Optimization of Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Based on Aerodynamic, Steady-State, and Dynamic Analyses

Abstract

In this article, the model of a 5 kW small wind turbine blade is developed and improved. Emphasis has been placed on improving the blade’s efficiency and aerodynamics and selecting the most optimal material for the wind blade. The QBlade software was used to enhance the chord and twist. Also, a new finite element model was developed using the ANSYS software to analyze the structure and modal problems of the wind blade. The results presented the wind blade’s von Mises stresses and deformations using three different materials (Carbon/epoxy, E-Glass/epoxy, and braided composite). The modal analysis results presented the natural frequencies and mode shapes for each material. It was found, based on the results, that the maximum deflections of E-glass, braided composite and carbon fiber were 46.46 mm, 33.54 mm, and 18.29 mm, respectively.

Keywords

• aerodynamic
• wind turbine
• modal analysis
• composite material
• FE method
• QBlade software