Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach

This paper explores the optimization of small wind turbine blades, focusing on the design and utilization of theoretical algorithms such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blade elementary method (BEM) theory, and the vortex wake system (VWS). Among these methods, BEM theory has proven to be the...

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Main Authors: Tshepo Sithole, Lukas W. Snyman, Vasudeva R. Veeredhi, Thembelani Sithebe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of El Oued 2023-12-01
Series:International Journal of Energetica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.ijeca.info/index.php/IJECA/article/view/227
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author Tshepo Sithole
Lukas W. Snyman
Vasudeva R. Veeredhi
Thembelani Sithebe
author_facet Tshepo Sithole
Lukas W. Snyman
Vasudeva R. Veeredhi
Thembelani Sithebe
author_sort Tshepo Sithole
collection DOAJ
description This paper explores the optimization of small wind turbine blades, focusing on the design and utilization of theoretical algorithms such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blade elementary method (BEM) theory, and the vortex wake system (VWS). Among these methods, BEM theory has proven to be the most effective in optimizing horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades and is commonly employed in modeling and constructing small wind turbine blades. The study centers on designing and optimizing aerofoils to enhance rotor blade pitch angles and determining the optimal number of blades for maximizing power output at various wind speeds using BEMT. Using a NACA-4412 type aerofoil as the starting point, the paper investigates different pitch angles, blade radii, and chord lengths for Designs 1, 2, and 3. Results indicate that at an average wind speed of 0 - 2.3 m/s (8.28 km/h), 3-blade, 5-blade, and 7-blade sets were designed and optimized for performance. The predictions suggest rated outputs of 7.5 W, 20 W, and 40 W for Designs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The study reveals that Design 3, with a blade radius of 1m, a chord length of 0.1m, and a pitch angle ranging from 12° near the rotor hub to 2° at the blade radius tip, achieved a significant power output of 39.5 W at a wind speed of 4.2 km/h. The findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing wind turbine blade design for enhanced energy efficiency.
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spelling doaj-art-938fc61bfd0344e28ac73652e55e30192025-08-20T01:58:31ZengUniversity of El OuedInternational Journal of Energetica2543-37172023-12-01823643139Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT ApproachTshepo Sithole0Lukas W. Snyman1Vasudeva R. Veeredhi2Thembelani Sithebe3Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South AfricaResearch and Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South AfricaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of South AfricaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of South AfricaThis paper explores the optimization of small wind turbine blades, focusing on the design and utilization of theoretical algorithms such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), blade elementary method (BEM) theory, and the vortex wake system (VWS). Among these methods, BEM theory has proven to be the most effective in optimizing horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades and is commonly employed in modeling and constructing small wind turbine blades. The study centers on designing and optimizing aerofoils to enhance rotor blade pitch angles and determining the optimal number of blades for maximizing power output at various wind speeds using BEMT. Using a NACA-4412 type aerofoil as the starting point, the paper investigates different pitch angles, blade radii, and chord lengths for Designs 1, 2, and 3. Results indicate that at an average wind speed of 0 - 2.3 m/s (8.28 km/h), 3-blade, 5-blade, and 7-blade sets were designed and optimized for performance. The predictions suggest rated outputs of 7.5 W, 20 W, and 40 W for Designs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The study reveals that Design 3, with a blade radius of 1m, a chord length of 0.1m, and a pitch angle ranging from 12° near the rotor hub to 2° at the blade radius tip, achieved a significant power output of 39.5 W at a wind speed of 4.2 km/h. The findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing wind turbine blade design for enhanced energy efficiency.https://www.ijeca.info/index.php/IJECA/article/view/227aerofoil design, blade optimization, bem theory, small wind turbines, pitch angle, wind turbine performance
spellingShingle Tshepo Sithole
Lukas W. Snyman
Vasudeva R. Veeredhi
Thembelani Sithebe
Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
International Journal of Energetica
aerofoil design, blade optimization, bem theory, small wind turbines, pitch angle, wind turbine performance
title Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
title_full Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
title_fullStr Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
title_full_unstemmed Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
title_short Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach Optimizing Small Wind Turbine Blades: A BEMT Approach
title_sort optimizing small wind turbine blades a bemt approach optimizing small wind turbine blades a bemt approach
topic aerofoil design, blade optimization, bem theory, small wind turbines, pitch angle, wind turbine performance
url https://www.ijeca.info/index.php/IJECA/article/view/227
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