Structural Design Optimization of Wind Turbine Blade
Modern wind turbine blades operate at tip speeds exceeding 80 m/s, generating complex aerodynamic interactions across their 60-90m spans. These massive structures must balance structural integrity with aerodynamic efficiency while operating in turbulent atmospheric conditions, varying wind speeds, and changing angles of attack.
The fundamental challenge lies in optimizing blade geometry to maximize lift-to-drag ratios while maintaining structural stability across the full operational envelope.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including adaptive blade designs with variable cross-sections, optimized blade twist distributions, and innovative hub-to-tip geometries that reduce vortex formation. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that can scale to utility-grade turbines while maintaining manufacturability and service life requirements.
1. AERODYNAMIC IMPROVEMENT OF A TWO-BLADE MAGNUS WIND TURBINE: NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF AERODYNAMICS AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION
km shaimerdenova, azh tleubergenova, nk tanasheva - Buketov Karaganda State University, 2025
Improving wind power plant efficiency is crucial due to the increasing demand for renewable energy. This study analyzes aerodynamic characteristics of a equipped with two combined blades that integrate fixed and rotating cylinders. The object model designed optimize airflow direction enhance lift. methodology involves numerical modeling using Ansys Fluent software package, as well experimental testing under laboratory conditions. main results show when air-flow velocity increases from 3 12 m/s, thrust force rises 0.5 N 3.85 N. Comparative analysis minimum maximum pressure on blade surfaces demonstrates strong correlation between rotational speed elevated differentials: pmax approximately 0.4 Pa 0.7 Pa, while pmin about 0.15 Pa. coefficient decreases 1.45 1.05 Reynolds number (Re) increases, indicating improved during transition turbulent flow. A comparative data reveals deviation no more than 5%, confirming models reliability soundness research methodology. conclusions indicate employing can by 810% compared traditional designs. improvement may foster development efficient stab... Read More
2. Development of mathematical models, numerical methods, and software tools for analyzing the durability of radial turbomachinery with parameter mismatching
oleg repetckii - Irkutsk National Research Technical University, 2025
This study presents mathematical models and numerical-analytical methods for analysing static stresses, free/forced vibrations, the durability of radial turbomachinery used in power transportation systems. The research incorporates deliberate disturbances geometric, mass, mechanical parameters to evaluate their effects. finite element method is as primary analytical tool, supported by theories elasticity vibration, mechanics deformable solids, gas dynamics. methodology employs matrix computations algebraic equation systems predict service life characteristics turbomachine rotors. Custom software interfaces compatible with ANSYS commercial were developed. Computational studies demonstrated influence parameter mismatches on dynamic loads both prototype industrial compressors/turbines. For a air handling unit manufactured Schiele AG (Germany), variations resulted alteration rotor 10.76% +14.84%. numerical analysis tools implemented 2024 at Irkutsk Research Design Institute Chemical Petrochemical Engineering (Russia). efficiency prediction strength optimisation during design, fine-tun... Read More
3. Aerodynamic analysis of wind turbine blades: A numerical study
ilker yilmaz, aysegul avci, ekin akoz arslankaya - Gazi University, 2025
In this study, the aerodynamic performance of different wind turbine blades including FX 63-137, NACA 6415, 63-415 has been investigated. XFLR5 employed to analyze blade at Reynolds numbers ranging from 1.5x105 1x106 and low angles attack (00200). The lift (CL), drag(CD), pitch moment (CM) coefficients, lift/drag coefficient ratio (CL/CD) have evaluated. Numerical coefficients obtained using literature beeen compared it found that they compatible with each other. According numerical analyzes, highest coefficient-to-drag ratio, as called efficiency, was 109.14 FX63-137 Re number 1x106, lowest 2.63 blade. Also, maximum profile 104.28, while for NACA6415 102.11 1x106. analysis results show increases increase in angle up stall angle, then begins decrease all studied blades.
