Wind Tunnel Tests of a Model Small-Scale Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Developed From Blade Element Momentum Theory

Abstract

The small-scale horizontal-axis wind turbines (SHAWTs) have emerged as the promising alternative energy resource for the off-grid electrical power generation. These turbines primarily operate at low Reynolds number and low tip speed ratio conditions. Under such circumstances, the airfoil selection and blade design of a SHAWT becomes a challenging task. The present work puts forward the necessary steps starting from the aerofoil selection to the blade design and analysis by means of blade element momentum theory (BEMT) for the development of four model turbine rotors composed of E216, SG6043, NACA63415, and NACA0012 airfoils. This analysis shows the superior performance of the model rotor with E216 airfoil in comparison with other three models. However, in the subsequent wind tunnel study with the E216 model, a marginal drop in its performance due to mechanical losses has been observed.