In a move designed to optimize its blade technology, turbine maker Senvion has acquired RodPack technology from Chase Corp. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
According to Senvion, the material is already used in the blade for the Senvion 6.2M152 and is anticipated to be integrated in future blade designs for both onshore and offshore turbines. RodPack, which substitutes the standard glass fabrics used in the main girder, enables optimized blade design, as well as faster and higher-quality blade production. The technology will be exclusively available and used in Senvion turbines.
RodPack technology is based on cured pultruded rods placed on a non-woven fabric. Senvion is currently working on the co-development of a machine to expand RodPack production capacity.
According to Senvion, RodPack has 9% better material properties than high-modulus glass and 20% better than standard unidirectional glass. This creates the potential for blade designs with higher yields, longer life or a higher wind class, the company notes.
In April, Senvion was acquired by Centerbridge Partners, which urges the turbine maker to pursue similar deals that advance innovation.
