Structural evaluation of natural fiber composite materials for low-capacity wind turbine blades

This research focuses on analyzing and evaluating the use of natural fiber composite materials as a sustainable alternative for manufacturing low-capacity wind turbine blades. A bibliographic search identified viable natural fibers, such as bamboo Guadua Obtusa and feather grass Stipa Obtusa, based on their mechanical properties. Finite element static structural simulations were performed on a wind turbine blade subjected to structural loads calculated according to the simplified load methodology outlined by the IEC 61400-12 standard. The results for conventional materials and natural fibers were evaluated. It was concluded that natural fibers are a renewable and biodegradable alternative in the manufacture of low-capacity wind turbine blades, which are currently made from synthetic materials that are difficult to recycle. However, the mechanical properties of these fibers show significant variability, attributed to factors such as species, cultivation conditions, and processing methods.