Mr. Lutz Beyland, Composite Design Engineer at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Nordex Energy GmbH, based on his research on split blades, answers the following questions in an exclusive interview. What are the main inhibitors regarding split blades? Will split blade designs remain a niche market or could they be a game changer for rotor blade production? "DLR & Nordex on Rotor Blade Segmentation Technology" >> Read the interview here: http://bit.ly/BEYLAND_INTERVIEW

1. Expert Interview
DLR & Nordex on Rotor Blade Production of the Future
Lutz Beyland is Composite Design Engineer at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and for Nordex
Energy GmbH, and was presenting on “Segmentation technology for large onshore blades” at the
last Advances in Rotor Blades for Wind Turbines Conference in Bremen. On-site, we had the chance
for an exclusive interview with Lutz Beyland and wanted to know more about the main inhibitors
for split blades and what could really be a game changer for rotor blade production. Read the full
interview here!
IQPC: You are working on a joint project of
Nordex and the German Aerospace Center
(DLR). Can you briefly explain the main focus
of the project?
Lutz Beyland: The main focus of the research
project of Nordex and DLR is investigate and
evaluate joining concepts for segmented rotor
blades.
In the first phase joining concepts are developed
and evaluated, based on a literature study.
The second phase is for detailed design of the
favoured concepts, including FE calculations and
mechanical tests.
IQPC: Until today there are only very few split
blades in use. What are the main inhibitors?
Lutz Beyland: There are mainly two inhibitors.
The first one is cost. For most sites, the saved costs
in transportation are smaller than the additional
costs for the joints.
As a second inhibitor people distrust the structural
integrity of the joint, especially for joints that are
bonded on site.
IQPC: Our Rotor Blades event was looking into
split blades from different angles. Were there
any surprises or new perspectives for you?
Lutz Beyland: Mr. Garcia from Gamesa reported
that the first G128-4.5 turbines with segmented
blades have been erected.
The Ghent University is doing research on split
blades, too.
IQPC: Looking at the conference-format, where
do you see the main advantages of meeting
with experts in this particular setting?
Lutz Beyland: There are many opportunities to
get in contact: Asking questions to the speakers,
meeting in the coffee breaks or at lunch or at the
evening event, speed networking.
For preparation of the conference it is very helpful
to receive the presentations in advance.
IQPC: An outlook into the future: Will split
blade designs remain a niche market, or
could they be a game changer for rotor blade
production?
Lutz Beyland: It will stay a niche market.
www.wind-rotor-blades.com