Optimizing the layup and fabrication of the composite spar of a wind turbine blade

One of the most important parts of a wind turbine is mechanical design of blade and it should be done carefully because of variable condition of exploiting and applying extreme loads. This paper puts focus on the process of mechanical design of wind turbine blade shell. Layup of composite plates which is used in wind turbine blade is one of the most important things in mechanical design in order to achieve maximum strength and minimum weight. Promal is software for mechanics of composite material and has been used for analyzing forces acting on blade shell and designing shell blade to achieve minimum weight and maximum strength. Considered load is one of the most critical cases among all states of loading blades during operation. Full factorial experiment was used to achieve this goal. The final result is how to arrange glass/epoxy composite laminate sheets in blade shell with its specifications, including weight and strength.

Keywords:

Renewable energy , Wind turbine , Blade design , Composite