What are jet engine blades made of?
Turbine blades are made of superalloys that contain more than 50% of nickel and allow solidification of the whole blade as a single crystal (find out more about why here). The image shows an electron microscope image of a single crystal. The blades are made of a composite material that doesn’t lend itself easily, to recycling. The other issue is wind turbines is a new technology and the need for recycling turbine blades is also a new one. However, there have been some recent breakthroughs.Most wind turbine blades have a designed lifetime of 20 years and most often are decommissioned immediately after this period. However, some studies indicate that wind turbine blades can be in use for up to 25 years [3].
What happens to wind turbine blades after 20 years?
A wind turbine’s lifespan is 20 – 30 years. Currently, between 85-90% of a turbine’s parts can be recycled or sold, including the foundation, tower, gear box, and generator. At the end of their useful life, most turbine blades that have been removed from service go to landfills. The typical life span of a wind turbine is 20 years, with routine maintenance required every six months. Wind turbine power output is variable due to the fluctuation in wind speed; however, when coupled with an energy storage device, wind power can provide a steady power output.On average, the expected service life of a wind turbine is approximately 25 years, but this doesn’t mean that each component is meant to last for 25 years. There are several ways to extend the lifespan of wind turbines.An average wind turbine will pay for itself in a few years (usually around five or six). After this period, your initial investment will be recouped and you can start turning a profit.A typical wind turbine blade can cost around $154,000 (NREL) but this includes the costs of materials, the wind turbine manufacturers’ labor costs, and maintenance.
Why can’t turbine blades be recycled?
It’s non-biodegradable and made up of a composite of very fine strands of plastic and glass, which is extremely difficult to process at the point of recycling. They’re designed to be lightweight but highly durable, and are usually made or fiberglass or carbon fiber, held together with resin. This cannot be easily or efficiently broken down for recycling.
What is the biggest problem with wind turbines?
A key challenge facing the wind industry is the potential for turbines to adversely affect wild animals both directly, via collisions, as well as indirectly due to noise pollution, habitat loss, and reduced survival or reproduction. Farmers and ranchers typically can continue agricultural production near wind turbines, so landowners can earn income from energy leases as well as agricultural production. At the same time, wind developments can be associated with noise disturbance, altered views, and effects on wildlife.