We4Ce, a Dutch company specializing in rotor blade design, has created 10 rotor blade sets for TouchWind, a startup focused on innovative wind turbine technology. These blades are designed for testing on TouchWind’s floating TW6 turbine, which features a distinctive self-tilting, one-piece rotor as opposed to the traditional three-blade configuration. Capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 250 km/h, this turbine aims to offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional wind systems while enhancing energy yields. We4Ce collaborated with Dutch mould manufacturer Kleizen to produce both the blades and the molds, with TouchWind, supported by Mitsui O.S.K.
Lines, relying on We4Ce as its primary partner for this crucial component. The rotor has a diameter of six meters and is designed for optimal energy capture. Testing will be conducted both onshore and offshore, with turbines placed in proximity to validate energy density findings from prior wind tunnel tests. Assembly of the turbine is currently underway in Eindhoven, with testing scheduled to begin this summer.
The turbine operates similarly to a kite, utilizing aerodynamic lift to stabilize and regulate power, rather than pushing against the wind like traditional turbines. This design not only mitigates wind interference between turbines but also enhances overall efficiency in wind farm generation. TouchWind’s innovative approach includes a lighter lifting rotor that reduces the weight of the turbine and its floating platform, simplifying deployment. Unlike conventional three-blade turbines, which shut down at wind speeds above 90 km/h due to potential damage, TouchWind’s design remains operational at high wind speeds, minimizing structural stress.
We4Ce has also introduced a new production method using one-shot infusion technology, enhancing blade durability and energy yields by reducing risks related to leading edge erosion. Kleizen’s expertise allowed them to produce the complex molds required for this innovative blade geometry. Moving forward, TouchWind plans to develop a larger 3-5 MW version of the turbine, aiming for offshore deployment by 2025. The company will showcase its wind turbine design at WindEurope in Copenhagen in April 2025.