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Unit 22 - Materials Science Learning Aim D
- Module
- Unit 22 - Materials Science
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Unit 22 LAD Reducing carbon emissions for a sustainable future. Achieved distinction.
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Unit 22 – Topic 4Wind turbines are machines that convert wind energy into electricity. They use fewer fossil
fuels, lowering their carbon impact. Low density, high strength and stiffness are all in glass fiber
composites. Low density materials are utilized in wind turbines to allow them to move more
readily. To endure strong winds and weather, wind turbines require high strength and stiffness
in which carbon fibers are used. They are corrosion-resistant and can withstand any type of
weather. Wind turbines offer the advantage of generating renewable energy, which minimizes
the need for carbon dioxide to be released. Because it is not a pollutant, they do not emit
hazardous emissions into the atmosphere. Wind turbines have a few disadvantages, including
the cost of installation, which can range from £9,000 to £19,000 depending on the power
output. Also, they need to be replaced every 20 years so this could be another drawback.
Wind turbine blades are made of aluminum and glass fiber composites. These glass fiber
composites have low density and great strength as features. The characteristics of this material
are advantageous for a wind turbine since wind turbines need to be robust and rigid in order to
endure the pressure and force of strong winds and severe weather and to remain in place.
Glass fiber composites are also low density, which makes it easier for the wind turbine to move
and spin. The toughness and long-term corrosion resistance of aluminum mean that wind
turbine blades won't shatter or bend even in adverse weather conditions like torrential rain and
thunder. Aluminum is sturdy and lightweight at the same time, making it suitable for wind
turbines since it makes them easier to turn, which improves their performance.
Glass fiber composites also have significant drawbacks, such as the difficulty in recovering
energy from them because they are not flammable materials and hence don't burn readily or at
all. Because of this, it is difficult to dispose of glass fiber composites through burning or
cremation, which is bad for the environment. Aluminum has the disadvantage of having a low
fatigue resistance. This means that wind turbines may get more readily fatigued because they
typically cannot tolerate intense stress for long periods of time or repeated cycles without
failing. Another drawback of wind turbines is that they must be updated every 20 years and are
typically expensive to install.
Wind turbine materials Properties
Glass fiber composites Low density, high strength
aluminum High thermal conductivity, Low density
carbon fibers, High tensile strength, High stiffness
Solar cells use the photovoltaic effect to transform light energy into electrical energy. CdTe, a
key material property of solar cells, responds strongly to light in the solar spectrum. Another
important material is silicon wafer, which serves as a substrate to produce solar cells. Silicon is
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