QBlade Software Research Articles

Enhancing aerodynamic efficiency: shape modification of airfoils

Small wind turbines (SWTs) are essential for harnessing renewable energy, particularly in developing regions where energy demands are significant. They provide a sustainable solution to meet the critical energy needs of these areas. However, the low Reynolds number (Re) airflow characteristics can pose challenges, making optimising airfoil shapes essential for enhancing aerodynamic performance and energy capture. This study offers a thorough analysis of six different airfoil profiles within a Re range of 50k to 500k. Modifications to the thickness-to-camber ratio (t/c) were strategically targeted to improve aerodynamic efficiency and structural viability. Using QBLADE software, we evaluated these design alterations to optimise the lift coefficient ( C L ), drag coefficient ( C D ), stall angle of attack ( α stall ) and lift-to-drag coefficient ratio (L/D). The analysis revealed significant improvements in the maximum power coefficient ( C p . max ), with the modified BW-3 airfoil achieving a C p . max of 0.441 at a Re of 500k – a remarkable 40.5% increase over baseline values. This consistent enhancement across various Re emphasises the essential impact of aerodynamic design in enhancing energy capture and reinforcing the feasibility of SWT applications across diverse operating conditions, along with material savings that lead to lighter wind turbine (WT) blades.

A Comparison of a Three Blade and Five Blade Wind Turbine in Terms of the Mechanical Properties Using the Q-Blade Software

يمكن لتوربينات الرياح المنتشرة في مزارع الرياح على نطاق المرافق أن تدعم تلبية رغبات الطاقة المستقبلية وتقليل انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون عن طريق تقليل متطلبات الطاقة من الوقود الأحفوري. مع ارتفاع درجة حرارة الهواء على مدار اليوم، تزداد سرعة الرياح بسبب تدرجات درجة الحرارة، والتي تنتج تدرجًا في الكثافة / الضغط، مما يؤدي إلى حركة الهواء التي تواجهها توربينات الرياح. اعتمادًا على تضاريس الأرض، يمكن أن تواجه الرياح وتوجه في الوديان بين التلال وفوقها حيث تتدفق وتتبع منحنيات الأرض. تنتج هذه التضاريس زيادة في سرعة الرياح في القمم والتلال. في هذا العمل، تم تصميم شفرة دوار توربينات الرياح الأفقية الصغيرة للعمل في ظل سرعة الرياح المنخفضة، باستخدام برنامج (Q-Blade). استنادًا إلى نظرية عنصر الشفرة (BEM). مع الجنيح NACA3712. تم استخدام دوار ثلاثي الشفرات ودوار بخمس شفرات بناءً على نوع التوربين وحجم الدوار لتوليد الطاقة الميكانيكية من طاقة الرياح. تم إجراء مقارنة وتحليل قوة التوربين ومعامل القدرة ومعامل عزم الدوران عند سرعة رياح منخفضة ((1m/s-8m/s وتم الحصول على نتائج دقيقة للغاية. وجد أن أفضل أداء يمكن أن يعمل فيه دوار توربيني ثلاثي الشفرات بقدرة توربينية تبلغ (955W) كما تم الحصول على قدرة التوربين ((582W للدوار خماسي الشفرات. وجد أن تصميم توربينة رياح أفقية صغيرة بخمس ريش أفضل من التوربين بثلاث ريش ومناسب للعمل في المناطق ذات سرعة الرياح المنخفضة وبكفاءة عالية مقارنة بحجم التوربين.

Analysis of the Eddy current of water heating device to convert wind energy directly into heat: Case study maldo island, South Korea

