Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Application of a genetic algorithm to wind turbine design

Journal Article · · Journal of Energy Resources Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2792688· OSTI ID:205552
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

This paper presents an optimization method for stall-regulated horizontal-axis wind turbines. A hybrid approach is used that combines the advantages of a genetic algorithm with an inverse design method. This method is used to determine the optimum blade pitch and blade chord and twist distributions that maximize the annual energy production. To illustrate the method, a family of 25 wind turbines was designed to examine the sensitivity of annual energy product to changes in the rotor blade length and peak rotor power. Trends are revealed that should aid in the design of new rotors for existing turbines. In the second application, five wind turbines were designed to determine the benefits of specifically tailoring wind turbine blades for the average wind speed at a particular site. The results have important practical implications related to rotors designed for the Midwestern US versus those where the average wind speed may be greater.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
205552
Journal Information:
Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Journal Name: Journal of Energy Resources Technology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 118; ISSN 0195-0738; ISSN JERTD2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Application of a genetic algorithm to wind turbine design
Conference · Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · OSTI ID:92989

Wind turbine
Patent · Tue Oct 05 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · OSTI ID:6665571

Wind turbine
Patent · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1981 · OSTI ID:864354