Its objective is to investigate new sustainable materials for the manufacture of composites through a highly automated and replicable process.
Currently, the composite materials used in the manufacture of tidal turbine blades have low recyclability, which negatively affects the life cycle of the blade. In addition, the manufacturing process is not very automated, with low reproducibility in the quality of the parts, and requires considerable labor, which negatively impacts product times, costs, and quality.
The EMLES project (Light, Efficient and Sustainable Tidal Energy), part of the SAIL2FUTURE tractor project, is a collaboration between three companies (INPRE COMPOSITES, CRAMIX and TSI) and the GAIKER technology center. Its objective is to investigate new sustainable materials for the manufacture of composites through a highly automated and replicable process. The goal is to offer environmentally friendly, high-quality, and highly efficient structures in the future.
The use of bio-based and recyclable resins with high elongation at break and toughness will be explored to increase the fatigue resistance of the blades. The research will focus on the mechanical properties of different resinous matrices, sustainable coatings, and natural fibers. Subsequently, a composite with high toughness and fatigue resistance will be designed to improve the mechanical performance and allow the development of larger blades that generate more energy, with an optimized and clean manufacturing process.
To achieve the technological objectives, several activities have been defined, such as specifying the characteristics of the tidal turbine blade, selecting natural and recyclable raw materials, defining process conditions, selecting monitoring and control technologies, studying the feasibility of integrating sustainable and recyclable materials, and developing a process monitoring system.
The SAIL2FUTURE project proposal seeks to impact the entire value chain of the naval sector through engineering, component research, automation, and digitization. Both projects are aligned with the Program for granting aid to comprehensive actions in the industrial value chain of the naval sector within the Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation in the sector for the modernization and diversification of the Spanish naval ecosystem (PERTE NAVAL).
Marine renewable energy is presented as a promising way to increase the generation of electrical energy, complying with Europe’s decarbonization objectives and satisfying the growing demand for electricity in a sustainable and affordable manner.