|
Support for LM Glasfiber's development of new blade technology |
|
|
|
Thursday, 15 May 2008 |
|
LM Glasfiber has been awarded DKK 30
million by the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation for the
development of a blade technology based on the use of completely novel types of
fiber.
The research program has been named 'Blade King'. LM Glasfiber has stepped
up its R&D activities by launching a research program worth DKK 60 million.
Thanks to high levels of automation, the new blade technology will increase the
efficiency of the processes of laying up the fiber material in the mould and
finally moulding the actual wind turbine blade. The ultimate goal is to cut the
total production time in half. For the development of the 'Blade King'
technology, LM Glasfiber has partnered up with Aalborg University and
Risoe DTU, which are to supply research and know-how on the new fiber types.
The project also involves a third partner, the Danish company Comfil, based in
Silkeborg, which will contribute know-how of thermoplastic composites. Over the
next five years, the four companies and institutions will work together to
develop the new technology and make it ready for production. The first blades
manufactured with the new technology are expected to reach the market by 2015.
|