Air foil configuration for wind turbine

摘要

A balancing of aerodynamic optimization and structural optimization provides a wind turbine airfoil having substantially improved performance characteristics. Mathematic modeling yields maximum aerodynamic criteria that are coupled with a structural analysis to modify the optimum aerodynamic design into a balanced, substantially optimized airfoil configuration. The resulting airfoils have substantial performance impact on GAEP. The airfoil is based on the theoretical optimum aerodynamic structure modified as required to maximize structural integrity. The method for maximizing airfoil performance permits the design of airfoils of predictable performance while achieving necessary structural integrity. A family of airfoils having operational and structural characteristics with substantially enhanced performance capability includes thickness-to-chord ratios ranging from 14% to 45%.