Stratasys 3D Printing Integrated in Wind Turbine Design

Gulf Wind Technology, a company dedicated to advancing rotor design for wind turbines, is using Stratasys additive manufacturing solutions to enhance the ability to test and improve wind turbine models. Gulf Wind Technology’s implementation of Stratasys technologies showcases the benefits of additive manufacturing alongside traditional methods, offering improvements in design iteration turnaround time and flexibility, according to Stratasys.

By adopting Stratasys Neo stereolithography (SLA) technology, Gulf Wind Technology has reduced the design and fabrication cycle for wind tunnel models. What previously took 30 to 40 days to iterate and finalize a design can now be completed in just 3 to 4 days. The technology also allows for specialized features such as pressure taps for real-time airflow data, which are difficult or impossible to execute with conventional manufacturing methods.

Gulf Wind Technology can test airfoil shapes and rotor designs faster. Image courtesy of Business Wire.

“By leveraging the Stratasys Neo SLA system we can generate far more data in a shorter time. This has enabled us to run our design process with more rigor, become more efficient, and take on business that we previously had to turn away,” says James Martin, CEO of Gulf Wind Technology. “Additive manufacturing allows our engineers to design internal structures, and pressure taps directly into our test models, which we couldn’t achieve with traditional methods.”

“Our work with Gulf Wind Technology demonstrates how manufacturers are adopting additive manufacturing where it makes the most sense for their business," says Rich Garrity, chief business unit officer at Stratasys. "By leveraging its unique advantages, Gulf Wind Technology can rapidly prototype and test complex designs, greatly improving their efficiency and ability to innovate.”

The technical capabilities of 3D printing have been important for Gulf Wind Technology’s rotor design process. Using Stratasys Neo SLA technology, Gulf Wind Technology can produce models with Somos PerFORM Reflect material, which offers high strength, stiffness and temperature resistance—critical attributes for wind tunnel testing. Due to the superior attributes of the resin, the printed parts post-process and handling is simple and straight forward—from removal of support materials, to cleaning resin from internal channels to placement in a wind tunnel.

Inspired by the use of 3D printing in Formula 1 racing, Gulf Wind Technology’s engineers recognized the potential for rapid iteration and optimization in wind turbine design, according to Stratasys. With Stratasys' solutions, Gulf Wind Technology can test airfoil shapes and rotor designs faster, allowing them to maximize wind energy efficiency for applications in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.