TOWARDS THE DESIGN OF LOW NOISE LEVEL WIND TURBINES

Abstract

According to the authors’ hypothesis generation of high intensity noise is caused by generation of vorticity structures inducing velocities that can be locally higher than the velocity of sound. The localization and magnitude of vorticity concentration can be precisely defined on the basis of a double layer vortex model. Knowing the localization and mechanism of generation of significantly high induced velocities, turbine blades can be shaped in such a way so as to decrease the concentration of vorticity in these zones. According to the hypothesis described in this paper, a modification of turbine blades at the design stage results in their quieter operation for higher loads and wind velocities. The authors base their hypothesis on the experience from design works concerning low noise ship propellers. The following paper focuses on these tasks.