The Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR) is Germany’s aerospace research and technology centre, developing innovative technologies and solutions across the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and defence. With more than 11,000 employees across 54 research institutes and facilities at 30 locations, DLR conducts research aimed at addressing technological challenges and contributing to a sustainable future.
Within DLR, the Institute of Lightweight Systems focuses on developing and testing innovative lightweight construction technologies for resource-efficient and climate-friendly structures. Its research combines three key areas: lightweight materials, lightweight design and functional integration. The Institute’s expertise covers high-performance materials, fibre composite manufacturing, life-cycle analysis, functional lightweight structures and the digitalisation of production processes. Its extensive testing facilities enable researchers to investigate material properties, strength, stability, and the thermal and acoustic behaviour of components.
The Institute’s Wind business area brings together this expertise specifically for the wind energy sector, with a strong focus on the rotor blades of modern wind turbines. Its research encompasses service-life-optimised materials, innovative designs and manufacturing processes, as well as quality-controlled production. Importantly, recycling and sustainability are considered throughout the different stages of the product life cycle, supported by life-cycle analyses that assess both the environmental and economic performance of new technologies.
Within the ECORES-WIND project, DLR contributes its extensive knowledge of wind turbine blades, lightweight composite structures and life-cycle assessment. By integrating circularity considerations into material development, design, manufacturing and end-of-life strategies, DLR supports the project’s goal of creating more sustainable, resource-efficient and circular wind turbine blades.
To learn more about DLR visit: https://www.dlr.de/en
