Innovation / R&D
Leading large-scale development projects to advance state-of-the-art blade technologies.
By collaborating with partners across the entire wind industry value chain, we deliver solutions that create long-term value, improve performance, and reduce operational risk.
Current project
CORTIR Phase III – Cost, risk, and trailing edge innovative reinforcement
This project, led by Bladena, builds on the successes of CORTIR Phase II. Its primary focus is on:
- Minimizing operational expenditure (OPEX) for wind turbine blades
- Maximizing Annual Energy Production (AEP)
- Using a risk-based approach to optimize blade performance and lifecycle decisions
Past projects
CORTIR Phase II – Cost, risk and transition zone innovative reinforcement
A project to develop solutions for high forces in the Root-Transition Zones (RTZ) of blades while improving O&M strategies and tools.
- New retrofit solution for RTZ blade forces
- State-of-the-art operation and maintenance strategy
- Further development of the Cost and Risk Tool (CAR Tool)
CORTIR – Cost and risk tool for interim and preventive repair
This project, led by Bladena, builds on the successes of CORTIR Phase II. Its primary focus is on:
- Minimizing operational expenditure (OPEX) for wind turbine blades
- Maximizing Annual Energy Production (AEP)
- Using a risk-based approach to optimize blade performance and lifecycle decisions
RATZ – Root area and transition zone
A project to prevent crack development due to edgewise loading using the Floor™ retrofit solution (Bladena patent).
- Demonstrate the retrofit solution for edgewise loading
- Reduce O&M costs for turbine owners
LEX
A 3-year demonstration project (July 2013 – 2016) with a total budget of €4 m (€2 m supported by the EUDP programme) to develop cost-effective solutions for mitigating leading edge damage on wind turbine blades.
- Solutions for both existing and future wind turbines
- Focus on minimizing leading edge repair costs
EWIC – End of warranty inspection concept
A 1-year project combining existing and new technologies to develop an end-of-warranty inspection concept for wind turbine blades.
- New tool for inspecting and testing blade bond lines
- Collaborative development with wind industry stakeholders
X-DOF – Demonstration offshore field test
A project to demonstrate and develop market-ready solutions through sub-component testing and a 7 MW offshore turbine. Part of the European consortium “DemoWind 2 ERA-NET CoFund Action.”
- Cost-effective retrofit and new design solutions for offshore wind
- Validation of technology readiness through field demonstration
Partners
We work with the entire value chain.
Need expert blade support?
Whether you’re developing new blades, validating designs, or managing assets in the field, Bladena is here to help.