Studies on a low Reynolds number airfoil for small wind turbine applications

Abstract

In contrast to large horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) that are located in areas dictated by optimum wind conditions, small wind turbines are required for producing power without necessarily the best wind conditions. A low Reynolds number airfoil was designed after testing a number of low Reynolds number airfoils and then making one of our own; it was tested for use in small HAWTs. Studies using XFOIL and wind tunnel experiments were performed on the new airfoil at various Reynolds numbers. The pressure distribution, Cp, the lift and drag coefficients, CL and CD, were studied for varying angles of attack, α. It is found that the airfoil can achieve very good aerodynamic characteristics at different Reynolds numbers and can be used as an efficient airfoil in small HAWTs.