Undergraduate Research Experience II
MEEN 499
BLADES AERODYNAMICS AND ITS EFFECTS IN WINDMILL GENERATORS
David Barreto
Undergraduate Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR, USA
ABSTRACT
Wind Turbines requires a wide range of skills like
Environmental, Technical and Understanding because slight
alterations in blades shape (aerodynamics) can greatly affect
the power and the noise level of the system. This was first
observed when evaluating flow conditions since Continuous
Flow fluctuates less then Turbulent Flow. It was also observed
when evaluating the number of blades because the number of
blades helps in systems initial requirements but once initial
requirements is met these affect system performance. Blades
aerodynamics affects systems power yield because each blade
design has its performance parameters and if not within these
parameters system performance is compromised.
NOMENCLATURE
V Velocity (m/s)
I Current (mA)
RPM Revolution per Minute
Wp Wind Power (Watts)
We Electrical Power (Watts)
T Torque (N-m)
η Efficiency (%)
A Cross Sectional Area
Greek symbols
ρ density, kg/m3
INTRODUCTION
Windmill generators have come a long way, it is known that
wind driven machines has been in existence since before 200
B.C. Today windmill generators are considered as renewable
energy because its energy comes from natural sources.
May 17, 2010, Gurabo, PR, USA
2010-02
Gerardo Carbajal, Ph.D
Advisor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, PR, USA
Windmill generators are considered the replacement in
years to come of the actual electricity generated by fuel. In
2010 world´s actual wind power capacity is of 158 GW which
will produce 340 TWH (1012) of clean energy; world’s
electricity generated by fuel is of 21 TKH. Wind power has a
great projection but since its technology and material still needs
improvement, its shift from our actual source to renewable one
will still not take place.
Wind power is produced by windmill generators and in research
a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines will be used. The most
important part of this technology is the amount of wind
captured by the rotors blades since it activates generator which
produces the power. The front and back rear side of rotors blade
is roughly shape as a rectangular and if you were to sawn in
half, one will see the blades cross section; this shape is called
the blade’s aerodynamic profile or airfoils cross-section. Most
of these shapes are similar but slight alterations in shape can
greatly alter the power and the noise level of the blade.
Figure 1: Example of Cross Section
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 When wind turbines rotor is stationary and the wind blows
directory towards the blades (Continuous Flow), if done at a
right angle to the plane of rotation, the blades rotor will start to
rotate creating a torque that starts the wind turbine.
But forces will depend on the blades attack angle (Pitch)
because if the attack angle is large the airflow can no longer
flow smoothly, or laminar, across the profile. Air looses contact
with rear side of the blade, and a strong turbulence occurs,
therefore lift force falls and drag force increases, this is known
as stall.

Figure 3: Airflow around a blade profile

Figure 2: Example of Cross Section Figure 5: Stall Process

If wind does not blow in a direct manner (Turbulent Flow) EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
forces will be in different directions creating a stand still until Equipment Used
flow blows at the right angle and with more force, overcoming Wind Tunnel (Model H-6910) Meter
force towards the blade. LabView 2009 Wind Meter
Mini WindMill RPM Meter
Rotor 1 (6 Blades) Man made wind obstacle
Rotor 2 (3 Blades) Computer
Rotor 3 (Adjustable Angles) DAQ-Device
Blade A Pitot Tube
Blade B

Objective
Figure 3: Example of Cross Section (Turbulent Flow) Our objective is to verify the effects that the rotors blades
aerodynamics causes to the windmill generators power yield. To
Once the turbine is in operation the blades encounter a obtain these results first a Labview Vi. which measured the
head wind (Head Strength "u") from its own forward voltage generated by the windmill was created (Figure 6).
movement. If the force of the wind pressure "F" is split, "Fa"
will attempt to bend blade back against tower, while "Fd"
provides the driving torque. These forces become very large
when in rotation and there are known as lift ("Fd") and drag
("Fa") forces.
The air flow moving towards the profile at point "A" will
separate and pass around the profile and will once again reunite
and point "B"; therefore the airflow over the rear side must be
at a higher velocity if these two different portions are to be
reunited at point "B". Greater velocity produces a pressure drop
on the rear side of the blade, and it is the pressure drop that
produces the lift force. The blade is almost sucked forward
resulting in greater speeds.

