How Should Wind Turbine Blades Be Designed for Maximum Efficiency?

[lukedimarco]

We are looking to effectivley build a wind turbine to capture the wind and create energy. What would be the most effective and easisest way to construct the windmill?

I would like to focus on the design of the blades themselves. What design of the blades would provide maximum support and energy? I am aware that an odd number of blades (3 is ideal) is great because then the windmill will always even out.

What are we thinking? This would most likely me manufactured from cardboard.

 

[RandomGuy88]

What size are we talking about here?

By "design of the blades" are you referring to the airfoil? You can find airfoils that are currently used for wind turbines here.
http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/coord_database.html

But I don't know how you would build a turbine blade out of cardboard. And for that matter it seems like building a wind turbine out of cardboard is a bad idea all around. I would expect it to just blow away or get ruined in the rain.

 

[lukedimarco]

It is a miniature model for a engineering competition. Doesn't need to withstand elements. They are giving us materials and a time, I have heard that most of the materials are cardboard and tape.

 

[rcgldr]

Airfoil plays a role, but the main factor in efficiency is the length of each roter blade. This is why wind turbines at wind farms use such huge rotor blades on their windmills (20 to 40 meters). This isn't pratical everywhere, so smaller designs are used:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine

 

[PJC01]

I can offer some insights on wind turbine blade design. The most effective and easiest way to construct a wind turbine blade would depend on various factors, such as the size of the turbine, wind conditions, and available materials. Generally, there are two main types of wind turbine blades: straight and curved.

Straight blades are simpler to manufacture and can be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. They are also more efficient in low wind speeds, but they can create more noise and vibration. On the other hand, curved blades, also known as airfoil blades, are more complex to design and manufacture but are more efficient in high wind speeds. They also produce less noise and vibration.

In terms of the number of blades, as you mentioned, an odd number (3 or 5) is generally preferred as it helps to evenly distribute the weight and balance the turbine. However, the number of blades can also depend on the size and type of turbine.

In terms of materials, while cardboard may seem like a cost-effective option, it may not be the most suitable material for wind turbine blades. Cardboard is not very durable and may not withstand high wind speeds. It is important to use materials that are strong, lightweight, and able to withstand various weather conditions.

Overall, the most effective and efficient design for wind turbine blades would be a combination of curved blades made from lightweight and durable materials. This design would help to capture the maximum amount of wind energy while minimizing noise and vibration. I recommend consulting with engineers and experts in the field to determine the best blade design for your specific wind turbine project.