Evaluation of the Performance of the Composite Bamboo/Epoxy Laminated Material for Wind Turbine Blades Technology

Abstract

Global energy sources such as coal and oil are limited, and the burning of such fossil resources creates pollution problems. Wind energy offers one of several promising clean alternatives to carbon-based fuels. However, the composite materials currently available for producing wind turbine blades cannot accommodate the scale-up of wind energy due to their high price and disposal challenges (e.g., carbon fiber/epoxy laminated, fiber-reinforced plastics) or environmental costs (e.g., wood/epoxy laminate materials derived from large-diameter natural forest wood). The purpose of this study was to explore the advantages of the composite bamboo/epoxy laminated material as a more cost-effective, sustainable alternative. Applying the classical theory of composite laminated plates, this study tested a prediction model of the composite bamboo/epoxy laminated material's elastic modulus values. The model accurately predicted the end product's elastic modulus values according to the single bamboo board's elastic modulus values and its manner of assembly, without destroying the material’s basic structure and integrity. The composite bamboo/epoxy laminated material was judged to be less expensive than carbon fiber/epoxy laminated, fiber-reinforced plastics and to have advantageous mechanical properties relative to conventional wood/epoxy laminate materials.

Keywords

• Wind turbine blades composite materials
• Moso bamboo
• Prediction model
• Wood/epoxy laminate materials
• Elastic modulus
• Mechanical properties