Abstract: Based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory, the power coefficient of a wind turbine can be expressed in function of local tip speed ratio and lift-drag ratio. By taking the power coefficient in a predefined range of angle of attack as the final design objective and combining with an airfoil noise prediction model, the previously developed integrated design technique is further developed. The new code takes into account different airfoil requirements according to their local positions on a blade, such as sensitivity to leading edge roughness, design lift at off-design condition, stall behaviors, noise emission as well as wind turbine service life. To show the performance of the new design technique, a new airfoil with relative thickness of 18% is designed. Comparisons with a wind turbine airfoil (NACA 63418) at Re=2×106 and Re=6×106 for free and fixed transitions show that the new airfoil has a higher power efficiency, better designed lift at off-design condition, better stall behavior, less sensitivity to leading edge roughness and lower noise emission.

Key words: Airfoils, Design, Power coefficient, Wind turbines