Abstract
Turbine blades form the main component for energy generation in renewable energy generation technologies such as wind and tidal energy. Non-crimp fabric (NCF) based fibre reinforced composite materials, with E-glass and carbon fibres have been widely used as the main materials for blades. However, sustainable composites using naturally derived fibres such as basalt, are being developed to reduce environmental impact. Basalt fibres require no chemical additives, solvents or hazardous materials for production and are recyclable. However, little information is available in the literature on the moisture ageing effects on failure modes of NCF based basalt fibre reinforced epoxy composites. Ageing is particularly important for applications in coastal wind and tidal turbine installations, which are exposed to high humidity. The current study analyses the effect of moisture ageing on flexural, interlaminar shear and in-plane shear properties and associated failure modes of NCF based basalt fibre reinforced epoxy composite at different stress levels. The results showed no significant impact on flexural stiffness of the composite, but in-plane shear stiffness and strength (flexural, interlaminar shear and in-plane shear) of the composite demonstrated a significant reduction following moisture absorption. Similar failure modes were observed in both dry and wet conditions.
Highlights
Tidal and wind energy are among the most promising renewable energy resources, with offshore energy resources producing approximately 330,000 TWh of electricity annually [1,2]
Basalt fibres are commonly used in conjunction with epoxy resin [11] but, with appropriate sizing, are compatible with resin systems such as phenolic, polyester and vinylester [7].The mechanical performance of basalt fibres is comparable to E‐glass, though with a somewhat lower strain to failure (3.15% for basalt and 4.7% for E‐glass [12]) and relatively higher density compared to E‐glass (2.8 g/cm3 for basalt and 2.6 g/cm3 for E‐ glass) [6,12]
Basalt fibre based composites provide advantages in terms of environmental impact compared to E‐glass or carbon fibres, while maintaining a competitive cost to quality ratio [6,7]
Summary
Tidal and wind energy are among the most promising renewable energy resources, with offshore energy resources producing approximately 330,000 TWh of electricity annually [1,2]. Offshore wind and tidal energy resources are both exposed to severe operating conditions such as high humidity and aggressive marine environments. For both tidal and offshore wind energy resources, turbine blades form the most important part for energy generation. Wind and tidal turbine rotor blades must be designed utilising materials that have good resistance to moisture. Non‐crimp fabric (NCF) based glass and carbon fibre reinforced composites are most commonly used for manufacturing turbine blades [4]. Basalt fibre based composites provide advantages in terms of environmental impact compared to E‐glass or carbon fibres, while maintaining a competitive cost to quality ratio [6,7]
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