There she blows! Or maybe she doesn’t, if it’s too cold outside. There are many different heating methods that have entered the market throughout the years to heat wind turbine blades during the curing process. Some methods are more effective than others, and some are definitely more expensive. Let’s talk about some of the different methods for curing the epoxy on wind turbine wings.
Different Methods to Cure Wind Turbine Blades
Hot Air Blowers
Have you ever tried curing a wind turbine blade using hot air blowers? Blowers are expensive to buy and expend a lot of energy and electricity.
Kilns
What about kilns? Many of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers use kilns. Kilns require extensive maintenance and repair, are unsightly, require continuous fuel to heat and may emit environmentally hazardous toxins into the air. Talk about counterproductive to the environmentally-conscious wind power!
Heating Blankets
What about heating blankets? A heating blanket is a modern approach to curing wind turbine blades; an energy efficient solution, which has revolutionized effective heat spreading. This technology ensures the heat is effectively and evenly distributed, while continuously maintaining optimal temperatures. Heating blankets are portable for use in the plant or out in the field.
Customers have told us that Powerblanket® heating blankets have the best heat to low power requirement for curing wind blades.
Heating blankets are safe for the environment, provide an efficient and even heat source at optimal temperatures, and come in customizable sizes to meet industry needs. Additionally, heating blankets reduce the amount of time it takes to cure the epoxy for wind blade repair. This equates to increased profitability because more wind turbine blades can be repaired in a shorter amount of time.
So when considering the best solution for you to cure wind turbine blades, take a look at your business and determine which curing method provides the most benefit to you and your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wind turbine blades be refurbished?
Yes, wind turbine blades can be refurbished through processes like inspection, damage assessment, and repair, which can extend their operational life, although this extension is not indefinite.
What is the resin for wind turbine blades?
Polyurethane resin is commonly used for wind turbine blades due to its ability to produce long, durable blades, enhancing the structural integrity and performance of the turbines.
Can wind turbine blades be repaired?
Wind turbine blades can be repaired by identifying and assessing damage, removing damaged areas, preparing and attaching repair patches, and curing the adhesive to restore functionality
What is the coating on gas turbine blades?
Gas turbine blades are often coated with thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to protect them from extreme temperatures by acting as an insulating layer, reducing heat transfer to the blade substrate
Cure your epoxy resins faster and easier than ever before with Powerblanket.
