LEVERKUSEN, Germany — One important hurdle on the path to achieving maintenance-free systems in the wind energy sector is the fact that the longitudinal edges of rotor blades are subject to the effects of weather: when it is raining and the blades are turning quickly, raindrops hit the edges of the blades at high speed and with a large amount of energy. Over time, this destroys the coating layer and the composite material beneath. This edge erosion can reduce annual energy performance by more than five percent. In addition, the systems have to be serviced more frequently.

A consortium managed by the Technical University of Denmark – the world’s largest public research institute focused on wind energy – is currently carrying out a research project named DURALEDGE (from Durable Leading Edges) to investigate erosion mechanisms and develop new coatings to permanently protect rotor blades. In addition, the consortium aims to develop calculation models to predict edge protection. Leading global manufacturers of wind energy systems and coatings are members of the consortium, as is Covestro as a key raw materials partner. The company has been engaged for many years in a sustainable energy supply.