Global Optimum Design Method and Software for the Rotor Blades of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Abstract

A global optimum design model for a HAWT rotor blade is presented in this paper. The model refers to the wind speed distribution function on the specific wind site, with the objective to satisfy the maximum annual energy output, using a complex method to carry on the global optimum searching. For obtaining more accurate performance data, strip theory is applied to calculate the aerodynamic performance. For obtaining aerodynamic data of the airfoil, an airfoil database is designed. Based on these factors, an aerodynamic performance and structure CAD software “BladeDesign for Windows” is setup. A 600kW wind turbine is designed and the results are compared with that of a 600kW commercial wind turbine. Satisfactory agreement is obtained.

Keywords

horizontal axis wind turbine HAWT design model global optimum airfoil database

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