Cost-benefit analysis of fibre reinforced polymer ventilated WAPS foil

Sammanfattning

This thesis presents a comprehensive cost benefit analysis of a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) ventilated foil. It uses the 30m Econowind VentoFoil XL as a case study. The study evaluates a possible FRP design using a theoretical model based on classical laminate theory, sandwich theory and thin-wall closed-section composite beam theory to predict the structural response under various loads. With it, a preliminary optimisation aiming to minimise the foil mass was performed. Using openLCA software and ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment methods, the LCA covers the foil life span; from raw material acquisition, through manufacture and operations & maintenance to end-of-life. Results show that a glass-fibre/epoxy sandwich VentoFoil XL has a lower environmental impact than the steel foil in most categories. Sensitivity analysis highlights maintenance as a significant factor, necessitating further study. A combination of process-oriented and parametric cost models were used to estimate the manufacturing costs of a GF/epoxy VentoFoil XL. Material costs account for over half of the total, followed by labor at 30%. Key cost drivers include the labor-intensive kitting and layup phases. Potential cost reductions include design optimization, extended mold usage, and layup process automation, which may be viable for larger production volumes. The study concludes that a GF/epoxy VentoFoil XL offers environmental benefits over steel. Further design optimization and automation could enhance these advantages, making GF/epoxy a viable alternative in maritime applications. These findings support the potential of fiber-reinforced composites to reduce maritime operational emissions and promote sustainable practices.