3D printer to be used for wind turbine construction

GE Renewable Energy has opened a new research and development facility in New York, US, to conduct further research on how to 3D print the concrete base of towers used in wind turbines.

New 3D printer will advance the construction process of wind turbines (Photo: GE Renewable Energy)

A team of 20 people will continue to work on optimising the 3D printing technology with the first applications in the field anticipated within the next five years. The research conducted at the facility is being supported in part by a US Department of Energy grant and will enable GE to print the bottom portion of the wind turbine towers on on-site wind farms. 

GE Renewable Energy chief technology officer, Danielle Merfeld, said, “Innovation will continue to be a key driver in accelerating the energy transition. It is particularly important to continuously improve the ways we design, manufacture, transport, and construct the large components of modern wind farms.”

Cobod, manufacturers of modular 3D construction printers, were responsible for delivering the new type of 3D concrete printer which they stated as ‘the largest of its kind in the world’. The supplied printer can print in excess of ten tons of real concrete per hour. 

MAGAZINE
NEWSLETTER
Delivered directly to your inbox, Construction Technology Newsletter features the pick of the breaking news stories, product launches, show reports and more from KHL's world-class editorial team.
Latest News
Danfoss launches software to accelerate autonomous machine development
The software consists of preprogrammed and pretested software blocks built into Danfoss’ XM100 autonomous controller hardware
How can construction firms bring order to complex supply chains using technology?
Matt Bloor explores how technology can change the way companies manage their supply chains
VIDEO: Autonomous excavator builds six-metre-high stone wall
Researchers have developed an autonomous spider excavator capable of building stone walls by itself.
CONNECT WITH THE TEAM
Andy Brown Editor, Editorial, UK - Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 1892 786224 E-mail: andy.brown@khl.com
Mike Hayes Editor, Construction Europe Tel: +44 (0)1892 786 231 E-mail: mike.hayes@khl.com
Catrin Jones Deputy Editor, Editorial, UK – Wadhurst Tel: +44 (0) 791 2298 133 E-mail: catrin.jones@khl.com
Eleanor Shefford Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1892 786236 E-mail: eleanor.shefford@khl.com
CONNECT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA