Assessment of the Risk of the Loss of Supply, the Recycling Rate and the Degree of Substitutability of Elements in the NdFeB Magnets of a Small Wind Farm Generator

Abstract

Existing shortages on the market of critical and strategic raw materials and problems with the supply chain of selected raw materials, mainly those from China, indicate the need to develop recycling technologies for devices containing the above-mentioned materials. The aim of this work should be to ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for industry in the EU. One potential source of raw materials may be small-power wind turbine generators equipped with permanent magnets (NdFeB). This research allowed for the development of a methodology for disassembling a generator containing NdFeB magnets in order to determine the shares of individual elements. Due to the significant shares of critical and strategic elements in permanent magnets, a detailed economic analysis was carried out. Based on the research results, economic benefits resulting from the recovery of valuable elements were indicated. The significant market value of critical and strategic raw materials contained in neodymium magnets was demonstrated. The risk of the loss of supplies, the recycling rate and the possibility of replacing the elements in permanent magnets were assessed.