Nikon's Riblet Film to be Used for Verification Test to Improve Wind Power Generation Efficiency
September 24, 2024
Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that it will provide Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (Eurus Energy) a film treated by riblet processing, which contributes to improving wind power generation efficiency. Eurus Energy will attach the riblet film to the wind turbine blades in the Eurus Soya misaki Wind Farm (Hokkaido) and verify the increased rate of power output, test the durability of surfaces covered with the film and obtain related data. This will be the Japan's first*1 attempt to conduct a verification test aiming to improve wind power generation efficiency by attaching a riblet film to wind turbine blades.
The wind turbine will be operated with the riblet film attached on a trial basis for a year from September 10 to verify improved power generation efficiency and the durability of the riblet film. Three pairs of 1-MW wind turbines in similar wind environment conditions will be selected. One will be attached with riblet films and the other without to compare power output, etc.
Nikon anticipates that attaching the riblet film will improve wind power generation efficiency by approximately 3 percent*2. By applying riblet film on all 57 wind turbines at the Eurus Soya misaki Wind Farm, it is expected to increase the power generation equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 1,710 households. Generating power efficiently can lead to reducing environmental burdens by efficiently producing energy while conserving resources and lowering electricity bills.
About riblet processing
Riblet processing is a type of biomimetics*3 and forms a fine groove structure inspired by the shape of shark skin, which reduces water resistance. By combining Nikon's proprietary technology to create a fine groove structure along the surface that comes into contact with liquid or air, friction drag caused by the irregular flow of fluid can be reduced and energy efficiency improved.
Nikon will promote the technological development of riblet processing and work to reduce energy losses in various fields, such as wind power generation and aviation, to contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions.
- *1Among wind turbines announced as of September 24, 2024. According to research by Eurus Energy and Nikon.
- *2Calculation by Nikon in wind-tunnel test.
- *3Biomimetics: A generic term for the science and technology that emulate the functions of unique structures of living organisms to provide industrial products with great functionality.
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.