Composite materials have revolutionized many industries including aerospace, automotive and now renewable energy. Composites are increasingly being used in wind turbine blades due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and durability. Composites allow for longer, more flexible blades that can harness greater amounts of wind energy. Made from glass or carbon fiber reinforced plastics, wind turbine composites are helping drive down the cost of wind power.

Advantages of Using Composites in Wind Turbines
The primary advantage of Wind Turbine Composites materials for wind turbine blades is their high strength and stiffness relative to their weight. Fiber reinforced plastics can be 80% stronger than steel yet only one-quarter of the density. This means longer blades can be made without exceeding weight limits for transport and installation. Longer blades access faster higher winds, greatly increasing energy capture. Composites are also non-conductive and corrosion resistant, important in the harsh marine environments where many farms are located. Repairs to composite blades are easier as they do not require specialist welding skills.

Materials Used in Wind Turbine Composites
The most common composite materials used in blade construction are glass-fiber reinforced and carbon-fiber reinforced plastics. Glass-fiber composites represent the bulk of the market currently due their lower cost compared to carbon fibers. Around 70% of blades manufactured are made from glass-fiber reinforced plastics using epoxies or polyester resins. These offer strength and stiffness at an economical price point. Increasingly, higher performance carbon-fiber composites are being used where increased stiffness and reduced mass are design drivers. Carbon-fiber composites can increase annual energy capture by up to 6%.

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