International. AkzoNobel has inaugurated the first purpose-built wind turbine blade testing facility at its Felling plant in the United Kingdom, capable of running simulations at half the speed of sound.
The multi-million dollar investment will support the development of the company's International® protective coatings brand, which supplies wind farms around the world.
Researchers at the new facility, which can simulate harsh weather conditions around the world, will be able to triple the number of rain erosion tests that can be performed each week. At full speed, the so-called "helicopter" test is capable of running at 176 meters per second.
"Today marks an exciting new chapter in our long history of supporting sustainable innovation and product development," says Ralph Slikkerveer, R+D Manager for AkzoNobel's Marine Coatings and Protectors business.
"Implementing this type of world-class testing at our facility – where we can generate the data immediately, analyse the results and extend the trial periods – will transform our contribution to innovation in the wind energy sector. As one of the market leaders, we will be able to participate in a more meaningful way in the discussions on predicting the service life of protective coating systems for wind turbine blades."
To perform the ultra-high-speed tests, the new facility has been equipped with a 1,000-liter water recycling tank. During testing, the water flow rate (and water and air temperature) can be adjusted as needed.
"The protective coatings we will be testing will help our customers' rackets withstand the most extreme weather conditions in the future," adds Slikkerveer. "We will now be able to conduct more cost-effective and accelerated testing on new products, offering the best possible solutions for our customers at a time when global investment in wind projects continues to grow.
The Felling plant has been manufacturing international products since 1904 and is firmly established as the brand's global research and development centre.
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