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Characterisation of End-of-Life Wind Turbine Blade Components for Structural Repurposing: Experimental and Analytic Prediction Approach

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  • Philipp Johst

    (Faculty of Engineering, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig), 04277 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Moritz Bühl

    (Faculty of Engineering, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig), 04277 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Alann André

    (Chalmers Industriteknik, 412 58 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Robert Kupfer

    (Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology, Dresden University of Technology, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Richard Protz

    (Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology, Dresden University of Technology, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Niels Modler

    (Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology, Dresden University of Technology, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Robert Böhm

    (Faculty of Engineering, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig), 04277 Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

The problem of end-of-life (EoL) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind turbine blades (WTBs) poses a growing challenge due to the absence of an integrated circular value chain currently available on the market. A key barrier is the information gap between the EoL condition of WTB components and their second-life application requirements. This study addresses this question by focusing on the spar cap, which is an internal structural component with high repurposing potential. A framework has been developed to determine the as-received mechanical properties of spar caps from different EoL WTB models, targeting repurpose in the construction sector. The experimental programme encompasses fibre architecture assessment, calcination processes and mechanical tests in both longitudinal and transverse directions of three different WTB models. Results suggest that the spar caps appear to retain their strength and stiffness, with no evidence of degradation from previous service life. However, notable variation in properties is observed. To account for this, a prediction tool is proposed to estimate the as-received mechanical properties based on practically accessible parameters, thereby supporting decision-making. The results of this study contribute to enabling the repurposing of EoL spar cap beams from the wind energy sector for applications in the construction sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Johst & Moritz Bühl & Alann André & Robert Kupfer & Richard Protz & Niels Modler & Robert Böhm, 2025. "Characterisation of End-of-Life Wind Turbine Blade Components for Structural Repurposing: Experimental and Analytic Prediction Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7783-:d:1737394
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alann André & Thomas Bru & Abdul Ghafoor Abbasi & Sugandh Sinha & Stephanie Nunes & Magdalena Juntikka & Karolina Kazmierczak & Nils Ólafur Egilsson & Gustav Frid & Marcin Sobczyk & Reza Haghani, 2024. "A Holistic and Circular Approach for Managing End-of-Service Wind Turbine Blades," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Jensen, J.P. & Skelton, K., 2018. "Wind turbine blade recycling: Experiences, challenges and possibilities in a circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 165-176.
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