Mechanism of lightning damage to glass fiber composite wind turbine blades

Abstract

Wind turbine blades (WTBs) are susceptible to lightning damage, resulting in significant costs for repair and replacement, which poses a considerable economic burden on wind farms. Therefore, this study investigates the mechanism of lightning damage of glass fiber composite (GFC)-WTBs to reduce the risk of such damage. The damage of GFC-WTBs caused by lightning strikes was analyzed using a numerical simulation method. The lightning pilot was simulated using high-voltage rod electrodes, and subsequently, the electric field strength and damage area on the blade surface under different conditions were measured. Additionally, a simulation model based on finite element analysis was developed to further predict and validate the experimental findings. The results reveal that the maximum electric field intensity was observed in the blade tip. Notably, the electric field intensity was found to be over 798,000 V/m when the rod electrode was positioned at a 0-degree angle with the blade tip. Further investigation revealed a non-linear and positive correlation between the damage area of GFC and lightning current amplitude, charge, and specific energy. In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive examination of the relationship between lightning current and the damage to GFC-WTBs, as well as elucidates the mechanism of lightning damage to GFC-WTBs.