Growing Pains and GainsAs wind turbine blade length increases, an array of challenges arise – from the industrialisation of blade production, to the transport, handling and testing of highly-engineered objects greater than 80 metres in length. At the same time, the benefits of long blades are clear, with a 10% increase in rotor diameter providing a 10% increase in annual energy production (AEP) from a wind turbine. Increasing rotor performance, and thus AEP, is the most direct way to decrease the cost of wind energy. John Korsgaard, LM Wind Power’s Senior Director of Engineering Excellence, explores the trend towards ultra-long blades to take on the ultimate question: Is there a limit to the size of a wind turbine?
By John Korsgaard, LM Wind Power, Denmark
