How Should the Root Region of a Small Wind Turbine Blade Be Designed?

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SUMMARY

The design of the root region of a small wind turbine blade, specifically for a model with a 0.7m diameter and a Reynolds number of approximately 10,000, should transition from a chord length proportional to 1/R to a more stable geometry. This transition should be a smooth blend into the hub to avoid stress concentrations. Bending stresses at the root can be calculated by analyzing normal stresses from radial centripetal forces and wind load, allowing for adjustments in width and design to accommodate these stresses.

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  • Understanding of airfoil selection and chord length calculations
  • Knowledge of stress analysis techniques, including thermal, bending, and shear stresses
  • Familiarity with wind turbine blade design principles
  • Experience with fluid dynamics, particularly at low Reynolds numbers
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Hi,

What is the best way to design the root region of a wind turbine blade (for a small model turbine: 0.7m diameter, Re ~ 10,000)? So far we've selected our airfoil and calculated the chord lengths (proprtional to 1/R) but can't find any mathematics on the root region. At what point should it cease to follow the 1/r relationship and should this be a fairly abrupt change or a curved gradual change?

Furthermore, what is the best way to calculate the bending stresses at the root

Thanks for any help
 
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We typically start with an analysis like this with an initial concept. We then find the stresses and from there determine what needs to be changed to account for the stresses (thermal, bending, shear, etc).

Since you will typically be encountering mostly normal stresses (from radial centripetal force, and bending from wind load), you can most likely decide on a width needed, and then just ensure that's its smooth enough of a blend into the hub as to not create large stress concentratiosn.
 

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