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Application of a genetic algorithm to wind turbine design

Conference ·
OSTI ID:92989
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

This paper presents an optimization procedure for stall-regulated horizontal-axis wind-turbines. A hybrid approach is used that combines the advantages of a genetic algorithm and 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 production 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, a series of five wind turbines was 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 Midwest versus those where the average wind speed may be greater.

OSTI ID:
92989
Report Number(s):
CONF-950116--; ISBN 0-7918-1294-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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