Retrofit winglets for wind turbines
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Authors
Matheswaran, Vijay
Advisors
Miller, L. Scott
Issue Date
2016-12
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Wind energy , Turbine efficiency , winglets , vortex lattice method
Citation
Abstract
Table of Contents
Description
Wind energy has demonstrated its potential as a renewable energy source. Much research
has been devoted to technologies that improve wind turbine efficiency, winglets being among
them. Blade tip vortices increase induced drag and affect wind turbine lift generated. This
affects power generated and efficiency of turbines. In aircraft, winglets have proven to reduce
induced drag. However, winglets tend to increase wing bending moments, requiring structural
reinforcement which could make winglets an expensive proposition.
The primary objective of this study is to design a retrofit winglet for a baseline wind
turbine, and determine economic feasibility. Unlike previous winglet designs, an innovative
design philosophy has been adopted, attempting to balance aerodynamic forces normal to the
winglet surface and generated centrifugal forces by careful configuration design and using
lightweight material. Traditional methods to determine power output of a wind turbine, such
as the blade element momentum theory, are insufficient to model a wind turbine with winglets.
A vortex lattice method for rotor applications has been developed and implemented. Economic
feasibility is a key issue in the wind industry today. Accordingly, a cost function that compares
design, manufacture and labor costs against increment in power has been implemented.
Using these tools, three winglets with varying construction techniques is investigated. The
net result is a winglet configuration that, at minimum installation cost, provides improved
performance and economic benefit.
Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
Publisher
Wichita State University