Figure 6: Labview VI.

Figure 4: Air Flow around Cross Section

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 Once VI. was generated, Mini Windmill was mounted
(Figure7) since windmill will be used as a part of our
experiment where its rotor blade will be experiments main
focus.
Figure 7: Mini Windmill
Then Research Area (Figure 8) was set-up next to Wind
Tunnel (Model H-6910) which is our main energy source.
Figure 8: Research Area
Based on research, rotors blades to be evaluated is of 3 blades
since these are considered the best to provide stability and
rotors speeds. In addition it will be evaluated the blades attack
angle "Pitch", blades length and the chords length.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1. Number of Blades Process
Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 (See Figure 9) were evaluated in
Continuous and Turbulent Flow Conditions using Wind
Tunnel. Windmill´s voltage output was recorded using
Labview Programming. In addition Wind Speed, Current
and RPM´s were measured and recorded.
Figure 9: Rotor 1 (6 Blade) & Rotor 2 (3 Blade)
2. Blades Pitch, Blades Length & Chord´s Length Process
Blade A and Blade B were evaluated in the same conditions as
previous testing, Continuous and Turbulent Flow Conditions
using WindTunnel. Blade A and Blade B (See Figure 10)
consists in an airfoil cross section. Windmill´s voltage output
was also recorded using Labview Programming. In addition
Wind Speed, Current and RPM´s were measured and recorded.
Figure 10: Blade A (Left) & Blade B (Right)
3. Flow Conditions Process
All blades were evaluated in Continuous and Turbulent Flow
Conditions. This was done using Wind Tunnel where its
design automatically blow Continuous Flow but for
Turbulent Flow a man made Wind Obstacle was created to
obtain the required flow (See Figure 11).
Figure 10: Manmade Wind Obstacle
Windmill´s voltage output was also recorded using Labview
Programming. In addition Wind Speed, Current and RPM´s
were measured and recorded.
Once Data was obtained the wind velocity was calculated
using the pressure difference data obtained using the Pitot Tube
which is part of the Wind Tunnel.
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 Once wind velocity was calculated the Wind Power (Wp) This condition is also observed with the data obtained during
was determined using the following: the blades pitch, length and chords evaluation.

A =πR2

ρ =1.22kg/m^3

Then the Electrical Power (We) generated by Generator was

calculated using voltage obtained using Labview VI. program Graphic 2: Blade A
and the current measured during the process.

We = I x V

Once Electrical Power was obtained systems efficiency (%) was

determined and its Torque (N-m).

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS Graphic 3: Blade B

1. Flow Analysis
When evaluating data obtained we first observed that the flow This Flow Condition Affect is because continuous flow tends to
conditions really affects the windmill generators power yield have much more less fluctuations then turbulent flow.
because when evaluating the number of blades data, it reveals Ex.
that the windmill requires less Wind Speed/Power and
generates more voltage when in Continuous Flow then in
Turbulent Flow.

Graphic 5: Blade A Continuous Flow

Graphic 1: Rotor 1 & 2 Flow Affect

Graphic 6: Blade A Turbulent Flow

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 With less fluctuation system tends to perform in a consistent
manner (linear) requiring less speed load because when wind
blows on blades it also makes blades rotates in a consistent
manner. In other words, when wind speeds increase blade
rotation per minute (rpm) also increase, increasing systems
power yield. When flow is turbulent systems performance is
affected because it blows in different directions, not consistent
and blade rotates in a turbulent manner generating restraints,
affecting blades rpm´s which decreases systems power yield.
Ex.