The Eddy Current of Water Heating (ECWH) system introduces a pioneering approach for converting wind energy into heat, marking a significant step in renewable energy technology. The current study focuses on refining the ECWH system by evaluating eight distinct heat generator models. Each model is selected based on its magnet configurations and pole numbers to maximize power efficiency at rotational speeds ranging from 100 to 500 rpm. This selection strategy is designed to provide a deep understanding of not only system efficiency across a spectrum of technical specifications but also the practical limitations of experimental research considerations. Energy efficiency is thoroughly analyzed for four models over a power input range of 120 to 2193 W. Wind speed data collected over a year from Maldo Island, west coast of South Korea, simulates the Weibull distribution of wind speeds and estimates total power production by employing the QBlade software. This study aims to explore the practicality of converting wind's kinetic energy directly into thermal energy through the ECWH system. Our findings indicate that the ECWH system outperforms conventional permanent magnet alternators, particularly in its ability to generate more power at lower angular velocities and wind speeds—a crucial feature for locales like Maldo Island, where typical wind speeds range from 3 to 6 m/s, considered low to moderate. With an energy efficiency exceeding 90%, generating an annual power output of 2266.3 kWh, and achieving a facility utilization rate of 10.34%, the results underscore the potential of the ECWH system as an efficient and sustainable solution for heating in areas with similar wind conditions.

Consideration of various configurations of SG6043-based rotor applied in small capacity horizontal axis wind turbine

The SG6043 airfoil model is well known for its high aerodynamic efficiency and it is suitable for designing small wind turbine blades. This paper determined the optimal blade configurations using only the SG6043 airfoil model with ten different lengths from 1 m to 10 m. Then, it proposed the most suitable model for a rated wind speed of 5 m/s in Vietnam. The chord and twist values of each blade’s part were optimized by using the Betz optimization method (BOM) in the Qblade open software. Several important characteristic quantities such as lift coefficient (Cl), drag coefficient (Cd), power factor (Cp) and power (P) of the different blade configurations are determined by using a combination of both XFLR5 code and Qblade software. After that, parameters related to operation such as pitch angle and rotation speed of the rotor were also investigated to find the operating conditions for the best efficiency of wind energy exploitation. The obtained results show that the Cp of the blades has a maximum value of about 0.476 and the P has a value of up to 95.319 kW in operating conditions with a wind speed range between 1 m/s and 10 m/s. In addition, the ratios of power to blade surface area (P/S) and the ratios of power to blade volume (P/V) at the wind speed of 5 m/s were also investigated. The results show that rotors with blades ranging from 3 m to 5 m will give much higher P/S and P/V values than other blade configurations under these operating conditions. This emphasizes that these blade configurations will bring more economic benefit because they will consume less material and reduce production time while still ensuring the required capacity value. Finally, the 5 m blade rotor with a capacity of 2.750 kW at a rated wind speed of 5 m/s was proposed as the rotor suitable for individual household use. This design can help millions of Vietnamese households be proactive in their power source, thereby contributing to the significant reduction of CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants.

The effect of airfoil type and wind speed on HAWT wind turbine performance using QBlade software

Energy transition is critical in the context of the current global climate situation. It is also important for Indonesia to achieve Sustainable Development in the Clean and Affordable Energy sector; given that the country’s primary energy mix is still dominated by fossil energy, which accounts for around 90% of energy production. Wind is a new renewable energy that can be utilized to produce electrical energy through energy conversion. In addition, wind power is a type of renewable energy that has the lowest price compared to other types. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the selected airfoil types, including; NACA 2412, NACA 4412, NACA 6409 and SG6043. These characteristics included lift and drag coefficient. The BEM (Blade Element Momentum) method approach was used to obtain the performance parameter values of the airfoil and wind turbine, which include; lift and drag coefficient, lift-to-drag ratio, power coefficient, torque coefficient, turbine rotation, and power with variations ranging from angle of attack, tip speed ratio and wind speed. The results obtained for the highest lift coefficient value produced by SG6043 airfoil of 1.838 at an angle of attack of 16 °, and the lowest value produced by NACA 2412 of 1.529 at an angle of attack of 16 °. For the drag coefficient value, all types of airfoils produced values that increased as the angle of attack increased. Then, the highest power coefficient value produced by the SG6043 airfoil of 0.496 at TSR 5, and the lowest value produced by the NACA 6409 airfoil of 0.481 at TSR 5. Then, the power generated was based on the results of the power coefficient, where the SG6043 airfoil produced the greatest power for each wind speed used, and the NACA 6409 airfoil produced the lowest power. From the results of this study, it can also be concluded that the SG6043 airfoil produced the best performance compared to other types used.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Through Optimization of Blade Parameters

