In a new research project with partners, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is tackling the mass reutilisation of rotor blades from demolished old wind turbines. As the KIT has now announced, the scientists and development specialists in the Blade Re-Use project are to determine "how the rotor blade segments could be further utilised for products suitable for large-scale production".
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According to those involved in the research project, the material could be used in noise barriers, coastal and water protection - or even in excavation shoring: the protection of a civil engineering structure against the outer edges of the excavation pit slipping. In detail, the aim of Blade Re-Use (official spelling: "BladeReUse") is to "develop the entire process from dismantling and disassembling the rotor blades to testing, design adaptation and qualification for further use through to testing the new products under real conditions". The researchers also want to calculate the life cycle assessment of the entire recycling and production process for the respective applications.
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The six KIT project partners in this project include commercial companies such as a composite material producer or a noise barrier manufacturer, as well as energy company RWE. The federal motorway company Autobahn-GmbH is also involved. (mfo)
