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Title: Aerodynamic research on tipvane wind turbines

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6463237

The research on tipvane turbines aims at a process improvement of the wind energy conversion system, which is more than component improvement such as efficient aerofoils and optimized transmission systems. These latter developments make it possible for a modern wind turbine to approach the Betz maximum power coefficient. However, process improvements are possible based on flow phenomena which are not consistent with the assumptions made in Betz theory. Power coefficients far above the Betz maximum value are possible when for example forces are applied perpendicular to the wind direction and when viscous effects play an important role. At the Delft University of Technology, the wind energy group investigates the effect of tipvanes, which are small auxiliary wings at the end of the turbine blades inducing a mass flow augmentation by the creation of a venturi flow.

Research Organization:
Technische Hogeschool Delft (Netherlands). Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
OSTI ID:
6463237
Report Number(s):
PB-83-147413
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English