Module 5.

2
Wind Turbine Design
(Continued)
Lakshmi N Sankar
lsankar@ae.gatech.edu
 OVERVIEW
In Module 5.1, we gave preliminary comments about rotor
design.
We reviewed the possible approaches to rotor design
(parametric sweep, optimization, inverse design, genetic
algorithm).
These may be combined.
For example, a response surface (or a carpet plot) of the
power production as a function of design variables may be
curve fitted, and searched for an optimum combination.
While increasing the rotor radius is a good way of
increasing power (since power varies as swept area) this
greatly increases the weight and ultimately the cost of
the system.
Other parameters should also be optimized.
In Module 5.1, we also looked at some available airfoils
and their characteristics.
 Selection of Planform
Once the airfoils are chosen, and the best lift
coefficient (yielding highest Cl/Cd)at which the
airfoil will operate are known, we can determine
how chord c should vary with r.
The idea is to set the axial induction factor to be
equal to 1/3 equal to the Betz limit- from root
to tip.
This value of induction factor yields the highest
possible power from actuator disk model studies
in Module 2.
Optimum planforms are possible for a given tip
speed ratio, but not for all tip speed ratios.
Recall Thrust Produced by an
Annulus of the Rotor Disk
Area = 2rdr

Mass flow rate =2rU -vdr

dr

Change in induced velocity = 2v

r Thrust produced over this annulus= d

dT = (Mass flow rate) * (2v, i.e.
Twice the induced velocity
at the annulus)
= 4r(U -v)vdr
dT = 4r U2(1-a)adr (1)
Blade Elements Captured by
the Annulus
Thrust generated by these
blade elements:
1
dr dT B VTotal
2
c Cl dr
2
Some blade sections near the root and ti
may not behave like 2-D sections.
r This is due to a loss of lift as pressure
Tends to equalize between upper and
lower sides of the rot and tip.

We correct this with a loss factor F

1
dT B VTotal
2
c Cl cos Cd sin Fdr (2)
2
Optimum variation of Chord
with r
Equate 1 and 2 (neglecting drag effects, which
are small):
dT 4rU 2 1 a adr (1)
1
dT B VTotal
2
c Cl dr (2)
2
2

B
2
2

4rU (1 a )a r U 2 (1 a ) 2 cCl

B
r cCl
2

2
small
a 1/ 3
16R 2 U 2
c
9 BCl r R 2
 Optimal Variation of Chord
vs r
Bc 16 1 1

R 9 Cl 2

Local solidity where

R
Tip Speed Ratio
U
 Variation of Chord with r for
Optimum Rotors
The previous slide states that chord
should vary as 1/r , large near the root
and small near the tip.
In practice, linear tapered blades are
easier to manufacture.
The design variables root and tip
chord- are parametrically varied, with
a linear taper, to find optimum
combinations.
Optimum Number of Blades
In the previous derivation of optimum variation of chord
with radius, Bc/R is a non-dimensional combination, where
B is the number of blades.
This quantity is called local solidity.
If solidity is high, Cl can be low and the rotor can operate
away from stall.
On the other hand, if solidity is too high, blades are subject
to extreme wind loads.
This equation says we can have a large number of blades
(B) with small c, or vice versa.
In practice fewer number of blades (2 or 3 at most) with a
large chord is preferred, both from a cost and strength
perspective
Blades and appendages are costly!)
Larger chord, implies thicker blades that are structurally
stronger.
Optimum Variation of Twist
with r
U (1 a ) 2 1 1
tan
r 1 a 3 r
R

21 1
tan
3 r
R

Twist

Angle of attack
For best L/D
Selection of Tip Speed Ratio
Best tip speed ratio R/U may be found by a parametric
sweep, using a computer code such as WT_PERF or a
spreadsheet based analysis.
Initially, as tip speed increases, for a fixed wind speed, f
increases increasing the propulsive force.
Power increases, but optimum induced velocity has not been
realized yet. Efficiency is low.
As tip speed further rises, efficiency rises and
peaks.
At higher tip speeds, the airfoil sections begin to operate
at non-optimum angles of attack, and propulsive force
decreases.
Power decreases.
Variation of Power Coefficient with Tip Speed Ratio
for a Representative Rotor
NREL Phase VI Rotor
Recall: 16/27 is the maximum Power Coefficient
(Betz Limit)
 In summary..
Keep number of blades small (2 or 3).
Keep solidity sufficiently high to avoid stall, but
small enough to avoid extreme airloads as well.
Use linear taper ratio for simplicity in
manufacturing.
Consider nonlinear twist to keep induction factor
close to 1/3 over most of the rotor.
Nonlinear twist is easily accommodated in modern
wind turbines.
Operate, if possible, at optimum speed ratios
where power production peaks.