4. Polymer composite-based turbine in wind energy harvesting
eris elianddy supeni, azizan asarry, haider jaafar chilabi - De Gruyter, 2025
Abstract This study explores the development and optimization of polymer composite-based wind turbine blades, integrating glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) with shape memory alloy (SMA) to enhance performance in energy harvesting. Advances materials science, aerodynamics, computational modelling, structural analysis have been leveraged improve blade efficiency, durability, self-adaptive capabilities. The research employs finite element (FEA) artificial neural networks (ANN) evaluate mechanical behaviour composite blades under varying loads. A graded beam model was developed assess effects ply drop-off material distribution on integrity. Experimental validation confirmed that SMA integration enhances deformation recovery, mitigating stress accumulation improving aerodynamic stability. results demonstrate GFRP-SMA achieve a coefficient approaching Betz limit (0.5923), reducing deflections load response. Despite these advancements, challenges remain optimizing wire placement, adhesion, actuation efficiency. Future work should focus refining interfaces, developing adaptive control me... Read More
5. Assessment of Flow Dynamics of a 5-Digit Series Airfoil with Variable Aerodynamic Parameters
nwanwa vivian c, o a averkova o a, idongesit o asuquo, 2025
An airfoil is the cross-sectional shape of a wing, blade, or sail, designed to generate aerodynamic forces as it moves through air. When interacting with airflow, an generates lift and drag forces. To standardize design, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) developed various families, extensive studies focused primarily on 4-digit series. However, limited attention has been given behaviour 5-digit This study assesses performance NACA 23012, airfoil, under varying Reynolds numbers angles attack establish its suitability high wind turbind. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted at (AoA) 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 3.0106, 6.0106, 8.8106. The objective was identify conditions that yield optimal in terms lift-to-drag ratio (L/D), coefficient (CL), (CD). Results showed increase increasing AoA up critical range between 12 beyond which flow separation stall effects reduced efficiency. observed 8 angle number 8.8106, where relatively low resulted favourable ratio. A linear regression analysis revealed insignificant variation CFD results stand... Read More
6. Method for Designing Turbine Blade with Iterative Stress Analysis and Geometry Adjustment
MAPNA TURBINE ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING CO, 2025
Method for designing and manufacturing a turbine blade that optimizes blade geometry and material properties to prevent blade failure due to flutter, forced response, and synchronous vibration. The method involves analyzing stresses on the blade and using the results to modify the blade shape. If stress concentrations are found near the root or tip, fillets or thickness changes are made in those areas. If resonance frequencies are found below a certain range, additional modifications like shifting upper airfoil slices or increasing fillet radius are made. This iterative process of stress analysis and geometry adjustment aims to prevent failure mechanisms like flutter while minimizing weight and material usage.
7. Innovative Dual Rotor Wind Turbine Design Based on Humpback Whale Blades: Simulation Analysis
mais alzgool, mohammad yusri hassan, raed alzoubi - Wiley, 2025
ABSTRACT To enhance the performance of wind turbines, this study investigates integration two energy harvesting systems. An optimal turbine configuration has been identified by using dual rotor (DRWT) technology with a novel blade design known as humpback blade, which is inspired fins whales. This features tubercles and ridges along leading edge that extend over last third blade's length. The innovative lowered nominal angle attack in comparison to conventional blades, led significant boost lift notable reduction drag forces. enhancement lifttodrag ratio enabled more efficient rotation at lower speeds. Furthermore, single turbines fitted these blades showed improved extraction decreased turbulence intensity behind rotor, making them especially effective DRWT setups. results validated benefits systems, where new enhanced both upwind downwind positions, resulting higher overall output than standard blades. As result, different configurations have tested examined. proposed position resulted increase ratio. Similarly, employing . These enhancements lead greater from DRWTs compared ... Read More
8. Performance analysis of a small wind turbine rotor using CFD
pedro silva, josecley fialho goes, marciana lima goes - Servicios Academicos Intercontinentales, 2025
Facing the difficulty of accessing electricity in some locations Amazon favor emergence alternative sources such as wind energy. Despite notorious applicability using turbines for generating electricity, regions with low speeds present a challenge design efficient rotors condition. Thus, this work aims to rotor adapted speed (3.5 - 12 m/s). The proposal uses blade element theory and compare it computational fluid dynamics. turbine is horizontal axis 6.57 m diameter 4 blades. It identified that designed can obtain maximum output power 1200 W, while coefficient 0.341 0.375 BET CFD approaches, respectively. Therefore, be stated results obtained satisfactory agreement promising generation speeds.