In this research, we delve into the promising potential of horizontal axis wind turbines to effectively meet the electricity needs of developing countries. By addressing the challenges posed by low Reynolds number airflow characteristics, we focus on specific airfoils—E471, S2055, and RG15—tailored for horizontal axis wind turbine blade optimization. Utilizing QBLADE software, we evaluate the lift coefficient, stall angle of attack, and lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient efficiency of these airfoils across various thickness‐to‐camber ratios. The aerodynamic efficiency of the altered airfoils is assessed in terms of lift coefficient, drag coefficient, lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient, and stall angle of attack at Reynolds number ranging from 50,000 to 500,000. The findings reveal that the optimized thickness‐to‐camber ratio results in peak lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient values surpassing the reference airfoils across the Re range. These lift‐to‐drag ratio coefficient enhancements vary among airfoils and Re values. Furthermore, modifications to the E471, S2055, and RG15 airfoils increase the peak lift coefficient and stall angle of attack values across all Re ranges examined. The validation of results is achieved through comparison with experimental testing, solidifying the reliability of QBLADE software in predicting aerodynamic performance.

Comparative performance analysis of NACA 2414 and NACA 6409 airfoils for horizontal axis small wind turbine

While wind energy, which has an important place among renewable energy sources, is converted into electrical energy by means of wind turbines, the designs and aerodynamic behaviors of turbine blades gain importance in order to obtain optimal efficiency. The most important factor affecting the wind energy capture performance and aerodynamic behavior of the blade is the aerofil structure. In this study, the design and comparative performance analysis of NACA 2414 and NACA 6409 series airfoils under wind turbine conditions with 1x10^6 fixed reynolds number, 0-20^0 attack angles, constant air density and ambient conditions, 3kW nominal power and 2m blade length were carried out. The designs and analyzes for both airfoils were simulated using Q-Blade software version 2.0.5.2. While designing the blade, the propeller blade was divided into 20 equal parts so that there would be no aerodynamic interaction between the elements, and analyzes were made with a calculation method based on the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory. As a result, by comparing different features such as lift (Cl) and drag (Cd) coefficients, pressure distribution on the blades, power coefficients, it was seen that the NACA 6409 airfoil was more efficient than the NACA 2414 airfoil for small diameter wind turbines.

Performance Study of a Humpback Whale Fluke Turbine on Foil Shape Variation Based on Double Multiple Streamtube Model

Exploration of ocean current energy allows for the development of turbines as the primary conversion device. Turbine technologies have been developed in various types, including bio-inspired turbines, such as the humpback whale fluke turbine. In this study, the achievement of a humpback whale fluke turbine is investigated by applying various forms of foil, both symmetric and asymmetric, to obtain the appropriate foil profile. Symmetric foils were represented by NACA 0012, NACA 0018, and NACA 0021, while asymmetric foils were represented by NACA 4312, NACA 4512, and NACA 4712 foils. Simulations were performed using QBlade software, which was developed based on the DMST theory. In general, symmetric foils have a more stable performance than asymmetric foils because they produce a better performance at positive and negative angles of attack. This result is also supported by a review of efficiency and self-starting capability where symmetric foils have significantly higher CP values and positive CQ along the azimuth angle than asymmetric foils. Finally, NACA 0021 foil is recommended for a humpback whale fluke turbine based on its efficiency and self-starting capability.

Numerical Study of Taper Type Turbine Blade at a 5° Angle

Renewable energy has emerged as a critical solution to the global challenges of climate change and continued reliance on fossil fuels. Wind turbines play an important role in this context as sources of clean energy that can meet electricity needs with minimal environmental impact. With its vast wind potential, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to drive the transition to renewable energy. As a result, a thorough understanding of wind turbine technology and the factors influencing its efficiency is becoming increasingly important. This article uses Q-Blade software to simulate the effect of blade angle on a taper type wind turbine with a 5° angle. The main findings show that the angle of attack has a significant impact on wind turbine performance. According to the dynamic pressure distribution on the airfoil profile, the optimal angle of attack peaks at half chord, resulting in maximum lift. Despite the fact that the power coefficient (Cp) value is slightly lower than the theoretical limit of the Betz principle This turbine can convert approximately 30.7% of the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical power. The findings of this study provide important information for the development of more efficient and sustainable local wind turbine technology in Indonesia, which is consistent with the vision of energy sustainability and Indonesia's role in global renewable energy. Developers can design more efficient wind turbines, reduce global carbon footprints, and support the transition to environmentally friendly renewable energy with a better understanding of angle of attack. This article is an important step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future in energy provision for Indonesians and the rest of the world.

