Improved Blade Element Momentum theory (BEM) for Predicting the Aerodynamic Performances of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade (HAWT)

Abstract

In this work, a mathematical model based on the compact Blade Element Momentum theory (BEM) is used to design a horizontal axis wind turbine blade. This implemented method is applied to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine blade and gives new optimized blade geometry. The rated power, free stream wind speed, design tip speed ratio, number of blades and optimal angle of attack are considered as design parameters. To validate the new approach, the results of the modified BEM presented in this work are analyzed and compared with previous works presented in the literature.