Traditional wind turbine blades are typically made from fiberglass and carbon fiber. While these materials are strong, they are also challenging to recycle, often ending up in landfills. Voodin Blade Technology has taken a different path, using laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for its blades.
“We have conducted hundreds of laboratory tests during the past two years to perfect the blade material. According to all our tests, our blades are even more durable than the existing fiberglass blades, as they show fewer fatigue characteristics and are proven to endure all kinds of onshore weather conditions extremely well,” shared Jorge Castillo, Co-Founder of Voodin.
Why LVL?
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) brings several advantages. It’s not only more sustainable but also more durable, making it an excellent material for the harsh environments where wind turbines operate. Traditional turbine blades can last around 25 years, but the current materials are difficult to recycle. This is where LVL shines, as it allows for much easier recycling, significantly reducing waste.
“At the end of their lifecycle, most blades are buried in the ground or incinerated. This means that — at this pace — we will end up with 50 million tons of blade material waste by 2050. With our solution, we want to help green energy truly become as green as possible,” explained Tom Siekmann, CEO of Voodin Blade Technology.
Advanced manufacturing
Voodin uses CNC milling machines to create their blades. These machines can produce complex 3D shapes without the need for molds, increasing automation and allowing for greater flexibility in blade design.
It’s important to note that while the blades are made of wood, other crucial components, such as the main shaft, will continue to be made of traditional materials. These parts require the strength and durability that metals provide.
Using LVL, Voodin claims to reduce emissions from blade production by 78%, lower costs by 20%, and create a product that’s 100% biodegradable.
The industry’s shift
Voodin Blade Technology is part of a broader trend within the wind energy sector. As many wind turbines near the end of their lifecycle, the industry is looking for better ways to handle decommissioned blades. For instance, EnergyLOOP and Iberdrola have partnered with Surus to recycle blades from repowering projects, addressing the challenge of blade waste.
Meanwhile, Siemens Gamesa has introduced its RecyclableBlade technology, which uses a mild acid solution to separate and recycle blade components. Its goal is to have fully recyclable turbines by 2040.
Looking ahead
Voodin is not stopping with 19.3-meter blades. They are already working on new prototypes, including 60-meter and 80-meter blades. These larger blades could further demonstrate the potential of wood as a primary material in wind turbine construction.
