Wind power systems convert the kinetic energy of the wind directly into electrical energy. In windy locations, these systems make a significant contribution to energy production. Besides the construction shape, the efficiency of such a wind power system also depends in particular on its size. Current systems are built for production of up to 10 megawatts and with blade profile lengths of up to 90 meters.
The technology required for manufacturing and constructing a wind power system is similar in many ways to that of aircraft construction. The cross section and the mechanical stability, as well as the air flow around the blade profile, are based on the design of aircraft wings. The circumferential speeds, which are especially high at the blade tips, create extreme materials stress – like air turbulence in the ultrasound range or an accumulation of ice – just as in air travel.
Almost the only way these requirements can be fulfilled is by using GRP (glass-fiber-reinforced plastic) and CRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic). Like in the aircraft industry, atmospheric plasma treatment supplies especially effective process solutions here.