Performance analysis of aerofoil blades at different pitch angles and wind speeds

Abstract There are various sources through which power can be generated today. All renewable energy (except tidal and geothermal power), and even the energy in fossil fuels, ultimately comes from the sun. If a wind turbine's efficiency is increased, more power can be generated, thus decreasing the need for expensive power generators reducing the cost of power for the public. In this research, an experiment was carried out on different aerofoil blades (NACA 0015, NACA 0024, NACA 2412). All the blades are symmetrical. The blades were tested for different blade pitch angles as 15°, 20°, 25°. Each blade was tested with the fixed angles at different wind speeds, and the power generated and wind turbine speed was calculated. From the results, tip speed ratio and power coefficient for different setups were determined. The best output was generated by aerofoil blade NACA 0015 and a blade pitch angle of 15°. As aerofoil blades have the least drag coefficient, these blades can be used at high speeds, whereas standard horizontal axis wind turbines cannot be operated at high speeds.