Segmentable rotor blade concept enabling recyclability and maintainability

The demonstrator presents a circular, segmentable wind turbine rotor blade concept aimed at enhancing recyclability and maintainability. Its modular architecture divides the blade into functional segments, each produced with materials and processes tailored to its specific requirements. Segments are joined using an adhesive system that enables “debonding on demand,” allowing controlled separation when required.

Clearly defined load paths and interfaces allow reintegration of end‑of‑life composite materials—such as ribs reclaimed from decommissioned blades—without compromising structural performance. The design leverages machine‑supported manufacturing methods like pultrusion, thermoforming, and additive manufacturing to improve process repeatability and quality.

By enabling clean separation of components, the concept enhances material purity and thus the recyclability and residual value of blade materials. The modular approach also permits targeted replacement rather than full scrapping, particularly for erosion‑sensitive sections like the leading edge, whose exchange procedure is demonstrated as a maintainability feature.

A cleat‑based connection concept ensures that structural loads are transferred via cleats while adhesive bonding is confined to designated areas, facilitating later disassembly.

The demonstrator serves as an intermediate validation step for interface design, manufacturability, debonding feasibility, and structural behavior under static and fatigue conditions.