Composiflex Focuses Energy on the Wind
Composiflex offers technologies and capabilities that align with the needs of turbine manufacturers for small wind
ERIE, PA (August 1, 2009) - - Composiflex, a global supplier of highly-engineered composite products, is gearing up to support the needs of wind turbine manufacturers, a market with U.S. growth of more than 30% in 2008 based upon installed generating capacity.
In particular, Composiflex is enhancing its capabilities in order to offer technology advances for small wind turbines, those with rated capacity of 100 kW or less. During this year's WINDPOWER 2009 conference and exposition in Chicago, representatives from many small wind turbine manufacturers expressed interest in technology that will increase efficiency and reliability. Lighter weight blades can reduce the cut-in speed and, therefore, increase power generation capacity. This is particularly important since only a small portion of the continental U.S. has average wind speeds that are at least class 3 or 4, the level considered "good" for wind power generation.
Lighter weight blades also decrease transportation and installation costs. However, while the blades need to be lightweight, they must also be durable and strong. Fiber reinforced polymers, such as fiberglass and especially carbon, offer some of the highest strength to density ratios of all engineering materials. In addition to the material itself, processing methods used to manufacture the component can have a large impact on their strength and long-term durability.
Composiflex's material expertise and multi-process manufacturing capabilities align very well with the scale and scope of turbines for small wind, as well as the technical goals of their manufacturers. The company is in the first stages of site preparation for installation of a 30kW wind turbine which will be used an on-site test bed in their development of composite components for wind generation equipment.
About Composiflex:
For nearly a quarter century, Composiflex has been an innovator in the design and manufacture of advanced high-performance composites. Specializing in custom designs, Composiflex serves the military, aerospace, ballistic protection, medical, industrial, and recreational markets. The company is characterized by its "art-to-part" projects made possible by its knowledgeable engineering staff, broad materials expertise, cost-effective rapid prototyping methods, and range of modern manufacturing technologies. Certified to ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100 standards, Composiflex conducts operations in Erie, PA, USA and is presently expanding its facilities by more than 60%.
Contact:
Marty Matthews
(814)866-8616
martym@composiflex.com
www.composiflex.com
Holly M. English
Composiflex, Inc.
8100 Hawthorne Drive
Erie, PA 16509
814-866-8616, ext. 57
hollye@composiflex.com
www.composiflex.com
