In this paper, an optimization approach of a small horizontal axis wind turbine based on BEM theory including De Vries and Shen et al. tip loss corrections is proposed. The optimal blade geometry was obtained by maximizing the power coefficient along the blade using the optimal angle of attack and the optimal tip speed ratio. The Newton’s iterative method applied to axial induction factor was used to solve the problem. This study was conducted for a NACA4418 small wind turbine, at low wind velocity. Among the two used tip loss corrections, the De Vries correction was found to be the most suitable for this blade optimization method. The optimal design was obtained for a tip speed ratio of 5 and has recorded a power coefficient equal to 0.463.
The present work aims to study the aerodynamic characteristics of a newly designed three-bladed horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) using the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) method. The blade geometry is designed using an improved Blade Element Momentum (BEM) method to be similar in size to the Ampair300 wind turbine. The shear stress transport (SST) transition turbulence model closure is utilized to solve the steady state three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The Ansys Fluent CFD solver is used to solve the problem. Then, a comparison between the two turbines’ operating conditions is conducted by monitoring the pressure coefficient, pressure contours and velocity vectors at five different radial positions. The analysis of the Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) effects on the turbine efficiency and on the flow behavior on the blade and in the near wake is carried out. For 8 m/s wind speed, the optimum pitch angle is also investigated, and the results are prepared against each TSR.
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