cost of the system is reduced, making them cheaper and easier to maintain. Recent studies have integrated carbon fibers and other advanced composite materials in its design, improving the strength-to-weight ratio of its key components.
In addition, fast wind turbines are more resistant to gusty wind conditions. This is because during rotor stops, the axial thrust is lower than in slow versions.
Ultimately, the development of new materials is transforming the wind turbine industry. From the integration of fiber-reinforced polymers to research into antifouling coatings, these innovations are making it possible to create wind turbines that are more sustainable, easier to recycle and capable of generating more energy with less environmental impact. With the advent of biocomposites and self-healing solutions, the future of wind energy is continually evolving, providing opportunities to further reduce costs and increase sustainability.