Surrogate-based Optimization of the Layup of a Laminated Composite Wind Turbine Blade for an Improved Power Coefficient

Most wind turbine blades are made of laminated composite materials. The mechanical properties of the material and the layup orientation influence the blade stiffness and, therefore, turbine performance. The bend-twist coupling effect, a consequence of the stacking sequence, can be used for passive control of the pitch angle, which in turn can improve the turbine performance. In this work, a surrogate-based optimization strategy which uses finite element simulation and radial basis functions is employed to optimize the stacking sequence of the blade laminate of a small wind turbine, aiming to improve the power coefficient.