Engineered Polymers
Estane® TPU: Uniquely Suited to Extreme Environments
Wind turbines operate in brutal environments under extremes of heat and cold for decades at a time. Materials used in the manufacture of this type of equipment need to stand up to the worst that nature throws their way. When it comes to providing performance in wind turbine applications, Estane® Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) delivers.
Durable, Flexible and Strong
In terms of temperature extremes, durability and flexibility, Estane TPU excels. Cable jacketing made with Estane TPU provides outstanding performance under both high and low temperature conditions. Exceptionally durable, Estane TPU products can be counted on to last for the long run, which is vital in the wind turbine market. Wind turbines have a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years. The industry expectation is that with proper maintenance, the cabling and wires will last at least that long as well.
Perhaps the most important benefit Estane TPU offers the wind turbine market is its flexibility and strength. By definition, wind turbines move with the wind and that means that cables and wires are constantly twisting and turning. In normal operation, as the wind vane detects the wind direction, it adjusts the nacelle position. (The nacelle is the covering that houses the inner workings of the wind turbine.) That means the nacelle must turn and hanging cables will twist almost continuously. Maintaining “twistability” year after year, particularly in low temperatures is a tall order, but one that TPU cabling has been proven to deliver.
Invisible protection against the elements
Hail, damaging chemicals, even an attack by birds—every day wind turbines face assault. That’s where Lubrizol’s extensive product line and experience in paint protection comes into play. We produce a variety of transparent films that are used on new cars to protect against chips and damage to paint. Already used by the auto industry, aerospace and the military, these films have shown possibilities in protecting the metal plates of wind turbines, and we are continuing to explore the possibilities of this technology.
For more information on Estane® Engineered Polymers visit our website at www.estane.com.