Gamesa has developed a system for the prevention of ice formation on wind turbine blades. This solution, called Bladeshield, consists of an anti-icing ‘paint’ which not only prevents the formation of ice but also increases the paint’s resistance to erosion.
The Bladeshield system is the result of the development of a procedure for obtaining the mix, as the additive is dissolved first in the ideal dispersing agent and then in the paint base. This results in a homogenous mix that improves the paint's anti-erosion and durability properties. The solution was processed under the scope of the Azimut project for the development of offshore technology. The project is being sponsored by the CDTI (acronym in Spanish for the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology). The system is the result of three years of research into the use of new raw materials in wind energy, specifically the application of nanomaterials in the development of coatings. The new system is apt for use in its own 2.0MW-2.5MW and 5.0MW onshore and offshore platforms, as well as in other manufacturers’ products. In addition to this anti-icing solution, Gamesa recently unveiled two systems for detecting and eliminating ice on blades that have been custom-developed for Gamesa’s suite of 2.0-2.5MW turbines. The company is also developing another ice prevention system in collaboration with Finnish technology provider VTT for its platform of 5.0MW turbines.
