Research and development of high-performance fibre ropes for high-altitude wind power generation

Wind power, as a type of renewable energy, plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions and easing the energy crisis. High-altitude wind energy generally refers to the wind energy in the middle and high-altitude space of more than 300 meters above the ground. Compared with low-altitude wind energy, it has the advantages of stable wind energy, high density and wide distribution. In the application of high-altitude wind energy generation, high performance fibre rope made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the core component of energy transmission. This paper reports research and development of UHMWPE fibre ropes including material selection, construction design, laboratory tests and field trail evaluation. Research on improvement of creep resistance by adding carbon-based nanomaterials into UHMWPE has also been briefly discussed.

Author(s): J.Ji, Y.Wang, T.Jiang, Z.Zhu