Airfoil Design Using Blade Element Momentum Theory

Abstract

A wind turbine is a device designed to extract kinetic energy from the wind and convert it to mechanical energy, which in turn can be equivalent to electric power. On this work we will focus on the aerodynamics of wind turbines and on the overall effect that aerodynamic variables have on the rotor’s performance. For this purpose, test three (3) different airfoil configurations a rotor’s blade to determine which design will optimize our power production at the same time it reduces manufacturing costs and efforts. Key Terms - Betz Limit, Blade Element Momentum Theory, Blade Element Theory, Power Coefficient.