Use of Forward Dynamics Model for Designing Large-Size Wind Turbine Blades

In this paper, the Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory is used to design the horizontal wind turbine blades. The design procedure concerns the main parameters of the axial/angular induction factors, chord length, twist/attack angles, and local power/thrust coefficients. These factors in turns affect the blade aerodynamics characteristics and efficiency at the corresponding nominal speed. NACA 4-digits airfoil geometry is obtained, using BEM theory, to achieve the maximum lift to drag ratios. The optimization of the power coefficient and its distribution versus different speeds is carried out by modifying the twist angle and chord length distribution along the blade span. The dynamic characteristics of both the original and optimized design are examined through forward dynamic simulation of the blade model. Since large-size wind turbine blade is considered, the dynamic model is established using the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF), which is suitable for large-rotation large-deformation problems. Finally, in order to verify the dynamic enhancements in the Aerodynamic/Structural properties, the fluid-solid interaction simulation for both the original and optimized model is performed using ANSYS code. The obtained results show a good rank of the proposed optimization procedure for a practical case of wind data upon Gulf of Suez-Egypt.