Design, Modelling, and Finite Element Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades for Sustainable Energy Generation

Singh, Sushil; Pulivarti, Srinivasa Rao

doi:10.26706/ijaefea.13.2.20260104

Abstract

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy solutions has driven advancements in wind turbine technology. This study focuses on the design, modeling, and finite element analysis (FEA) of wind turbine blades to assess their structural and aerodynamic performance. A key aspect of the research is the comparative evaluation of different manufacturing materials, including fiberglass, carbon fiber composites, and aluminum alloys, to determine their impact on strength, weight, and durability. The methodology involves developing a detailed 3D CAD model of the wind turbine blade in SolidWorks, ensuring precise geometric representation. The model is then imported into ANSYS Workbench for structural and aerodynamic analysis under realistic operating conditions. The blade is subjected to various loading scenarios, including wind pressure, centrifugal forces, and gravitational effects, to analyze key performance parameters such as stress distribution, deformation, and fatigue life. Additionally, material-specific simulations are conducted to compare mechanical behavior and longevity. The expected results highlight the advantages and limitations of different materials in wind turbine blade applications. By assessing structural integrity and fatigue resistance, the study provides insights into material selection for improved efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in wind energy generation. The findings serve as a reference for engineers and manufacturers in developing cost-effective and high-performance wind turbine blades for future renewable energy projects.

Keywords

Wind Turbine Blades Finite Element Analysis Sustainable Energy Generation Structural Analysis Composite Materials Stress Distribution Deformation Analysis SolidWorks Modeling ANSYS Simulation Renewable Energy Load Analysis

References

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[1] K. Mevada, “Finite Element Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Using Different Materials,” International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA), vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 145–150, 2014.

[2] D. R. Pardo and K. Branner, “Finite Element Analysis of the Cross-Section of Wind Turbine Blades; A Comparison Between Shell and 2D-Solid Models,” Wind Engineering, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 25–32, 2005.

[3] M. Elsherif, A. El-Baz, and M. El-Sayed, “Material Selection and Structural Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades Using CFD and FEA Techniques,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 72, part 3, pp. 1347–1352, 2023.

[4] S. N. Prajapati and M. Kumar, “Structural Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Based on NACA 4420 Airfoil Using Finite Element Method,” International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 612–620, 2017.

[5] M. Appadurai and E. Fantin Irudaya Raj, “Finite Element Analysis of Composite Wind Turbine Blades for Enhanced Structural Performance,” International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 45–50, 2016.

[6] B. Yamina, M. S. Belhadi, and A. B. Chaouche, “Modeling and Stress Analysis of a 61.5 m Wind Turbine Blade Using Finite Element Method,” Renewable Energy, vol. 83, pp. 1116–1126, 2015.

[7] N. Navadeh, M. Tahani, and M. H. Moradi, “Vibration Characteristics and Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades Using Finite Element Analysis,” Composite Structures, vol. 159, pp. 93–103, 2017.

[8] H. J. Kim and J.-R. Cho, “Numerical Study on the Static Bending Response of Cracked Wind Turbine Blades Reinforced with Graphene Platelets,” Nanomaterials, vol. 14, no. 24, p. 2020, 2024.

[9] M. Nachtane, M. Tarfaoui, A. El Moumen, and K. Saifaoui, “Structural Performance Assessment of Composite Wind Turbine Blades Under Critical Loading Conditions,” Composite Structures, vol. 182, pp. 113–121, 2017.

[10] M. Tarfaoui, A. El Moumen, M. Nachtane, and K. Saifaoui, “Finite Element Investigation of Damage Progression in Large Composite Wind Turbine Blades,” Composite Structures, vol. 133, pp. 632–641, 2015.