Scottish technology company Edge Solutions has revealed that its latest turbine protection technology could be durable for more than 50 years, according to a report from ORE Catapult.
The Armour Edge leading-edge protection system (LEPs) is a hard thermoplastic shield developed by the Dundee-based company in collaboration with global firm INEOS Styrolution.
It can be custom fitted to specific wind turbine models to protect against erosion from rain, snow, ice, and other particles in the air that can cause damage to blade surfaces over time.
Samples of the technology were put to the test by ORE last month with a series of accelerated rain erosion assessments at its National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth, Northumberland.
The Armour Edge samples lasted an average 232 hours before they were eroded and were predicted to last up to 53.4 years when installed on an operational wind turbine.
The report also stated that Armour Edge degraded much more evenly than other forms of leading-edge protection, resulting in significantly less loss of aerodynamic performance through the lifetime of the product.
Edge Solutions managing director David Urch (pictured) said: “Leading-edge erosion is a major issue for the onshore and offshore wind industry – where reduced aerodynamic efficiency and the requirement for periodic maintenance and downtime can significantly impact windfarm profitability.
“This report suggests a wind farm operator will only need to apply Armour Edge once.
“In addition, its mode of failure is unique in comparison to any other leading-edge protection tested, meaning it should retain its aerodynamic properties throughout most of its life.
“We believe widespread adoption of this product can transform the economics of operational windfarms.”
Each Armour Edge shield is up to one metre long and is manufactured using a customised version of INEOS Styrolution’s highly durable Luran SC material.
Edge solutions said that it has already completed two offshore installs for Armour Edge and is about to commence their next in the eastern North Sea.