Factors Affecting Stress Distribution in Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

In this study, three factors affecting the stress distribution along a blade length of a horizontal axis wind turbine are studied using ANSYS Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulation. The first factor is the material of the blade where a study of six homogenized orthotropic composite materials is made to select the blade material based on the total blade deformation, stress distribution and maximum equivalent stress (von-Mises). The second factor is the cross-section of the blade which is selected to be an airfoil. The third factor is the twist angle of the blade. A study of two different airfoils (NACA2412 and NACA2421) is made for straight blades and two different twist angles (3°, and 6°) of the blades using selected material (Epoxy E-Glass UD, designated “APCM DA 4518U/E-Glass Unidirectional”) from the study of the first factor to obtain results of total deformation, stress distribution and maximum equivalent stress (von-Mises). Understanding in depth the states of stresses and/or the stress distribution in wind turbine blades could improve the design of wind turbines and lessen the cost of the clean wind energy.