Predicting the Future

The lifetime of the average wind turbine is more than 26 years – which can push standard sealing materials and components beyond their ability to function. For example, the Monopile Transition Piece (MP/TP) flange and the inlet for high voltage cables must be impervious against moisture and work well beyond two decades. Efforts to predict the performance capabilities of off-shore turbine seals and components requires continuous research, development and testing.

In response, experts at Freudenberg have developed a new testing process that can assess how long and how well a material will perform in aggressive offshore wind environments. By determining a material’s relaxation rates at different temperatures, Freudenberg specialists are able to convert the acquired information into a mathematical curve which can be used for Arrhenius extrapolation. The method then helps to simulate aging in elastomeric materials, allowing engineers to predict the lifetime of seal components. By comparing new profiles with those aged the equivalent of 26 years under harsh offshore wind turbine conditions, Freudenberg has been able to create more robust sealing solutions for the MP/TP flange seal and high voltage cable inlet seals, among others.

The Ventoguard family

The company has also developed a family of unique materials under its Ventoguard label that offer greater longevity and better performance in wind turbine components. The Ventoguard portfolio encompasses material solutions for a wide range of offshore wind applications. These materials perform better than other commercial alternatives, when used in combination with a sophisticated single or dual seal design. The resulting seals are extremely robust, prevent ingress of salt water, thereby preventing foundation damage.