Graphic 9: Rotor 2(Torque vs. % Speed Load)

But once the initial torque requirement is met the wind

power remains the same and it is observed that the 3 Blade rotor
is more efficient then the 6 Blade Rotor because with the same
wind power the 3 Blade rotor generates more voltage then the 6
Blade Rotor and this is due to the weight difference and the
resistance that the extra blades causes. Because initially this is
not observed but once blades are rotating, system requires more
force to move these extra blades, affecting systems efficiency.

Graphic 7: Rotor 1 & 2 Continuous Flow

Graphic 10: Number of Blades Comparison (Efficiency %)

Graphic 8: Rotor 1 & 2 Turbulent Flow
3. Blade Size Evaluation (Chord and Length)
2. Number of Blades Analysis When evaluating data obtained in continuous flow, it reveals
When evaluating the number of blades in a rotor it was that at 8° attack angle, Blade A (Bigger) produces more rpm´s
observed that the 6 Blade rotor required less wind power for then Blade B (Smaller) since Blade B did not produce any
its initial start-up then the 3 Blade rotor. This is because the rpms´s, being Blade A more efficient.
number of blades helps in capturing wind power, meaning that
the 6 Blade rotor captures more wind power then the 3 Blade
rotor, meeting first with generators initial torque requirements.

Graphic 11: Blade Size Comparison (8°)

Graphic 9: Rotor 1(Torque vs. % Speed Load)

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In 14° attack angle, it reveals that Blade A produces more rpm´s
but no mayor difference between one´s produce buy Blade B.
The difference is in efficiency where we observe that Blade A is
more efficient then Blade B.

Graphic 13: Blade B Degree Comparison (Voltage)

It also reveals that at a 14° attack angle, Blade B is more

efficient.

Graphic 12: Blade Size Comparison (14°)

In 21° attack angle, it reveals a different scenario since Blade B

produces more rpms´s then Blade A and Blade´s B efficiency is
much more then Blade A.

Graphic 13: Blade B Degree Comparison (Efficiency %)

When evaluating Blade A which is a bigger blade in terms of

Chord and Length then Blade B, it reveals that the rpm´s of the
8° Attack Angle is greater than the 14° and 21° angle,
Graphic 12: Blade Size Comparison (21°) generating more power.

This leads us to believe that each blade size has its different set
of parameters/settings because at first we saw that Blade A
which is a bigger blade produced more rpms´s and was more
efficient in degrees 8° and 14°, but in 21°´s scenario changed
being Blade B more efficient and that produced more rpm´s.

4. Degree Evaluation

When evaluating Blade B which is a smaller blade in terms of

Chord and Length then Blade A, it reveals that the rpm´s of the
14° Attack Angle is greater than the 8° and 21° angle,
generating more power.
Graphic 14: Blade B Degree Comparison (Voltage)

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 In turbulent flow it reveals that the 14° attack angle is greater
than the 8° and 21° angle.
Overall Wind Turbines requires a wide range of skills like
Environmental, Technical and Understanding because slight
alterations in blades shape (aerodynamics) can greatly affect the
power and the noise level of the system, affecting system power
yield. Therefore as future researchers, one should analyze the
selected spot of interest, collecting wind data to understand the
wind behavior. Once data is obtained and analyzed one could
start evaluating and establishing system´s most efficient setting
because this will have a strong impact in systems efficiency
since it will be operating in optimal level. This will lead to less
fuel usage, cleaner environment and to economical growth.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
1. Samuel Ortiz (Machine Shop Technology, Inc)
Graphic 15: Blade B Degree Comparison (Voltage-Turb.) 2. Profesor, Gerardo Carbajal Ph.D (Advisor)

