Manufacture of High-Performance Tidal Turbine Blades Using Advanced Composite Manufacturing Technologies

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Materials Science
• Marine Technology

Background:

• Tidal energy is a significant renewable resource, but harsh marine environments pose unique challenges for turbine blade design and manufacture.
• Tidal turbine blades experience greater loadings than wind turbine blades, necessitating advanced materials like fiber-reinforced polymer composites to withstand corrosion and stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced manufacturing technologies for a 1 MW tidal turbine blade.
• To address specific engineering challenges related to the scale and environmental demands of tidal turbine blades.

Main Methods:

• Development of advanced manufacturing techniques tailored for large-scale composite structures.
• Focus on overcoming challenges associated with thick composite sections (over 130 mm) and rapid geometric changes.
• Ensuring material durability for long-term operation in marine environments.

Main Results:

• Successful development of manufacturing technologies for a 1 MW tidal turbine blade.
• Demonstrated solutions for handling large, thick composite sections and complex geometries.
• Validated material strategies for enhanced durability in harsh marine conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed advanced manufacturing technologies are crucial for producing robust tidal turbine blades.
• These innovations improve the survivability and operational lifespan of tidal turbine blades, aiming for over 20 years.
• The study contributes to the advancement of reliable tidal energy generation infrastructure.