Fatigue-Life Estimation of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Composite Blades Using Modal Analysis

Abstract

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have gained significant impact due to their belief in sustainable wind energy solutions. The primary challenge with VAWTs is complicated structural dynamics and incorporating the optimal composite blade configuration. This article presents an integrated study of the dynamic performance and fatigue-life characteristics of modern VAWT composite blades. Considering the VAWT’s design parameters, the impact of variables such as stress level, loading conditions, fiber type, laminate stacking sequences, and lamina ply angles on the dynamic behavior and fatigue life of VAWTs is investigated. Stress-life curves are generated for glass/carbon-polyester VAWT composite blade configurations. Multi-response optimization using the Taguchi technique combined with the response surface methodology is employed to model, propose, and elect the optimal VAWT composite blade configurations. Finite element analyses (FEAs) are conducted within the solidworks simulation software to simulate and predict the dynamic performance and fatigue-life characteristics of VAWT composite blades. The results show that the composite blades significantly enhance the dynamic and fatigue-life characteristics of VAWTs. Furthermore, a small damage percentage of 2.5% characterized by the FEA for the optimal VAWT composite blade configuration validated the sustainability of the VAWT composite blades in dynamic loading conditions.