Recyclable Wind Turbine Materials Can Be Easily Recovered
This year, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) of the U.S. Department of Energy has won the award for the best composite materials, given by the namesake association of manufacturers. The reason? The invention of recyclable wind turbines. The materials used are considered a true example of innovation in material design. ORNL’s turbines feature a lightweight and fully recyclable blade. They are part of a pioneering project that utilizes low-cost carbon fiber and a conductive coating to better protect against lightning strikes.
The winning product has demonstrated significant innovation in reducing environmental impact while ensuring an extended lifespan. The wind turbines, produced at the Department of Energy’s Carbon Fiber Technology Facility, combine layers of carbon and glass fiber with recyclable epoxy resin. As a result, they are 41% lighter than traditional models. Furthermore, at the end of their lifecycle, the composite materials can be recovered and reused, contributing to a reduction in industrial waste.
How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Wind Energy
ORNL’s research represents a significant breakthrough for the renewable energy sector, addressing the challenges associated with recycling wind turbine blades. This approach allows for the easy recovery of resin for reuse while largely preserving the fiber. Additionally, a conductive coating has been applied to the blade’s surface, making it more resistant to damage from lightning strikes.
The technology developed has been implemented using standard industry equipment, facilitating integration into existing production processes and promoting greater sustainability in the wind industry. This not only enhances turbine performance but also supports the circular economy. Energy efficiency is thus finally combined with the environmental benefits of wind energy.
“This project is another fantastic example of the innovative thinking that arises from our research on composites,” said Yarom Polsky, director of the Manufacturing Science Division at Oak Ridge. “The relatively simple approach to breaking down and collecting resin for reuse, while largely maintaining the fiber’s integrity, addresses many of the current challenges posed by recycling conventionally produced blades.”