Rotor Blade
A new initiative by Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW Kiel) and boatbuilder Nuebold Yachtbau GmbH aims to develop wind turbine rotor blades made entirely from renewable materials like flax, balsa wood, and paulownia in an effort to replace fiberglass.
Supported by approximately €175,000 in funding from the Schleswig-Holstein Energy and Climate Protection Agency (EKSH), the project targets the development of a prototype for small wind turbines (with rotor areas under 200 square meters) by 2027.
“We want to demonstrate that sustainable rotor blades made from flax fibers and other renewable raw materials can meet all technical requirements and thus make a real contribution to a more sustainable wind energy sector,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sten Böhme, project manager from Kiel University of Applied Sciences.
Using computer simulations, researchers will optimize the blade design and ensure structural integrity before conducting stability and performance tests in the university’s wind tunnel. Upon successful validation, the project will advance to full-scale manufacturing and mandatory bending load testing.
HandMadeStone and CleanKore have formed a partnership to promote sustainable practices throughout denim manufacturing, from fibre production to final finishing.
ICT, Mumbai, has opened its newly renovated sustainable textile laboratory, upgraded with support from Archroma India Pvt. Ltd. under its…
Denim Deal, focused on standardizing circular methods in denim production, announced that French retailer Kiabi has joined the group.
A research team at the UBC has created a cleaner way to make rayon that could reduce chemical use and…
Oritain, a global expert in origin verification, has extended its scientific tracing methods to leather, a material often harder to…
Aunde has formed a partnership with PreZero to set up a plant that will recycle polyester-based textile waste into new,…