Sol-gel materials for fouling prevention on Wind turbine blades

The demand for renewable energy, specifically wind energy, is increasing worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. However, the development of offshore wind energy assets in Ireland is hindered by environmental obstacles such as blade erosion due to seawater aerosols and biofouling caused by the growth of marine organisms on the turbine's blades and other submerged components. This poses a significant issue for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which aims to increase the country's share of renewable energy. Offshore wind turbines are more prone to erosion and fouling than inland turbines, leading to reduced energy output, production losses, and higher maintenance expenses. Coatings have emerged as a critical component of wind energy conversion systems to tackle these concerns. This study aims to achieve two main goals: first, to create and investigate novel silica-based sol-gel coatings containing nanoparticles that can protect wind turbine blades from erosion/ water droplet erosion (WDE) while also examining the adhesion properties between the composite material (GFRP) and the coating. Second, the study will examine the effectiveness of sol-gel coatings with nanoparticles in preventing blade fouling on wind turbines by evaluating the coatings' ability to prevent fouling agents from accumulating on blade surfaces. To prevent marine organisms from adhering to blade surfaces, researchers will investigate the possibility of self-cleaning coatings and the release of biocides from nanoparticles. The research findings will assist the SEAI and wind turbine operators in improving the functionality and lifespan of wind turbines in Ireland.

Climate Action Plan: The proposed project is in line with the Climate Action Plan of Ireland, which strives to lower greenhouse gas emissions, expand the utilization of renewable energy, and attain carbon neutrality by 2050. The advancement of offshore wind energy resources in Ireland is vital in meeting these goals, and the outcomes of the project can aid in this effort. The project aligns with CAP23's target of up to 80% renewable electricity generation through the deployment of 9 GW of onshore wind energy and at least 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Additionally, the research findings can support the development of sustainable energy technologies and accelerate the shift to a low-carbon energy system, which is a key aspect of the Climate Action Plan.
Climate Action Plan: The proposed project is in line with the Climate Action Plan of Ireland, which strives to lower greenhouse gas emissions, expand the utilization of renewable energy, and attain carbon neutrality by 2050. The advancement of offshore wind energy resources in Ireland is vital in meeting these goals, and the outcomes of the project can aid in this effort. The project aligns with CAP23's target of up to 80% renewable electricity generation through the deployment of 9 GW of onshore wind energy and at least 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Additionally, the research findings can support the development of sustainable energy technologies and accelerate the shift to a low-carbon energy system, which is a key aspect of the Climate Action Plan.