Wind Turbine Blade

Wind turbine blades are shaped to generate the maximum power from the wind at the minimum cost. Primarily the design is driven by the aerodynamic requirements, but economics mean that the blade shape is a compromise to keep the cost of construction reasonable. In particular, the blade tends to be thicker than the aerodynamic optimum close to the root, where the stresses due to bending are greatest.

The blade design process starts with a “best guess” compromise between aerodynamic and structural efficiency. The choice of materials and manufacturing process will also have an influence on how thin (hence aerodynamically ideal) the blade can be built.