Low Reynolds Number Airfoils for Small Horizontal Axis Wind Thrbines

Abstract

To facilitate the airfoil selection process for small horizontal-axis wind turbines, an extensive database of low Reynolds number airfoils has been generated. The database, which consists of lift and drag data, was obtained from experiments conducted in the same wind tunnel testing facility. Experiments with simulated leading-edge roughness were also performed to model the effect of blade erosion and the accumulation of roughness elements, such as insect debris, on airfoil performance. Based on the lift curves and drag polars, guidelines that should be useful in selecting appropriate airfoils for particular blade designs are given. Some of these guidelines are also applicable to larger HAWTs.