ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ

The wind energy market has long been considered the world’s largest market, by volume, for glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites — and increasingly, carbon fiber composites — as larger turbines and longer wind blades are developed, requiring higher performance, lighter weight materials. The outer skins of wind and tidal turbine blades generally comprise infused, GFRP laminates sandwiching foam core. Inside the blade, rib-like shear webs bonded to spar caps reinforce the structure. Spar caps are often made from GFRP or, as blade lengths lengthen, pultruded carbon fiber for additional strength.

Energized only by sunlight taken in by the solar panels arrayed on its horizontal surfaces, the electric-prop-driven, all-composite-airframed Solar Impulse (Si2) aircraft had completed nearly one-half of its much publicized ‘round- the-world trip as CW’s May issue went to press.

Replacing glass and aluminum with a polymer/cored polymer composite laminate ups panel durability at reduced weight.

Annual Factbook tracking market and policy trends offers insight on the U.S.’ sustainable energy portfolio from 2024, including capacity, investment and deployment.

Work in two DOE projects is demonstrating C/C-SiC produced in 3-5 days with <5% shrinkage, <10% porosity and 50% the cost of conventional C/C and C/C-SiC.

Patent-pending 5D Watts system increases solar energy production four times vs. conventional non-composite flat panels while lowering weight and installation cost.

In collaboration with Ventum Dynamics, the purpose-built VX175 turbine will bring customers reduced weight, greater structural integrity and the ability to recycle at end of life.

The ESM-2 module, comprising carbon fiber sheets and 19-meter CFRP solar array wings, will provide propulsion, power and thermal control, as well as oxygen and water for astronauts on the Artemis II mission.

Bercella Srl will supply composite substrates for MDA Space’s satellite wings, building on the company’s know-how in delivering high-quality, space-grade components.

Powered by a hydrogen-electric battery, solar panels and a wing sail, Nemesis One promises speed, comfort and sustainability.

During the 20-hour test flight, the solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-sattelite (HAPS) surpassed 60,000 feet in altitude and demonstrated broadband mobile connectivity.