Atlas’ Offers Weathering Testing of Wind Turbine Coatings

Atlas Material Testing Technology, a company specialized in weathering technology and services, will present state-of-the-art solutions for weathering testing of rotor blade coatings at the upcoming Wind Turbine Blade Manufacture Conference, December 3 – 5, 2013, in Duesseldorf, Germany, booth 25.

Wind turbines are installed in some of the harshest climates on earth, ranging from tropical to arctic offshore. Smooth rotor blade surfaces are key to a wind turbine’s efficient performance. Utilizing the best materials and components when constructing a wind turbine can help reduce its maintenance and downtime and increase its long-term efficiency.

Multifunctional coatings are a critical component of a wind turbine’s rotor blade. These coatings must provide a smooth and aerodynamic surface and protect the blade matrix from an array of environmental impacts such as erosion due to rain, hail and UV light. They also need to possess anti-icing and self-cleaning properties that will last for the required lifetime of the coatings.

Atlas’ xenon arc instruments provide realistic testing to determine the long-term effects of sunlight, heat and moisture on the efficiency and functionality of rotor blade coatings. Accelerated weathering is essential in order to select the right coatings and avoid premature failure and costly downtimes.

Atlas offers high-irradiance Xenon weathering instruments to decrease testing times, as well as a unique immersion accessory that allows for simultaneous exposure to saltwater and light for offshore coatings testing.

Press release, November 27, 2013; Image: Siemens