Scots technology company Edge Solutions has secured £700,000 to roll out its kit designed to improve maintenance at operational wind farms.
Dundee-based Edge Solutions worked with Ineos to develop an ultra-tough and aerodynamically optimal ‘erosion shield’ called armourEDGE, which addresses the problem of leading edge erosion on turbine blades.
ArmourEDGE is being installed on an unnamed operational offshore wind farm in northern Europe.
Edge Solutions managing director David Urch (pictured) said: “Leading edge erosion is a significant issue for wind turbines, offshore and onshore.
“With tip speeds approaching 330 km/h, continual impacts by rain, hail, ice and other airborne particulates damage the blade surface, leading to increased drag and reduced energy production.
“This drives up operating cost due to increased maintenance downtime and ultimately blade replacement.”
A study by the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult suggests combating leading edge blade erosion on UK offshore wind farms could boost annual energy production by 1.5-2%, increasing revenue by as much as £3.5m on a 500MW offshore wind farm.
“Over the last four years we have developed a product which is easy to install, maintains the blades’ aerodynamic properties and is extremely durable, with an estimated lifespan of over 20 years,” Urch added.
Each armourEDGE shield is up to one metre long and is custom formed to the exact blade type and then bonded into place by trained technicians.
This allows rapid installation which results in less downtime and improved profitability for wind farm owners, said Edge Solutions.
The shields are made from a bespoke version of Ineos Styrolution’s ultra-tough Luran SC thermoplastic material, created specifically for turbine blades.
The company is working with a wind turbine maintenance provider to deliver trained and certified technicians to support its roll out programme.