The wind energy industry is committed to enhancing its sustainability by reducing environmental impacts over the complete life cycle of a wind turbine. In a circular economy approach this includes extending the lifespan of wind turbines, improving their recyclability, and minimising waste.

The EU has set ambitious growth targets for wind energy, and as more wind farms are installed new materials and technologies that allow blades to operate reliably for longer, that can be repaired more easily, and reused or recycled at the end of their service life, are critical.

EOLIAN is developing an innovative wind turbine blade manufactured from repairable and recyclable composite materials, with an integrated structural health monitoring system that will detect damage before it becomes a major issue.

New materials

EOLIAN blades will use vitrimers, a new class of polymer that enables recyclable composite materials. Vitrimers also exhibit ‘self-healing’ properties, which will make it easier to repair minor blade damage. The project is exploring the use of novel bio-based vitrimers, combined with natural fibre (basalt) reinforcements to manufacture highly sustainable composites.

Advanced sensor technologies

Recyclable sensors and a heating system will be integrated into the EOLIAN blade. The sensors will allow structural health monitoring of the blade and enable the detection and fast repair of damage, while the heater can be activated to prevent issues caused by the build-up of ice on the blades. These innovations will contribute to extending the blade’s lifespan and ensuring its structural integrity, safety and reliable performance, leading to reduced operation and maintenance costs.

Demonstrator

EOLIAN will demonstrate these technologies by manufacturing a sensor-assisted vitrimer composite blade of 12 m in length.