Arctura and Mankiewicz team up to launch the ArcGuide® coating for enhanced lightning protection
Lightning image captured by Arctura during ArcGuide® field test
Mankiewicz, LLC is a leading provider of coating solutions across a wide range of industries.
South Kingstown, RI, February 12, 2024 Arctura announced today that it has signed a technology license agreement with Mankiewicz, LLC a global leader in high-quality coating solutions. This collaboration marks the introduction of the ArcGuide® coating, a novel lightning protection coating designed to significantly reduce the prevalence of lightning damage to wind turbines, a challenge that costs the wind energy industry well over $100 million annually.
Lightning damage to wind turbines is one of the largest expenses for wind farm operators, and the problem is expected to worsen in the coming years as the manufacturers continue to build taller wind turbines and as lightning activity increases due to climate change. The ArcGuide® coating addresses this issue by enhancing the performance of the installed lightning protection system. It is a polyurethane-based topcoat that incorporates a proprietary mixture of discrete elements. When applied to the surface of the wind turbine blade in the vicinity of the lightning receptors, the ArcGuide® coating facilitates the formation of ionized channels over the surface of the blades during the build-up of a lightning strike, providing a safe external path for lightning to reach the ground receptor and preventing damaging blade punctures. The ArcGuide® coating is being offered as part of the Mankiewicz BladeRep portfolio of high-performance coatings. Like other BladeRep products, ArcGuide® is easily applied and has superior durability, protecting the blade from even the harshest of elements and remaining effective strike after strike, making this a revolutionary new product for the wind energy industry.
“This blade coating breakthrough addresses one of the most important pain points felt by wind farm operators,” said Arctura CEO Neal Fine. “We are very pleased to be working alongside Mankiewicz, the top coatings manufacturer in the industry. Wind farm operators are more than ready for this product to be on the market and will be pleased to know that it is being offered by a trusted manufacturer known for its durable and effective coatings.”
Mankiewicz, LLC, renowned for its expertise across various industries, brings to this partnership a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to innovation. The ArcGuide® product has been subjected to the rigorous development and testing process that consistently yield superior results for their customers.
Fabian Grimm, Managing Director of Mankiewicz’ US operations in Charleston, South Carolina, said that his company "is proud to partner with Arctura in developing and launching ArcGuide®, a groundbreaking lightning protection system for the wind industry. Our commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality coating solutions aligns perfectly with Arctura's vision. Together, we are addressing a critical challenge faced by wind farm operators by offering this new valuable functionality as part of our BladeRep product portfolio, and we look forward to making a lasting impact in the renewable energy sector.”
The ArcGuide® coating is available for both new and existing turbine models. Interested parties can learn more about purchasing the product by contacting info@arcturawind.com.
About Arctura, Inc.
Arctura was founded in 2015 by Neal E. Fine, Ph.D. to develop technologies that enhance sustainability and renewable energy. Beyond the innovative ArcGuide® blade coating, the company is also developing eXSeek™, a wind farm optimization tool, and a new green nitric acid technology. These initiatives are supported by the Federal SBIR program, underscoring Arctura’s role at the forefront of renewable energy technology development.
You can see the full press release here.