This leads us to believe that each blade has its different set of REFERENCES
optimal degree parameters/settings because at first we saw that 1. http://www.gwec.net/
Blade B is more efficient at a 14° Attack Angle. But Blade A is 2. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/world.html
more efficient at a 8° attack angle when in continuous flow and 3. http://cyclocopter.snu.ac.kr/paper/ICAST2005_paper.p
more efficient in a 14° Attack Angle when in Turbulent Flow. df
4. Bonus Energy A/S
Note: Refer to Annex A for more details of Analysis
5. http://www.sandia.gov/wind/topical.htm
CONCLUSUION 6. http://hubpages.com/hub/Different-Wind-Turbine-
After evaluating all the data obtained we can conclude that the Blade-Designs
ideal flow for a windmill is Continuous Flow because its flow is 7. Technical University of Trondheim (Energy
consistent and has much less fluctuations then in a Turbulent Management)
Flow. This is observed thru out the research since in a
continuous flow; windmill requires less speed load and
produces more power than in turbulent flow.

In regards of the number of blades we conclude that more blade

helps to achieve power with less speed load and it also helps in
meeting system´s torque requirement with less speed load. But
once this initial torque requirement is met, number of blades
affects the systems efficiency since it becomes a resistance/load
for the system. This was observed when the 6 blade rotor
required less speed load then the 3 blade rotor but once initial
torque requirement was met the 3 blade rotor was more efficient
then the 6 Blade rotor.

In degrees and blades size we conclude that each blade has its
own performance settings, having its high´s and low´s. This was
observed in both degree and size data, because in the size
evaluation Blade A performed better then Blade B in degrees 8
and 14 but at 21 degrees Blade’s B performed better than Blade
A. This was also observed during the degree evaluation because
Blade B was more efficient with a 14° attack angle and Blade A
was more efficient with an 8°.attack angle.

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 ANNEX A

DATA ANALYSIS
Process -Data

1. Number of Blades Affect

Figure 1: Rotor 1(6 Blade) and Rotor 2 (3 Blade)

Experimental Process: Rotor 1 and Rotor 2 were evaluated in Continuous and Turbulent Flow Conditions. Windmill´s voltage output
was recorded using Labview Programming. In addition Wind Speed, Current and RPM´s were being measured and recorded, results
are the following:

6 Blade-Continuous Flow
Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0 0.00 0.000 0 0 0 0.00000 0.00000 0 0.0000
20 15 0.002 179.08 0.910 0 0 0 0.00774 0.00000 0 0.0000
30 25 0.006 253.26 1.287 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0 0.0000
35 30 0.01 253.26 1.287 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0 0.0000
40 37 0.015 283.15 1.438 0 0 0 0.01935 0.00000 0 0.0000
45 43 0.02 283.15 1.438 0.6 3.9 2005.79 0.01935 0.00234 9.21E-05 12.0958
50 47 0.026 310.18 1.576 0.77 4.52 2322.76 0.02321 0.00348 9.54E-05 14.9922
55 53 0.036 400.44 2.034 1.09 5.63 2883.6 0.03869 0.00614 1.28E-04 15.8607

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 6 Blade -Turbulent Flow

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00000 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
20 15 0.004 253.26 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
30 25 0.009 283.154 1.438439 0 0 0 0.01935 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
35 30 0.013 253.26 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
40 37 0.017 253.26 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
45 42 0.024 335.032 1.701984 0 0 0 0.02708 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
50 47 0.028 253.26 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01548 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
55 52 0.034 310.179 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02321 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
60 57 0.04 310.179 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02321 0.00000 0.00E+00 0.00
65 65 0.05 400.44 2.03426 0.88 4.54 2519.47 0.03869 0.00400 1.47E-04 10.33

3 Blade-Continuous Flow
Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.001 126.63 0.6432895 0 0 0 0.00387 0 0 0
30 25 0.004 219.33 1.1142101 0 0 0 0.01161 0 0 0
35 30 0.007 219.33 1.1142101 0 0 0 0.01161 0 0 0
40 37 0.012 283.154 1.438439 0 0 0 0.01935 0 0 0
45 42 0.017 283.154 1.438439 0 0 0 0.01935 0 0 0
50 47 0.023 310.179 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02321 0 0 0
55 53 0.029 310.179 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02321 0 0 0
60 57 0.037 358.164 1.8194974 1.18 6 3116.47 0.03095 0.00708 9.48E-05 22.87

