Design Of Wind Turbine Blades Research Articles

Experimental and Numerical Comparison of Impact Behavior between Thermoplastic and Thermoset Composite for Wind Turbine Blades.

Damage generated due to low velocity impact in composite plates was evaluated focusing on the design and structural integrity of wind turbine blades. Impact properties of composite plates manufactured with thermoplastic and thermoset resins for different energy levels were measured and compared. Specimens were fabricated using VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer molding), using both matrix systems in conjunction with carbon, glass and carbon/glass hybrid fibers in the NCF (non-crimp fabric) architecture. Resin systems used were ELIUM 188O (thermoplastic) from Arkema Co., Ltd. and a standard epoxy reference, EPR-L20 from Hexion Co., Ltd. (thermoset). Auxiliary numerical finite element analyses were performed to better understand the tests physics. These models were then compared with the experimental results to verify their predictive capacity, given the intrinsic limitations due to their simplicity. Based in the presented results, it is possible to observe that ELIUM is capable to replace a conventional thermoset matrix. The thermoplastic panels presented similar results compared to its thermoset counterparts, with even a trend of less impact damage. Additionally, for both thermoplastic and thermoset resin systems, glass layups showed the lowest levels of damage while carbon panels presented the highest damage levels. Hybrid laminates can be applied as a compromise solution.

Optimization Design of Wind Turbine Blade Based on an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Combined with Non-Gaussian Distribution

To overcome the problem of particle swarm optimization (PSO) being trapped in local minima, a particle swarm optimization algorithm combined with non-Gaussian stochastic distribution is presented for optimization design of wind turbine blade. Before updating the particle velocity, a limited test was performed for every particle to search for the global best solution. Taking the maximum wind turbine annual power generation as the final objective, a 1.3 MW wind turbine blade was optimized. The results were compared with those of the original wind turbine blades and traditional particle swarm optimization. Compared with the original output power, the year output power increased by 5.3% with non-Gaussian stochastic distribution combined with PSO, whereas the computation time was 65% of the traditional PSO. As time step increased, residuals of non-Gaussian stochastic distribution combined with PSO greatly diminished, with improved computation efficiency. It is shown that the non-Gaussian distribution combined with PSO ensures the global best solution. The non-Gaussian distribution combined with PSO provides a more reliable theoretical basis for the design of wind turbine blades.

A variable twist blade for horizontal axis wind turbines: Modeling and analysis

A method for analyzing the performance of a wind turbine blade design with an adaptive variable twist is presented. The possibility of implementing morphing features is becoming increasingly possible with innovative materials and manufacturing techniques. This motivates a blade concept consisting of multiple shell sections mounted on a rigid spar and covered by non-structural skin. The design allows the blade shells to adapt the twist angle distribution (TAD). The study is conducted using data acquired from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 20 kW wind turbine. A design problem is formulated to find the TAD that maximizes the aerodynamic efficiency for a discrete set of points that represent the Region 2 wind speed. The TAD is found for each point using a heuristic search algorithm. This algorithm searches through performance data that is acquired using the AeroDyn open source simulation software. Results from the model are validated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the k-ω shear stress transport turbulence model. Through this first part of the analysis, it becomes possible to understand the required amount of blade deformation by the TAD function. Given this understanding, a stress analysis can be performed on the blade structure. The scenario considers the combined effect of twisting with aerodynamic loading. The blade load is determined by combining CFD with finite element analysis to facilitate the one-way fluid-structural interaction. The outcome of this work demonstrates how the proposed method can be used to determine the gain in efficiency, required range of motion, and structural performance of the blade shells for a given wind turbine blade design.

More efficient wind turbine blade design inspired by owl wings and feathers

Incorporating the cross-section airfoils of an owl’s wing, coupled with the herringbone groove structure of an owl’s feature, leads to better aerodynamic performance.

