A New Concept of Sustainable Wind Turbine Blades: Bio-Inspired Design with Engineered Adhesives

Abstract

In this paper, a new concept of extra-durable and sustainable wind turbine blades is presented. The two critical materials science challenges of the development of wind energy now are the necessity to prevent the degradation of wind turbine blades for several decades, and, on the other side, to provide a solution for the recyclability and sustainability of blades. In preliminary studies by DTU Wind, it was demonstrated that practically all typical wind turbine blade degradation mechanisms (e.g., coating detachment, buckling, spar cap/shell adhesive joint degradation, trailing edge failure, etc.) have their roots in interface degradation. The concept presented in this work includes the development of bio-inspired dual-mechanism-based interface adhesives (combining mechanical interlocking of fibers and chemical adhesion), which ensures, on the one side, extra-strong attachment during the operation time, and on the other side, possible adhesive joint separation for re-use of the blade parts. The general approach and physical mechanisms of adhesive strengthening and separation are described.

Advances, Synergy, and Perspectives of Machine Learning and Biobased Polymers for Energy, Fuels, and Biochemicals for a Sustainable Future

“…A swift surge in the application of biobased polymers in the energy sector is noted. , The efficiency and durability of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines are being enhanced by integrating biobased polymers. , These polymers further facilitate the fostering of sustainable energy technologies, emphasizing their significant role in promoting renewable energy systems and contributing to the global sustainability movement. A marked influence of biobased polymers in the fuel industry is observed .…”

How to Repair the Next Generation of Wind Turbine Blades

“…A special group of recyclable elements of composite blades are recyclable adhesives [58]. An overview of the typical mechanisms of wind turbine blade damage and failure [11,59,60] led to the observations that most blade failure mechanisms are related to weak interfaces and damageable adhesive joints (spar/shell joints, trailing edge joints, detachment of coatings, etc.). On the other side, dissolvable or separable adhesives can allow for the part replacement or partial repair of blades.…”

“…On the other side, dissolvable or separable adhesives can allow for the part replacement or partial repair of blades. Thus, the controllable interfaces/adhesives represent an interesting option for the development of sustainable blades [60]. In Section 2, the thermoset/thermoplastic adhesives are mentioned, as a way to carry out fusion welding on epoxy [47].…”

A Computational Methodology for Assessing Wind Potential

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