Phoenix, Arizona -- Far East Wind Power Corp. has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with San Diego, California-based Malama Composites to introduce "environmentally friendly technologies" to the wind-turbine sector, a 26 May company statement said.
Malama manufactures proprietary rigid polyurethane foams made from plant-based resins. "By utilising polyols derived from soy, castor, jatropha or even algae, they produce fundamentally new core materials that are strong, light-weight, cost-competitive, and far more environmentally sustainable than petroleum-based alternatives," the statement said.
"The utilisation of bio-based rigid polyurethane foam cores can reduce the weight of the blades, making them easier to transport and install," said Malama ceo, David Saltman.
Saltman also said the company's core materials are highly moisture resistant, providing greater longevity and retention of stability and blade balance which can reduce friction and pressure impact on the gear systems.
"Our product applications are ultimately aimed at increasing the duty cycle of the whole turbine. We anticipate our collaborative efforts will lead to product applications world-wide," Saltman added.
"Given the global environmental context which drives the alternative energy sector in the first place, a significant part of our mission at Far East Wind is to find new solutions to drive costs out of the manufacturing process while at the same time to introduce new green technologies and partnerships that enhance and firmly stake out our role as responsible innovators in the industry," said Far East Wind director, Marcus Laun.
"Malama Composites is ideally suited to provide extraordinary potential for growth in new and exciting areas of the manufacturing process," Laun added. (RD)"
