A Simple Optimization Technique Using Matlab For Small Wind Turbine Blades

This study tackles a procedure for designing and optimizing the chord and twist angle of the blade using MATLAB optimization toolbox to maximize the power coefficient (CP) then to maximize the annual energy production (AEP). The process leading to optimization includes selection suitable airfoils, placing the airfoils along the blade radius, splining between the specified airfoils. The performance of the blade design is evaluated using a MATLAB code that uses the blade element momentum theory (BEM) and its modifications to get the results. The blades of the turbine and their aerodynamic efficiency are considered vital to the small wind turbine (SWT) efficiency and therefore vital to its spread in the market. The study achieved maximum power coefficient of 0.3647 and energy of 361.8 kWh/year for a blade radius of 70 cm, a hub radius of10 cm and wind speed of 9 m/s with Weibull distribution parameters A=4.5 and k=2 and the used airfoils are S835 and S834. The results showed a direct and fast approach for designing an efficient SWT and this makes the SWT an economic solution that eases the transition towards a more sustainable world.