EXPLORING THE ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN 3D PRINTING OF WIND TURBINE BLADES
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Wind turbine manufacturing has seen enhanced technological advancements as a result of the growing demand for clean energy. This study looks into how 3D printing can enhance design flexibility, minimise materials waste, and be more environmentally conscious. Thematic analysis and qualitative secondary research were used to investigate key trends, challenges, and future directions. Results focus on advantages in cost-effectiveness and recyclability, but there are challenges regarding material durability, scalability, and economic feasibility. The study uncovers recent technological advancements, sustainability improvements, and how 3D-printed wind turbine blades have the potential to revolutionise the industry.The paper synthesises the current range of shaping this dynamic field and proposes the key recommendations for future research and development. The recommendation is to emphasise the need for high-performance advancement and influencing the additive manufacturing process's recycling material design. This advancement helps to increase the efficiency of printing speed and scalability. The paper critically describes a significant challenge that currently impedes with industrial adoption of wind turbine blade making through 3D printing technology. Addressing all the issues, it has achieved economic viability in production and established a standard quality assurance protocol.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 44
Keywords [en]
Wind turbine manufacturing, 3D printing, turbine blades
National Category
Mechanical Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-56519OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hh-56519DiVA, id: diva2:1971804
Subject / course
Mechanical Engineering
Educational program
Master's Programme in Mechanical Engineering, 60 credits
Presentation
2025-05-20, S4057, Halmstad University, Halmstad, 11:20 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-06-182025-06-182025-10-01Bibliographically approved