Characterization of the products from waste wind turbine blades thermal utilization

Abstract

The development of renewable energy is related to the growing share of wind energy in the worldwide balance. Assuming the average lifetime of wind turbines is about 20 years, an avalanche-growing amount of waste in the form of used wind turbine components should be expected. Their disposal will become a challenge. The aim of this study is to indicate the energy potential of the utilization of wind turbine blades by pyrolysis method with the simultaneous production of gaseous and liquid fuels and the possibility of recovering raw materials in the form of carbon and glass fibers. The results show that over 50% of the initial mass of the pyrolyzed waste wind turbine blades can be turned into gaseous and liquid products. These products have a high calorific value (ca. 30 MJ/kg) which is more than sufficient to sustain the pyrolysis process. Additionally, the product stream contains high concentrations of ethylene, propylene, and phenol, which could be valuable products once separated. The recovered fibers are covered with carbonaceous material, which necessitates a post-oxidation process for their effective utilization. Furthermore, the high temperature of the pyrolysis process (600 °C) likely causes degradation of the mechanical properties of the glass fibers. These challenges highlight the necessity of addressing the limitations associated with fiber recovery, including the removal of carbonaceous residues and the preservation of fiber quality. By discussing these constraints, the study provides a more comprehensive overview of the findings, offering insights into both the potential and the challenges of using the pyrolysis method for the disposal and recycling of wind turbine blades.