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

Research output: Contribution to conferencesPaperContributedpeer-review

Contributors

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

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title23rd International Conference on Composites Material
Abbreviated titleICCM 23
Conference number23
Duration30 July - 4 August 2023
Website
LocationICC Belfast
CityBelfast
CountryUnited Kingdom

External IDs

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

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

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