SAERTEX reports that it has contributed to the prototype production of a wind turbine blade with probably the longest and thickest carbon fibre spar cap made in vacuum infusion technology so far. In June 2017, a major Chinese wind turbine blade manufacturer successfully finished the production of an 83.6 m blade prototype. A special feature of this blade is its spar cap, which takes up most of the mechanical load. The spar cap is made of carbon fibre to reduce the part’s weight and achieve higher stiffness which is essential for blades of such extreme length. The blade was designed by WINDnovation. Its spar cap was pre-produced in May and represented a technical challenge because of its length of 80.5 m and thickness, at its broadest section, of 70 mm. A SAERTEX infusion-optimised carbon fibre UD 618 gsm (unidirectional non-crimp fabric) with increased z-permeability material was used, which has been specially developed for the infusion of thick lay-ups. The resin system 3325 A/B from CTP AM is said to deliver optimised viscosity and extended pot-life. The spar cap was infused using VAP technology with Composyst’s VAP membrane which is said to enable degassing of the resin during the entire infusion, ease resin distribution throughout the entire part, as well as control the resin content. The infusion process took less than 3 hours and was completed without any problems. The following day, after curing and demoulding, inspection found a near perfect part free of defects, SAERTEX reports. The prototype production was technically supported by SAERTEX, WINDnovation, Composyst, CTP AM and ITD. Image provided by Saertex For more information visit: Facebook LinkedIn Email
High-performance material developer WINDnovation has aided in the creation of a wind turbine blade prototype that features what may be the thickest, longest carbon fibre spar cap ever made with vacuum infusion technology. Designed by SAERTEX, the spar cap was manufactured to be lighter and stiffer for optimised performance. WINDnovation provided an infusion-optimised carbon fibre with elevated z-permeability. The end result was nearly fault-free, which is essential for supporting the mechanical load of large wind turbine blades.