Posters

Abstract

Reblading is the most cost effective re-rotoring solution that unlocks the hidden potential allowed by the specific site conditions of each wind farm. In this sense, the life extension techniques, the optimization of costs and the performance improvement solutions of wind assets are the three key elements that reblading solution unlocks in order to obtain the maximum potential of each wind asset in operation. The blades are key elements for creating loads on the structures and for fatigue life spectra, so acting in the blades with tailored designs can maximize energy production, depending on sites +15-26%. The secret of reblading is in the use of innovative materials and new blade design that allows the performance improvement. Reblading increases the Annual Energy Production (AEP) as long as real site-specific loads are kept inside turbine margins of safety and reserve factors, in compliance with the WTG technical parameters, ensuring a safe long-term operation and allowing a longer life extension by means of low loaded blade designs. In this sense, reblading generally increases life expectancy in all structural components. This is due to the low mass of the blades, which reduce the Gravitational source of Fatigue and the controlled Aerodynamic Fatigue, by means of the low aerodynamic solidity blade (slender). Currently, the Reblading is the most complete re-rotoring solution, achieving a significant increase in asset performance and reducing rotor problems and operating expenses due to the improvement of blades' design with new and better materials. The payback of the project for a standard wind farm installed with a nwh59, and considering an increase of +25% AEP, is about 2.5 years.