Sustainable rotor blades made from natural fibers: Kiel research sets new standards!

Sustainable rotor blades made from natural fibers: Kiel research sets new standards!

In Kiel, the project group at the University of Applied Sciences (HAW) has an ambitious goal in mind: the development of sustainable rotor blades made from natural fibers for small wind turbines. Loud NDR Over the next two years, the research team led by Sten Böhme will work on a three-meter-long rotor blade that will meet the specific requirements of small wind turbines.

The background to the initiative is the high costs and enormous energy expenditure in the conventional production of rotor blades made of glass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. In particular, the disposal of these old wind turbines, such as the rotor blades, is proving to be a serious challenge. Tens of thousands of tons of waste are generated every year, and this trend is increasing. The HAW Kiel project aims to reduce this problem by using renewable materials such as flax and balsa wood.

Sustainability in focus

Particular attention is paid to determining the mechanical properties of the materials examined as well as their air flow properties. To achieve this, the entire development process, including the aerodynamic shape, is driven forward with the help of computer simulations. The results are then tested in the HAW Kiel wind tunnel to check stability, vibration behavior and performance. Successful tests could pave the way for production of the full-size rotor blades at partner company Nuebold Yachtbau.

The initiative is funded by the Society for Energy and Climate Protection Schleswig-Holstein (EKSH) with around 175,000 euros and has the potential to draw significant conclusions about dynamic material properties. In the long term, the developed rotor blades should even be made usable for larger wind turbines, with the current focus being on small wind turbines with a rotor area of ​​less than 200 square meters.

Cooperation and outlook

The partnership between HAW Kiel and Nuebold Yachtbau plays a crucial role in the project. The insights gained from research and development could not only maximize the efficiency and environmental footprint of wind energy, but also help close material cycles and reduce emissions, as also found in a report by engineer is indicated.

In contrast to conventional materials, which prove to be problematic to dispose of, the use of sustainable materials within the wind energy sector is becoming increasingly important. If HAW Kiel successfully implements this project, it could not only be a ray of hope for the industry, but also a convincing example of how innovation and environmental awareness can go hand in hand.