Technology / Blades
Fiberglass Wind Turbine Blades
MARSTON's five electric-yaw wind turbine models use glass-fiber-reinforced polymer blades. The range combines this composite material with rotor diameters from 5 to 14 metres. Understanding the material, blade geometry and complete rotor helps connect a product specification with the equipment your project needs.
Material. Geometry. Rotor.
A blade has both an aerodynamic and a structural role. Its shape creates the forces that turn the rotor, while its construction carries those forces into the hub. These two roles belong in the same engineering discussion.
01 / Composite construction
Glass reinforcement in a polymer matrix.
Fiberglass is a composite material, rather than a single homogeneous substance.
Glass fibres provide reinforcement within a polymer resin matrix. The matrix holds the reinforcement together and transfers loads between fibres. The resulting component depends on both constituents and the way they are arranged.
MARSTON uses GFRP blades on the 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 kW models. A material name alone does not establish blade strength, fatigue life or environmental limits; these depend on the specific construction and its verification.
Reinforcement
Fibre orientation and quantity influence how a composite carries loads in different directions.
Matrix
The resin binds the reinforcement into the blade structure. The selected resin system is a model-specific material detail.
02 / Aerodynamic form
Read the shape from root to tip.
Blade length is only one part of the geometry.
The airfoil is the blade's cross-sectional profile. Chord is the distance between its leading and trailing edges. Twist describes how the section angle changes along the span. Together, these features influence the forces generated as air passes the rotating blade.
The blade root connects this aerodynamic surface to the hub. Its interface must match the specified rotor assembly. An outline drawing is useful for dimensions; a separate approved structural drawing is needed to describe internal construction.
Working surface
The leading edge, trailing edge and airfoil surface are distinct features that can be identified on a blade drawing.
Root interface
Blade-to-hub dimensions and assembly requirements belong to the selected model and drawing revision.
03 / Product integration
Choose the complete rotor system.
Rotor diameter describes the swept circle, not the length of one blade.
A circular rotor sweeps an area of πD²/4. A larger diameter therefore increases swept area, but does not by itself establish electrical output. Energy production also depends on the wind resource, turbine operating behaviour and electrical configuration.
Use the model list below to identify the matching turbine. For installation and service, the relevant documents are its blade drawing, hub interface and assembly instructions. Inspection procedures and intervals should follow that model's service documentation.
Compare blade material comparisons and chord, twist and airfoil geometry using the component record. Review blade coatings and erosion exposure and blade-root and hub interfaces as separate interface and exposure topics.
Power and diameter
Rated power and rotor diameter describe different aspects of the machine; retain both when comparing models.
Site and performance
A site-specific energy estimate needs a wind-speed distribution and a suitable model power curve.
Five models. Five rotor diameters.
All five models use GFRP blades and electric yaw. Dimensions describe the complete rotor.
| Turbine model | Rated power / Rotor diameter | Specification scope |
|---|---|---|
| FD5-5KW | 5 kW / 5 m | Rated power / rotor diameter |
| FD7.5-10KW | 10 kW / 7.5 m | Rated power / rotor diameter |
| FD10-20KW | 20 kW / 10 m | Rated power / rotor diameter |
| FD12-30KW | 30 kW / 12 m | Rated power / rotor diameter |
| FD14-50KW | 50 kW / 14 m | Rated power / rotor diameter |
Technical questions.
Are fiberglass and GFRP the same material description?
In this context, yes. GFRP means glass-fiber-reinforced polymer; fiberglass composite is the familiar description. Neither term identifies a specific resin grade or laminate construction.
Does a 14 m rotor have 14 m blades?
No. Rotor diameter measures the complete swept circle. Individual blade length also depends on the hub geometry and must come from the blade drawing.
Can blades be exchanged between different turbine models?
Do not assume interchangeability. The blade geometry, root connection, loading and rotor configuration must match the turbine. Identify the model and existing blade before discussing a service requirement.
Engineering enquiries
Start with the rotor your project needs.
Share the turbine model, site wind information and installation requirements. Discuss the applicable blade and rotor information with MARSTON.