Basic Design and Blade Structural Analysis of a Small Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine for Low Wind Speeds
Abstract The basic design and blade structural analysis of a 250 W rooftop-mounted horizontal-axis wind turbine for low wind speeds is presented. A simplified non-dimensional design is first undertaken to optimize the aerodynamic performance. The non-dimensional power curve vs. the design tip speed ratio is computed with the open-source wind turbine design software QBlade. SD7062 airfoil is chosen for the blade section; and its aerodynamic efficiency is obtained for various angles of attack using XFLR5. The design process also gives the optimal chord length and pitch distribution, leading to the blade geometry. The 22-month weather data at the site has been analyzed to obtain the best-fit Weibull distribution. The blade sizing is based on the maximum power coefficient before the stall regulation happens. An attempt is made to enhance the power capture by using a concentrator, whose aerodynamic efficacy is analyzed. The blades are fabricated from Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic, which reduces both weight and cost. The configuration for the laminate is finalized after several bending and tensile tests of five distinct GFRP samples. This is followed by the structural analysis of the blade. The root stresses and tip deflection are analyzed for extreme-wind conditions, along with the free vibration frequencies.