Showcasing a variety of advanced polymer capabilities
Published: 14 November, 2019
Trelleborg is to showcase a variety of advanced polymer capabilities engineered specifically for wind turbine applications at WindEurope Offshore 2019, Copenhagen, Denmark, later this month. Experts from a number of its business areas will demonstrate how to ensure renewable projects deliver efficient power generation over an increased service life. Trelleborg will also use the flagship European offshore wind event to officially launch Frame, a new radar absorbing material for wind turbines, blades and nacelles.
Introducing Frame, an outstanding multi-band radar absorption material
Trelleborg will launch Frame at WindEurope Offshore, an innovative radar absorbing material that mitigates wind turbine radar interference problems, unlocking gigawatts of new potential wind farm sites. The lightweight nano-composite polymer solution is available from 1to12 GHz with an absorption bandwidth of 0.2 GHz, providing solutions for all radar types from L to X-band.
Adam Nevin, KTP associate and research and development chemist at Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation, states: “This is a really exciting time for operators that wish to build wind farms near airports, for example. In the past, due to radar interference this has not been possible, but by using Frame this is no longer an obstacle.”
As part of the conference program, Nevin will present his paper, ‘Radar Interference Mitigations Strategies in the Wind Industry; Advances and Key Challenges’ on 27 November.
Expertise in wind turbine sealing technology
Trelleborg’s sealing experts will be on hand to discuss how their proprietary solutions can accelerate time to market, improve the efficiency of existing applications and lengthen maintenance intervals; all of which can contribute to decreased downtime and increased yield.
Rene Volker, technical manager at the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions facility in Denmark, says: “Having worked on so many major projects worldwide, our experience is key in providing the optimal sealing solution for wind turbine applications. Trelleborg possesses the necessary engineering resources globally to provide the right solution for any sealing application. Using the latest Finite Element Analysis techniques, we can rapidly go from design stage to manufacturing within the virtual world.”
Lubrication Management
In addition to an extensive selection of seal profiles specifically developed for demanding offshore wind power applications, Trelleborg will also be discussing the benefits of Lubrication Management.
Volker, continues: “The performance requirements of multiple sealing systems for reciprocating movements, such as those found in wind turbine pitch cylinders, are continuously increasing with friction, wear and service time being key performance criteria. Lubrication Management involves adjusting lubrication conditions of individual sealing elements within a sealing system, so the load on each element can be reduced and the performance in terms of friction, wear and lifetime can be optimized.
Proven experience in integrated cable protection systems
Trelleborg’s experts on cable protection systems will be on hand to showcase, NjordGuard™ which is an innovative cable protection system designed and developed to protect offshore windfarm power cables in wind turbine generators and offshore substation platforms. Easily assembled on a vessel to allow speedy installation, it’s highly abrasion resistant API 17L certified Uraduct® material enables the protection system to travel over the seabed without damage, extending cable life. Most importantly, it facilitates easier installation, reuse and removal without diver and ROV intervention, optimizing efficiency and maximizing safety
Dan Bate, sales manager for Trelleborg Applied Technologies operation, states: “With over 30 years of experience and track-record as subsea polymer engineering experts, we take pride in our engineering capabilities and approach to offshore wind cable protection systems for both floating and fixed foundations.”
A smarter approach to sealing off wind turbine foundation piles
Experts from Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation will also be on hand to discuss the company’s extensive expertise across high-performance solutions for the sealing of the foundation piles of offshore wind turbines.
Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation, states: “One of the most important requirements for offshore wind turbines is a solid foundation. For over a century, we have delivered cost-effective and performance-enhancing solutions that provide solid and long-lasting foundations in even the harshest of environments. This spans the supply of grout seals to over 2,500 monopile foundations.
“WindEurope Offshore provides the perfect platform to showcase our traditional grout seal design and an innovative, new flanged seal design.”
WindEurope Offshore 2019
WindEurope Offshore is Europe’s flagship offshore wind event and will gather over 9,000 participants to drill down on the practical challenges of putting offshore at the core of our energy mix.
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation will be on stand C2-B36. Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation and Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation will be on stand C2-C12.
