Airborne Marine has announced the first two successfully manufactured 1-shot RTM Tidal blades with embedded insert technology. These first two blades are part of a series of seven 4 metre blades for the Nautricity 250KW test turbine, shortly to be deployed at the EMEC test site in Scotland. In the summer of 2013, this series will be followed by blades of approximately 8 metres for Nautricity’s Mull of Kintyre project.
Airborne’s in-house developed concept of a 1-shot Resin Transfer Moulded Tidal blade, in combination with embedded insert technology is unique and the first of its kind. This production method incorporates the philosophy of de-risking, manufacturing optimization and performance enhancement.
The 1-shot RTM Tidal blades do not have any adhesive bonds present and have a root-hub connection. As a consequence, this concept does not require bolting and/or adhesives on the composite blade. In this way, de-risking and reliability, the two major factors in the new emerging tidal energy market are addressed to the maximum. Meeting these requirements is crucial, as the blades have to function in the harsh environment of tidal currents.
By using the closed Mould Resin Transfer Moulding technology, Airborne has the best technology in house for maximal optimization, endorsing the view of Automotive OEM’s like BMW and AUDI that RTM is the best technology to date for industrialisation of high-end composites.
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Press release, December 13, 2012; Image: ATG Medialab