Sep 26 2007
DuPont™ Nomex® is being used worldwide in wind turbines that provide alternative power sources. Total installed capacity has increased 25 percent since last year, as generation costs have declined. By the end of the decade, cumulative capacity of wind energy installations is predicted to double the installed capacity at the end of 2006.
"The appeal of higher capacity wind turbines is great due to space limitations, especially in Europe and for offshore installations," said Larry Steiner, business development leader, DuPont Energy Solutions, North America. "While the demand for higher capacity increases, space for mounting key components within the turbine remains limited."
Wind velocities that vary rapidly during operation can put a lot of stress on these components by creating severe thermal load cycles. However, by designing electrical insulation systems with Nomex® paper and pressboard, thermal cycling can be handled with greater reliability.
A leading European manufacturer of wind turbine transformers recently transferred its transformer technology to its plant in the U.S. This technology, based on Nomex® insulation, will support the development of larger wind turbines in North America, as U.S. businesses and consumers begin to embrace sustainable solutions.