Smart Affordable Composite Blades for Tidal Energy

Tomas Flanagan, James Maguire, Conchur O Brádaigh, Pedro Mayorga, Adrian Doyle

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract / Description of output

The absence of reliable, high-performance affordable turbine-blades is an obstacle to the commercialisation of tidal-stream energy. This paper describes a novel, but commercially proven, manufacturing process for composites that can address this challenge and discusses the merits and limitations of the resulting blades. The process uses a ceramic, heated mould to process epoxy powder and glass fibre into blades and offers advantages over alternative techniques. The paper also outlines a sensor system for blades that reduces maintenance costs and increases reliability. Together, these technologies are set to play an important role in creating a new European industry – the production of tidal stream turbines. The research is being funded through the Smart Efficient Affordable Marine Energy Technology Exploitation using Composites (SEAMETEC) project, within Horizon 2020 SME Instrument framework.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication11th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Smart Affordable Composite Blades for Tidal Energy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this