(Vistex Composites LLC)
Vistex Composites and Ducted Turbines International, in collaboration, developed an innovative carbon fiber composite residential wind turbine blade. Three innovative features have improved performance and reduced costs as compared to aluminum blades: 1) The blade has a unique geometry customized for composites that captures more low-wind speeds, 2) The lightweighting reduces the blade weight by roughly 29 lbs. This allows the blade to capture low-wind speeds and reduces the installation cost, 3) To reduce stress concentrations associated with bolt holes in the blade root a novel design has been developed that reduces costs and assembly complexity.