Tata Nederland researches thinner plate in wind turbines

Tata Steel Nederland is investigating how a new generation of supporting structures for wind turbines can be built to be just as strong and competitive but using less steel. The goal is to commence a pilot tubular tower for a wind turbine in 2027, Kallanish hears from the steelmaker.

The supporting structures for wind turbines are made from very thick steel plate, and machined ring flanges which are often made of more than 100mm thick steel. Tata Steel Nederland specialises in high-quality thinner steel, in the form of coiled steel, used in cars, washing machines, and food cans.

A team of researchers from Tata Steel Nederland, along with the TU Delft university and other partners is now exploring constructing wind towers with thinner steel plate that are just as strong and more competitive. Alternative forms of steel structures and connections could be wind turbine assembly with – stiffened – panels or with spiral-like steel structures, or with double-walled surfaces, according to Hans van der Weijde, R&D director Tata Steel.

Various industry stakeholders are involved in this research, as any technical innovations must also be practical and feasible, Tata notes.

Christian Koehl Germany

kallanish.com