Juan pablo vanegas alzate

Mr. Juan pablo vanegas alzate


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 October 2025 in Energies
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Journal Article
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JAJuan pablo vanegas alzate
Juan pablo vanegas alzate
MRMaria Restrepo
Maria Restrepo
José Torres-MadroñeroJosé Torres-Madroñero
José Torres-Madroñero
César Nieto-LondoñoCésar Nieto-Londoño
César Nieto-Londoño
GBGerman Alberto Barragan
German Alberto Barragan
DRDaniel Restrepo-Montoya
Daniel Restrepo-Montoya
Small-scale wind turbines (SWTs) represent a promising solution for the energy transition and the decentralization of electricity generation in non-interconnected areas. Conventional strategies to improve SWT performance often rely on active pitch control, which, while effective at rated conditions, is too costly and complex for small systems. An alternative is passive pitch control through bend–twist coupling in the blade structure, which enables self-regulation and improved power generation. This work proposes a novel blade design methodology for a 5 kW SWT that integrates passive bend–twist coupling with conventional pitch adjustment, thereby creating a hybrid passive–active control strategy. The methodology encompasses the definition of aerodynamic blade geometry, laminate optimization via genetic algorithms combined with finite element analysis, and experimental characterization of composite materials. Aerodynamic–structural interactions are studied using one-way fluid–structure simulations, with responses analyzed through the blade element momentum method to assess turbine performance. The results indicate that the proposed design enhances power generation by about 4%. The study’s originality lies in integrating optimization, structural tailoring, and material testing, offering one of the first demonstrations of combined passive–active pitch control in SWTs, and providing a cost-effective route to improve efficiency and reliability in decentralized renewable energy systems.