On the Aerodynamic Design and Performance of Wind Turbine Blade Airfoils
W.A. Timmer (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
F. Scarano – Promotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
Wind energy has become one of the most important sources of sustainable energy and is still expanding. In the last 40 years, the size of wind turbine rotors has increased with a factor of 10, to a diameter of over 220m at present. Theoretical and experimental
aerodynamic research has contributed substantially to this achievement. The aerodynamic performance of the rotor blades, in all kinds of weather conditions, is of paramount importance to the income part of turbine economics and consequently for a successful and economically viable turbine. This makes the blade sections, the airfoils, responsible for the core performance of the blade, an important contributor to a successful design.
This dissertation seeks to investigate airfoil performance; as a result of design strategy or as a result of operational requirements and conditions. The first part, consisting of chapters 2 to 5, is dedicated to airfoil performance in the operational range of angles of
attack. The second part treats the characteristics in what is called the deep‐stall region, with incidences showing leading edge flow separation.