Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines: Rotors, Loads and Structure

Wind power is an increasingly significant renewable energy resource, producing no environmentally damaging CO2 emissions. The efficient production of electricity by wind turbines relies on aerodynamics: Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines provides the fundamental solutions to efficient wind turbine design. Following a historical introduction, Part 1 of Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is concerned with basic rotor aerodynamics, while Part 2 deals with structural aspects of the wind turbine and calculation of the loads on it. Topics covered include increasing mass flow through the turbine, performance at low and high wind speeds, assessment of the extreme conditions under which the turbine will perform and the theory for calculating the lifetime of the turbine. The classical Blade Element Momentum method is also covered, as are eigenmodes and the dynamic behavior of a turbine. Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is an essential reference for both engineering students and others with a professional or academic interest in the physics and technologies behind horizontal axis wind turbines. It will provide a sound understanding of the mechanisms behind the generation of forces on a wind turbine.