Natural-Fibre-Reinforced Composite-Based Micro-Size Wind Turbines: Numerical Analysis and Feasibility Study

Abstract

Due to their inherent advantages, micro-sized horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) are preferred over vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) for urban applications. Typically, HAWTs on the market are constructed using steel, alloys, or fibre-reinforced composites, with the latter being the most economical and stable in comparison to steel and alloy-based HAWTs. Nevertheless, in light of the increased emphasis on cost savings and environmental sustainability, natural-fibre composites have become more desirable. This study focuses on the implementation of flax-fibre-reinforced HAWT wind blades designed for urban applications in particular. The proposed wind blades were designed using CATIA and their feasibility and performance were evaluated via numerical analyses in ANSYS. Structural, modal, and harmonic analyses were conducted under various loading conditions. The results indicate that flax-fibre-reinforced wind blades possess higher natural frequencies, greater stability, and lower deflection amplitudes at resonance frequencies than other materials.

Keywords

• horizontal axis wind turbines
• flax-fibre-reinforced composites
• CATIA
• ANSYS
• numerical analysis
• natural frequency