A major development in 3D printing could change the way wind turbines are produced in the future. A robotics company from Denmark has teamed up with General Electric in the States to create the World’s first research and development centre dedicated to producing towers for wind turbines using a 3D printer the size of a three story building.
The towers will be made of concrete on site with the 3D printer, eliminating the need for difficult transportation. COBOD International, Denmark’s fastest growing robotics company makes the world’s largest 3D printers that print real buildings and houses.
The technology is transforming the construction industry and way infrastructure such as our homes will be made in the future. So far 50 printers are now printing around the world
The company has printed the world’s first 3 story buildings and is now able to print 20 meter tower bases, allowing the turbine bases to be taller and 20% more efficient and productive. By printing the tower in situ, it does away with any size limitation for these towers due to transportation limitations.
The research will enable GE Renewable energy to print the bottom portion of the wind turbine towers on-site at wind farms, lowering transportation costs and creating additional employment opportunities at the wind farms where the technology will be used. The research is supported by a grant from the US Department of Energy.
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