Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM
Setting Standards: Decarbonization and Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future
We at Fraunhofer IFAM are setting standards in the energy sector: With pioneering work in decarbonization and the circular economy, we are paving the way for a sustainable society. Find out how innovations in materials science are making a sustainable energy system a reality.
As part of the transformation to a sustainable, low-emission society, Fraunhofer IFAM's Energy business area focuses on decarbonizing the energy industry, the hydrogen economy, electrical energy storage and the heating sector. We are an integral part of a network of leading companies and research institutions and thus make a significant contribution to the energy transition.
Together with our partners, our aim is to help shape industrial change through pioneering innovations and technological progress, thereby strengthening Europe's competitiveness. Our expertise in materials science and manufacturing technology enables us to create resource-efficient solutions that contribute to a longer product life, less waste and an improved circular economy.
We see the circular economy as a key component of our overall strategy to support companies and society in the transformation process. It is particularly important to us to increase energy efficiency and develop technologies for renewable energies and energy storage.
Recyclability of rotor blades RE_SORT
The materials in today's wind turbine rotor blades are difficult to recycle due to specific material requirements and a non-recyclable design. Large parts of the blades are usually recycled in cement plants. However, today's recycling processes are particularly problematic for thick laminates and carbon fibers, as shredding the laminates is very time-consuming and high-quality recycling of the recyclates is not possible due to fiber shortening and loss of fiber orientation.
The RE_SORT project is concerned with the development of pyrolysis processes that enable the economical recycling of fiber composite structures. Here, fibers are to be effectively recycled by batch and microwave pyrolysis, whereby pyrolysis gases and oils can be obtained. The recyclates obtained in this way are tested to see whether they can be used as fiber material, for polymer synthesis or for energy generation in combined heat and power plants. The aim is of course always to enable the highest possible quality recycling of the materials – thermal recycling is therefore the last option.
Fraunhofer IFAM is also working on bio-based and recyclable fiber composites, so that recyclability is already taken into account during the material selection and design process. In this way, our research makes a concrete contribution to the circular economy in wind energy.