Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies

Recycling Technologies and Waste Management of Wind Turbine Composite Blades

Document Type : Original Reaearch Article

Authors
Abolfazl Pourrajabian 1
Mahsa Ghasemizadeh 2
Maziar Dehghan 3
Saeed Rahgozar 4
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Energy, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran.
2 MSc, Department of Energy, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Energy, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Energy, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
10.30501/jamt.2024.473762.1305
Abstract
To address climate change issue and transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, wind energy plays a pivotal role. Several countries have installed wind turbines in the past years and have long-term plans to harness wind energy in the coming decades. Given the large number of these turbines and their limited lifespan, typically ranging from 20 to 30 years, managing the waste from their components has become a significant challenge. In particular, the recycling of wind turbines blades, mostly made of fiberglass composites, is a difficult task. It is predicted that by the end of 2050, approximately 43 million tons of blades will reach the end of their operational life. The present study introduces the waste management and recycling technologies for these blades. Following the waste management hierarchy, which consists of the prevention, reuse, repurpose, recycling, recovery, and disposal, the three key recycling methods_ mechanical, thermal, and chemical_ are thoroughly examined. The chemical method can be applied not only to new blades but also to older ones, bringing them back to the recycling process and contributing to the production of new-generation blades, thereby supporting the development of a circular economy.
Keywords
Wind Energy
Wind Turbine
Composite Blade
Recycling
Waste Management

Subjects

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Journal of Advanced Materials and Technologies
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2024
Pages 28-39

  • Receive Date 16 August 2024
  • Revise Date 28 October 2024
  • Accept Date 06 November 2024