Figure 5-3

4BW hingeless bearingless rotor. Source: Friedman (1988).

The technology to design and manufacture wind turbine blades with the desired life and reliability is emerging. Loads must be determined. Matrix strains must be computed and fatigue allowables not exceeded. Quality in fiber alignment, resin content and weight, balance, and contour must be maintained and costs kept low. To achieve these requirements, the design must be developed with state-of-the-art and emerging analytical procedures. It is far more economical to examine design alternatives on the computer than in the field.

It is clear that aggressive use of composites to reduce the weight of the rotor is of benefit to the entire wind turbine system.