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Calculating the Power of Wind Turbines with the Blade Element Momentum Theory

Master Thesis

Autor: Laura Salcedo Campoamor

Date: 2017-08-18

Supervisor: Dieter Scholz

Abstract

Purpose - Conversion of a FORTRAN program of the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) into an Excel program and to show how Excel (with the Solver) can be used to optimize the geometry of the blade geometry (pitch angle, taper ratio, number of blades). --- Methodology - Literature review, work with fundamental wind energy equations, spread sheet programming. --- Findings - Various free tools are available to calculate the aerodynamic power output of wind turbines. However, a spread sheet opens up all methods and equations and offers easy access to check and change the code and to adapt to a given problem. Cone and axis angle are usually parameters to be freely chosen, because classical Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) have 90° cone angle and 0° axis angle. Beyond the fundamental CP-lambda curves also the curve power versus wind speed is of importance including stall behavior of the plant. --- Research Limitations - Although the aerodynamic coefficients are from 2D measurements they can be used successfully in a quasi 3D setting. Realistic results require the lift coefficient to be known well beyond the stall angle of attack. --- Practical Implications - The BEMT is made available via a spread sheet including optimization. Purpose – This project investigates social impacts of aircraft with a life-cycle approach using the example of the Airbus A380 program. --- Methodology – Social impacts are analyzed by conducting a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) based on the "Guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment for Products" from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Stakeholder and subcategories are chosen, and data is collected by conducting qualitative interviews and web searches. An impact assessment is performed using the Subcategory Assessment Method (SAM). The results are interpreted and generalized. --- Findings – During its life span, an aircraft or aircraft program has an impact on different stakeholders. The life cycle stage "raw material extraction" could lead to human rights violations, but also local communities near main manufacturing sites face social implications, both positive and negative. The economic importance of the aeronautic sector influences society, political decision makers, local communities, and workers. All this was evident also in the A380 program. --- Research Limitations – Data availability limited the investigation partially. The project does not cover all life cycle stages and stakeholder groups. Instead, emphasis is given to selected stages and groups. --- Practical Implications – The study can help aviation decision makers to provide a product, which improves the well-being of its stakeholders. --- Social Implications – Performing an S-LCA in aviation puts social implications of the aircraft program into focus and provides a foundation for a general discussion about its social sustainability. --- Originality – This seems to be the first research on the topic of S-LCA of an aircraft or aircraft program.

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PURL, the Persistent Identifier to quote this Landing Page: https://purl.org/HAW/MA2017-08-18 pin

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Associated research data: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/BI1LSE

Results from the Excel program: Blade geometry (taper, twist), C_P-λ-curves, ...

LAST UPDATE: 26 February 2023
AUTHOR: Prof. Dr. Scholz
IMPRESSUM (PDF)

  Prof. Dr. Scholz
  Aircraft Design and Systems Group (AERO)
  Aeronautical Engineering
  Department of Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering
  Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
  Hamburg University of Applied Sciences