Its objective is to investigate new sustainable materials for the manufacture of composites through a highly automated and replicable process.
Currently, the composite materials used in the manufacture of tidal blades have low recyclability, which negatively affects the life cycle of the blade. In addition, the manufacturing process is poorly automated, with low reproducibility in the quality of the parts and requires considerable manpower, which has a negative impact on the time, cost and quality of the product.
The EMLES project (Light, Efficient and Sustainable Tidal Energy), part of the SAIL2FUTURE tractor project, is a collaboration between three companies (INPRE COMPOSITES, CRAMIX and TSI) and the GAIKER technology center. Its objective is to research new sustainable materials for the manufacture of composites by means of a highly automated and replicable process. The goal is to offer environmentally friendly, high quality and highly efficient structures in the future.
The use of bio-based and recyclable resins with high strain at break and toughness to increase the fatigue strength of blades will be explored. The research will focus on the mechanical properties of different resin matrices, sustainable coatings and natural fibers. Subsequently, a composite with high toughness and fatigue resistance will be designed to improve mechanical performance and enable the development of larger blades that generate more energy, with an optimized and clean manufacturing process.
To achieve the technological objectives, several activities have been defined, such as specifying the characteristics of the tidal blade, selecting natural and recyclable raw materials, defining process conditions, selecting monitoring and control technologies, studying the feasibility of integrating sustainable and recyclable materials, and developing a process monitoring system.
The SAIL2FUTURE project proposal seeks to impact the entire value chain of the naval sector through engineering, component research, automation and digitalization. Both projects are aligned with the Program for granting aid to integral actions in the industrial value chain of the naval sector within the Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation in the sector for the modernization and diversification of the Spanish naval ecosystem (PERTE NAVAL).
Marine renewable energy is presented as a promising way to increase electricity generation, meeting Europe’s decarbonization objectives and satisfying the growing demand for electricity in a sustainable and affordable way.