Advancements in materials enabling wind energy
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Abhinav Bhatnagar
Abstract
Today, clean and sustainablesustainable energyenergy sources have led to wind energywind energy becoming a major part of the fight against climate change. The growing demand for renewablerenewable energy worldwide is fostering faster progress in the wind energy industry. Much of this progress is being facilitated by material science. Wind turbines were typically made of steelsteel and concrete, materials that are highly durable and dependable. However, these materials are incredibly heavy, have a limited ability to be recycled, and cause significant harm to the environmentenvironment. A great deal of effort is currently being undertaken by engineers and researchers in the industry to find materials that can alleviate these issues. Carbon fiber is one such material that shows great promise. It is incredibly strong yet lightweight, making it an excellent option for fatigue resistance applications. With carbon fibercarbon fiber, turbineturbine blades can be made lighter, enabling the overall turbine to perform better when placed in low-wind areas. The ability to recycle carbon fiber also means wind energy systems can be more environmentally friendly. Another equally interesting option is basalt fiber, which is made from volcanic rock. In comparison to carbon fiber, it is not only economical but also incredibly strong and durable. Its resistance to fire makes it perfect for turbine regions that are prone to wildfireswildfire. Biocomposites, which are natural fibers such as flax or hemphemp embedded within synthetic resins, are among the most sustainablesustainable materials for making wind turbines. These materials are less carbon-intensive during fabricationfabrication, require less energy to produce, and are much easier to recycle than traditional composites. This chapter focuses on the impact these advanced, controllable materials can have on the design and construction of wind turbines and how these materials can shift the paradigmparadigm of the wind energy industry. They make it possible to use wind energy on a global scale by altering the durability, efficiency, and recyclability of the tools and machines associated with the technology, which drastically lowers carbon emissions. These innovations pave the way for wind energy to become an integral part of the worldwide transition to a low-carbon economy.
Abstract
Today, clean and sustainablesustainable energyenergy sources have led to wind energywind energy becoming a major part of the fight against climate change. The growing demand for renewablerenewable energy worldwide is fostering faster progress in the wind energy industry. Much of this progress is being facilitated by material science. Wind turbines were typically made of steelsteel and concrete, materials that are highly durable and dependable. However, these materials are incredibly heavy, have a limited ability to be recycled, and cause significant harm to the environmentenvironment. A great deal of effort is currently being undertaken by engineers and researchers in the industry to find materials that can alleviate these issues. Carbon fiber is one such material that shows great promise. It is incredibly strong yet lightweight, making it an excellent option for fatigue resistance applications. With carbon fibercarbon fiber, turbineturbine blades can be made lighter, enabling the overall turbine to perform better when placed in low-wind areas. The ability to recycle carbon fiber also means wind energy systems can be more environmentally friendly. Another equally interesting option is basalt fiber, which is made from volcanic rock. In comparison to carbon fiber, it is not only economical but also incredibly strong and durable. Its resistance to fire makes it perfect for turbine regions that are prone to wildfireswildfire. Biocomposites, which are natural fibers such as flax or hemphemp embedded within synthetic resins, are among the most sustainablesustainable materials for making wind turbines. These materials are less carbon-intensive during fabricationfabrication, require less energy to produce, and are much easier to recycle than traditional composites. This chapter focuses on the impact these advanced, controllable materials can have on the design and construction of wind turbines and how these materials can shift the paradigmparadigm of the wind energy industry. They make it possible to use wind energy on a global scale by altering the durability, efficiency, and recyclability of the tools and machines associated with the technology, which drastically lowers carbon emissions. These innovations pave the way for wind energy to become an integral part of the worldwide transition to a low-carbon economy.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Foundations and evolution of sustainable materials for future renewable energy trends 1
- Sustainable materials for energy harvesting, piezoelectric applications, sensors, and fuel cells 25
- Advanced sustainable materials with green carbon nanostructure-based composites for environmental and energy harvesting 45
- Sustainable polymeric materials: development, challenges, and future benefits for industrialization 61
- Advancements in materials enabling wind energy 89
- Emergence of sustainable materials for energy harvesting: perspectives and future trends 117
- Advanced sustainable materials for nuclear energy 135
- Empowering the future via energy storage: roadmap of renewable energy mission 169
- Renewable energy resource: current status, future prospect, and their 3D printing technology 199
- Advancement and innovation in materials for solar energy and industrial development 219
- Breakthroughs in materials for solar energy: bridging education and industry 237
- Polymeric materials for clean energy: innovations, challenges, and industrial prospects 257
- Index 345
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Foundations and evolution of sustainable materials for future renewable energy trends 1
- Sustainable materials for energy harvesting, piezoelectric applications, sensors, and fuel cells 25
- Advanced sustainable materials with green carbon nanostructure-based composites for environmental and energy harvesting 45
- Sustainable polymeric materials: development, challenges, and future benefits for industrialization 61
- Advancements in materials enabling wind energy 89
- Emergence of sustainable materials for energy harvesting: perspectives and future trends 117
- Advanced sustainable materials for nuclear energy 135
- Empowering the future via energy storage: roadmap of renewable energy mission 169
- Renewable energy resource: current status, future prospect, and their 3D printing technology 199
- Advancement and innovation in materials for solar energy and industrial development 219
- Breakthroughs in materials for solar energy: bridging education and industry 237
- Polymeric materials for clean energy: innovations, challenges, and industrial prospects 257
- Index 345
