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Kiel is researching sustainable rotor blades for the wind power of tomorrow!
In Kiel, a HAW research team is developing sustainable rotor blades made of natural fibers for small wind turbines in order to reduce environmental impact.
Kiel is researching sustainable rotor blades for the wind power of tomorrow!
A lot is happening in the area of sustainable energies in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital of Kiel: A group of researchers from the Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW) has committed themselves to the innovative project of developing rotor blades made of natural fibers for small wind turbines. The aim is not only to generate environmentally friendly energy, but also to significantly reduce the costs and environmental impact of conventional rotor blades. How NDR reports, under the leadership of Sten Böhme, a three-meter-long rotor blade made of renewable materials such as flax and balsa wood will be created over the next two years.
But what is behind this promising project? The research team pursues a clearly defined goal: They want to produce high-quality rotor blades that meet the special requirements of small wind turbines and at the same time take ecological standards into account. The focus is initially on smaller rotor blades in order to gain initial experience before expanding the dimensions to three meters. This first step is important to test the technical and mechanical properties of these materials. engineer highlights that the disposal of old rotor blades from wind turbines is becoming a growing challenge. Tens of thousands of tons of waste are generated every year, and this will increase in the future as older wind farms are dismantled.
Sustainable materials for the future
The collaboration with Nuebold Yachtbau GmbH is crucial to the success of the project, which is funded with around 175,000 euros by the Society for Energy and Climate Protection Schleswig-Holstein (EKSH). The core of the research is the mechanical properties of natural materials such as flax, balsa wood and paulownia. These should not only be more environmentally friendly, but also meet the technical requirements in the wind energy sector. Using computer simulations, the researchers develop the aerodynamic shape and internal structure of the rotor blades. The first prototypes will then be tested for stability and performance in the HAW Kiel wind tunnel.
Each step in this research process could not only be important for these small wind turbines, but could also lead to a long-term rethink in the area of larger wind turbines. engineer notes that the search for sustainable alternatives to common glass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics could make an important contribution to reducing emissions and closing material cycles.
The project, which is considered a groundbreaking example of the use of renewable raw materials in energy production, will run until September 2027. In this way, the research team not only makes a contribution to the energy transition, but also shows that ecological and technical requirements can be reconciled. This could be a real win for the energy industry and the environment.