| Project Detail |
Nanomaterials for powerful wind energy
Europe urgently needs to challenge the present energy crisis. Severe reduction of energy consumption and the use of new technologies are a necessity. Green wind energy is one of the most promising solutions. However, although winter in Europe should be the best time to harvest energy, 94 % of European wind farms cannot exploit it because icing events cause shutdowns leading to energy losses of up to 20 %. In this respect, the EIC-funded Nanowings project will substantially improve wind turbine performance, efficiency and durability by developing nanocoating based on a blended formulation of super-glue polymers combined with nanoparticles and with outstanding anti-icing and anti-fouling properties. The development is slated to enable the reduction of downtimes and support competitive electricity production and effectiveness.
Although winters are the best season for wind energy harvesting, icing is a major problem affecting the competiveness of this type of renewable energy. In Europe, about 94% of the windfarms have suffered icing events, which reduce turbine performance and causing even temporary shutdowns. Indeed, icing-induced power output losses in wind farms are found to reach over 20% of the annual production. There is not yet an efficient, cost-effective anti-icing or de-icing solution on the market: active solutions (thermal and mechanical systems) present low efficiency while passive technologies (typically coatings and paints) are not easily applied, and their durability and effectiveness are not well demonstrated.
Nanowings will overcome the icing challenge by developing a disruptive transparent nanocoating (super-glue polymers and nanoparticles blended formulation) with outstanding anti-icing and anti-fouling properties that can be applied in-situ via an innovative, portable, and light module (mini-electrospinning and heating system) which can be mounted under a remotely controlled drone. 5 g/m2 of the nanomaterial coated over the surface of a fiberglass-reinforced polyester or epoxy wind turbine blade creates a nano-rough layer (0.5 µm thick) that reduces the wettability of the surface and imprint self-cleaning properties. By avoiding ice accretion, Nanowings reduces downtimes and increases the electricity production of the wind turbine.
Nanowings is seizing a new concept of engineering and electrospinning of nanomaterials demonstrated at lab scale by partner LINARI. Moreover, the international consortium brings together top-notch academics (DTU) with seminal contributions in advanced nanomaterials and wind turbines performance under icing conditions; a well-recognized utility company (ENEL) as end-user and key testing partner (Valdihuelo Wind Farm - Spain), and an SME (EOLOGIX) with innovation in on-site wind turbines inspection based on avant-garde adhesive sensors. |
