Klaus, Head of Application Development for Wind and Pultrusion at Covestro
Franken explains: “The development of these resins is very important to us. After all, it helps to expand alternative energy sources and reinforces our strategic direction to sustainably reduce our CO2 footprint and take further steps towards climate neutrality. Pace. In order to increase competitiveness, the wind power industry faces an ongoing challenge to reduce the levelized cost of electricity. In this regard, we can help our customers to produce rotor blades faster and thus improve cost-effectiveness. At the same time, by optimizing blade performance and Extending the lifespan to increase energy production also plays a role.”

Work closely with clients

One goal of the Wind Energy Technology Center is to develop robust materials that combine important properties of rotor blades such as strength, stiffness and temperature resistance. Existing products are continuously optimized and completely new formulations are developed and tested. Another goal: the development of application technology in close cooperation with customers.

Klaus
Franken explains; “Here, we can simulate our customers’ manufacturing process and show how our PUR resins can help them optimally implement their rotor blade design and manufacturing process.”

Covestro attaches great importance to optimizing its products according to the needs of its customers. That’s why Covestro has established several partnerships with wind turbine manufacturers in Europe and Asia. The focus here is on building and testing prototypes.

The high-tech center in Leverkusen was built and opened earlier this year. It consists of two interconnected units: a laboratory area for chemical development and an upgrade plant. The latter is where processing technologies and applications are developed.

Development and application go hand in hand

The center has clear advantages. “Chemistry development and applied technology can go hand in hand here. In addition, the geographic proximity makes it easier for us to exchange information directly and quickly. We use the same resources and the same infrastructure and quickly obtain a comprehensive process description. This has Helps us pursue our goals in a results-driven manner without losing knowledge, allowing us to offer new, innovative solutions to our customers.” Frank Technology Center Manager
Grimberg explained. “Process and plant safety, explosion protection, machine safety and, of course, occupational safety are always the focus here.” Tobias, who is responsible for planning and implementing the investment as project manager
Wollersheim explained.

Another positive: through the innovative technology center, Covestro is increasing its attractiveness as an employer. In fact, wind energy technology offers a wide range of new and interesting fields of work, arousing curiosity and offering diversity. Covestro has recruited a new qualified chemical technician from its own training program to operate the machine. He is undergoing intensive training in process and machine technology.

This one is clear: things are moving in the wind energy space.

Klaus, Head of Application Development for Wind and Pultrusion Technology at Covestro
Franken said: “The development of these resins is very important to us. After all, it helps to expand alternative energy sources and reinforces our strategic direction to sustainably reduce our CO2 footprint and take further steps towards climate neutrality In order to be more competitive, the wind power industry faces an ongoing challenge to reduce the levelized cost of electricity. We can help in this regard by enabling our customers to produce rotor blades faster and more cost-effectively. At the same time, by optimizing Blade performance and extended service life to improve energy yield also play a role. Here, we can simulate our customers’ manufacturing process and show how our PUR resins can help them optimally implement their rotor blade design and manufacturing process. ”

Frank, Head of the Covestro Polyurethane Competence Center
“Chemistry development and applied technology can go hand-in-hand here,” says Grimberg. “Additionally, geographic proximity makes it easier for us to exchange information directly and quickly. We use the same resources and the same infrastructure and quickly obtain a comprehensive process description. .This helps us pursue our goals in a results-driven manner without losing knowledge, allowing us to offer new, innovative solutions to our clients.”

Tobias Wollersheim, senior project engineer at Covestro, said: “Process and plant safety, explosion protection, machine safety and, of course, occupational safety, are always the focus here.”