Location-Specific Wind Turbine Blade Design Using Blade Element Momentum Theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 12-23-2025
Abstract
This chapter explores the design, optimisation, and fabrication of blades for fixed-pitch horizontal-axis wind turbines. Wind turbine blades vary in size, design, and mechanical properties as they are used in various locations with different conditions. Generating different designs of the wind turbine blades is necessary, given that the wind velocity, altitude, and air density of different locations are different. To demonstrate this, the wind properties of three different UK locations were collected and calculated using the Blade Element Momentum Theory algorithm with a starting NACA0012 aerofoil. The results showed a unique blade profile for each location, characterised by its twist and chord distribution. To demonstrate the difference in power production from the wind turbine using each blade profile, computational fluid dynamics simulations were carried out. The steady state torque and power of the three designs were markedly different, with Jon O’Groats (5.7 m mean wind speed) producing four times more power than Bournemouth (4 m mean wind speed). The wind speed is in addition to the varying altitudes of each location, and hence differing air densities. These findings, therefore, reinforce that location-specific design should be carried out for optimal turbine performance.
Recommended Citation
Elsey, C., Sergejev, D., Iqbal, F., Badiee, A., Sohani, B., Mostafa, N.A., Aliyu, A.M. (2026). Chapter 16 - Location-Specific Wind Turbine Blade Design Using Blade Element Momentum Theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics, Editor(s): Aliyu, A.M. and Ribeiro, J.X.F., Sustainable Technologies for the Energy Transition, 285-308, Taylor & Francis, CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003608189