Design of a fibrous composite preform for wind turbine rotor blades

•Gradually outline of the design process of a composite preform.•Detailed discussion on considerations, challenges and possible solutions.•Unique insight into a closed business community.•Composite preform design is a complicated, complex, and challenging task.

The present work addresses the different factors and challenges one must cope with in the design process of a composite preform used for the load-carrying main laminate of a wind turbine rotor blade. The design process is split up into different key elements, each of which are presented and discussed separately. The key elements are all interconnected, which complicate the design process and involves an iterative procedure. The aim is to provide an overview of the process that governs the design of composite preforms for wind turbine blades. The survey can be used as an information source on composite preform manufacturing. Basic knowledge on wind turbine blade technology and composites is assumed.