CURRENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR LARGE WIND TURBINE BLADES

摘要

This paper presents a broad overview of current research and development efforts in the area of composite material and manufacturing technologies for wind turbine blades in the 30- to 60-m range. Historic approaches to blade design and manufacturing are reviewed. Design drivers and constraints for large blades are presented, along with a summary of potential applications for carbon fibers. A major trend among turbine system developers is vertical integration of blade manufacturing. As several turbine manufacturers move toward in-house development of blade designs and manufacturing processes, a number of divergent approaches are being taken. Ongoing research programs are being funded in both the United States and Europe. Current topics include optimal use of commercial carbon fibers, load mitigation through aeroelastic tailoring, and development of improved design criteria for the load spectra and environmental conditions applicable to wind turbine blade operation. Innovative blade and rotor designs are under development with the goal of maximizing energy capture while restraining loading of the blades and turbine system.