Structural reuse applications of wind turbine blades
S. van der Vinne (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
Jelle Joustra – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Design for Sustainability)
S. Aghaeian – Mentor (TU Delft - Design for Sustainability)
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Abstract
This thesis showcases applications for structural reusing wind turbine blades. Wind turbine blades are extremely difficult to recycle and thus reuse avenues are being researched to extent the useful lifetime of these blades. The goal of this thesis is to generate applications that utilise segments cut from wind turbine blades. This goal is approached in four steps: end of life, wind turbine blade design, cutting strategies and applications.
The first part focuses on the end of life of wind turbine blades. Analysing current and future waste management solutions that have been explained trough the lens of a waste hierarchy. Showing why reuse is a better option than current solutions and how this thesis fits into the entire reuse landscape.
The second part analyses wind turbine blades to better understand the design philosophies behind them and how this influences the reuse of wind turbine blades. It was found that the design, materials and the state of blade all influence reuse strategies.
The information found these first two parts is then used to generate the possible cutting strategy, cutting pattern and applications in the final two parts off this thesis.
The third part ideated on a possible cutting strategy showcasing what steps should be taken to reuse wind turbine blades. Looking into the logistical and processing difficulties.
The last part uses all the information found and combines the knowledge to create a cutting pattern and a proposal for an applications. A cutting pattern using rectangular or triangular segments and simple beams was created that is used to create a concept of an adventure park.