Prediction of optimum section pitch angle distribution along wind turbine blades

In this paper, the boost in electrical energy production of horizontal-axis wind turbines with fixed rotor speed is studied. To achieve this, a new innovative algorithm is proposed and justified to predict a distribution of section pitch angle along wind turbine blades that corresponds to the maximum power extraction in the installation site. A code is developed based on the blade element momentum theory which incorporates different corrections such as the tip loss correction. This aerodynamic code is capable of accurately predicting the aerodynamics of horizontal-axis wind turbines. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.