3 Blade-Turbulent Flow
Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power
Speed of Speed Speed Current Power Generated Torque Systems
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) Efficiency
10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.001 126.63025 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00387 0 0 0
30 25 0.003 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00774 0 0 0
40 37 0.006 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01161 0 0 0
50 47 0.01 253.26049 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01548 0 0 0
60 58 0.015 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.01935 0 0 0
65 65 0.02 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.01935 0 0 0
70 70 0.026 310.17949 1.57573 0 0 0 0.02321 0 0 0
75 75 0.03 253.26049 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01548 0 0 0

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2. Blades A Pitch, Length and Chord Affects
Experimental Process: Rotor 3 which Pitch Angle is adjustable was evaluated with Blade A in the same condition as previous testing,
Continuous and Turbulent Flow Conditions. Blade A (See Figure 2) consists in an airfoil cross section which measurements are the
following:

Blades Length 2 12/16"

Chord Length
Top 7/16"
Bottom 1 12/16"

Figure 2: Rotor 3 - Blade A

Windmill´s output was recorded using Labview Programming. In addition Wind Speed, Current and RPM´s were being measured and
recorded, results are the following:

Continuous Flow- 0° Pitch - Blade A

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.08221 0.9097487 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33002 1.1142101 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
40 37 0.010 283.15384 1.438439 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0
45 43 0.014 253.26049 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01999 0 0 0
50 47 0.020 310.17949 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02998 0 0 0
55 53 0.025 283.15384 1.438439 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0
60 57 0.031 310.17949 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02998 0 0 0
65 65 0.041 400.44 2.0342599 0 0 0 0.04996 0 0 0

Continuous Flow-8° Pitch- Blade A

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
20 15 0.001 126.6302 0.643289 0 0 0 0.00500 0 0 0.00
30 25 0.003 179.0822 0.909749 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0.00
40 37 0.008 283.1538 1.438439 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0.00
45 43 0.013 283.1538 1.438439 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0.00
50 47 0.019 310.1795 1.575731 0 0 0 0.02998 0 0 0.00
55 53 0.026 322.845 1.640073 0.45 3.8 2851.03 0.03248 0.00171 1.09E-04 5.27

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Turbulent Flow-8° Pitch- Blade A
Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
40 37 0.010 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0
45 43 0.013 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
50 47 0.016 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
55 53 0.020 253.26049 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01999 0 0 0
60 57 0.023 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
65 65 0.028 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0
70 70 0.034 310.17949 1.57573 0 0 0 0.02998 0 0 0
75 75 0.039 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.02498 0 0 0

Continuous Flow-14° Pitch- Blade A

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
40 37 0.009 253.2605 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01999 0 0 0
45 43 0.014 268.6233 1.36462 0 0 0 0.02248 0 0 0
50 47 0.019 283.1538 1.43844 0.28 3.09 2324.69 0.02498 0.00087 1.03E-04 3.46
55 53 0.025 310.1795 1.57573 0.39 3.36 2707.24 0.02998 0.00131 1.06E-04 4.37

Turbulent Flow-14° Pitch-Blade A

% of Electrical
Spee Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
d of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque (N- Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
40 37 0.007 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
45 43 0.013 310.1795 1.57573 0 0 0 0.02998 0 0 0
50 47 0.015 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00999 0 0 0
55 53 0.018 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01499 0 0 0
60 57 0.021 219.33 1.11421 0.03 1.779 1352.63 0.01499 0.00005 1.06E-04 0.3561
65 65 0.026 283.1538 1.43844 0.1 2.207 1661.02 0.02498 0.00022 1.44E-04 0.8835
70 70 0.030 253.2605 1.28658 0.19 2.619 1982.00 0.01999 0.00050 9.63E-05 2.4899

