3D printing benefits energy firms immensely due to equipment production's cost and time efficiency.
FREMONT, CA: 3D printing is being observed as a way to streamline the renewable energy supply chain, offset costs, and power the development process. The technology can allow the renewable sector to thrive in a way that will ultimately eradicate our dependencies on fossil fuels.
The greatest challenge in the current landscape of renewable energy is producing the component needed to harness resources such as solar and wind energy and transform them into energy for powering businesses and homes.
As per research, 3D printed panels could be up to 20% more efficient than conventional panels. Furthermore, 3D printed panels are much thinner than conventional ones, significantly reducing panel transportation overheads.
Wind energy production can also take advantage of 3D printing. Different organizations associated with wind energy are already using 3D printing of turbine blade molds.
Traditionally, the manufacturing of these blades had been a labor-intensive process. 3D printing accelerates the production of molds along with a greater degree of efficiency. Moreover, it allows the firms to decrease transportation burdens, as transporting the 3D printer to a job site is much plainer than transporting a 50-foot mold.
Another key benefit associated with 3D printing is that it allows the firms to accomplish the maintenance of their legacy systems. Traditionally, firms had to replace the entire machinery rather than replace the failed component in case the manufacturer blocked the production of outdated models. Still, a 3D printer can make parts whose production has been interrupted, allowing the continued operations of the old and costly machinery.
3D printers may also print everyday tools that energy firms burn, like batteries. For example, the 3D-printed battery from graphite could last longer than conventional lithium-ion batteries. This capability can also enable manufacturers to make batteries of any size and power, thus proving that 3D printing is essential for the future of the renewable energy industry.
3D printing enables firms to increase revenue due to significantly decreasing equipment production costs.
