BASF’s leading-edge protection for rotor blades passes 50-hour rain test

BASF, which supports the wind energy sector with special systems and products, has launched an innovative coatings solution for rotor blades: RELEST Wind LEP S. The new product recently passed an external 50-hour, rain erosion test by a renowned institute from Denmark, outperforming other well-known rain erosion resistant coatings.

The stress loads to which rotor blades are exposed during the operation are enormous: at top speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour at the blade tips, gigantic forces act upon the blades. Moreover, weather influences such as rain, snow, hail, sand, heat, and UV radiation wear out the blades and lead to more frequent repair and maintenance intervals.

To prevent the material from damages caused by these influences, the Coatings division of BASF has developed a solution for long-lasting protection. The system – consisting of a gel coat, a filler, an edge protection, and a topcoat – is based entirely on solvent-free, two-component polyurethane compounds. It also complies with present VOC directives.

RELEST Wind LEP S provides rotor blades with the optimum protection due to its excellent rain-erosion resistance. The recent test showed that with a speed of up to 160 m/s (approximately 570 km/h), the rain did not cause any significant damage on the coating. The material is virtually solvent-free, and exceptionally durable and UV stable.

Ideally suited for OEMs, the material can easily be applied directly on the rotor blade. RELEST Wind LEP S improves the efficiency of wind-turbine operation by providing an effective erosion protection, reducing potential maintenance costs. With its low-film thickness and easy application, it is the ideal material matching the customers’ requirements.

BASF supplies the matching coating system for all components under the trade name RELEST, from the base of the wind-power plant to the rotor blade edge and provides innovative products for the energy of the future.