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High-pressure gas storage vessels represent one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for advanced composites, particularly for filament-wound carbon fiber composites. Although they are used in self-contained breathing apparatuses and provide oxygen and gas storage on aerospace vehicles, the primary end markets are for storage of liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

Filament winding is a specialized technique used in composite manufacturing, involving the precise and automated winding of continuous fibers onto a rotating mandrel or mold. This method allows for the creation of strong and seamless structures, optimizing the alignment and orientation of the fibers to meet specific design requirements. Filament winding is employed in producing cylindrical or conical composite parts, such as pipes, pressure vessels, and aerospace components, enabling engineers to tailor the strength, stiffness, and performance characteristics of the final product.

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

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.

Recent conference in Denver, Colorado, emphasized the tools and knowledge composites manufacturers will need to meet customer and government sustainability goals.

In November, Vestas secured a 300-MW order for the Illinois-based Goose Creek Wind farm, and Minnesota Power doubled its wind energy proposal to 400 MW, projects which are aiming for 100% clean energy for each state by 2050.

Commercialization of fiberglass-reinforced PU blades are opening a new chapter in the wind blade industry, supporting the development of longer, more robust blade designs.

CAMX 2024: Abaris Training Resources seeks to continually provide an ongoing educational experience for students — including a DVD repair course — and technical assistance to customers.

Recyclable wind blade is already installed and in full operation at offshore projects, leading Siemens Gamesa toward its goal to produce fully recyclable wind turbines by 2040.

Regen Fiber’s sustainable recycling process keeps wind blades out of landfills by converting them into raw materials for use in asphalt, composite products and more.

Sources report job cuts are the result of weak demand for onshore wind, rising costs and supply chain delay.

Nine EU countries agree to increased installations by 2050 for reduced CO₂, a goal proven by a U.S. energy report, citing highest reductions in wind belt states.

Business Network for Offshore Wind’s inaugural quarterly report details market trends, supply chain and technology advancements.

Funding opportunity seeks to increase cost efficiency of wind power generation through R&D projects for lightweight composite materials, streamlined 3D printing processes.