RTP Company's Very Long Fiber Composite Improves Performance of Small-Scale Wind Turbine Blades

25th June 2010
Posted By : ES Admin
RTP Company's Very Long Fiber Composite Improves Performance of Small-Scale Wind Turbine Blades
When China-based Hunan ZKenergy Wind Power Industrial Technology wanted to offer a reliable source for providing electricity to remote areas around the world, it adapted the technology of wind turbines to produce affordable, small-scale units suitable for off-grid locations. A crucial element in their success is very long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite from custom compounder RTP Company that is used to injection mold the blades. The compound was chosen over other reinforced plastics due to the enhanced mechanical properties very long fiber composites provide.

We worked with RTP Company to develop a suitable very long fiber product because it provided the highest strength-to-weight ratio we could find in an injection moldable material, said Danping Xie, Vice President of Design at Hunan ZKenergy. The long glass fiber reinforcement provided high modulus and impact resistance that keeps the configuration of our blades constant, regardless of environmental conditions. Exceptional dimensional stability is critical for keeping the blades from changing their angle against incoming wind and greatly increases the efficiency of our turbines, especially in very humid or very dry conditions.

When compared to thermoset or metal materials, the very long fiber compound has a lower specific gravity, which makes the blade lighter and more efficient. In addition, it offers enhanced strength and a higher degree of rigidity than other injection moldable materials. When our turbines are in operation, RTP Company's compound has been able to dampen vibrations within the blade, effectively reducing audible noise, said Xie.

By applying new design principles to increase performance and efficiency, Hunan ZKenergy has revolutionized the wind energy industry. RTP Company's ability to help improve the performance of the blade, as well as their professional research and development team, made them the perfect supplier for us, said Xie.
Our turbine blades are now able to outlast the life of the mechanical components of the turbine itself, he added.


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