LM Wind Power and Alstom have entered a strategic partnership to develop the longest wind turbine blade ever produced, according to the companies. The blade will be designed to fit Alstom's new 6 MW wind turbine for the growing European offshore wind market.
The blade requires more than 20,000 hours of work by LM Wind Power's specialist teams, which focus on aerodynamics, structural design and production processes. The design is based on LM Wind Power's proprietary profile developed in its wind tunnel in Denmark. The blade uses advanced materials that enable LM Wind Power to design and manufacture relatively lighter glass fiber and polyester blades for the length, according to the company.
The prototype blades will be produced in the company's Danish factory in Lunderskov and expected to be ready for installation at Alstom prototype sites in Europe later this year or in 2012.
Future production depends on the end markets that Alstom wishes to address, most likely France, U.K. and other North Sea markets.
SOURCE: LM Wind Power
