Comments[edit source]
- Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis
-Were the models static, or dynamic (ie was the rotor able to rotate in the model) -What was the free stream velocity used to get the torques cited
- Practical Application
-Feathering the blades on the upwind rotation makes good aerodynamic sense, but without a design feature to deal with stresses during the reloading phase I doubt this design is workable. A blade on a simple pivot will create an impact when engaged by the wind and the repeated stresses are likely to cause the turbine to fail after a very short service life. Possible solutions would be a spring or elastomer stop or even an inclined plane cut into the hub (though this might cause a jam of the blade and prevent feathering on the upwind side). Any solution is likely to increase both the cost and complexity of the design, though a particularly elegant one might still be viable for use. I recommend further investigation to see if a workable solution can be found. -In addition it might be worth investigating if the alteration of the unit's center of gravity causes undue wear on the hub on a full scale model.