Comparative Study of Blade Material Selection for Hybrid Wind-Water Turbine Applications

Abstract

Hybrid wind–water turbines represent an emerging solution to enhance renewable energy capture across diverse environmental conditions. A key determinant of their efficiency and longevity is the selection of suitable blade materials capable of withstanding both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces, as well as environmental stressors such as salinity, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study presents a comparative evaluation of five candidate materials such as glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), aluminum alloy (6061-T6), stainless steel (316L), and natural fiber composites for hybrid turbine blade applications. The assessment draws upon published mechanical and environmental data to evaluate each material in terms of tensile strength, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability. CFRP demonstrates the highest mechanical strength, whereas GFRP offers an optimal balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. Natural fiber composites show strong sustainability potential but limited mechanical reliability. Metallic options provide robustness yet face constraints in weight and corrosion management. No single material proves universally superior; the optimal choice depends on contextual design and operational requirements. GFRP is recommended for general-purpose applications due to its practical balance, while CFRP remains ideal for high-performance conditions. This comparative framework provides a reference for future experimental validation and supports material selection strategies for next-generation hybrid renewable energy systems.