OPTIMIZATION OF AIRFOIL SHAPES TO USE IN WIND BLADES

Resumo

In the present work, the XFLR5 software is used to analyze the flow behavior over different airfoils, which can be applied to the profile of a wind turbine blades. First, the essential parameters for calculating the Reynolds number (Re) are defined, such as the kinematic viscosity of the air at the turbine installation site, the estimated average wind speed, and the mean chord. After determining the Re, a two-dimensional analysis is performed using the XFLR5 software. Then, 20 airfoil profiles available in the free Airfoil Tools database are selected. A comparative analysis of the lift, efficiency, and drag coefficients is carried out, leading to the selection of four profiles: CH10SM, EPPLER423, EPPLER420, and S1210. As a result, the CH10SM airfoil proved to be the most suitable, especially due to its ability to generate lift efficiently while minimizing the adverse effects of wingtip vortices and reducing drag. In conclusion, a trapezoidal wing with a CH10SM airfoil was designed, highlighting both aerodynamic and structural details.