Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2024-1
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2024-1
14 Feb 2024
 | 14 Feb 2024
Status: a revised version of this preprint is currently under review for the journal WES.

Structural Design Optimization of Laminated Composites for Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades: A Single Objective Approach

Ahmed Ali Geneid, Mostofa R. Atia, Adel Elsabbagh, and Mohammed Hedaya

Abstract. Vertical-axis wind turbines are considered a proper solution for today's energy needs. To make it affordable for domestic usage, this requires a reduction in the turbine cost, blade weight, and an increase in blade life. The challenge in VAWT blade design is fatigue and blade life prediction, besides surviving centrifugal force and repeated load pattern effects. The paper focuses on the blade structure modelling and optimization to assess the design for integrity, fatigue, life, sustainability, and cost. The presented model can examine varied materials, including new biodegradable materials, while reducing computation time and resources. The structure analysis is based on classical lamination theory (CLT) and polynomial failure theory (Tsai-Hill and Tsai-Wu). Fatigue analysis and blade life are based on damage evaluation using Miner’s rule for loading steps, evaluated stresses and strains, and loading cases. The approximation model simplifies the dynamic and fatigue analysis procedures to make the model integrable with the optimization method. The beam element method is used to approximate the fundamental frequencies of blade structure. The genetic algorithm is the optimization method used for single objective function, non-linear constrained, mixed integer problem. Decision variables vary according to the scope of optimization which includes the five main composite structure parameters: lamina thickness, orientation, volume fraction, and material selection for resin and fiber. However, in the case of pre-defined laminae materials, only the thickness, orientation, and selection index are used. The commercial finite element software ANSYS is used to validate results.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Ahmed Ali Geneid, Mostofa R. Atia, Adel Elsabbagh, and Mohammed Hedaya

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on wes-2024-1', Steffen Czichon, 20 Feb 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ahmed Geneid, 23 Apr 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on wes-2024-1', Anonymous Referee #2, 25 Mar 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ahmed Geneid, 23 Apr 2024
  • CC1: 'Comment on wes-2024-1', David Wood, 27 Mar 2024
Ahmed Ali Geneid, Mostofa R. Atia, Adel Elsabbagh, and Mohammed Hedaya
Ahmed Ali Geneid, Mostofa R. Atia, Adel Elsabbagh, and Mohammed Hedaya

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Short summary
The paper presents an integrated model to be used in the design of a vertical-axis wind turbine blade to include the four critical design parameters, which are mass, cost, life, and fundamental frequency. The model is embedded in an optimization approach. The inclusion of fatigue and blade life assessments has a great impact on optimum results. The approach has low computational time and is capable of generating new materials with a higher sustainability index (100 % eco-friendly).
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