Design and Finite Element Modal Analysis of 48m Composite Wind Turbine Blade

Abstract

We currently notice a substantial growth in the wind energy sector worldwide. This growth is expected to be even faster in the coming years. This means that a massive number of wind turbine blades will be produced in the forthcoming years. There is a large potential for materials savings in these blades. The analysis of designed blade is done in dynamic loading. Five types of spars cross-section are taken in this work. The blade and spar are of composite material. The Finite element modal analysis of designed blade is done in ABAQUS. The scope of the present work is to investigate the structural modal analysis of full-scale 48m fiberglass composite wind turbine blades for 5MW horizontal axis wind turbine and through this to assess the potential for materials savings and consequent reductions of the rotor weight. The entire wind turbine can benefit from such weight reductions through decreased dynamics loads and thus leave room for further optimization. A numerical work has been used to address the most adequate spar shape and to get an understanding of the complex structural behavior of wind turbine blades. Five different types of structural reinforcements helping to prevent undesired structural elastic mechanisms are presented. Comparisons of the eigenfrequencies observed in the full-scale tests are presented and conclusions are drawn based on the mechanisms found.

Comparison of wind turbine blade structural models of different levels of complexity against experimental data

“…The use of this kind of model is well documented for the computation of natural frequencies, deflection, stresses, strains and buckling [20][21][22][23][24] (for instance). However, a difficulty arises for computing the blade cross-sectional properties needed for the aeroelastic analysis and it is to this task that the remaining of this section is dedicated.…”

A Comprehensive Numerical Investigation on the Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Composite Tidal Current Turbine under Accidental Impact

“…shows the 3D structure of the marine turbine and its hydrodynamic profile, which was traced using Heliciel software [11]. This structure was integrated into the Abaqus software based on finite element analysis (FEA) to perform simulations of accidental impact study during installation and to predict its dynamic behaviour and mechanical performance [12].…”

Numerical investigation of ice accretion on an offshore composite wind turbine under critical loads

“…Increasing global primary energy supply and greenhouse gas emissions have become priority challenges confronting us today and must be faced by humanity. However, it is necessary to take stock of the development of renewable energies, which represent a perfect solution and an alternative to fossil fuels 1,2 . Wind energy is a promising and economical renewable source of energy capable of generating electricity, which has increased considerably since the 90s.…”

“…However, it is necessary to take stock of the development of renewable energies, which represent a perfect solution and an alternative to fossil fuels. 1,2 Wind energy is a promising and economical renewable source of energy capable of generating electricity, which has increased considerably since the 90s. It uses only the force of the wind, has no negative effect on the environment and is endless.…”