Lee sandia blade ws 2016 v3_envision presentation_ken

1. Trends in Blade Technology And
Changing R&D Needs
Sandia 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

2. 2
Agenda
 Envision Intro
 Past/Current Achievements
 Blade Technology Trends
 Future Challenges

3. 3
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

4. 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

5. 5
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.

6. 6
Past/Current Achievements
Radar Images obtained by Texas Tech University National Wind Institute under contract by Envision.
Advanced Turbine Controls Smart Wind Farm Control

7. 7
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

8. 8
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/

9. 9
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

10. 10
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

11. www.envision-energy.com