The effect of aerofoil characteristics on windmill performance
Abstract
An outline of the general design procedure for a modern high speed windmill is presented along with a review of how the aerodynamic characteristics of the blade section affect the power output. The actual windmill performance is evaluated with regard to the interference factors, and the basic momentum considerations. It is shown that airfoil characteristics have small effects on planform shape and twist, but large effects on performance. Specifically, it is concluded that the maximum efficiency increases rapidly with a lift/drag ratio of up to approximately R = 30, thereafter increasing less quickly, and that the tip speed ratio also depends on the characteristic of the airfoil used.
- Publication:
-
Aeronautical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977AeJ....81..322G
- Keywords:
-
- Aerodynamic Characteristics;
- Airfoil Profiles;
- Energy Technology;
- Windmills (Windpowered Machines);
- Axial Flow;
- Design Analysis;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Lift Drag Ratio;
- Momentum;
- Rotor Blades;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer