How to Perform Anti-Corrosion Maintenance on Wind Turbine Towers?
Look at this tower — it’s slowly tilting and about to collapse. As the core supporting structure of wind power generation, the wind turbine tower plays a crucial role in a wind farm. However, if maintenance is neglected for long periods and aging continues unchecked, the scene at the beginning of the video becomes inevitable.
Tower instability directly affects the operation of the wind turbine: blades can no longer efficiently capture wind energy, leading to reduced power generation and economic losses. More critically, due to prolonged exposure to wind, rain, and strong gusts, the steel structure of the tower can rust and develop cracks, reducing its structural integrity. In extreme weather events like typhoons, the tower may even collapse.
So how can wind turbine towers be made rust-resistant and withstand strong winds?
Anti-corrosion coatings play a vital role in tower maintenance. According to ISO 12944-5, applying a system of graphene zinc-rich primer + epoxy mica intermediate coat + polyurethane topcoat to the external surface of the tower can form a protective film that effectively isolates air and moisture from the steel surface, slowing down corrosion. On the internal surface, a combination of graphene zinc-rich primer + epoxy mica intermediate coat is recommended. High-quality anti-corrosion coatings offer excellent adhesion and weather resistance, enabling the tower to withstand long-term exposure to harsh elements. This extends the tower’s service life beyond 15 years and reduces maintenance costs. Additionally, it enhances the appearance of the tower, improving the overall image of the wind farm.
In conclusion, giving proper attention to wind turbine tower maintenance, using the right anti-corrosion coatings, and conducting regular inspections are essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of wind farms.