Wetzel Engineering, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: Wetzel Engineering, Inc., proposes research and development to engineer very large wind tu

Description

Wetzel Engineering, Inc., proposes research and development to engineer very large wind turbine rotor blades for land-based machines that avoid expensive and logistically challenging transportation requirements. The proposed solution combines two technologies: Sectional component-based assembly of large wind turbine rotor blades ( & gt;65m length) using design approaches adapted from aerospace composites manufacturing, Partial in-field manufacturing and final in-field assembly. This proposal responds to Topic 8a, specifically the request for proposals addressing . . . approaches to the assembly and installation of land-based wind turbines that overcome logistical and cost barriers . . . larger swept areas; and access to areas with higher class wind resource leading to an overall & gt;20% reduction in the cost of energy for land-based turbines. The objectives of the presently proposed applied research project are: Engineer and test the proposed technology for sectional component-based assembly of large wind turbine rotor blades ( & gt;65m length), Engineer and test the proposed technology for in-field manufacturing and assembly of large rotor blade sections, Develop commercially viable technology to aid land-based installations of wind turbines without limit on turbine size: Reduce the cost of energy & gt;20% by adopting this technology.