The blades of wind turbines emit radiation

Why do wind turbine blades have a poor end-of-life management?

However, the environmental impact of the wind sector still suffers from a poor end-of-life management of the wind turbine components. Wind turbine blades are particularly sensitive to this issue: these components are made of different materials and sub-components, often difficult to separate, segment and recycle.

How does damage affect a turbine blade?

Damage reduces both the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade, thus reducing the power generated by the whole turbine, and its fatigue life. Detecting damage as early as possible is thus vital to avoid low power output, expensive maintenance interventions and safety risks.

Are wind turbine blades landfilled?

Wind turbine blades are particularly sensitive to this issue: these components are made of different materials and sub-components, often difficult to separate, segment and recycle. As a result, wind turbine blades are still mostly landfilled.

Why are wind turbine blades important?

Overall, wind turbine blades are complex components, which require a significant advancement of the scientific and technological state of the art for an efficient and sustainable end-of-life management. 1. Introduction Climate change and environmental protection is one of the most pressing and important challenges of the XXI century.