Alstom and LM Wind Power unite to work on superblade

A turbine blade is analysed in LM's wind tunnel

International contractor Alstom has joined forces with blade maker LM Wind Power to design an ultra-long blade tailored for a next-generation 6MW offshore turbine.

The length of the blade — to be made from specifically developed compounds promising maximum strength and exceptional light weight — has not been revealed.

It is understood, however, that it will far exceed “the few existing prototype blades around 62-63 metres long” — putting it in the frame to be the world’s longest.

Emphasis has been placed on aerodynamics and structural ­design in fashioning the new blade from profiles developed by LM for its GloBlade, which offers an additional 4-5% of annual energy production compared to standard designs for a…

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