Comparing the Aerodynamic Performance of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines with Optimised and Linearised Blades

Wind turbine blade designs that are aerodynamically optimised for maximum efficiency are known to have a large chord and twist at the inboard sections. Manufacturers have adopted simpler blade designs having a linear chord distribution at the inboard regions. While this has a small effect on the efficiency loss of wind turbines with fixed foundations, the effect of such blade linearization on the aerodynamic performance of floating wind turbines has not been sufficiently dealt with in open literature. This study applies a free-wake vortex model to compare the power and thrust characteristics of floating wind turbines having linearized blades with those having optimised blades. Three- and two-bladed rotors are assumed for different platform surge motions that are representative of different metocean conditions. The study showed that the loss in efficiency through blade linearization is small and similar in magnitude to that encountered in fixed rotors.

Design and Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) Blades Using CFD

Abstract: Within the current years wind power is extensively taken into consideration and applied as one of the most promising renewable electricity assets. In the recent studies have a look at, aerodynamic analysis of horizontal axis turbine is achieved with the aid of using cfd. Blades which can be often possible for industrial grade wind turbines embody a directly span-wise profile in conjunction with airfoil fashioned go sections. Wind tunnel test is applied in order to check aerodynamic efficiency wind turbine blade. The goal of this study is to design a wind turbine. The layout manner includes the choice of the sun machine for max efficiency and wind turbine kind and the determination of the blade airfoil, pitch attitude distribution along the radius, and chord duration distribution along the radius. The pitch angle and chord period distributions are optimized primarily based on conservation of angular momentum and principle of aerodynamic forces on an airfoil. Blade element momentum (BEM) principle is first derived then used to conduct a parametric observe to be able to determine if the optimized values of blade pitch and chord period create the maximum green blade geometry. This work includes a discussion of the most important parameters in wind turbine blade layout to maximize efficiency. Keywords: Wind Turbine, HAWT, BEM Theory, Parametric Study, Maximization of efficiency etc.

Bionic coupling design and aerodynamic analysis of horizontal axis wind turbine blades

AbstractWith millions of years of evolution, owls have developed many excellent characteristics in terms of their flight. The speed of an owl in flight is similar to the relative speed of the blade of a small wind turbine with respect to air. Therefore, the owl wing airfoil is selected as the design airfoil of the wind turbine blade to reduce the flow separation under low Reynolds number. In this study, we analyze an owl wing‐section airfoil and the non‐smooth leading‐edge shape of an owl's wing, and implement an orthogonal optimum design to optimize the wavelength and amplitude of the non‐smooth leading edge. We extract the cross‐sectional features of the airfoil and the non‐smooth leading‐edge shape of the wing. Based on the orthogonal optimum design results, we determine the optimal combination of the wavelength, amplitude, and airfoil, and then design a horizontal‐axis wind turbine blade through bionic coupling. The flow field at different tip speed ratios (TSRs) is simulated using the turbulence model at the rated wind speed. The results show that the power coefficient () of the bionic wind turbine at a high tip speed ratio is 17.7% higher than that of the standard type. Furthermore, we analyze the operation of the turbine at TSRs of 2 and 5. At a high TSR, the leading edge bulge of the bionic wind turbine blade can change the flow direction distribution of the airflow on the blade surface, make the airflow to adhere to the suction surface, and then reduce the stall area on the suction surface of the blade. Thus, the wind turbine produces higher torque, thereby generating higher power.

Influence of Reynolds number consideration for aerodynamic characteristics of airfoil on the blade design of small horizontal axis wind turbine

ABSTRACT Airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics are vital for the design and performance evaluation of wind turbine rotor blades through blade element momentum theory. Generally, the airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics are evaluated at an approximated fixed Reynolds number. However, during a typical operation of a wind turbine, the Reynolds number varies along the length of the blade as well as with wind speed. Since airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics are dependent on Reynolds number, inadequate consideration of Reynolds number in blade element momentum theory may result in discrepancy in an optimum design and performance evaluation. In the present work, the influence of inadequate consideration of Reynolds number on design and performance evaluation of a small horizontal axis wind turbine blade is studied. For the study, a wind turbine blade design with various design considerations, including a range of design tip speed ratio (5, 6, 7, and 8) and a range of inadequately approximated fixed (i.e., 0.5, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 million) and operational Reynolds number for aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil, is considered. The study suggests that inadequate fixed Reynolds number consideration for blade design and performance evaluation can result in blade solidity as high as 17.1% with respect to blade design considering operational Reynolds number consideration and discrepancy in power coefficient prediction as high as 3.6% with fixed Reynolds number consideration for aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil.

