Functional coatings for the improvement of the perfomance of wind turbines - latest developments

A microtectured paint surface can improve the aerodynamocal performance of airfoils. Since the application of this technique was intensively investigated for aeronautics, the implications with respect to windturbines are currently unknown. A currently running project (Riblet4Wind) is aiming at the application of painted riblet-surfaces, supposed to increase performance and decrease noise, to wind turbines. A full scale demonstration is planned. The paper will give an overview about the background of the project (paint chemistry and application technology) and will present the current status of the project.