9. Aeroelastic Analysis of a Wind Turbine with a Bamboo Honeycomb Structural Web
tao su, kai chen, qian wang - Isfahan University of Technology, 2025
As the size and flexibility of wind turbine blades increase, aeroelastic challenges faced by turbines become more pronounced. To prevent blade damage due to vibration improve stability blades, this paper proposes a bionic with web inspired bamboo honeycomb structures. The fluid-solid interaction analysis is conducted using computational fluid dynamics finite element method, based on Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-w turbulence model. displacements, stresses, strains, modal, harmonic response analyses both original are evaluated underrated operating conditions. results indicate that, compared blade, maximum displacement reduced 10.1%, stress value surface 2.1% lower, strain 2.5% lower. buffers loads in stages during deformation leading improved resistance.
10. Windmill Blade and Supporting Member Configuration with Rear Edge Midpoint Intersection for Centrifugal Force Balancing
NTN Corporation, 2024
A windmill design that improves rotation energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional windmills. The windmill has a blade with a front edge and rear edge, and a supporting member that connects the blade and shaft. The supporting member has a front end and rear end. A straight line passing through the middle of the supporting member and parallel to the radial direction intersects the blade chord line at the rear edge midpoint. This configuration balances centrifugal forces on the blade and supports them more efficiently.
11. Wind Turbine Blade System with Peripheral Rim and Interior Edge Gap Configuration
Alfred FINNELL, 2024
A wind turbine blade design with improved efficiency and bird safety. The turbine has a central hub with spokes connecting to a peripheral rim. Blades are mounted inside the rim near the edge. This reduces stress on the blades compared to cantilevered designs. The interior edge gap between blades and hub prevents birds flying into the blades. The blades rotate at a constant angle of attack. This optimizes power extraction by matching blade tip speed to the wind. The blades are adjustable for blade length variation.
12. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Rotor with Aerodynamic Blade Profiles and Specific Twist Distribution
Jan Wisniewski, 2024
Vertical axis wind turbine rotor with optimized blade twist for improved efficiency. The rotor has aerodynamic profiles with distinct leading and trailing edges that operate at blade speeds greater than 1.5 times the incoming wind speed. The blade twist is optimized by having a smaller angle shift between the trailing edge at ¼ and ½ blade height compared to the ½ and ¾ heights. This reduces flow separation and vortex formation for better lift generation. The blade twist along the whole rotor height should be at least 90% of the full angle divided by the number of blades, preferably 100-120%.
13. Expandable Blade Turbine with Rotary Shaft and Elastic Members for Variable Geometry
Ching-Cheng HUANG, 2024
Turbine design for wind power generation that improves efficiency by allowing blades to expand and close as the turbine rotates. The blades pivot on a rotary shaft and have stoppers to limit expansion angles. Elastic members connect the blades to the shaft. In the expanded position, the blades face the stoppers to capture more wind force. In the closed position, the blades are near the shaft to reduce drag. This eliminates negative power during blade reversal. The turbine can be integrated in a channel structure where the blades touch the walls when closed. The blades expand when diverted fluid flows between the walls. This allows high fluid speed entry and extraction. The turbine also integrates anti-friction members and cover sheets for pivotal motion.
