Wind Turbine Reynolds number calculation verification

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the verification of the Reynolds number calculation for a wind turbine blade. The user calculated the Reynolds number using an average chord length of 0.5 meters, a free stream velocity of 5 m/s, a tip speed ratio of 6, and a kinematic viscosity of 1.4207E-5 m²/s. The formula applied was Re = (V*l)/v*, resulting in a Reynolds number of 527,909. The user also proposed calculating an average velocity using Vavg = (V*lamda)/2 to refine the calculation.

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  • Understanding of Reynolds number and its significance in fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of wind turbine aerodynamics and blade characteristics
  • Familiarity with kinematic viscosity and its units
  • Basic proficiency in algebra for manipulating equations
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Engineers, researchers, and students involved in wind energy, fluid dynamics, and aerodynamics who seek to validate or enhance their understanding of Reynolds number calculations in wind turbine applications.

Big_Dawg
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Homework Statement


Hi guys,

I just wanted to verify my calculation of a reynolds number of a wind turbine. I understand that the reynolds number will vary in a spanwise direction along the blade due to changes in the characteristic length(chord width) and velocity(due to the tip speed ratio). As a way to approximate the reynolds number I've taken an average chord length.

V = 5 (free stream velocity)
lamda = 6 (tip speed ratio)
v* = kinematic visocity of air at 10degrees = 1.4207E-5
l = 0.5 (average chord length)


Homework Equations



Re = (V*l)/v*


The Attempt at a Solution



Now this is the part I am unsure of. Do I find an average velocity as follows for the calculation:

Vavg = (V*lamda)/2 (Average velocity)

and then calculate as follows:

(Vavg*l)/v* = 527,909

I would appreciate any verification.
 
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