Innovative design method and experimental investigation of a small-scale and very low tip-speed ratio wind turbine

Small horizontal axis wind turbines operating at low speeds face the issue of performance compared to large turbines. A high amount torque is required start producing power speed overtake friction mechanical parts. design tip-speed ratio (?) suitable for applications. The relevance classical blade-element/ momentum theory, traditionally used ratio, controversial ratio. This paper presents a new methodology 300 mm turbine very Chord and blade angle distributions were computed by applying Euler’s turbomachinery theorem. has multiple fan-type blades solidity. rotor was tested in tunnel. coefficients have been measured, velocities wake explored stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. results are conventional 3-bladed higher ?=3. achieves maximum coefficient 0.31 ?=1. similar performance. At (C?) than one decreases linearly with magnitude allows it lower instantaneous cut-in (2.4 m.s?1) (7.9 m.s?1). order axial tangential near closed requirements. current method could still be improved better predict profiles. analysis shows that induces highly stable rotating wake, expansion deceleration one. useful drive contra-rotating rotor.