Structural optimization of a horizontal axis wind turbine blade made from new hybrid composites with kenaf fibers

• Published in: Composite structures Vol. 260; p. 113252
• Main Authors: Belfkira, Z., Mounir, H., El Marjani, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.03.2021
• Subjects: Aerodynamic; Airfoil; Composites; Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); Kenaf fibers; Tip deflection; Tip deflection; Aerodynamic; Composites; Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); Kenaf fibers; Airfoil
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113252

•Geometrical model of a previous work was optimized based on Qblade software.•Kenaf fibers of the optimized model represent more than 60% of its composition.•The optimized model shows a weight saving of more than 1500 kg.•The chosen combination of kenaf with carbon and glass fibers represents an encouraging step towards future blades. This manuscript presents a continuation of a previous work of the same authors that aims to optimize the materials of wind turbine blades using natural fiber through a hybridization technique. This new conception consists of introducing kenaf fibers into a hybrid composite material initially made with synthetic fibers. Firstly, a detailed analysis was performed to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the wind turbine blade while maintaining an optimal aerodynamic performance. Secondly, ANSYS® Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to calculate the aerodynamic parameters needed later in the structural justification. Finally, the blade geometry was imported to PATRAN® software within the objective of establishing a deep analysis of the blade structure taking into account the new combination of the three kinds of fibers: Carbon, glass and kenaf fibers. This fibers combination consists of a skin blade composed with kenaf and glass fibers, a spar cap made of carbon and glass fibers and a spar web made entirely with glass fibers. Compared to the non-optimized model, an evaluation based on materials resistance, weight and cost savings, has shown a weight saving of 40%, a material cost saving of 67% and a tip deflection of about 17% lower than the allowable threshold.