Wind Tunnel Experimental Study on the Efficiency of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines via Analysis of Blade Pitch Angle Influence

This paper presents results of experimental investigations and numerical simulations of a vertical-axis H-type wind turbine, considering the influence of propeller blade pitch angle on turbine characteristics. An innovative airfoil profile based on a modified symmetric NACA0015 airfoil profile was used as the designed blade profile, which was tested in a wind tunnel over a range of Reynolds numbers from 50,000 to 300,000. The phenomenon of angle-of-attack variation and the resulting forces acting on the blades, particularly in the horizontal configuration and vertical axis of rotation, were discussed. Series of experiments were conducted on a 1:1 scale four-bladed turbine model in the wind tunnel to determine the characteristics, specifically the power coefficient distribution over the tip speed ratio for various Reynolds numbers and blade pitch angles. Subsequently, the turbine was modeled using Qblade software, and a series of calculations were performed under the same conditions. The numerical results were validated with the experimental data.

Aerodynamic Performance Investigation of a Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine with Multi-Airfoil Blade Profiles of SD2030 and E231 Using Wind Tunnel Experiments and BEM Theory Method

The goal of this study is to investigate the performance of a small horizontal axis wind turbine blade at wind speeds of lower than 5 m/sec numerically and experimentally. The rotor blade has a diameter of 0.7m and consists of two airfoils profile: the thin airfoil SD2030 selected at the outboard region, and the thick airfoil E231 at the inboard region. The former airfoil, SD2030, is highly recognized for aerodynamic performance as it is suitable for low Reynolds number (Re), while the latter airfoil E231 is likewise appropriate for low Re flow but has a higher thickness-to-chord ratio which acts as structural support and good strength at the hub. The selected airfoils were analyzed using QBlade software based on XFOIL and Blade Element Theory (BEM) for different Reynolds number. Using a low-speed wind tunnel and Reynolds number ranging from 1x105 to 5x105, experiments at pitch angles of 5ο were conducted to determine the variation in torque and predict blade performance. The results reveal that the turbine with two hybrid different airfoil profiles have achieved a better start-up response at low wind speed of 1.5 m/s and a high-power coefficient of 0.34 with 3.7 tip speed ratio. The turbine can be used to generate a power of 0.5W at 1.5 m/s and a maximum power harvest of up to 20W at a wind speed of 7m/sec. The turbine's performance compared to other small wind turbines from the literatures demonstrate good performance and the results obtained from wind tunnel data were found in satisfactory agreement with the results provided by the BEM code.

Optimization of Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Based on Aerodynamic, Steady-State, and Dynamic Analyses

In this article, the model of a 5 kW small wind turbine blade is developed and improved. Emphasis has been placed on improving the blade’s efficiency and aerodynamics and selecting the most optimal material for the wind blade. The QBlade software was used to enhance the chord and twist. Also, a new finite element model was developed using the ANSYS software to analyze the structure and modal problems of the wind blade. The results presented the wind blade’s von Mises stresses and deformations using three different materials (Carbon/epoxy, E-Glass/epoxy, and braided composite). The modal analysis results presented the natural frequencies and mode shapes for each material. It was found, based on the results, that the maximum deflections of E-glass, braided composite and carbon fiber were 46.46 mm, 33.54 mm, and 18.29 mm, respectively.

