The global wind energy industry achieved a significant milestone by reaching a total capacity of one terawatt (TW) by the end of 2023, underscoring the increasing importance of wind energy as a sustainable energy source (Global Wind Energy Outlook, 2022). This study focuses on the simulation and dynamic analysis of an H-Darrieus wind turbine rotor using 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Key structural parameters, including natural frequencies, associated vibration modes, and mass participation rates, were determined to optimize the rotor performance. A novel blade design is proposed in this work, offering a lighter and more robust alternative to traditional rotor blades manufactured from composites, like fiberglass-polyester, fiberglass-epoxy, or combinations with wood and carbon. The lighter design enhances the startup performance at low wind speeds, while the improved strength and fixing mechanisms ensure resilience against the increasingly severe sandstorms reported in recent years. The vibration dynamics of the rotor under critical wind loads were analyzed using the SolidWorks Simulation software, yielding highly satisfactory results. The stability and reliability of the rotor were validated, as the dynamic performance indices, and the quality criteria meet the requirements for optimal operation.

A Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) comprises multiple parts constructed from different materials. This complexity presents challenges in designing the blade structure. In this study, we investigated a structural optimization of a small-scale blade for a VAWT, with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model. The purpose is to minimize the blade mass while adhering to a suite of critical wind conditions according to the IEC 61400-2 Standard. The structure made from Aluminum material simulates structure’s global behavior to determine maximum stress and deflection levels. The same structure is modeled using Glass/Epoxy composite for optimizing its design. Twenty combinations of Glass/Epoxy layers, varying in ply thickness and orientation, are simulated to find the most suitable combination. Results demonstrated that the optimization case [45°/90°/0°/−45°] obtained the minimum values of stress and deflection, is 59% lighter than Aluminum blade (initial design). The designed Glass/Epoxy composite blade is acceptable and recommended for structural safety.

The mast support for small vertical axis wind turbine is considered an important parameter during the design process of wind turbine structure. It has been receiving a great attention by researchers and academics. This study presents a numerical investigation on the static and buckling strength behaviors of whole wind turbine mast structure by means Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technique. The FEA simulations are performed in order to evaluate the reliability and the strength of the mast structure under the extreme wind conditions (IEC 61400-2 and Eurocode 1991-1-4 standards) and gravity loads. The simulation results show that the mast structure will not undergo structural failure because the maximum stress induced is less than the yield strength of the material and the maximum displacement is within material allowable deformation limit. In addition, the buckling strength of the structure meets requirement of design.

As a key wind turbine element, the blade is a determining factor for reliability and efficiency of the turbine system and a main source of complicated and critical loads. In this present investigation, the strength behavior of a small composite blade for H-type Darrieus wind turbine was studied. Firstly, three-dimensional (3D) modelling of the blade structure with NACA 0018 airfoil profile was established. Secondly, the Finite element analysis (FEA) technique was conducted to perform the strength analysis of the blade structure subjected to extreme climatic conditions by means SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION software. This analysis was performed to identify the resistance, stiffness and reliability of the composite blade structure. The results from FEA identify that the structure of the blade will not be subjected to structural failure during WT operation (0 ~ 19 m/s) according to maximum principal stress equivalent (von Mises) and maximum displacements.