Advancement of energy harvesting using smart materials and composites
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Eris E. Supeni
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Azizan As’arry
Abstract
This study explores advancements in energy harvesting using smart materials and composite structures, focusing on integrating shape memory alloys (SMAs) into wind turbine blades. The research investigates the structural and thermo-mechanical behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites and SMA wires, emphasizing their potential in improving blade adaptability and stress recovery. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental methods are utilized to evaluate deflection, load correlation, and actuation efficiency. Results demonstrate that suspended SMA wires enhance deflection recovery with lower energy loss compared to embedded configurations. A neural network model predicts deformation behavior based on load, current, and wire count. Additionally, SMA integration improves the power coefficient (Cp), bringing turbine efficiency closer to the Betz limit. Despite challenges such as nonuniform prestrain and material degradation at attachment points, this study confirms the feasibility of SMA-driven adaptive blades for wind energy applications. Future work includes optimizing SMA deployment in real-scale wind turbines through dynamic analysis and aerodynamic performance testing.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the editors – S.M. Sapuan, Mohd Roshdi Hassan, Eris Elianddy Supeni, and Azizan As’arry – for their valuable guidance and thorough review of this article prior to its publication.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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