Evaluation of thermoplastic composites for the manufacture of H-Darrieus wind Turbine blades on a laboratory scale

Wind energy is one of the most widely produced sources of renewable and clean electricity. However, the blades of wind turbines pose a significant environmental challenge due to the difficulty in recycling them. To address this issue, research is focused on finding a recyclable and easily manufacturable thermoplastic material. This study compares four thermoplastic materials fabricated using 3D printing: polylactic acid (PLA), PLA with carbon fiber reinforcements (PLA+C.F.), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and PETG with carbon fiber reinforcements (PETG+C.F.). The material with the best properties will be used in the manufacturing of vertical wind turbine blades. Samples underwent tests for tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, hardness, thermal aging, and UV exposure. The results demonstrated that PETG+C.F. is the most suitable material to produce wind turbine blades, as it exhibits excellent tensile and flexural strength, elasticity, thermal resistance, and improved hardness when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It was found that PETG+C.F. made at 250°C has the best properties for the fabrication of wind turbine blades. The incorporation of carbon fibers within the PETG matrix significantly improves the tensile strength.