GEFWIN - Next Generation Fibre-Steered Wind Turbine Blades
The project GEFWIN aims at demonstrating, testing, and evaluating a novel manufacturing method for wind turbine blades; "Rapid Tow Shearing" which leads to reduced amount of used material and better design flexibility.
Funding in SEK: 13 millions
Start
2022-11-01
Planned completion
2025-03-31
Main financing
Collaboration partners
Research area
Research group
Project manager at MDU
Background:
Project GEFWIN aims at demonstrating, testing, and evaluating a novel manufacturing method for wind turbine blades. Wind turbine blades are made of composite materials to achieve structural strength and low mass. Conventional composite materials use unidirectional layers which are stiffer along the fibers. A new manufacturing method called "Rapid Tow Shearing" allows for curved fibers which can follow the load paths and geometry of the component. This leads to reduced amount of used material and better design flexibility. GEFWIN will assess this technology on a scaled wind turbine blade component. Design for recyclability will be fostered. A life cycle assessment will be done on the environmental and economic impacts of this disruptive technology.
Purpose:
The purpose of the project is to develop, test, and demonstrate a novel manufacturing method for wind turbine blades, including environmental and economic impacts at life cycle level.
Project goal:
● Design and structural analysis of novel wind turbine blade
● Manufacturing and development of test facility
● Experimental testing
● Environmental and economic assessment at life-cycle level
Activities in the project:
Design, manufacturing, testing, and evaluation of novel wind turbine blade. These activities will take part in Switzerland, Sweden, Greece, United Kingdom.
