Aerodynamic Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Aerodynamic Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Abstract

Wind is one of the attractive renewable energy resources which is economically comparable with conventional energy sources. Various theories developed to understand the wind machines better are reported here. Rankine – Froude model suggests the “Betz Limit” which limits the maxium efficiency of the wind machine is 16/27 . The Glauert Optimum Actuator Disc theory, gives the maximum output energy under optimum condition. The Blade Element Momentum Theory is widely used to design the wind turbines machines. Corrections such as Prandtl’s Tip Loss correction, Glauert’s correction for high value of axial induction factor, Drag coefficient correction are applied to the Blade Element Momentum theory. After application of corrections, the theoretical and experimental results are matched closely.