The 3M name is already synonymous with tape, so it isn’t that surprising to hear that the company quietly introduced Wind Tape to the market in mid-2007. The tape, which is designed to protect the leading edges of 120-foot fiberglass turbines, costs $288 per 54-foot roll.
Many turbine blades start to erode after a year or two of use, so 3M’s polyurethane tape is an important addition to any wind turbine toolbox. The tape isn’t just a temporary fix for turbines— the company estimates that it could add seven to ten years to the life of a blade.
3M is also working on a number of other wind-energy products, including drag-reducing sharkskin-like skins for blades, and small glass microspheres to reduce blade weight.
Photo Credit: Global Windpower Services
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