14. Impeller with Outwardly Widening Blades and Overlapping Edge Segments for Wind Turbines
Kuninori Tsuda, 2024
Impeller design for wind turbines that improves power generation efficiency and noise reduction. The impeller has blades that widen outwards towards the outer edge. The blade leading and trailing edges form overlapping segments on the front and rear sides of the impeller in the front view. This configuration allows more wind area capture without increasing blade count. The wider blade shape also reduces noise by smoothing airflow transition. The impeller can be used in a streamlined wind tunnel to further enhance efficiency.
15. Concave Veined Rotating Airfoil with Motion Transmitting Members and Convex Section Connection
Maini Renewables Private Limited, 2024
Rotating airfoil design for rotating systems like wind turbines and propellers that improves efficiency compared to conventional airfoils. The rotating airfoil has a concave working surface for lift generation and a convex section connected by motion transmitting members. The concave surface has veins for boundary layer effect. This allows autorotation, rapid fluid displacement, and retardation. The veins create a disturbed layer on the surface reducing direct fluid-blade interaction and drag. The convex section connects to the power generator.
16. Cross-Flow Wind Turbine Rotor with Integrated Secondary Blades for Enhanced Energy Capture and Vibration Reduction
Velocity Wind Turbines, LLC, 2024
Wind turbine rotor design for cross-flow applications that improves efficiency and reduces vibrations compared to conventional Savonius-style turbines. The rotor has primary blades around a central axis and secondary blades positioned between the primary blades. The secondary blades are smaller than the primary blades. This configuration allows the secondary blades to capture additional wind energy and redirect it into the primary blades, enhancing overall performance. It also concentrates the force of the wind on the primary blades, reducing return drag and vibrations compared to having more primary blades.
17. Wind Turbine System with Pivoting Sub-Blades and Dual Control Arrangements for Blade Angle Adjustment
Rakesh Aggarwal, 2023
A wind turbine system with adjustable blades that can optimize drag and lift forces for higher efficiency, lower wind speeds, and reduced damage. The system has multiple blade assemblies with pivoting sub-blades. A main control unit adjusts the sub-blade angles during rotation to optimize forward drag and lift. This is done by rotating the blade shafts using primary control arrangements. The sub-blades open and close using secondary control arrangements. This allows partial or full blocking of wind flow. The blade panel design with adjustable sub-blades enables higher efficiency at lower speeds, protection against high winds, and smoother torque output during gusts.
18. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade with Leading Edge Slat and Curved Channel Featuring Airflow Blocker
KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS, 2023
A vertical axis wind turbine blade design to improve performance by delaying blade stall. The blade has a leading edge slat with a curved hollow channel extending from the slat to the blade surface. An airflow blocker obstructs the channel. This creates a suction effect that helps prevent flow separation and stall. The slanted leading edge with the curved channel and blocker allows reattachment of the airflow. The design allows higher angles of attack before stall compared to conventional blades.
19. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade with Curved Hollow Channel and Integrated Airflow Blocker
KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS, 2023
Vertical axis wind turbine blade with a curved hollow channel and an airflow blocker to delay stall and improve performance. The blade has a leading edge slat and a curved hollow channel extending from the slat to the blade surface. An airflow blocker is placed in the channel to prevent airflow separation. This creates a localized low pressure region and promotes airflow reattachment during stall conditions. The curved hollow channel and blocker design delays stall and improves performance compared to traditional blades.
20. Hollow-Center Wind Turbine with Off-Center Blade Mounting and Outer Radius Rotor Configuration
Nikolai Nikolayevich TERESHCHUK, Valerii Yurevich VOROBEV, 2023
Wind turbine design with a hollow center and blades mounted off-center to maximize power extraction. The turbine has a rotor with blades at the outer radius, mounted on supporting rods. This allows airflow to pass through the center undisrupted or accelerated to create higher velocity behind the turbine. The hollow center reduces wind drag and entrains faster moving air. The turbine can have a generator inside the center or mounted separately. The off-center blades leverage the "entrainment effect" to improve performance.
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