The Parametric Modeling and Two-Objective Optimal Design of a Downwind Blade

To cope with the future challenges to the blade that will be introduced by the development of extreme-scale wind turbines, this study focuses on the optimization design of the aerodynamic shape of a downwind bladeviathe inverse design method. Moreover, the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the chord, twist angle, and pre-bending parameters of the blade to maximize the energy production of the rotor and minimize the flapping bending moment of the blade root. By taking a 5-MW wind turbine as the optimization object, the two-objective optimization design of the downwind blade is carried out, and Pareto optimal solutions in line with the expectations are obtained. After analyzing four representatives of the Pareto optimal solutions, while a more ideal solution is found to sacrifice 9.41% of the energy production of the rotor, the flapping bending moment of the blade root is reduced by 42.92%, thereby achieving the lightweight optimization design of an extreme-scale wind turbine blade. Furthermore, based on the selected four sets of blades, the influence mechanisms of the chord, twist angle, and pre-bending on the optimization goal are analyzed, and it is found that the pre-bending parameter has the greatest influence on the two optimization goals.

Structural design of offshore wind turbine blade spars

The structural design of spars for horizontal axis wind turbine blades to achieve satisfactory levels of performance starts with the knowledge of aerodynamic forces acting on the blades. The present paper proposes a comparative study of the geometries of three spars designed for a 48 m long composite blade. The spars are evaluated under compression, bending loads as well as on free vibration. Different Subroutines have been developed and coupled with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to analyze the mechanical performances and the qualities of each one of the three designed spars. In other words, it seeks not only to define the behavior and response of each one of the spars and the effect of composite materials on the improvement of the structure stiffness and weight, but also to determine the suitable spars type for the wind turbine blade and the results shows that the Box spars offers a compromise of the main parameters.

Optimum performance of rotor blade with different airfoil for Primus Wind power AIR 40 Wind Turbine 12VDC

The increasing price of fossil derivatives, global warming and energy market instabilities are a major problem. In recent years, these problems led to an increasing using of renewable energy sources such as wind energy. Wind turbine used to extract this energy from the wind to produce power or electricity. Due to low cost, easy for maintenance and it is, portability the most com-monly used among wind turbines is small axis wind turbine. Analysis to optimization power coef-ficient ( ) of a small wind turbine blade design model (Primus Wind power AIR 40 Wind Tur-bine 12VDC) are evaluated and discussed in this study. A shape of blade wind turbine is the pri-mery parapeter affected the power output of wind turbine. In this type of turbine NACA2411 used as the blade airfoil as represent shape of blade. For this goal, 185 different airfoils selected. For this purpose, using the XFOIL software to simulate the properties of each airfoil at Re (1.0*105, 1.5*105, 2.0*105, 2.5*105, 3.0*105 and 3.5*105) and angle of attack from 0˚ to 10˚, Then elimination criteria was performed for removing those airfoils would not suitable for the purpose up on their effiency. At the end of analysing Matlab software used for calculate the power coeffi-cient and selecting the best airfoils design for used manufacture anew blade for that type of small wind turbine with better power coefficient. The output of XFOIL and matlab software showed by tabulates and graphs. As a results show 3 airfoils were selected due to their performance better than other airfoils from an initial group of 185 as exemplification of the methodology namely S1210,SD7034 and S2091, The maximum that has been achieved by which used airfoil S1210 equal to 0.52 at Re 350000.

Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade

Wind turbine is utilizing the active energy come from the wind for producing the power by using the ac generators. The created electrical force is provided to the lattice. The created energy mostly relies upon the wind speed and the cleared space of the turbine. As the wind speed increments in like manner the components of the blades of wind turbine diminishes. The blades are made auto flexible with the assistance of stepper engine and control unit mounted on it. Different planning angles are discussed while keeping up with the created power. The wind turbine blades power and productivity has been estimated at various tip-speed-proportions. Present work gives a knowledge into the plan parts of a wind turbine, similar to turbine blade configuration, wind force and yield power computation. This paper presents a significant design and analysis of wind turbine blade.

