Plastics in the energy sector: wind, solar and hydroelectric power
Here at PlastShop.se, we see every day how plastic contributes to developments across various sectors, particularly within the energy industry. This sector is constantly evolving and requires materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Let’s therefore take a closer look at how plastic is used in wind power, solar energy and hydropower.
Wind Turbines and Their Requirements
Wind turbines are enormous structures that are exposed to harsh weather and high loads. It is therefore important to use materials that can withstand these challenges. For example, we offer polyamide bushings used in the bearings and cables of wind turbines. These bushings must withstand heavy loads and be highly wear-resistant.
Another key component in wind turbines is slide rails, often made from PE-1000. These, too, must withstand high loads and be highly wear-resistant, whilst sliding smoothly against one another. So what is required for a plastic to perform well in a wind turbine? It must withstand moisture, salt and heavy loads, whilst also being highly wear-resistant.
Can plastic really handle all these stresses? Yes, if it's made of the right material with the right properties. We have extensive experience with plastic for wind turbines and know what it takes.
Solar energy and plastics
In the solar energy sector, it is primarily solar cells and their mounting systems that are of interest. Solar cells must be mounted in such a way that they absorb the maximum amount of solar energy, whilst being protected against moisture and UV radiation. We offer UV-resistant materials suitable for mounting solar cells.
What makes a plastic UV-resistant? It comes down to the plastic’s chemical composition. Certain plastics, such as PE-HD and polypropylene, are more UV-resistant than others, whilst materials such as cast polyamide and POM C are more sensitive.
Hydropower and wear-resistant materials
In the hydropower sector, wear-resistant materials are crucial. Hydropower stations are subjected to heavy loads and wear and tear, and therefore require materials that can withstand these conditions. For example, we offer wear-resistant bearings and seals that can be used in hydropower stations.
What makes a plastic wear-resistant? It is the combination of its chemical composition, structure and surface properties. Certain plastics, such as POM C and moulded polyamide, are more wear-resistant than others, whilst PE-HD and polypropylene are more susceptible to wear.
An important property for plastics in hydroelectric power stations is hardness, measured on the Shore scale. A plastic with a high Shore hardness, for example 65° Shore D, is more wear-resistant than one with a lower Shore hardness. This measure describes a material’s hardness and elasticity.
Can a plastic with a high Shore hardness be suitable for hydroelectric power stations? Absolutely, provided it also has the right chemical composition and structure. We have extensive experience of plastics for hydroelectric power stations and know what is required.
Material Requirements for Outdoor Use
For outdoor use, it is important that the material can withstand moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. We offer several materials suitable for outdoor use, including PE-HD, polypropylene, cast polyamide and POM C.
What makes a plastic suitable for outdoor use? Once again, it is the plastic’s chemical composition, structure and surface properties that determine how well it withstands moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. Certain plastics, such as PE-HD and polypropylene, are generally more suitable for outdoor use than others.
We hope this article has given you a better insight into how plastics are used in the energy sector. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you find the right material for your application.
Plastmaterial i energisektorn: vind-, sol- och vattenkraft