This discussion will focus on the application of Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) Leading-Edge Blade Coatings to prevent blade degradation that decreases the performance of the WTG. We will explore the root causes of the blade erosion cycle and the effect of the leading edge erosion in the WTG performance output. Next, we will provide information on the WTG leading-edge blade coatings that offer protection against blade erosion and thereby increase both service life of the blade and maintain the original performance of the WTG. Watch this webinar to learn: 1. What is leading edge erosion 2. What are the causes of leading edge erosion and buildup 3. The benefits of leading edge protection 4. Loss of turbine performance and revenue

1. Leading Edge Erosion:
Protection, Costs and
Benefits

2. Before We Start
q This webinar will be available at
www.windpowerengineering.com & email
q Q&A at the end of the presentation
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3. Moderator Presenter
Michelle Froese
Windpower Engineering
& Development
Steven Elrod
BS Rotor

4. BS ROTOR TECHNIC USA, LLC
Presenter:
Steve Elrod, General Manager

5. Why Surface Matters
Blade length has increased
overtime and has placed
more demand on designs
incorporating thinner and
lighter materials.

6. Why Surface Matters
• Challenging environments (e.g. Offshore & Deserts)

7. Cause of Erosion Wear
• Higher tip speeds – because
of increase length
• Location of turbine
o Operation in extreme/hostile
environments (Deserts, Mountains, &
Seas)
o Locations that have an abundance of
sand, dust, bugs, rain, sleet, snow

8. Start of Erosion Cycle
• Loss of OEM Coating
• Minor Pitting Effects
• Damage Base Layer
• Severe Delamination
• Crack propagation

9. Leading Edge Erosion
(Minor)

10. Leading Edge Erosion

11. Leading Edge Erosion
(Major)

12. Leading Edge Erosion

13. Effect of LE Erosion on WTG Output (1.5 MW)
• Moderate pitting
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift – Loss
$8,000 per year
• Pitts & Gauging
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift – Loss
$16,000 per year
• Severe Pitting & De-lam
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift – Loss
$32,000 per year
Source: 3M Wind Power Blade O&M Forum

14. Effect of LE Erosion on WTG Output (5 MW)
• Moderate pitting
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift
– Loss $120,000 per year
• Pitts & Gauging
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift
– Loss $360,000 per year
• Severe Pitting & De-lam
o Increased Drag, Lower Lift
– Loss $720,000 per year
Source: 3M Wind Power Blade O&M Forum

15. Proactive Leading Edge Protection
• Feature: Smooth Surface
on leading edge
• Benefit:
o Higher lifts
o Improves Efficiency by 1 to 4%
Source: Infigen Wind Power Blade O & M Forum

16. Effect on LE Protection on WTG Output on a
typical 1.5 WT
• Payback in less than 6
months
• Increased revenue of
$50K to $250,000
(over 5 years)
Source: LM Wind Power UWIG Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance User Group Meeting

17. Effect on LE Protection on WTG Output on a typical 5MW
offshore WTG
• Payback in less than 8
months
• Increased revenue of
$500K to $2,500,000
(over 5 years)
Source: LM Wind Power UWIG Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance User Group Meeting

18. Possible LEP Protection
• 1. Flexible Poly Urethane Tape 14 Mil Thick
• 2. Poly Urethane Coatings (2 Component Mix) 10-14 Mil
Thick Layer. Applied by Rollers or Brush
• 3. Wear Resistant Coatings 15-20 Mil thick applied by
Rollers or Spay Gun.

19. Benefits of Various LEP Materials
• 1. Poly Urethane Tape: 3M - New in the Market
• 2. Poly Urethane Coatings: Duromar, Mankiewicz, Bergolin
• 3. Wear Resistant Coatings

20. Conclusion – Pictures after 3 years of Service

21. Conclusion
• Erosion is going to occur on all
blades
• Effects of Erosion can be
controlled or limited
• LEP works and pays for itself

22. Questions?
Michelle Froese
Windpower Engineering & Development
mfroese@wtwhmedia.com
Steven Elrod
BS Rotor
selrod@bs-rotor.com

23. Thank You
q This webinar will be available at
www.windpowerengineering.com & email
q Tweet with hashtag #WindWebinar
q Connect with Windpower Engineering & Development
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