Hexcel Advanced Composites, Essential for Renewable Energy
As part of National Composites Week, Hexcel highlights the essential role advanced composites have earned within the Renewable Energy industry.
Environmental sustainability is increasingly important and at Hexcel, we help to propel the future of clean energy generation through our advanced material solutions to the wind energy sector. Wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source that is expected to supply 35% of U.S. electricity by the year 2050. On average, wind generation avoids roughly 1,300 pounds of CO2 for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of wind generation.
The introduction of wind turbines has provided the ability to create an unlimited amount of power by working in collaboration with the environment. However, the constant evolution of this industry has created a need for adaptability in product design and development. For example, carbon fiber is growing in popularity in the manufacture of wind turbine blades, especially as they are designed to be longer in length to generate even more power. Hexcel’s products – such as carbon fiber, non-crimp fabrics, and prepregs – offer lightweight strength and durability. Not only has Hexcel adopted environmentally friendly production processes, the company also provides tailor-made products to customers with an unparalleled level of durability.
The lightweight, quick-curing, and long-lasting capabilities of Hexcel’s products, such as the HexPly® M79 prepreg, make it possible for these turbines to function. Alternatives such as aluminum degrade too quickly and add so much weight that the rotors become immobile.
“Hexcel is privileged to supply composite materials used to produce wind turbine blades so that wind energy companies may provide cost-effective renewable energy to homes and businesses.” – Clint Goolsbay, Technical Sales Development Manager.
Our unrivaled range of products for renewable energy applications include:
