COMPUTER PROGRAM TO PREDICT PERFORMANCE OF FAST RUNNING HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE TO REACHING THE OPTIMUM DESIGN

Abstract

A computer program in visual basic was designed to predict the performance of fast running horizontal axis wind turbine for electricity generation by using blade element theory and momentum theory. NACA 4415 was chosen for the aerofoil section of blade. the design parameters ( design tip speed ratio , rotor radius and blade number ) represented in scroll bars was designed in visual basic, and by changing these parameters , solidity, chord line and twist angle curves along the blade, in addition to the rotor performance curve (relation of power coefficient with tip speed ratio), will be draw instantly.

The numerical integration (trapezoidal method) was used to compute the area under rotor performance curve, the program will record the value of this area, and by change parameter design and by knowing the maximum value of area, we will know the optimal design for turbine rotor.

The three and four rotor blades and the values of design tip speed ratio between (5 - 9) give the best performance of rotor. The effect change of rotor radius on performance rotor was found very small, and there is no noticed effect to rated wind speed on rotor performance when changing parameter design in computer program