Weight and cost reduction of a small wind turbine blade

Abstract

Wind power is well accepted renewable energy source. Large wind turbines has occupied respectable share in renewable energy market. Whereas, the small wind turbines are along the way of continuous progress in terms of various aspects. Development of small wind turbine parts is one of the significant focuses of some researchers. Wind turbine blades plays important role in conversion of kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. The light weight and efficient blade is always preferred by the designer because of many advantages. This work is focused on weight reduction of a one kilowatt wind turbine blade and hence the cost. In this paper four new blade models are proposed and analyzed with the stated objective to reduce weight and cost of the blades. The first three models consists of 3 mm Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic outer layers and core of low density Poly Vinyl Chloride foam, core of low density Balsa wood and low density fiber reinforced foam respectively. Fourth model consists of 0.5 mm carbon fiber, 2.5 mm GFRP and core of low density fiber reinforced foam. Finite element analysis of existing and proposed blades is carried out and results are analyzed. Third model is finalized and manufactured based on the finite element analysis results, weight, and cost.