Wind Turbine Blades Using Recycled Carbon Fibers: An Environmental Assessment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Wind turbine (WT) blades traditionally use virgin carbon fibers (VCF) for spar caps and glass fibers (GF) for skins.
• Assessing the environmental impact of composite materials in renewable energy applications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the life cycle environmental performance of hybrid WT blades utilizing recycled carbon fibers (RCF).
• To compare the RCF-hybrid blade environmental footprint against market-incumbent GF composite blades.

Main Methods:

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was employed.
• Production assumed in Sweden, with use and end-of-life in Europe.
• Functional unit: three blades for an offshore WT.

Main Results:

• RCF-hybrid blades demonstrated 12-89% better environmental performance across nine impact categories.
• Performance improved by 6-26% in six out of ten impact categories compared to incumbents.
• Energy and carbon payback times were 5-13% lower for RCF-hybrid blades.

Conclusions:

• RCF-hybrid blades offer substantial environmental benefits over conventional GF blades.
• Optimal performance is linked to VCF manufacturing pollution abatement and end-of-life mechanical recycling.
• The study highlights the potential of recycled composites in sustainable wind energy.