Mera, R D; Sims, G D (2001) Opportunities for composites in the energy industry. NPL Report. MATC(A)64

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Abstract

The management of energy resources has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years; from the Kyoto Agreement on global warming, to a recent European Commission Green Paper which highlighted the dependence of the European Union on imported energy, currently at 50% and expected to rise to 70% in the next 20 to 30 years.
In several fields, the use of composite materials has been shown to provide significant developments, either through technological improvements in current practices or by making them more economical. The large size of the energy industry means that even small additional involvement will result in significant activity and growth in the composite industry.
A review of the current and potential future uses of composite materials in the energy industry sector has been undertaken, with particular emphasis on identifying those areas where UK industries are most heavily involved. The review identified the three main application fields as electrical insulation and power transmission, storage and transportation of pressurised fuels, and renewable energy resources. The review concludes that while there are several areas in which composites have captured a large share of the potential market, for example in boats and wing turbine blades, they are meeting strong resistance to change from traditional materials.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	MATC(A)64
Keywords:	composite materials, energy
Subjects:	Advanced Materials Advanced Materials > Composites
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2018 13:17
URI:	http://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/2106

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