A novel computational approach for design and performance investigation of small wind turbine blade with extended BEM theory

Blade is an important part in wind turbine system because of its vital role in extraction of energy from wind. In order to extract maximum possible energy, blade should be judiciously designed, for which it is supposed to be divided into several smaller sections (airfoil). SG6043 is selected for this work on account of its few merits over others existing airfoils. The article throws light on basis of blade element momentum theory and adopts its extended form to overcome its limitation in blade design and performance prediction while taking effect of wake into the account. This work investigates the performance of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) in general, with emphasis on small HAWT over wide range of tip-speed ratio considering several effect on wind turbine. Results are validated with other experimental results published in various past literatures.

Design of wind-turbine blades for improving aerodynamic performance using hybrid blades

The blade airfoil significantly influences the performance of wind turbine. This study designs a new hybrid blade airfoil (abbreviated as HBA) based on the previous airfoils (S809 and NACA 63215). The surface-flow modes, wake-flow characteristics, and aerodynamic performance of HBA were tested using various Reynolds numbers and angles of attack. The experimental methods involved (1) the smoke-wire visualization at low wind speeds, (2) the surface-oil flow visualization at high wind speeds, (3) the hot-wire anemometry, and (4) the six force–moment balancer. At blade stall, the lift coefficient of 2.12 for HBA is approximately twice that of 1.07 for S809 and NACA63215. The maximum lift–drag ratio of 6.11 for HBA is approximately twice those (3.63 and 3.13) of S809 and NACA 63215. Moreover, the HBA has a higher stall angle than those of the other two blades. The (pitch) moment coefficient of HBA is also higher than those of S809 and NACA 63215.

Effects of Micro-Tab on the Lift Enhancement of Airfoil S-809 with Trailing-Edge Flap

Recently, the Trailing-Edge Flap with Micro-Tab (TEF with Micro-Tab) has been exploited to enhance the performance of wind turbine blades. Moreover, it can also be used to generate more lift and delay the onset of stall. This study focused mostly on the use of TEF with Micro-Tab in wind turbine blades using NREL’s S-809 as a model airfoil. In particular, the benefits generated by TEF with Micro-Tab may be of great interest in the design of wind turbine blades. In this paper, an attempt was made to evaluate the influence of TEF with Micro-Tab on the performance of NREL’s S-809 airfoils. Firstly, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for the airfoil NREL’s S-809 was established, and validated by comparison with previous studies and wind tunnel experimental data. Secondly, the effects of the flap position (H) and deflection angle (αF) on the flow behaviors were investigated. As a result, the effect of TEF on air-flow behavior was demonstrated by augmenting the pressure coefficient at the lower surface of the airfoil at flap position 80% chord length (C) and αF = 7.5°. Thirdly, the influence of TEF with Micro-Tab on the flow behaviors of the airfoil NREL’s S-809 was studied and discussed. Different Micro-Tab positions and constant TEF were examined. Finally, the effects of TEF with Micro-Tab on the aerodynamic characteristics of the S-809 with TEF were compared. The results showed that an increase in the maximum lift coefficient by 25% and a delay in the air-flow stall were accomplished due to opposite sign vortices, which was better than the standard airfoil and S-809 with TEF. Therefore, it was deduced that the benefits of TEF with Micro-Tab were apparent, especially at the lower surface of the airfoil. This particularly suggests that the developed model could be used as a new trend to modify the designs of wind turbine blades.

