Comparative analysis of carbon fibre and glass fibre in blade design
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(03), 1930-1940
Publication history:
Received on 11 November 2024; revised on 18 December 2024; accepted on 20 December 2024
Abstract:
This study investigates the performance, environmental impact, and economic viability of single-blade carbon fibre wind turbines compared to traditional three-blade glass fibre designs. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) demonstrates carbon fibre's superior stiffness and vibration properties, while Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations identify optimal aerodynamic performance at specific angles of attack. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reveals that, despite significantly higher carbon emissions and energy consumption during manufacturing, carbon fibre blades produce fewer SO₂-equivalent emissions. Economically, single-blade carbon fibre turbines present potential cost-efficiency due to reduced maintenance and extended lifespan. However, challenges such as manufacturing energy demands, environmental effects, and cost remain barriers to widespread adoption. These findings underscore carbon fibre’s suitability for applications requiring high mechanical performance and dimensional stability, establishing it as a viable material for advanced wind turbine designs.
Keywords:
Carbon fibre; Glass fibre; Wind turbine blades; Finite Element Analysis (FEA); Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Sustainable energy; Single-blade wind turbine
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Copyright information:
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0