Trying to design Wind Turbine Blades

In summary, the conversation was about designing a blade for a wind turbine using the BEM (Blade Element Momentum) method. The book "Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines" by Martin O.L. Hansen was being followed, which takes into account tip loss (Prandtl) and Glauert corrections. The main issue was determining the chord, which required assuming a chord distribution and going through an iterative process to find the optimal design. It was also mentioned that the method is usually referred to as BEMT (Blade Element Momentum Theory) to avoid confusion with BEM (Boundary Element Method).
  • #1
jonagad
7
0
Homework Statement
Blade Element Momentum
Relevant Equations
Reynolds numer:
Re=((V)*(ρ)*(c))/μ
Where:
V:wind velocity
ρ: density
c: chord
μ: Dynamic viscosity
Hello, I'm trying to follow the instructions from the book "Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines"-Martin O.L. Hansen, to design a blade, the method it's the BEM accounting for the tip loss (Prandtl) and Glauert corrections, but I can't get it right, for the Cl (lift coefficient) and Cd (drag coefficient) I need the Reynolds number, but in order to calculate de Re, I need the chord, how can I give a value to the chord?
 
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  • #2
You need to assume a chord distribution. See what comes out and if not feasible / desirable, choose another chord distribution. That's the design iteration loop.
 
  • #3
Ps: it is usually referred to as BEMT (Blade Element Momentum Theory), not to be confused with BEM (Boundary Element Method)
 
  • #4
Arjan82 said:
You need to assume a chord distribution. See what comes out and if not feasible / desirable, choose another chord distribution. That's the design iteration loop.
Ohh, I see, that´s exactly what I was doubting, thank you for responding, i will do that.

This is what I have, if you want to check it out:
Data:
a: Axial Induction factor
a´: Angular induction factor
Both a and a´ usually are =0 initially.
Then it´s an iterative process
U_1=5.17m/s
Ω=25rpm2.61799388rad/s
R=1.25m
B=3
a_c=0.2
Results:
AirfoilS823S823S823S822S822S822S822S822
No12345678
Section0.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9
a=0.1999990.1999990.1999990.1999990.1999990.1999990.1999990.199999
a´=00000000
r=0.250.3750.50.6250.750.87511.125
λ_r=0.126595450.189893170.25319090.316488620.379786350.443084070.506381790.56967952
tanφ=6.319350414.212900273.15967522.527740162.106450141.805528691.57983761.40430009
φ=1.413853591.337743211.264282191.194079911.12756641.06499871.006481690.95199662
f=6.07465913.597248682.359996671.613115581.106964680.734871670.443810430.2046056
F=0.99853550.982555070.939800340.872288560.785524250.681587490.556552640.39350817
α(°)=8.98.98.99.39.39.39.39.3
α(rad)=0.15533430.15533430.15533430.162315620.162315620.162315620.162315620.16231562
θ_p=1.258519291.182408911.108947891.031764290.965250780.902683080.844166070.789681
C_l1.21.21.211111
C_d0.0180.0180.0180.010.010.010.010.01
C_n0.205337880.294652390.379245540.377167910.437893230.493253230.54328640.5882036
C_t1.182438311.16340191.138638140.926198880.89908260.869943250.839606990.80877471
supposed chord=0.30.30.30.30.30.30.30.3
σ=0.57295780.381971860.28647890.229183120.190985930.163702230.143239450.12732395
K=33.120011333.057554331.450295334.902325430.660727525.83824520.4240713.9456387
a (if≤a_c)=0.031133240.03119390.03284040.02949650.033714610.040260490.051482520.07724609
a (if>a_c)=-0.014839980.028547770.029921870.027118490.030646570.035968280.044683980.06296168
a´=-11.12852991.012833760.431917720.216319250.1642240.140566920.13577140.16071096
dF_N=0.58509770.432562060.577875660.608327260.741833540.879084531.013705671.11762702
dQ=3.369285471.707922751.735000681.493849351.5231331.550428071.566603481.53672719
dr=0.250.1250.1250.1250.1250.1250.1250.125
U_rel=5.071369575.147896745.244662675.395874925.530058395.672061745.803662125.85659519
dF_T=4.492380631.518153551.156667120.796719650.6769480.590639260.522201160.45532658
dF_L=1.139775480.587216770.609500290.537627280.564698950.59407250.621959050.6333561
dF_D=0.017096630.008808250.00914250.005376270.005646990.005940720.006219590.00633356
 
  • #5
Of course, thank you
Arjan82 said:
Ps: it is usually referred to as BEMT (Blade Element Momentum Theory), not to be confused with BEM (Boundary Element Method)
 

1. How do you determine the optimal shape and size for wind turbine blades?

The optimal shape and size of wind turbine blades are determined through a combination of computer simulations, wind tunnel testing, and real-world performance data. Engineers use advanced software to model the airflow around different blade designs and analyze their efficiency. Wind tunnel testing allows for physical testing of various blade shapes and sizes. Additionally, real-world performance data from existing wind turbines helps refine and improve blade design.

2. What materials are typically used to make wind turbine blades?

Most wind turbine blades are made from composite materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and epoxy resins. These materials are lightweight, strong, and durable, making them ideal for withstanding the stress and strain of wind turbine operation. Some blades also incorporate balsa wood or foam cores for added strength and stiffness.

3. How do you account for different wind speeds and directions when designing wind turbine blades?

Wind turbine blades are designed to be aerodynamically efficient in a range of wind speeds and directions. This is achieved through careful shaping and positioning of the blades, as well as the use of advanced control systems that can adjust the angle of the blades in response to changing wind conditions. Engineers also take into account the specific wind conditions at the location where the wind turbine will be installed.

4. Can wind turbine blades be recycled?

Yes, wind turbine blades can be recycled. However, the process is currently not widely available and can be expensive. Most blades are made from composite materials that are difficult to recycle, so efforts are being made to develop more sustainable and recyclable materials for wind turbine blades.

5. How do you ensure the safety and reliability of wind turbine blades?

Wind turbine blades undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure their safety and reliability. This includes testing for strength and durability, as well as conducting regular maintenance and inspections. Additionally, wind turbines are designed to shut down in extreme weather conditions to prevent damage to the blades and other components.

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