Analytical and experimental study of the integral aerodynamic characteristics of low-speed wind turbines

This paper proposes a new wind turbine concept suitable for low-speed winds. The design is studied using a combination of wind-tunnel experimentation and aerodynamic theory. After processing the experimental results, and after comparison with theory, the optimal conditions for the operation of the turbine are identified. Experimental and theoretical results suggest that the design offers a realistic alternative to conventional horizontal axis wind turbines. In addition, the proposed turbine has good power efficiency at low wind speeds, and is suitable for deployment in areas not yet favoured by wind farm developers.