This paper discusses the use of composite plastic materials in the manufacture of wind turbine blades. An overview of the design requirements of wind turbine blades is followed by an explanation of how composite materials can meet these requirements. Current manufacturing processes are explained, followed by recent advances and future developments in a number of areas. Advances in materials are discussed, followed by design and manufacture developments. The use of composite materials to deal with maintenance and reliability issues is discussed. Finally, developments in multi-section and modular blades is discussed. A number of approaches from different manufactures are discussed and a number of patents are looked at. Developments in each of these areas are required to meet this demand, but there is no consensus from manufacturers on the best way forward.

This post reviews work on the anaerobic digestion of biomass to create biogas. In particular it looks at the use of marine sources of biomass - seaweed or macroalgae. Seaweed is seen as superior to other crops as an energy source as it does not compete with arable land for food production purposes. Many species of seaweed and macroalge can be anaerobically digested to create biogas. The level of gas produced compares favourably with other common sources for digestion. The bigoas can be burned in CHP plants or upgraded to biomethane and added to existing natural gas grids or used as a transport fuel. Seaweed can be harvested from the wild or cultivated in farms. As an island nation, Ireland has the potential to produce large quantities of seaweed. With the current price of oil, the price of producing biogas from seaweed may not be economically viable.

I recently gave part of a talk to UCC Environmental Society about marine renewable energy. Ollie, another student in my class and I spoke about the technology, potential and challenges of marine renewable energy. The talk was aimed at a broad, non scientific audience, and we tried to make it as interesting and as inclusive as possible. The audience was great and asked lots of interesting questions.

Offshore wind farms are becoming a significant business in oceans around the world. Although many companies are developing floating wind turbines, to date, most wind turbines are built on foundations on the seabed. These foundations need to be robust and long lasting. The ocean is a very inhospitable environment and they need to withstand major loads applied by wind, waves and sea currents. Offshore wind turbines typically have a lifespan of 20 years. Offshore wind turbines are increasing in size, so foundation technology must also progress to enable these large machines.

Energy usage in Ireland is affected by weather patterns and economic activity. Any analysis of energy efficiency measures must take these factors into account.

Last Monday I started a masters in Marine Renewable Energy. I’m planning to write a bit about the course and what I’m learning as the year goes on. I won’t be writing about anything new, unique or anything that can’t be found elsewhere, better explained and in more detail.

At the start of the summer I decided to do a triathlon.