11 Copyright © 20xx by ASME

Continuous Flow-21° Pitch - Blade A

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.0822 0.9097 0 0 0 0.007738 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33 1.1142 0 0 0 0.011607 0 0 0
40 37 0.009 253.2605 1.2866 0.01 1.656 1256.91 0.015476 0.00002 1.18E-04 0.11
45 43 0.014 283.1538 1.4384 0.11 2.226 1675.78 0.019346 0.00024 1.10E-04 1.27
50 47 0.020 310.1795 1.5757 0.19 2.649 1987.43 0.023215 0.00050 1.12E-04 2.17

Turbulent Flow-21° Pitch-Blade A

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.0099926 0 0 0
30 25 0.003 126.63025 0.64329 0 0 0 0.0049963 0 0 0
40 37 0.008 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.0249814 0 0 0
45 43 0.010 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.0099926 0 0 0
50 47 0.015 283.15384 1.43844 0 0 0 0.0249814 0 0 0
55 53 0.016 126.63025 0.64329 0 0 0 0.0049963 0 0 0
60 57 0.018 179.08221 0.90975 0 1.445 1085.22 0.0099926 0 8.79E-05 0
65 65 0.024 310.17949 1.57573 0.03 1.8119 1345.38 0.0299777 0.00005 2.13E-04 0.1813
70 70 0.026 179.08221 0.90975 0.08 2.077 1552.80 0.0099926 0.00017 6.15E-05 1.6628

1. Blade B Pitch, Length and Chords Affects

Experimental Process: Rotor 3 which Pitch Angle is adjustable was evaluated with Blade B (Smaller) in the same condition as previous
testing, Continuous and Turbulent Flow Conditions. Blade B (See Figure 3) consists in an airfoil cross section which measurements are
the following:

Blades Length 2 9/16"

Chord Length
Top 4/16"
Bottom 1 10/16"

Figure 3: Rotor 3 - Blade B

12 Copyright © 20xx by ASME

Windmill´s output was recorded using Labview Programming. In addition Wind Speed, Current and RPM´s were being measured and
recorded, results are the following:

Continuous Flow-8° Pitch-Blade B

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
40 37 0.009 253.26049 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01757 0 0 0
45 43 0.015 310.17949 1.57573 0 0 0 0.02635 0 0 0
50 47 0.022 335.03214 1.70198 0 0 0 0.03075 0 0 0
55 53 0.030 358.16442 1.81950 0 0 0 0.03514 0 0 0
60 57 0.042 438.66004 2.22842 0 0 0 0.05271 0 0 0
65 65 0.055 456.57185 2.31941 0 0 0 0.05710 0 0 0
70 70 0.070 490.43684 2.49145 0 0 0 0.06588 0 0 0

Turbulent Flow-8° Pitch-Blade B

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power
Speed of Speed Speed Current Power Generated Torque Systems
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) Efficiency (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
30 25 0.003 126.6302 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
40 37 0.004 126.6302 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
45 43 0.005 126.6302 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
50 47 0.009 253.2605 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01757 0 0 0
55 53 0.010 126.6302 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
60 57 0.013 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
65 65 0.015 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
70 70 0.018 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
75 75 0.020 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0

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Continuous Flow-14° Pitch-Blade B

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.082 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
40 37 0.009 253.26 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01757 0 0 0
45 43 0.014 268.623 1.36462 0 0 0 0.01976 0 0 0
50 47 0.019 283.154 1.43844 0.22 2.745 2196.22 0.02196 0.00060 9.55E-05 2.7498725
55 53 0.026 346.791 1.76172 0.33 3.362 2683.04 0.03294 0.00111 1.17E-04 3.3679677

