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feature: Wind energy update compositesworld.com Kurt Wood, group leader of KYNAR PVDF coatings R&D;, reports that the company has been working with researchers at North Dakota State University (NDSU) to evaluate the performance of paints formulated with the water-based thermoset and a hybrid resin when they are applied on typical glass/epoxy laminates as a possible all-purpose leading-edge and weather-resistant coating. In the thermoset formulation, hydroxy-functional monomers are incorporated in the acrylic portion; the hybrid resin is combined with commercially available water-dispersible polyisocyanate crosslinkers to produce a two-part urethane. Te resulting crosslinked polymer in the applied coating is structured as a bi-continuous network of fuoropolymer and acrylic urethane. 34 Te standard rain erosion test, frst developed for helicopter blades, spins blades on a fxture at a high speed through simulated rain. Tis test is very expensive. Arkema, therefore, is working with NDSU to develop an alternative test method that keeps the part stationary and uses a wind tunnel to accelerate water droplets into the part at high speed. Tis method will be used to test the rain erosion of blades coated with KYNAR-based paints. Te company will be presenting preliminary test results at several wind energy conferences this year. Wood says the company also has done studies that suggest the hybrid resin may have superior long-term erosion-resistance and ice-shedding properties compared to a number of commercial urethane coatings that are currently in use. To address leading-edge erosion, 3M's Renewable Energy Div. (St. Paul, Minn.) now ofers Wind Blade Protection Coating W4600. Te product, which was introduced to the market in May, is a two-component polyurethane coating designed for "Service is my top application via brush or by casting at the priority; you can depend OEM facility. 3M also ofers Wind Tape on me to get you the right materials — on time." 8608 and 8609 for erosion control at the Tony Seger, Composites One leading edge. Te pressure-sensitive tape Warehouse Team is UV stable and puncture resistant, and it can be die- or plotter-cut to conform to complex 3-D shapes. Currently GE Wind Energy employs process controllers on most of its wind turbines to manage ice buildup on the turbines' rotor blades. When the controller detects imbalances in the rotor as a result of ice buildup, it adjusts the rotor speed to allow continued safe operation, or it shuts down the turbine if ice buildup becomes too exProduct | People | Process | Performance treme. But Longtin reports that GE also has conducted feld testing of a "nanoparticle, ice-phobic coating" on its 1.6-MW turbine blades, with encouraging results. "We are There's not just one thing that sets us apart at going to announce the results later this year Composites One, there are thousands – of PRODUCTS that is, but we think the technology has promise," including the widest range of raw materials from more than 400 industry-leading suppliers. We stock everything says Longtin. you need, from resins, reinforcements, core materials, closed mold products and equipment, to processing and tooling Reducing wind TuRbine supplies helping your operation stay productive. RadaR inTeRfeRence You'll get them quickly, thanks to our nationwide network As wind farms proliferate, a concern about of locally based distribution centers. You'll also receive the turbine radar interference has, in recent unparalleled support and value-added services that years, prompted aviation, weather, military only a market leader can provide. and marine operations to contest proposed wind turbine installations. Te Union of That's the power of one. Composites One. Concerned Scientists (Cambridge, Mass.) estimates the issue has delayed the installation of as much as 6 to 9 GW of potential wind energy production. In a white 800.621.8003 | www.compositesone.com | www.b2bcomposites.com paper that addresses radar interference from wind farms, the group recommends a See us at booth B8 during SAMPE Tech 2013 in Wichita, KS, Oct. 21-24. number of mitigation measures, including