Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers have created the first comprehensive, physics-based model of rotor aerodynamics, which could significantly improve the design of turbine blades, wind farms, and turbine control systems.
Traditionally, the design of wind turbines and propellers has relied on century-old aerodynamic principles, supplemented by empirical "correction factors." However, these methods fall short under extreme conditions.
The new model, called a unified momentum model, accurately represents airflow around rotors even under challenging conditions, such as high forces, speeds, or specific blade angles. This advancement not only improves rotor design but also optimises wind farm layout and turbine operation.
The model can be used to quickly optimise parameters such as turbine orientation, rotation speed, and blade angle in real-time to maximise power output while ensuring safety. Validated through computational fluid dynamics, the model is available as a set of mathematical formulas or as an open-source software package on GitHub. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
