Wind turbines - design and environmental dilemmas

Modern wind farms use the kinetic (motion) energy of the wind to produce mechanical energy and then electricity. This process is initiated by the rotation of large fiberglass blades that drive the generator. The fiberglass used in the construction of the blades is characterized not only by its high strength, necessary for proper operation during extreme weather conditions, but also by its material complexity. Currently, the dominant models of wind turbines have a horizontal axis of rotation, equipped with a rotor with three fiberglass blades. On average, turbine blades are about 50 meters long, and the largest models currently in production reach up to 60-80 meters. 

What are the challenges in recycling windmills?

Most, 80-90 percent, of windmill components can be recycled. Only the rotor blades pose a challenge. Constructed of composites, these components are extremely strong and resistant to mechanical damage, which is an advantage during operation, but creates difficulties in the recycling process. Efficient management of this waste is becoming a key aspect of the sector's sustainability, forcing the industry to seek new recycling methods.
Initiatives such as converting old shovels into smaller pieces from which various items, such as benches, can be made are creative approaches to the problem. However, the integrity of the composites that make up the material of the shovels means that separating the individual components, such as plastic and fiberglass, can be difficult. Effective recycling requires specialized technologies that can effectively separate these materials into usable raw materials.

Strategies for managing wind turbine waste

Faced with the challenges of recycling windmills, the wind power industry is pursuing innovative solutions to extend the life of turbines. One of the key measures is the implementation of turbine maintenance and retrofit programs to defer the need for recycling. In addition, some countries, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, have found creative ways to reuse used windmill components in urban spaces, creating bus stops or playground equipment, among other things.

Current research is focused on developing methods to recycle the composites from which turbine blades are made. Improved technology would allow these materials to be processed into recyclate, which could be used to make a variety of products, such as silos, tanks and laminates. 

Another innovation that has the potential to reduce costs and facilitate the recycling process is the development of mobile semi-trailers with rope blades for cutting blades at the site of disassembly. This solution significantly reduces the cost of transporting used blades to recycling centers, while speeding up the entire process. Through these measures, the wind power sector is seeking not only to minimize its environmental impact, but also to effectively manage the waste it generates. It is also important to remember that wind turbine blades do not undergo a natural decomposition process, so they do not pollute the environment during storage.

In summary, the wind power industry is betting on a variety of strategies to meet the challenges of turbine recycling. Here are the key solutions:

• Maintenance and retrofit programs - extending the life of turbines, delaying the need to recycle them.
• Creative, reuse - converting used turbine components in public spaces, such as bus stops or playground elements.
• Developing composite recycling methods - exploring ways to convert turbine blades into raw materials for silos, tanks or laminates.
• Mobile trailers with rope blades - cutting blades at the dismantling site, which reduces transportation costs and speeds up the recycling process.

Sources: 
https://www.cire.pl/artykuly/opinie/155372-lopaty-turbin-wiatrowych-najtrudniejsze-do-recyklingu
https://lighthief.com/recykling-oze/recykling-wiatrakow-i-farm-wiatrowych/ 
https://biznes.interia.pl/gospodarka/news-recykling-turbin-wiatrowych-to-problem-dla-branzy-oze,nId,5783925 
https://2loop.tech/recykling-smigiel-turbin-wiatrowych/#ilosc-odpadow