Statistical Analysis using Taguchi Method for Designing a Robust Wind Turbine

The current paper presents the tolerance and parameter design for robust wind turbine. By utilizing the traditional Taguchi method along with its extensions, there is a way of designing a robust wind turbine by considering multiple objectives, constraints and design variables. The concept of design of experiment (DOE) i.e.; Taguchi Method is used to evaluate the constrained and unconstrained problems for the optimization. The current work produces an inexpensive and simpler approach for robust vertical axis wind turbine. DOE (Taguchi Method) of L-9 Orthogonal Array having four parameters along with their three levels i.e; type of NACA aerofoil, Reynolds number, Mach number and Angle of attack are utilized for the optimization and to derive the corresponding optimal values of CL, CD and CP. The parameters like coefficient of lift, drag and power for the wind turbine was determined by Q-Blade software, which is use for designing of wind turbine blades. From the obtained results the inferences drawn were: for CL the major impact was due to Reynolds number and least was due to angle of attack, for CD the major and minor impacting factors were angle of attack and Mach number respectively and for CP the most and least influenced parameters were Reynolds number and Mach number respectively. Also, for obtaining the optimized parameters, the Grey based Taguchi method was utilized which has the combination of orthogonal arrays and grey relational analysis. The analysis showed that the NACA0021 has the maximum lift coefficient of 1.0361 and the minimum drag coefficient of 0.02190 in the case of NACA0021 aerofoil.

Taperless blade manufacturing using NREL’S 833 air foil on horizontal axis wind turbine

Wind is an energy source that is abundantly available in nature and is a renewable energy that is environmentally friendly and has good work efficiency. Indonesia has a wind potential of 978 MW with wind speeds generally 6-8 m/s in onshore areas and above 8 m/s in offshore areas. Therefore, with abundant wind potential, we should be able to take advantage of this energy. This paper will analyze the performance of NREL's 822 Taperless type using the QBlade application. The research method used begins with a literature study to find natural parameters which will later be calculated with the help of excel in order to get the geometry parameters of the blades, then enter the data into the QBlade software by dividing the blades by 10 elements on the blades and optimizing the blades in the Qblade software. Manufacture of blah with mahogany jens wood material. This paper will discuss the manufacture of taperless blades with NREL's 822 airfoil which was previously designed using the MS Excel and Q-Blade applications and then designed using the Solid Work application.

An Investigation of Design and Simulation of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Using QBlade

Abstract The wind turbine blade design is important in obtaining an effective wind turbine. In the field of wind energy, it is essential to understand the design and parameters affecting the blades of the wind turbine in order to obtain a successful design. However, most of the parameters are dependent on each other and this makes the design of wind turbines a challenging task. This research paper used the QBlade software to analyze and optimize the behavior of the small horizontal axis wind turbine. The software applies the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEM) to study the wind turbine blades by calculating the drag and lift coefficients which were achieved by dividing the blades into 10 ascending segments. The twist angle and chord length of the blade are optimized to get the highest performance. Among the various airfoil types, the SG-6041 airfoil type was selected to build the blade structure. The calculated power coefficient was almost 0.4, which is considered high given that it was calculated under 10 m/s average wind speed and 1-meter length blade conditions. Where all the results are logical and reasonable, the software is proven to be reliable. The paper also evaluates the wind characteristics in different locations in Iraq in order to find the most optimal promising locations in Iraq.

Theoretical and computational studies on the optimal positions of NACA airfoils used in horizontal axis wind turbine blades

This paper presents a theoretical and computational study to determine the optimal positions of airfoils along the length of the horizontal axis wind turbine blade. We used four and five-digit NACA airfoils to model a 54-meter blade. The lift, drag coefficient, and lift-to-drag ratio of each airfoil are determined by using QBlade software. The aerodynamic performance of the airfoils is studied based on the blade element momentum theory, and Matlab software is used for numerical implementation. The velocity and pressure distributions on each airfoil are assessed using computational fluid dynamics. We implement the thickness distribution techniques to adjust the positions of the airfoils along the length of the blade. It is noted that stresses reach their maximum values at the root and minimum at the tip section. Thus, the thicker (NACA 4420) and thinner (NACA 23012) airfoils are set at 20% of the maximum chord and 91.11% at the tip sections of the blades. The remaining sections of the blade are configured using linear interpolation methods. Specifically, the maximum chord length of the new design is reduced by 18.06% compared to the NACA 23012 rotor blade. Finally, the recommended tip speed ratio for the designed rotor blade is estimated using the graphs of the normal and tangential forces, thereby producing a safe and efficient design.

