MARiLEP: Material and Repair Innovations for Offshore Leading Edge Protection Systems

At a glance

• Exposure to wind, rain, UV radiation, and salt subjects the coatings of the rotor blades of offshore wind turbines to high stress. The resulting damage can lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs as well as yield losses.
• In the MARiLEP research project, the scientists are investigating these erosion processes with the aim of developing improved repair concepts and new coating solutions.
• In MARiLEP, Fraunhofer IWES is responsible along with Fraunhofer IFAM for the development and characterization of innovative rain erosion protection systems among other things.

The challenge

The leading edges and tips of rotor blades are exposed to considerable stress due to weathering and rain erosion. This can lead to damage to the coating, resulting in yield losses and downtimes of several days due to time-consuming repairs. Turbines at sea are especially affected, as the high tip speeds are an essential parameter for the damage. The extreme climate conditions are also an exacerbating factor. At the same time, repairs at sea are particularly time-consuming, expensive, and only possible during narrow time windows due to the prevailing weather. 

The solution

This is where the MARiLEP project comes into play. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the damage mechanisms in offshore operating conditions, to develop cost-effective and application-oriented repair concepts for existing wind turbines, and to work on new coating solutions with innovative approaches.

When doing so, the partners are pursuing a variety of technological approaches: alongside offshore anti-erosion coatings, self-healing coatings and galvanically formed metal protection systems are also being investigated for their potential and benefits. Polymeric semi-finished products for field repairs and optimized repair and maintenance concepts for offshore wind farms are also of interest. 

To accomplish the goal of the MARiLEP project, two Fraunhofer research institutes—IWES and IFAM – have partnered to develop and evaluate innovative solutions regarding the current challenges and next generation of wind turbine blades. Fraunhofer IFAM is imparting its extensive knowledge in the fields of coating technology, surface technology, and adhesive technology, while Fraunhofer IWES is contributing its expertise in the field of wind energy.

The added value

MARiLEP will deliver validated anti-erosion concepts for offshore wind turbines in order to achieve a significant improvement in the reliability and service life of leading edge coatings of wind turbines. It will make a key contribution to securing the yield of existing turbines and improving the performance of future turbine generations.