New airfoils for small horizontal axis wind turbines

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998 · Journal of Solar Energy Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2888052· OSTI ID:619665

Giguere, P; Selig, M S ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

In a continuing effort to enhance the performance of small wind energy systems, one root airfoil and three primary airfoils were specifically designed for small horizontal axis wind turbines. These airfoils are intended primarily for 1--5 kW variable-speed wind turbines for both conventional (tapered/twisted) or pultruded blades. The four airfoils were wind-tunnel tested at Reynolds numbers between 100,000 and 500,000. Tests with simulated leading-edge roughness were also conducted. The results indicate that small variable-speed wind turbines should benefit from the use of the new airfoils which provide enhanced lift-to-drag ratio performance as compared with previously existing airfoils.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 619665
• Journal Information: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 120; ISSN JSEEDO; ISSN 0199-6231
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
AIRFOILS
DESIGN
HORIZONTAL AXIS TURBINES
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 01-10 KW