DuPont News
Success of Wind Power Depends on Durability of Turbines Protected by DuPont Innovations
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is providing key solutions to the wind industry. DuPont(TM) Voltatex(R) resin, a coating originally developed nearly 60 years ago to protect electrical systems in armored military vehicles, insulates key components of wind generators from damaging heat, extending their life. In certain high-heat situations, Voltatex(R) is used in combination with DuPont(TM) Nomex(R) paper and pressboard for additional thermal protection.
As vast arrays of wind turbines, popularly known as "windmills," appear around the world, keeping them running reliably for years — and even decades — is expected to become a huge issue. With some turbines perched atop 400- foot towers, many in remote terrain or far at sea, durability and reliability of the units will be paramount concerns. Future wind power installations, or "wind farms," could contain hundreds of power generating towers.
"One of the best ways to protect these turbines and minimize maintenance is to encapsulate the key components of the generator that protect them from the extreme heat inherent in the generation of electricity," said
The newest version of Voltatex(R) is solvent free, eliminating environmental emissions associated with heat curing. The new material is cured with ultraviolet light.
"Like other natural resources, sustained, dependable wind isn't always found in the most convenient places," Boxman said. "So, as electricity producers go where the wind is, it's gratifying that we are able to adapt an existing, proven DuPont technology to help make this truly inexhaustible power source a practical reality."
DuPont — one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 18 years ago — has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets, such as wind power.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), Voltatex(R) and Nomex(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Photos:
Wind Farm - DuPont(TM) Voltatex(R)
Photo Link: http://www2.dupont.com/Media_Center/en_US/assets/images/releases/nr_15236.jpg
Caption: Remote locations and sheer numbers of wind turbines will present maintenance problems. DuPont(TM) Voltatex(R) resin extends life of heat-sensitive generator components. Photo Credit: Courtesy of U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Wind Turbine Field - DuPont(TM) Voltatex(R) Photo Link:
http://www2.dupont.com/Media_Center/en_US/assets/images/releases/nr_15216.jpg
Caption: DuPont(TM) Voltatex (R) impregnating resin protects sensitive electrical components of wind turbines from extreme heat produced during power generation process. Photo Credit: Courtesy of U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
SOURCE DuPont
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