Computational studies on small wind turbine performance characteristics

Abstract

To optimize the selection of suitable airfoils for small wind turbine applications, computational investigation on aerodynamic characteristics of low Re airfoils MID321a, MID321d, SG6040, SG6041, SG6042 and SG6043 are carried out for the Reynolds number range of (0.5- 2)×105. The BEM method is used to determine the power coefficient of the rotor from the airfoil characteristics; in addition, the blade parameters like chord and twist are also determined. The newly designed MID321a airfoil shows better aerodynamic performance and maximum power coefficient as compared with other investigated airfoils for wider operating ranges.