Design and Optimization of Composite Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (Hawt) Blade

Wind energy is clean and renewable source of energy that is an attractive alternative to non-conventional sources of energy. Due to rapid increase in global energy requirements, this form of energy is gaining its share of importance. Unlike nuclear power or tar sand oils, wind energy does not leave a long-term toxic legacy. Using MATLAB algorithms, multi-optimization of wind turbine design can be achieved. Therefore, an aerodynamic mathematical model is developed to obtain the optimal chord length and twist angle distribution along the blade span. Further, a promising generic blade design is used to initialize a detailed structure optimization wherein leading edge panel (LEP), Spar cap, Shear web, Trailing edge panel (TEP) reinforcement are sized using composite laminates so that the blade is according to the intended design standard. Initially blade airfoils are analyzed on 2D platform and then the results are used to construct 3D model of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) blade. The 3D designing of composite HAWT blade is done by CAD software Solidworks v16.0 through different airfoil for root, primary and tip and optimization of material thickness and overall mass reduction by the use of composite material through optimization of skin thickness of wind turbine is achieved. This paper is focused on the importance of structural design for optimization of HAWT blade. On further analysis, an increase in aerodynamic power generation as well as marked improvements in overall blade deformation and tip deflection characteristics is observed.