Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

A new method for regulation of small wind turbine rotors is described. The blade (a cambered surface in this instance) is provided with two span-wise slits which are normally kept closed with the help of chord-wise rubber strips or tension springs. In low wind speeds, the blade is a smooth arc, but ...

A new method for regulation of small wind turbine rotors is described. The blade (a cambered surface in this instance) is provided with two span-wise slits which are normally kept closed with the help of chord-wise rubber strips or tension springs. In low wind speeds, the blade is a smooth arc, but it progressively distorts, resembling an inverted omega (@?) in moderate wind speeds. Such a distortion in the camber causes flow separation and results in rotor speed regulation. At higher wind speeds the gaps open-up, resulting in a reduced thrust coefficient, besides the power and speed regulation. This is a significant advantage over conventional spoiler regulation. Wind-tunnel test results for 110th and 15th scale models of a 7.5 m rotor diameter prototype are discussed, along with field data for the rotor power coefficient.