An Improved Approach for Performance Prediction of HAWT using the Strip Theory

• Published in: Wind engineering Vol. 24; no. 6; pp. 417 - 430
• Main Authors: Mesquita, André L. A. Amarante, Alves, Alex S. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Multi-Science Publishing Company 2000; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Airfoils; Angular velocity; Coefficients; Drag coefficient; Flow velocity; Machine design; Mathematical models; Performance prediction; Turbomachine blades; Water supply; Wind power; Wind turbines; Wind velocity
• ISSN: 0309-524X; 2048-402X
• DOI: 10.1260/030952400320769802

This work reviews briefly the basis of the strip theory or Blade Element/Momentum method and its most used approaches for design and performance prediction of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines -HAWT, and proposes a new improved approach for the whole extension of the Tip Speed Ratio-TSR region. The results are compared to others found in the literature and to available experimental data. It is concluded that the proposed model provides similar results to the compared models to regions of TSR greater than 2, as is the case of the electricity-generating fast-running turbines, and extends the validity of these methods to regions of TSR smaller than 2, generally the case of multi-bladed HAWT employed for water pumping.