Performance Analysis Of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades Using Double Multiple Stream Tube Process

The interest in green energy in recent years is very noticeable, as this energy is a very important alternative that can replace fuel in many applications, most notably electric power generation, so work must be done to develop a form of this energy such as wind energy by working on the development of turbines. The DMST method provided by Qblade software is an integrated tool for making a simulation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The simulation was carried out on vertical axis wind turbines, designing turbine blades according to symmetrical NACA0018, and calculating some parameters such as power, torque and power coefficient. It is found that this type of turbine can be improved by treating the blade edges that contribute to the turbine power loss, thus improving the turbine at low wind speeds.

Optimal Design of Wind Turbine Blades by Combination of Multi-airfoil Leaf Elements

This paper takes the blades of a large horizontal axis wind turbine as the research object, selects NACA series airfoil elements for combination, arranges and distributes them according to the thickness and curvature of each airfoil, and generates a new blade that is different from a single airfoil. The aerodynamic performance of the two blades was compared and analyzed by using Qblade software to verify the effectiveness of the method, and the wind energy utilization rate was improved while ensuring the strength of the blade roots.

Pengaruh Sudut Sudu Turbin Jenis Taper Terhadap Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) dan Power Coefficient (CP) pada Turbin Angin Horisontal Berbasis Q-Blade

The utilization of wind energy as a power plant still needs to be improved by looking at the turbine performance, which is not always the same in different regional conditions. This study aims to determine the effect of the blade angle of the turbine on the tip speed ratio (TSR) and power coefficient (CP) by using a Q-Blade simulation. Q-Blade software can predict the value of the power generated at the blade rotation by comparing the CP and TSR values. The type of airfoil NACA 4412, taper blade, blade's numbers (4), blade radius (0.3 m), wind speed ± 3.6 m/s were fixed variables in this study. The simulation generated a graph of the relationship between CP and TSR changed and a simulation image of the load distribution ensued in the blade geometry. The blade angle of 30 at the TSR number 5 produced the highest CP values, which was ±0.4. The low loading value in the axis/rotor region, at a variation of the blade angle of 30, balances the centrifugal force on the rotating fluid. The centrifugal force produces thrust on the turbine so that the blade rotates with a high CP value in that area.

Design and Optimization of a Small-Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade for Energy Harvesting at Low Wind Profile Areas

Wind turbine blades perform the most important function in the wind energy conversion process. It plays the most vital role of absorbing the kinetic energy of the wind, and converting it to mechanical energy before it is transformed into electrical energy by generators. In this work, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 4412 and SG6043 airfoils were selected to design a small horizontal axis variable speed wind turbine blade for harvesting efficient energy from low wind speed areas. Due to the low wind profile of the targeted area, a blade of one-meter radius was considered in this study. To attain the set objectives of fast starting time and generate more torque and power at low wind speeds, optimization was carryout by varying Reynolds numbers (Re) on tip speed ratios (TSR) values of 4, 5, and 6. The blade element momentum (BEM) method was developed in MATLAB programming code to iteratively find the best twist and chord distributions along the one-meter blade length for each Re and tip speed ratio (TSR) value. To further enhance the blade performance, the twist and chord distributions were transferred to Q-blade software, where simulations of the power coefficients (Cp) were performed and further optimized by varying the angles of attack. The highest power coefficients values of 0.42, 0.43, and 0.44 were recorded with NACA 4412 rotor blades, and 0.43, 0.44, and 0.45 with SG6043 rotor blades. At the Re of 3.0 × 105, the blades were able to harvest maximum power of 144.73 watts (W), 159.69 W, and 201.04 W with the NACA 4412 and 213.15 W, 226.44 W, 245.09 W with the SG6043 at the TSR of 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The lowest cut-in speed of 1.80 m/s and 1.70 m/s were achieved with NACA 4412 and SG6043 airfoils at TSR 4. At a low wind speed of 4 m/s, the blades were able to harness an efficient power of 79.3. W and 80.10 W with both rotor blades at the TSR 4 and 6 accordingly.