Wind Energy Coatings
Protecting the assets that harness the power of the wind
WHAT are WInd Energy Coatings?
Wind farms whether onshore or offshore are susceptible to damage from their surrounding environments. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, humidity, frost, and salinity, coupled with dynamic stresses and abrasions create ideal conditions for corrosion and degradation. To ensure the longevity of the steel and cast iron components of wind turbines – such as tower segments, machine houses, shafts and hubs, it is essential to apply coatings that offer superior corrosion protection to the structures and the turbines.
Onshore Wind
Onshore Wind is wind energy that is generated by wind turbines located on land. These wind farms are usually located where buildings and natural barriers won't interrupt the air currents. The unique climate and temperature conditions of each location dictate the ideal protective coatings for the turbines. For instance, coastal turbines may require different solutions compared to those stationed in middle America.
Offshore Wind
Offshore Wind is wind energy that is generated by wind turbines located at sea. Offshore is an ideal setting for wind farms as the wind currents at sea are more constant and reach higher speeds, but the location introduces more challenges. Offshore wind farms are in extremely harsh environments with high salt content and extreme humidity. Coatings are needed to prevent corrosion both above and below water.
Floating Offshore Wind
Floating Offshore Wind is wind energy that is generated by wind turbines installed on anchored floating platforms. Floating wind technology extends offshore power generation to deeper waters, and regions where seabed-fixed turbine foundations are impractical or aren’t feasible due to significant water depths. Coatings are needed to prevent corrosion both above and below water.
Sherwin-Williams offers high-performance coatings and systems specifically designed to prevent corrosion in challenging environments, thereby prolonging the life of your steel turbines — from the underwater foundation to the blades. Our team of energy industry experts, supported by centuries of coatings experience, is committed to collaborating with you to create tailored coating solutions that ensure long-term protection for your operations.
- Extend the total service life of wind turbines
- Extend the total service life of supporting structures
- Offers superior corrosion protection
- Reduces out-of-service time for critical assets
- Offers high abrasion resistance
- Suitable for application in combination with cathodic protection (CP) systems
- 100% solids, solvent-free coatings
Understanding Stress & Corrosion Zones
To understand how different types of corrosion work and how they affect assets, you need to understand the performance zones of the environment. In offshore wind environments for example, there are four different stress/corrosion zones in relation to sea water level:
- Zone four: Atmosphere, internal
- Zone three: Atmosphere, external
- Zone two: Splash zone, tidal zone, and low water zone
- Zone one: Underwater zone and seabed (internal and external)
Sherwin-Williams has a deep understanding of the corrosion control requirement and mechanisms for corrosion control. We offer long-lasting solutions for each environment.
Long-Lasting Protective Coatings for Wind Energy
Choosing a coating system that not only meets but surpasses performance requirements, expected lifespan, and asset protection needs, while also addressing cost and maintenance considerations, can be a challenging task for fabricators. We can assist you in selecting the optimal coatings to enhance the longevity of your wind infrastructure and achieve cost efficiency. Our coating systems can be walked on and inspected in just a few hours, and you can achieve an ISO 12944 C5M high-coating system and move the tower out of the shop in one day.
Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine is a reliable partner in the wind energy industry thanks to the most advanced technologies, special service orientation, and a mix of proven and innovative coating systems. Our approved coating products meet or exceed the extensive asset protection demands of the expanding onshore, offshore, and floating offshore wind sectors.
Browse a few of our recommended products below and contact us to learn which products are ideal for your application.
Preferred Wind Energy Coatings
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Our sales and tech teams are prepared to answer questions regarding which of our coatings and lining systems for wind energy will best suit your project— it is never too early to discuss!
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