Turbulent Flow-14° Pitch-Blade B

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.001 126.63025 0.64329 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
30 25 0.003 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
40 37 0.005 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
45 43 0.008 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
50 47 0.010 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
55 53 0.012 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
60 57 0.015 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
65 65 0.017 179.08221 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
70 70 0.020 219.33002 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
80 78 0.025 283.15384 1.43844 0.19 2.63 2055.68 0.02196 0.00050 1.02E-04 2.2754

Continuous Flow-21° Pitch-Blade B

Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.002 179.0822 0.90975 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
30 25 0.005 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
40 37 0.009 236.9035 1.20348 0 0 0 0.01537 0 0 0
45 43 0.013 253.2605 1.28658 0 0 0 0.01757 0 0 0
50 47 0.017 253.2605 1.28658 0.18 2.512 2007.5 0.01757 0.00045 8.36E-05 2.57
55 53 0.024 335.0321 1.70198 0.25 2.932 2387.82 0.03075 0.00073 1.23E-04 2.38

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 Turbulent Flow-21° Pitch- Blade B.
Electrical
% of Inches Wind Wind Wind Power Systems
Speed of Speed Speed Current Avg. Power Generated Torque Efficiency
Knob Load Water (ft/min) (m/s) (mA) Voltage RPM (Watts) (Watts) (N-m) (%)
10 5 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 15 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 25 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
40 37 0.005 283.1538 1.438439 0 0 0 0.02196 0 0 0
45 43 0.006 126.6302 0.643289 0 0 0 0.00439 0 0 0
50 47 0.010 253.2605 1.286579 0 0 0 0.01757 0 0 0
55 53 0.012 179.0822 0.909749 0 0 0 0.00878 0 0 0
60 57 0.015 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
65 65 0.018 219.33 1.11421 0 0 0 0.01318 0 0 0
70 70 0.022 253.2605 1.286579 0.02 1.674 1330.59 0.01757 0.00003 1.26E-04 0.1906
75 75 0.025 219.33 1.11421 0.07 2.029 1584.38 0.01318 0.00014 7.94E-05 1.0779

DATA ANALYSIS

1. Flow Evaluation

When evaluating data obtained we first observed that the flow conditions really effects the windmill generators power yield because
when evaluating the number of blades data, it reveals that the windmill requires less Wind Speed/Power and generates more voltage
when in Continuous Flow then in Turbulent Flow.

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This condition is also observed with the data obtained during the blades pitch, length and chords evaluation.

This Flow Condition Affect is because continuous flow tends to have much more less fluctuations then turbulent flow.

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With less fluctuation system tends to perform in a consistent manner (linear) because when wind blows blades it also makes blades
rotates in a consistent manner. In other words, when wind speeds increase blade rotation per minute (rpm) also increase, increasing
systems power yield. When flow is turbulent systems performance is affected because when wind blows blades, blades rotates in a
turbulent manner, not consistent, with restraints affecting blades rpm´s which decreases systems power yield.

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2. Number of Blades Evaluation

When evaluating the number of blades in a rotor it was observed that the 6 Blade rotor required less wind power for its initial start-up
then the 3 Blade rotor.

This is because the number of blades helps in capturing wind power, meaning that the 6 Blade rotor captures more wind power then
the 3 Blade rotor, meeting first with generators initial torque requirements.

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 But once the initial torque requirement is met the wind power remains the same and it is observed that the 3 Blade rotor is more
efficient then the 6 Blade Rotor because with the same wind power the 3 Blade rotor generates more voltage then the 6 Blade Rotor
and this is due to the weight difference and the resistance that the extra blades causes because initially this is not observed but once
blades are rotating, system requires more force to move these extra affecting systems efficiency.

3. Blade Size Evaluation (Chord and Length)

When evaluating data obtained in continuous flow, it reveals that at 8°, Blade A (Bigger) produces more rpm´s then Blade B (Smaller)
since Blade B did not produce any rpms´s.

In 14°, it reveals that Blade A produces more rpm´s but no mayor difference between one´s produce buy Blade B. The difference is in
efficiency where we observe that Blade A is more efficient then Blade B.

