EDF Renewable Services (EDF RS) and 3M have announced a new agreement to install 3M wind vortex generators on wind turbines across the U.S.
The collaboration will leverage the materials expertise of 3M with the installation and wind turbine blade repair teams from EDF RS to provide wind plant owners with turnkey solutions to increase efficiency and maximize annual energy production (AEP), the companies say.
Made from durable materials, 3M wind vortex generators are small attachments that energize the flow around a blade and reduce flow separation. Due to the unique shape and properties of every wind turbine blade, the positioning of wind vortex generators is customized for each blade design. Additionally, vortex generators are applied using 3M acrylic foam tape, which accommodates the flexing and residual forces acting on the blade surface and provides high adhesive strength in challenging weather conditions.
“As the largest third-party provider of O&M services in North America, EDF Renewable Services is the perfect collaborator for 3M as we continue our commitment to building, protecting and enhancing the performance of wind turbines,” says Santhosh Chandrabalan, global business manager for wind energy at 3M Renewable Energy Solutions. “When properly installed, wind vortex generators energize the flow around a blade’s surface and reduce aerodynamic separation, improving the turbine’s performance in terms of power, loads and service life.”
