Computational Analysis of a Wind Turbine Blade for Different Advanced Materials

Abstract

As wind turbine rotors grow in size and Greece advances its offshore wind energy initiatives, this study analyzes the structural behavior of offshore wind turbine blades using fluid–structure interaction (FSI) methods. The blade skin and shear webs of the International Energy Agency (IEA) 15 MW wind turbine, assumed to operate in the Aegean Sea, are examined. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted for two steady-state wind speeds based on local weather data, followed by finite element analysis (FEA) to assess advanced materials in terms of strength, cost, and carbon footprint. This is the first study to evaluate bamboo- and basalt-based composite materials under Greek offshore wind conditions using FSI methods. Bamboo composites are affordable and sustainable, but their limited durability reduces their viability in offshore environments. The simulation results indicate that using bamboo composites as blade skin may lead to damage due to the excessive loads on offshore wind turbine blades. In contrast, basalt fiber composites are also environmentally viable and offer superior strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance, making them a promising alternative. However, their naturally high density may impact the overall weight of the structure. This study concludes that offshore wind technology in the Aegean is feasible but remains costly and environmentally demanding. The further development and adoption of basalt fibers may serve as a gateway to more environmentally friendly offshore structures.