Effect of Stacking Sequence on the Hybrid Laminated Composite for Savonius Wind Turbine Blades

This study focused on the effect stacking sequence to selection Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) blades. It was constructed from a Hybrid Laminated Composite (HLC) combine Glass (G) and Jute (J) fibers embedded in an unsaturated polyester matrix. The L-shaped turbine blades designed using Inventor software, and the blade shape was formed using a letter-shaped galvanized material as mold. HLC panels were produced using a Vacuum Bagging (VB) process with five stacking sequences: GJGJG, JJGGG, JGGGJ, GGJGG and GJJJG. The VB process was conducted under a vacuum pressure on one bar. The mechanical strength of the HLC blades was evaluated through tensile and flexural tests. The HLC blades demonstrated several advantages, including high strength, lightweight, flexibility and resistance to environmental factors. Among the configurations, the HLC with stacking sequence GGJGG exhibited the best mechanical strength. Its high density (1.37 gr/cm3) contributed to the highest tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of 91.68 MPa and 2.82 GPa, respectively. Additionally, It achieved the highest flexural strength and modulus of 227 MPa and 11.5 GPa, respectively. The lightweight GGJGG of the blade, weighing only 970 gr, make it a promising candidate for VAWT application. Furthermore, the blade demonstrated good thermal performance with a maximum temperature resistance (Tmax) 335 °C.