SCS signs DeWind D80 Contract
16th November 2004
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Isle of Wight based Solent Composite Systems Ltd (SCS) announces it has contracted with FKI Energy Technology for the supply of the DeWind D80 wind turbine blade mould package.
The SCS Rotor Blade Manufacturing System (RBMS™) has been adopted for the entire suite of moulds- shells, girders and webs for the D8, 40 metre rotor blade. The mould suite incorporates SmartMould™, an integrated portfolio of innovative design, software programmes and process features that contributes to a highly optimised system for the manufacture of rotor blades. SmartMould™ and the related RBMS™ will feature on the Company’s stand F27 at the EWEC November 22-25th held at the Wembley Conference & Exhibition Centre.
Solent Composite Systems integrated SmartMould™ approach offers turbine manufactures a tailor made, cost-effective rotor blade mould system using optimum design, materials and the most efficient manufacturing process. For the D80 project, SCS worked closely with DeWind design engineers in Germany and blade manufacturer UMOE Ryving AS in Norway. Moulds and resulting 40 metre blade and components will be manufactured by the vacuum infusion process.
SCS design and develop mould packages as turnkey blade manufacturing systems designed for repeated daily process cycles with the minimum of maintenance downtime. The SmartMould™ approach considers the blade shape, finish, structure, material and manufacturing process, to develop a bespoke integrated specification for its Rotor Blade Manufacturing System that delivers optimum output, consistent high quality and long service life.
Mould fabrication is preceded by several FEA analyses to optimise final performance. The SmartHeat™ programme optimises the response of the mould and its components during the heat curing regimes encountered in rapid cycle blade manufacture, contributing to optimum layout of heating zones whilst also managing energy conservation. SmartShell™ modelling matches blade and mould movement, taking account of the specific blade laminate construction, thus unwanted stresses and potential mould repairs are minimised.
SmartFrame™ structural analysis determines the optimum dimensions, stiffness and weight of the mould frame resulting in easier handling and laminate lay-up.
SmartLift™ and SmartHinge™ are deployed to optimise the handling loads of the mould in opening and turning, resulting in a highly successful closing mechanism that is extremely reliable, safe and requires low maintenance.
The SCS integrated and iterative approach ensures that the DeWind D80 RBMS™ meets all required performance criteria, ensuring reduced blade manufacturing costs by minimising finishing and downtime whilst maximising output. The SCS SmartMould™ approach anticipates the increasing challenges faced by the wind energy industry and with the RBMS™ delivers™ a solution to turbine manufacturers that offers competitive advantage in the evolving market.
As managing director Huw Radley quoted when acquiring SCS, earlier this year,
""Solent Composites value is largely focussed on its intellectual property- knowledge based engineering and practical manufacturing know how that enables the company to take on major projects and expedite timely and cost effective completion - a vital factor in the wind business""
This expertise comes form the company’s earlier heritage in serving the highly demanding Offshore Oil and Gas industry where quality, performance safety and timing are paramount. SCS services range from project management of entire turnkey RBMS™ projects to operator training and maintenance of composite mould systems - MouldCare™ a comprehensive preventative maintenance system for rotor blade moulds
Solent Composite Systems Ltd operates from two sites on the new SEEDA developed Cowes Waterfront Venture Quays, housing technology, engineering and manufacturing, in addition to its marketing office at the Innovation Centre in Newport. SCS serves several global wind energy players including Vestas Wind Systems, GE Wind Energy and FKI DeWind.
Solent Composites Systems Ltd is a member of the British Plastics Federation (BPF), Composites Group, Wind Supply Federation and the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
SCS holds ISO 9001:2000 quality accreditation and is working towards ISO 14001environmental compliance expected during 2005. SCS is also a certified contractor for Offshore Oil and Gas and Subsea installations by Achilles (Norway).
DeWind GmbH is an operating division of FKI Energy Technology, based in Loughborough, is part of FKI Group PLC. www.dewind.de
UMOE Ryving AS based in Mandal, Norway is part of the Ulltveit-Moe Group.
www.umoe-blades.com
Further information from:
Huw Radley
Managing Director
Solent Composite Systems Ltd
Victoria Barracks
Albany Road
Cowes Waterfront Venture Quays
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6AA
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1983 292602 or +44(0)7770 731067
Fax: +44(0)1983 299055
E-mail: huw@solentcomposites.com
URL: www.solentcomposites.com
High resolution images available from:
Virginia Hodges
E-mail: va@solentcomposites.com
URL: www.solentcomposites.com
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