Abstract
In order to extract the maximum possible power, it is important that the blades of small wind turbines start rotating at the lowest possible wind speed. The starting performance of a three-bladed, 2m diameter horizontal axis wind turbine was measured in field tests, and compared with calculations employing a quasi-steady blade element analysis. Accurate predictions of rotor acceleration were made for a large range of wind speeds, using a combination of interpolated aerofoil data and generic equations for lift and drag at high angles of incidence. Also, significantly different values for the wind speeds at which the turbine rotor starts and ceases to rotate were determined, indicating limitations in the traditional method of describing starting performance with a single ‘cut-in’ wind speed based on 10-min averages of wind speed and turbine power. The blade element calculations suggest that most of the starting torque is generated near the hub, whereas most power-producing torque comes from the tip region. The significance of these results for blade design is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
