Performance Analysis of PLA Material Based Micro-Turbines for Low Wind Speed Applications

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Aerodynamics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Wind energy conversion systems face challenges requiring innovative solutions.
• Micro wind turbines are crucial for low wind speed applications.
• Material selection significantly impacts wind turbine performance and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and analyze a 100W horizontal axis micro wind turbine for low wind speed environments.
• To evaluate the suitability of different materials for wind turbine blade construction.
• To compare the aerodynamic and structural performance of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) materials.

Main Methods:

• Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory was employed for aerodynamic blade design.
• A 3D model of the wind turbine blade was created using CREO CAD 3.0.
• Structural analysis of blades made from ABS and PLA was conducted using ANSYS 15, with varying infill densities (10%-100%) and a 0.33 mm layer thickness.

Main Results:

• The S9000 airfoil was selected for its high power generation at low wind speeds.
• PLA material exhibited lower deformation and superior structural properties (equivalent stress, equivalent strain) compared to ABS.
• Simulated and experimental results for blade structural analysis were presented.

Conclusions:

• The designed 100W micro wind turbine is suitable for low wind speed applications.
• PLA is a more advantageous material than ABS for fabricating wind turbine blades due to its enhanced structural integrity and reduced deformation.
• The study provides valuable insights into material selection for efficient and robust micro wind energy conversion.