Aerodynamic design and optimization of a Megawatt wind turbine blade based on Blade Element Momentum theory

In this paper, a useful method proposed for aerodynamic design of Megawatt wind turbine's blade based on Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory . In this method first a preliminary design is done based on the ideal BEM and then a method have been offered for geometric modifications to approximate the geometry of the blade to a real and functionally one. The advantage of this method is that needed few design parameters that simplify the design procedure, however its results are in good agreement with 5MW NREL reference wind turbine assumed as validation case and show that with use of this method can achieve a good aerodynamic design. then the twist angle has been optimized using Genetic algorithm and Bezier curve with annual energy production (AEP) as the goal function. At the end, a 2.5 MW wind turbine has been design based on this method with considering the Lootak site specifications in province of Sistan and Baloochestan. Then 3D model of the blade has been made and CFD simulation applied on that for showing the designed turbine operation in real conditions and comparison with BEM method and there is acceptable compatibility between two analytical methods.