Structural Analyses of Blades for Small Wind Generators Reinforced with Natural Fibers
Abstract
Global demand for energy is increasing at a breathtaking pace and this is particularly true in developing economies. This sharp increase in world energy demand will require significant investment in new power generating capacity, especially in the developing world. In contrast to the uncertainties surrounding supplies of conventional fuels, wind energy is a massive indigenous power source which is available in virtually every country in the world. Regional economic development is also a key factor in economic considerations surrounding wind energy. Ongoing innovations in turbine design include the use of different combinations of composite materials to manufacture blades, especially to ensure that the weight is kept to a minimum. The main goal of the present research was to manufacture and test blades for small wind generators using polymer composites having Brazilian natural fibers (jute fibers and a combination of jute and glass fibers) as reinforcement.