From 1990, wind has been one of the fastest-growing power sources worldwide, with an annual average growth rate exceeding 30%. There are currently 262 wind projects in UK, consisting of just less than 300 on and offshore turbines and producing over 4500MW – that’s enough power for 2.5 million homes and an overall carbon reduction of 5 million tonnes.*
One newspaper recently predicted that by 2050, offshore wind could provide all our energy needs. However, when it comes to the installation of such volumes of turbines as to reach the targets set, one of the key issues surrounding their implementation is the installation, and with off-shore turbines exposed to extreme conditions, the inconvenience that goes with repairing any damage. The turbine’s components must be of the highest quality, able to withstand huge pressures, extreme temperatures, and be utterly resistant to decay or abrasion from their surroundings.
Nylon may not be the first material which springs to mind in this kind of installation, but polyamide-based products exhibit very good resistance to seawater, fluctuations in temperatures, extreme weather and high pressure – and unlike metal, the material doesn’t rust or corrode; it remains flexible and hard-wearing. This is confirmed by both the suppliers of raw materials, based upon chemical composition, and by long term application experience of polyamide products on off-shore platforms and on-board ships worldwide.
Cable protection manufacturer PMA have been providing the components for wind turbines since 2009, including American companies Clipper Windpower Inc. and GE Energy, as well as Vestas Wind Systems of Denmark and Fabricom of Belgium.
PMA’s Tony Hollands says:
“Our polyamide products have been subjected to extensive testing to show their suitability for various application areas. As well as the various accelerated test procedures, such as Xenon Arc UV radiation testing, we’ve also had a long-term weathering test running on the roof of our manufacturing facilities for over twenty-five years.
“Perhaps the best indication of the suitability of nylon (Polyamide 6 & 12 type) for applications exposed to seawater is the fact that it is the material most commonly used for the manufacture of fishing lines and nets – exhibiting strength, durability, flexibility and resistance to decay”, adds Tony.
The material’s qualities have also rendered it suitable for photovoltaic and geothermal installations, solar heating, power generation, hydroelectric power stations and energy storage facilities in the form of potential energy or water or air pressure, showing that nylon is the preferred choice of component for the manufacture of turbines. Indeed, with many offshore wind farms currently being proposed and developed in Europe, where there is limited space on land and relatively large offshore areas with shallow water, polyamide conduit looks set to make its name as a cost-effective, easily installed, more durable solution for use in the future of power.
For more information, call 01264 333 527 or visit www.pma-uk.com
*Statistics courtesy of BWEA
