A research note from MAKE Consulting examines trends in availability and use of the raw materials used for blade structures and cores. MAKE says it analyses the benefits and disadvantages in commercially accepted and emerging blades materials. It also evaluates current and future commercial demands sought by turbine and blade OEMs. This note further discusses material alternatives produced by various suppliers that are being offered in the market to advance wind power blade technology.
A few key points include:
- The role of blade materials in reducing the LCOE of wind power
- Low risk aerodynamic blade enhancements have made their way into new commercial units as well as retrofits into older turbines
- PVC usage is expected to decline as blade length increases, potentially due to unfavorable cost benefit versus balsa for larger blades
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