Experimentally Calculate Wind Turbine Torque

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experimental calculation of torque for home-made wind turbines tested in a wind tunnel. Participants explore methods for measuring torque based on the setup described, with a focus on the implications for calculating power output and the coefficient of performance (Cp).

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Chris outlines the theoretical framework for calculating power from wind turbines and expresses uncertainty about measuring torque.
  • One participant suggests that the method of measuring torque can vary and emphasizes the importance of the experimental setup in determining the simplest adaptation for measurement.
  • Chris acknowledges the oversight in not planning for torque measurement during the construction of the turbines.
  • Chris provides a link to an image of the turbine setup, indicating that all necessary dimensions will be known post-experiment, along with recorded angular velocities and wind speeds.
  • Chris expresses the goal of calculating torque to ultimately determine power output and the Cp value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best method for measuring torque, and multiple approaches may be considered based on the experimental setup.

Contextual Notes

There may be limitations related to the design of the turbines and the absence of pre-planned torque measurement methods, which could affect the ease of adapting the setup for accurate torque measurement.

mstrdnkn
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Dear All,

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I have recently booked out the local wind tunnel in order to run some simulations on three home made model wind turbines. I am aware of how to theoretically calculate the available power (0.5*p*A*V^3) and that P=Tw (Torque * Angular Velocity).

Angular velocity can be measured easily enough by recording the revolutions however i have no idea how to calculate or measure the torque?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can post a photo of my apparatus set up if needs be.

Cheers,

Chris!
 
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mstrdnkn said:
I can post a photo of my apparatus set up if needs be.
That would be helpful, because there are many ways how torque could be measured. The problem is that if you have already build them without planing for the torque measurement, it is hard to say what is the simplest way to adapt your design.
 
Sure thing, give me two minutes to upload a sketch. Yeah, we went ahead and built them without planning for torque measurement. Bit of a mistake.
 
http://twitpic.com/8ztc8x < Image of set up there. Effectively all that was manufactured was a turbine rotor with a bearing hub that freely rotates on a stand.

All Dimensions will be known, and after the experiment the angular velocity and windspeeds will have been recorded. If i can achieve a value for Torque i can calculate power output and thus find the Cp value.
 

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