Siemens has developed a method with which rotor blades for wind turbines can be manufactured in one cast and without seams. The blades are used to generate power without emissions; for example in a 3,6-megawatt turbine, one of the world’s most powerful machines for sea-based wind farms.
The photograph illustrates the size of the blades that drive the 3,6 MW turbines
In the Danish town of Brande, Siemens Wind Power uses its integral blade process to manufacture rotor blades that are up to 52 metres in length and weigh approximately 12 tonnes; these blades are produced without adhesives or chemicals. Their principle constituent is a glass-fibre reinforced synthetic which, in contrast to the PVC otherwise typically used, is recyclable. The seamless blade exhibits an unprecedented robustness that makes it ideal for use in offshore applications. Over the course of its service life, the blade can even withstand winds of hurricane force. Future rotor blades will be as long as 60 metres and drive even more powerful turbines.
Recently, Siemens installed the first offshore wind farm with 3,6 MW turbines, the Burbo Wind Farm, located in the approach to Liverpool Bay. The farm has a total capacity of 90 MW and was completed in only one and a half months. Beginning in late 2007, the Burbo Wind Farm now supplies over 80 000 households.
In the same year Siemens set up enough wind power stations to produce four billion kilowatt-hours per year, which is about 12% of the electricity consumption of Denmark.
Siemens is one of the leaders worldwide in the offshore business, and the demand for wind energy is rising. In response to the interest in the US alone, Wind Power recently opened a rotor blade factory in Fort Madison, Iowa. The plant covers 30 000 square metres and has an annual production capacity of up to 600 blades.
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