New polyurethane rotor blade helps wind turbines last longer

Covestro has developed an alternative to well-established epoxy based composites, recently launching the fist ever large polyurethane rotor blade. These rotor blades are fabricated in a special process from a polyurethane resin and a glass fiber fabric. The use of polyurethane resin instead of conventional epoxy-based composites makes the blade production cycle shorter and less energy intensive. Additionally, the new material has better mechanical properties.

As a result, the wind blades become lighter, yet longer and therefore more cost-efficient than those made from conventional materials, increasing the feasibility of wind as a low-carbon energy solution.

Associated SDG targets