Variable Cross Section Aerofoil Blade Design and Aerodynamic Optimization Analysis of Large Scale Wind Turbines

Liuhong HE

Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, CHINA

Abstract: Based on blade element momentum (BEM) theory, the optimum design model of blade is established by taking the maximum wind energy utilizing coefficient as the optimization objective, and the chord length, twist angle and the relative thickness as the optimizing variable. Wilson method is adopted to design optimally and revise the chord length and twist angle of variable cross section aerofoil blades . Matlab calculation method is used to optimization calculation blade aerodynamic performance. Taking 1.5MW wind turbine blade for instance, The aerodynamic performance theory calculation and simulation calculation is compared between the variable cross section and single cross section aerofoil blade. The results show that aerodynamic performance of variable cross section aerofoil blade is better than that of a single aerofoil, and can be used for reference in blade shape design of wind energy systems.

Keywords: Wind Turbine; Blade; Variable Cross Section Aerofoil; Aerodynamic Performance