Finnish hollow stainless steel section manufacturer Stalatube has selected Outokumpuâs duplex stainless steel as one of the main construction material for its new StalaWind wind power towers.
Says Markku Koponen, director of Stalatubeâs Energy Sector: âThe turbine manufacturers demand taller towers, because at heights of more than 100m, the energy output of the towers increases by an average of 1% every additional meter. As a solution, Stalatube has designed steel hybrid towers, essentially made of stainless steel tubes that can take turbines up to heights of 140m to 160m or more.â?
Due to the strength and durability of duplex stainless steel, the towers are lighter compared to the conventional towers. The lighter structure makes both the transportation and the onsite installation easier and cost efficient, not to forget also low CO2 emissions for the entire life cycle. Says Sales Manager Pekka Heinonen from Outokumpu: âThe selected stainless duplex grade is LDX 2101. It is particularly suitable for wind power towers due to its strength, because it allows thinner walls, resulting in lighter structure and cost savings, as less welding is required.â?
