Aerodynamic performance characteristics of EYO-Series low Reynolds number airfoils for small wind turbine applications

Abstract

In this study, the aerodynamic performance characteristics of three new EYO-Series low Reynolds number (Re) airfoils were tested at Re = 100,000 to 500,000, which are typical range of Re numbers encountered by airfoils of small wind turbine blades. The results generally demonstrated aerodynamic performance improvements of all three airfoils with increase in Re. EYO7-8 recorded the highest lift-to-drag ratio of 170 at Re = 500,000. EYO9-8 had the highest stall angle of 15° at all tested Re except at Re = 200,000. EYO9-8 again had gradual stall performances at all Re. All three airfoils also had good drag bucket performances where initial increases in lift were accompanied by either constant or reducing drag. The findings from this study showed that there are no significant variations in the lift performance for Re ≥ 300,000. The low variation in lift performance for the EYO-Series airfoils is desirable for the design of small wind turbine blades for low Re applications.

Keywords

• Airfoil
• Lift coefficient
• Drag coefficient
• Lift-to-drag ratio
• Drag bucket
• Small wind turbine