Location-optimized aerodynamic rotor design studies and development of small wind turbines

Local wind conditions can vary strongly depending on the landmark and vegetation, as well as on the skyline of the buildings in an urban surrounding. Weather, season and time of day influence the yield of electric power. In order to promote the use of small wind turbines as an alternative to photovoltaic power generation, design optimization for location-optimized small wind turbines was carried out. In this work, we want to concentrate on vertical axis wind turbines. Experimental studies, as well as numerical simulations, have been conducted. On the one hand, bionically optimized core structures will be integrated and implemented in the hybrid material of the turbine blades. Several optimization attempts have been examined for single blades. Detailed simulative investigations with large eddy simulations improve the aerodynamic behaviour of the new rotor design. Finally, based on the results of the studies and investigations, a new rotor will be manufactured and tested experimentally in the wind tunnel. A comparison with the reference system from the first part of the paper shows the improvements and effectiveness of the measures and processes investigated.