Development of Vertical Wind Turbine Blades Using <scp>4D</scp> Printing of Composites

ABSTRACT This paper presents the procedure to make vertical wind turbine blades using the technique of 4D printing of composites (4DPC). The blades are made using carbon/epoxy composite materials with a fiber volume fraction of about 60%. Even though the blade has a 3D shape with curvatures, it is made using only a flat mold. The procedure can provide time and cost savings due to the fact that molds of complex curvature are not necessary. At the same time, the material is strong, stiff, and light, giving further savings in weight and subsequent benefits in handling. Testing on wind turbines with original aluminum blades and with composite blades shows that the wind turbines with composite blades run at higher speeds.