LafargeHolcim co-develops record-tall wind turbine towers to generate more energy at lower cost
Traditionally built in steel or precast concrete, wind turbine towers have typically been limited to a height of under 100 meters, as the width of the base cannot exceed the 4.5-meter diameter that can be transported by road, without excessive additional costs
MUMBAI: Switzerland-based building materials maker, LafargeHolcim has signed a contract with GE Renewable Energy, and 3D construction printing company COBOD to co-develop wind turbines with optimized 3D printed concrete bases, reaching record heights up to 200 meters. This is developed on the back of the concept that taller towers capture stronger winds, thereby generating more energy at a lower cost.
The three partners will undertake a multi-year collaboration to develop this solution, which will increase renewable energy production while lowering the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and optimizing construction costs. The first prototype, a 10-meter high tower pedestal, was successfully printed in October 2019 in Copenhagen.
“We will produce a wind turbine prototype with a printed pedestal, and a production ready printer and materials range to scale up production. By exploring ways to economically develop taller towers that capture stronger winds, the three partners aim to generate more renewable energy per turbine,” the company said in it’s official statement.
This collaboration aims to accelerate the access and use of renewable energy worldwide. GE Renewable Energy will provide expertise related to the design, manufacture and commercialization of wind turbines, COBOD will focus on robotics automation and 3D printing and LafargeHolcim will design the tailor-made concrete material, its processing and application.
“Concrete 3D printing is a very promising technology for us, as its incredible design flexibility expands the realm of construction possibilities. Being both a user and promoter of clean energy, we are delighted to be putting our material and design expertise to work,” said LafargeHolcim’s Head of R&D Edelio Bermejo.
Traditionally built in steel or precast concrete, wind turbine towers have typically been limited to a height of under 100 meters, as the width of the base cannot exceed the 4.5 meter diameter that can be transported by road, without excessive additional costs.
Printing a variable height base directly on-site with 3D-printed concrete technology will enable the construction of towers up to 150 to 200 meters tall. Typically, a 5 megawatt turbine at 80 meters generates, yearly, 15.1 gigawatt hours. In comparison, the same turbine at 160 meters would generate 20.2 GWh, or more than 33% extra power.
“Concrete printing has advanced significantly over the last five years and we believe is getting closer to having real application in the industrial world,” said Matteo Bellucci, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Leader for GE Renewable Energy.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
