Chord length and radius of a wind turbine rotor blade

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the distinction between chord length and radius in wind turbine rotor blades. Chord length refers to the width of the blade at any given point, while the radius is the distance from the hub to the blade's tip. The chord length varies along the blade, being shorter at the tip compared to the root near the hub. Understanding these terms is crucial for grasping the aerodynamic properties and design of wind turbine blades. The chord and radius are orthogonal concepts, each playing a significant role in rotor blade performance.
ATY
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Hello,
I have a question about the chord length of rotor blades from wind turbines.
I do not really understand what the difference is to the radius of a wind turbine. I can not find a real explanation, but it seems to be very important. I know that the formula of the chord length depends on many different things (forces, tip speed, number of blades e.t.c.).
I would really appreciate, if somebody could help me.
Have a nice weekend
ATY
Edit: I found a picture of the chord length in a rotor blade, but to me it looks like the radius...
4ff3137b81.png
 
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ATY said:
Hello,
I have a question about the chord length of rotor blades from wind turbines.
I do not really understand what the difference is to the radius of a wind turbine. I can not find a real explanation, but it seems to be very important. I know that the formula of the chord length depends on many different things (forces, tip speed, number of blades e.t.c.).
I would really appreciate, if somebody could help me.
Have a nice weekend
ATY
Edit: I found a picture of the chord length in a rotor blade, but to me it looks like the radius...
4ff3137b81.png

It's not clear why you think the chord length of the blade is the radius. The picture you are showing is a cut thru one blade, showing the chord length (width) of the blade and its thickness, t. Remember, the blade is essentially a long slender wing which has the shape of an aerofoil in cross-section.

If you take a different view, one which shows the rotor in plan view, then the radius R of the rotor is properly the distance from the center of the hub to the outer tip of the blade.


ABAAABc3wAD-25.jpg

 
So you mean, that the radius is the whole structure, while the chord length is just the blade thingy itself ? (Sorry, my english is bad, i marked the area of where I think the chord length starts with a red arrow)

54344d4a96.jpg
 
ATY said:
So you mean, that the radius is the whole structure, while the chord length is just the blade thingy itself ? (Sorry, my english is bad, i marked the area of where I think the chord length starts with a red arrow)

54344d4a96.jpg
Yes.
 
Ah Great, thank you for explaining this to me :)
 
SteamKing said:
Yes.
To be sure, for the blades shown in the plan view, the chord length of the blade is shorter at the tip than closer in toward the hub. The thickness of the blade is probably also smaller at the tip than closer to the hub.
 
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