Materials and Manufacturing Techniques of Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade

Regarding the suitable potential for wind energy in Iran, it is possible to employ small wind turbines such as large ones to supply part of the electricity load of the country. The present study deals with materials used in small horizontal axis wind turbine blades and their fabrication methods. To this end, the wood and the composite, as the two main materials used in blades, have been investigated. Then, the main methods of producing wooden and composite blades have been analyzed. Finally, the 3D printing method and polymer materials used in this technique have been introduced. The study shows that the fatigue parameter has an important role in determining the blade’s material and the fabrication method. Despite the environmental benefits of using wood, the complexity and the manufacturing costs prevent rapid and affordable production of wooden blades. On the other hand, the mass production of composite blades is more economical, although it has environmental impacts. Despite the fatigue issue of the 3D printed blades, the 3D printing method is a fast and relatively inexpensive technique for fabrication of small wind turbine models for wind tunnel tests.