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In 21°, it reveals a different scenario since Blade B produces more rpms´s then Blade A and Blade´s B efficiency is much more then
Blade A.

This leads us to believe that each blade size has its different set of optimal parameters/settings because at first we saw that Blade A
which is a bigger blade produced more rpms´s and was more efficient in degrees 8° and 14°, but in 21°´s scenario changed being Blade
B more efficient and that produced more rpm´s.

Note: Analysis was done in continuous flow, because in turbulent flow, analysis requires more % of speed load and system´s
(Windmill) limits did not wanted to be exceeded.

4. Degree Evaluation

When evaluating Blade B which is a smaller blade in terms of Chord and Length then Blade A, it reveals that the rpm´s of the 14°
Attack Angle is greater than the 8° and 21° angle, generating more power.

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It also reveals that at a 14° attack angle, Blade B is more efficient.

When evaluating Blade A which is a bigger blade in terms of Chord and Length then Blade B, it reveals that the rpm´s in continuous
flow of the 8° Attack Angle is greater than the 14° and 21° angle, generating more power. In turbulent flow it reveals that the 14°
attack angle is greater than the 8° and 21° angle.

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It could also be seen that the 8° for continuous and the 14° for turbulent is more efficient than the others.

This leads us to believe that each blade has its different set of optimal degree parameters/settings because at first we saw that Blade B
is more efficient at a 14° Attack Angle. But Blade A is more efficient at a 8° attack angle when in continuous and more efficient in a
14° Attack Angle when in Turbulent Flow.

CONCLUSION

After evaluating all the data obtained we can conclude that the ideal flow for a windmill is a Continuous Flow because its flow is
consistent and has much less fluctuations then in a Turbulent Flow. This is observed thru out the research since in a continuous flow;
windmill requires less speed load and produces more power than in turbulent flow.

In regards of the number of blades we conclude that more blade helps to achieve a power with less speed load and it also helps in
meeting system´s torque requirement with less speed load. But once this initial torque requirement is met number of blades affects the
systems efficiency since it becomes a resistance/load for the system. This was observed when the 6 blade rotor required less speed load
then the 3 blade rotor but once initial torque requirement was met the 3 blade rotor was more efficient then the 6 Blade rotor.

In degrees and blades size we conclude that each blade has its own performance settings, having its high´s and low´s performance
points. This was observed in both degree and size data, because in the size evaluation Blade A performed better then Blade B in
degrees 8 and 14 but at 21 degrees Blade’s B performed better than Blade A.
This was also observed during the degree evaluation because Blade B was more efficient with a 14° attack angle and Blade A was more
efficient with an 8°.attack angle.

Overall Wind Turbines requires a wide range of skills like Environmental, Technical and Understanding because slight alterations in
blades shape (aerodynamics) can greatly affect the power and the noise level of the system, affecting system power yield. Therefore as
future researchers, one should analyze the selected spot of interest, collecting wind data to understand the wind behavior. Once data is
obtained and analyzed one could start evaluating and establishing system´s most efficient setting because this will have a strong impact
in systems efficiency since it will be operating in optimal level. This will lead to less fuel usage, cleaner environment and to
economical growth.

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Equipments Used

Equipment Figure
1. Wind Tunnel (Model H-6910)

2. WindMill

3. Rotor 1 (6 Blades)

4. Rotor 2 (3 Blades)

5. Rotor 3 (Adjustable Angles)

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Equipment Figure
6. Blade A
Measurements:
Blades Length 2 12/16"
Chord Length
Top 7/16"
Bottom 1 12/16"

7. Blade B
Measurement:
Blades Length 2 9/16"
Chord Length
Top 4/16"
Bottom 1 10/16"

8. Meter

9. RPM Meter

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Equipment Figure
10. Man Made Wind Obstacle
(Turbulent Flow)

11. Pitot Tube

12. DAQ-Device
LabView Voltage Measuring Device

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