Identification and environmental analysis of ecosystems for different types of repurposed applications of decommissioned large-scale wind turbine blades

Publikation: Beitrag zu KonferenzenPaperBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • P. Johst - , Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig (HTWK) (Autor:in)
  • M. Kucher - , Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig (HTWK) (Autor:in)
  • M. Bühl - , Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig (HTWK) (Autor:in)
  • P. Schulz - , Institut für Leichtbau und Kunststofftechnik (ILK) (Autor:in)
  • R. Kupfer - , Institut für Leichtbau und Kunststofftechnik (ILK) (Autor:in)
  • R. M. Santos - , Universidade do Porto (Autor:in)
  • C. Carneiro - , Universidade do Porto (Autor:in)
  • R. Böhm - , Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig (HTWK) (Autor:in)

Abstract

The rapidly growing wind industry poses a fundamental problem for wind turbine blade (WTB) disposal in many areas of the world. WTBs are primarily manufactured from composites consisting of a thermoset matrix and reinforcing fibers. Currently, there are no economically viable recycling technologies available for such large-scale composite products. Thus, other treatment strategies for disposed WTBs have to be considered. This study explored the repurpose of WTBs as a promising alternative approach from a technological point of view. For this purpose, the study was guided by the categorization into four different types of repurposed applications: whole structure carrying moderate to high loads (type 1 (T1)), whole structure carrying low loads (T2), partial structure carrying moderate to high loads (T3), and partial structure carrying low loads (T4). A three-dimensional computer aided design model (CAD model) of an Enercon-40/500 WTB was derived in a reverse engineering procedure. Using the E40 WTB model, various ecosystems with different manufacturing technologies involved were investigated by the example of a climbing tower (T1), a playground (T2), a Photovoltaic (PV)floating pontoon (T3), and a lounger (T4). A life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the four repurposed applications according to environmental aspects. It was found, that the repurpose of E40 WTB composite material can reduce the environmental impact and lead to significant resource savings. In particular, end-of-life (EoL) WTBs have a high potential to substitute very emission-intensive structural materials.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Aug. 2023
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Konferenz

Titel23rd International Conference on Composite Materials
KurztitelICCM 23
Veranstaltungsnummer23
Dauer30 Juli - 4 August 2023
Webseite
OrtICC Belfast
StadtBelfast
LandGroßbritannien/Vereinigtes Königreich

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-2689-1203/work/156810579

Schlagworte

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Schlagwörter

  • Composite materials, End-of-life, Life cycle analysis, Repurpose, Wind turbine blades