The Future of Energy - Part 2: Wind and Carbon Capture

In the first episode of the Additive Snack mini-series, The Future of Energy, we discussed how gas turbines and hydrogen from electrolysis will play a crucial role in transitioning into a future of clean energy. But, these solutions can not be relied on to pull all the weight. Renewable energies and smart carbon-capture technologies also need to be part of the solution. 

In this second episode, host Fabian Alefeld speaks with Jeremy Haight, Principal Engineer and Lead Specialist for additive manufacturing (AM) and Advanced Concepts at Vestas, and Stefan McClelland, Senior Mechanical Engineer at ReCarbon. They take a deeper look into wind turbines and carbon capture and utilization from landfills. Both technologies leverage Additive Manufacturing at different levels and will have a significant impact on how the world produces and consumes energy. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.

Key Takeaways:

[1:55] Jeremy describes Vestas’ lengthy history from manufacturing household appliances to becoming a global leader in wind turbines.

[4:44] Vestas has a three-pillar approach to incorporating AM parts, embracing new technologies, and digitizing their manufacturing processes. 

[12:22] Utilizing AM technologies for on-site mobilized manufacturing will be a game changer for Vestas.

[14:32] Jeremy gets specific about how Vestas leverages a broad spectrum of AM technologies.

[18:42] The long-term impact of AM on the world's transition to renewable energy.  

[21:37] At Vestas new products are designed with AM in mind to prolong life cycles and decrease shipping costs.

[24:17] Jeremy cites several examples of the beneficial effects of AM on wind turbines.  

[29:57] Stefan describes the unique process of how ReCarbon converts energy into syngas through plasma. 

[34:38] AM is essential in ReCarbon’s design due to the thermal management required for the high temperatures inherent in their energy creation process.  

[40:12] AM has streamlined the proof of concept process for ReCarbon and its clients. 

[44:38] Fabian summarizes the incredible conversations about how AM impacts the future of energy through carbon capture and wind energy. 

Shareables:

“The more complex technologies get, the more additive manufacturing can play a role in supporting the development of the technologies.” — Fabian Alefeld, Host, Additive Snack podcast

“It [AM] will reduce our time to market, get turbines out in the field and up and operational much faster.”— Jeremy Haight, Principal Engineer & Lead Specialist for AM & Advanced Concepts, Vestas

“There is a huge potential for us to lightweight the product so you get more lifecycle out of it.”— Jeremy Haight, Principal Engineer & Lead Specialist for AM & Advanced Concepts, Vestas

“We've been restricted to using additive because with the material choice we need to have we need something that can handle the temperatures and handle really fine geometries.” — Stefan McClelland, Senior Mechanical Engineer, ReCarbon.