A pathway towards sustainable development of small capacity horizontal axis wind turbines – Identification of influencing design parameters & their role on performance analysis

Presently small wind turbines are receiving greater attention, due to the extensive promotion of decentralized power generation in a sustainable way by national and international organizations. However, there are many obstacles in commercializing these turbines on a large scale due to lower efficiencies of turbines associated with high vibrational losses, lack of technical knowledge with the manufacturers, cost criteria and lack of awareness among the end-users. This paper reviews the research works done in the design and development of small wind turbine blades, including diffusers and winglets addition. Performance & parametric analysis of airfoils, blades & wind turbines are presented comprehensively. Impact of maximum power point technique, effects of ambiance on the turbine performance, environmental impacts of small wind turbines and some novel concepts are presented in this review. Future research works to enhance the efficiency of small wind turbines using materials with high strength to weight ratio would pave the way for efficient utilization of available wind energy in the earth’s crust.

Genetic algorithms for the design and optimization of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades: A continuous approach or a binary one?

The continuous and the binary techniques are the main types of genetic algorithms that could be employed for an optimization problem. The study investigates the robustness and accuracy of each technique for the wind turbine blades design and optimization problem. For that purpose, the geometry of the blade was designed for the maximization of the output power, the desirable goal of the blade design. The design variables consist of the distribution of the chord and twist along the blade. Results indicate that the continuous genetic algorithm outperforms the binary one from the standpoint of the accuracy and also the computational time. However, the use of uniform crossover could improve the convergence rate of the binary genetic algorithm. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis of the applied genetic algorithms with respect to the population size and the mutation rate was performed to find the appropriate values for those parameters. The outcomes emphasized that adopting a small number of population size together with a large number of generations could speed up the convergence rate of the problem. Also approved in the study was the efficiency of the so-called “Superblade” operator which improved the convergence rate of the algorithm and resulted in the powerful blades.

Development and Optimization of Wind Turbine Blade Design for Enhanced Efficiency

The improvement and optimisation of wind energy system performance and efficiency depend heavily on the design of wind turbine blades. Wind power has emerged as a viable option for environmentally friendly electricity generation in response to the rising demand for renewable energy sources. The structural properties and aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine's blades have a significant impact on its efficiency.This study focuses on the systematic creation and efficiency optimisation of wind turbine blade designs. The study uses a multidisciplinary strategy that incorporates optimisation, structural analysis, and aerodynamics. The goal is to increase power generation while maintaining the structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and safety of the blades.The research starts with a thorough examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the current designs for wind turbine blades. To assess the performance of various blade shapes, various aerodynamic theories, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and wind tunnel measurements are used. The issue of wind turbine blade noise is also included in the study. To lessen the influence of noise on the environment, noise reduction techniques like trailing-edge serrations are being researched. The project also investigates the use of cutting-edge materials, like carbon fibre composites, to lighten the blades without sacrificing their structural integrity.The results of this study are anticipated to have a big impact on wind turbine blade design. It is projected that the optimised blade designs will improve wind energy systems' overall efficiency by boosting power output and lowering aerodynamic loads. While the use of noise reduction measures enhances the environmental friendliness of wind turbines, structural analysis ensures the safety and dependability of the blades.

Design of a small-scale wind turbine blade of glass fibre/epoxy composite for electrification of rural villages in Ethiopia: a case study

This paper targeted the design and stress comparison of a small-scale wind turbine blade which was constructed for the specific environmental conditions of the small rural village in Ethiopia. Firstly, the blade was designed from the characteristic of aerodynamic performance. Secondly, modelling and stress analysis of the windmills was conducted which is very significant for the further design and application of wind turbines. The material was epoxy-GFRP composite. The orthotropic mechanical properties of woven fibre epoxy polymer composite were created (ASTM D1683) with help of Autodesk Helius Composite V.16 software. The tensile and flexural testing specimens were fabricated by D3039M-17 and D7264M-15, respectively. Load, displacement, and modulus were investigated using UTM. Based on the parameters of the airfoil, the three-dimension and the assembly models of blades were mounted with the SOLIDWORK-V.16. Then the models were imported into ANSYS-V.15 WORKBENCH software for analysis. The displacement, Von Misses, and principal stress effects were determined.

Design of a small-scale wind turbine blade of glass fibre/epoxy composite for electrification of rural villages in Ethiopia: a case study

Design of a small-scale wind turbine blade of glass fibre/epoxy composite for electrification of rural villages in Ethiopia: a case study