Trends in Blade Technology And

Changing R&D NeedsSandia Blade Workshop 2016, Albuquerque, New Mexico

August 30, 2016

Mr. Ken Lee, Senior Researcher – Blade Structures

Envision Energy USA

Global Blade Innovation Center, Boulder, CO

Email: Ken.Lee@envision-energy.com

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Agenda

Envision Intro

Past/Current Achievements

Blade Technology Trends

Future Challenges

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Leading Renewable Energy & Technology Company

Envision’s Smart Windfarms are in

some of the most challenging sites in

the world

Smart Turbines for Low

wind, high turbulence and

very high complexity

Quick Facts:

• Founded in 2007, top 10 OEMs globally, 2nd largest OEM in China

• Over 1000 renewable energy professionals globally

• Over 7.5GW onshore & offshore products in operation

• Manage over 50GW assets worldwide

As a leader in Smart Energy, Envision is truly a global company to solve the challenges for a sustainable future for mankind

Global Digital Energy Center, Houston

Smart wind farms, wind farm controls and advance siting tools

Global Digital Energy Innovation Lab, Silicon Valley

Venture Capital & Solar Solutions

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In-house Blade Design Emphasis

Global Blade Innovation Center, Boulder, CO: Multi-disciplinary team of researchers & engineers to advance key

technologies in next generation blade designs.

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Past/Current Achievements

Radar Images obtained by Texas Tech University National Wind Institute under contract by Envision.

Advanced Turbine Controls Smart Wind Farm Control

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Motivation – Rotor Blade Trends

Sustainable Future for Wind

req. reducing LCOE to be competitive

without subsidies

Rotor Blades – small fraction of total

turbine system installed cost

All energy starts from the rotor blade

Performance Loads Material Cost

Developers/operators - achieve

higher and quicker ROI

Increase AEP/yield

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Blade Technology Trends

Does Size Matter? Is Bigger Better?

Bigger turbine Bigger blades More Power

Clear motivation Increase energy production

Evolution in Rotor Blades:

-L & -XL Rotor Blades

Medium & Low Wind Speed Sites

Material- & Load- Optimized Blades

BUT:

Larger Rotors - not free from challenges

Cross-interaction of all turbine modules

Pictures Courtesy of:

• http://www.scienceofrelationships.com/home/2012/6/13/does-size-matter.html

• http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/03/size-does-matter-more-massive-offshore-wind-turbines-for-europe/

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Blade Technology Challenges

What`s the Challenge?

Not developing a large rotor blade Whole turbine system overview

Think about entire process & req`s: Design Production Testing & Cert. Installation

Real challenge to face in the future:

Design Methods & Material selection

Production problems

Testing complexities

Logistics issues

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Conclusions

Get the best results that balances all the aspects

Leverage simple, robust & cost-effective methods for design, testing & certification

DNVGL-ST-0376: significant changes to current rotor blades design substantiation & testing

Strong focus on blade production processes and in-operation phase

Find innovative approaches to address fundamental challenges & issues

Increase collaboration with industry & research community

Improving simulation tools and validation of design methods

Increase cooperation between product development, production, logistics, suppliers and customers

www.envision-energy.com