Upcoming AZL project focuses on propellers, rotors for air mobility, wind energy systems

Carbon fiber drone propeller. Source | Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

AZL Aachen GmbH (Aachen, Germany) announces the launch of a new Joint Partner Project focusing on the further growth potential and technology developments for composite propellers in the field of air mobility, as well as for composite rotors for small- to medium-sized wind energy systems.

The 9-month consortial industry project will investigate current and future composite applications for propellers and rotors and their requirements, provide technological insights and develop new product concepts and evaluate them in terms of economic efficiency. Interested companies can join the project consortium until the project’s kick-off on Sept. 18, 2024. 

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“Propellers and Rotors” aims to address the growing demand for efficient, powerful and compact composite propellers and rotors for the growing markets of air mobility and decentralized power generation. Although the application, manufacturing and material technologies for propellers and rotors made of composite materials have proven to be technically mature, they have so far mainly been used in the high-performance sector for large-propeller aircraft and large wind turbines. Due to the increasing interest in efficient electric propulsion system in the field of air mobility — e.g., air taxis or parcel delivery drones, as well as for decentralized energy generation with the help of small/medium-sized wind energy systems — a rising demand for these components and their production volumes are expected.

“With uprising technologies for cost-efficient flying vehicles and new possibilities for off-grid energy generation, innovative materials have the potential to play a crucial role,” says Inoue Hiroki, senior technical expert liaison group at Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). “Propeller and rotors are key components in these sectors and can enhance their efficiency significantly. As a provider of composite materials, we already have experience in the field of drones and propellers, and we think that we can contribute to these technologies and future production concepts effectively. However, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the market potential, technological potential, design principles and challenges involved. Like in previous AZL Joint Partner Projects, we aim to gain valuable insights into the market and technology.”

AZL will bring together experts along the entire value chain in the project to analyze current and future product concepts. During the project, the participating companies will gain a comprehensive understanding of composite propeller and rotor technology. The project team will carry out a detailed screening of current and future technologies, investigate different materials and processes for the production of propellers and rotors and elaborate design options, as well as analyze and evaluate them in terms of technological and cost-effective criteria.

The requirements and expertise of the developers and manufacturers of aircraft and wind energy systems will be combined with the manufacturing and materials expertise of the AZL network for high-performance materials. In addition, the project will assess the costs and carbon footprint of alternative designs and production concepts to ensure a holistic approach to support the business and technology development of the project participants along the value chain.