Abstract Details

Recently, publications displaying landfills dominated by wind turbine blades, composed primarily of composite materials, have caused public anxieties to rise. Though there has been much research analyzing the benefits of thermoplastic alternatives, such substances, though preferable, are limited by long degradation rates. Though biodegradable plastics have been a topic of discussion, many produce greenhouse gasses as they degrade, further harming the atmosphere. Compostable plastics, a subcategory of biodegradable plastics, have been largely overlooked as wind turbine blade material alternatives. The following research filled this gap through the creation of chitosan-based compostable wind turbine blades. Chitosan is a chemical present in the shells of Brachyura (crabs) including the invasive Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian Shore Crab) species. In addition to these shells, chitosan supplements, glycerin, vinegar, and distilled water, was used in the creation of three batches of two identical blades. A small-scale wind turbine was The Efficacy of Chitosan on the Construction and Function of Compostable Wind Turbine Blades Cathrine Sakin produced in addition to a wind tunnel. These blades were tested for voltage production (with the wind turbine and tunnel produced) and minimum tensile strength. This research resulted in the creation of an environmentally ideal, industrially applicable, compostable wind turbine blade material alternative while providing a purpose to the otherwise harmful and invasive Asian Shore Crab species. Keywords: Compostable plastic, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, Brachyura, chitin, wind turbine blades, voltage production, tensile strength Introductory Information Research Question Can Hemigrapsus sanguineus invertebrates and alternate Brachyura shells be utilized in the creation of compostable, structurally sound, and energy-efficient wind turbine blades?  The Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian Shore Crab) invertebrate and alternate Brachyura shells will aid in the production of structurally sound, energy-efficient, compostable wind turbine blades; providing a superior alternative to common, non-compostable, glass and carbon fiber situated blades whilst providing a purpose to the invasive Asian Shore Crab species. Literature Review The Wind Industry and Compostable Plastic The demand for renewable energy has increased precipitously over the past decade, as society has become more environmentally conscious. This is evident in the inclining rates of wind power utilization globally. According to the University of Michigan, “The U.S. wind capacity increased by 166% between 2010 and 2020, a 10% average annual increase” (Center for Sustainable Systems, 2020). In addition, within a single year, “Total capacity for wind energy globally [in 2019 was] over 651 GW, an increase of 10 percent compared to 2018” (GWEC, 2020). 

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