A comparative calculation of the wind turbines capacities on the basis of the L–σ criterion

Jean-Luc Menet, Laurent-Charles Valdès and Bruno Ménart

Renewable Energy, 2001, vol. 22, issue 4, 491-506

Abstract: Usually, wind sites are equipped with fast-running Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines of the airscrew type, which has a high efficiency. In this article, the argument is put forward that the choice of a wind turbine must not be based only on high efficiency. We propose a comparative criterion adapted to the comparison of a horizontal axis wind turbine with a vertical axis wind turbine: the L–σ criterion. This criterion consists in comparing wind turbines which intercept the same front width of wind, by allocating them a same reference value of the maximal mechanical stress on the blades or the paddles. On the basis of this criterion, a quantitative comparison points to a clear advantage of the Savonius rotors, because of their lower angular velocity, and provides some elements for the improvement of their rotor.

Date: 2001
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:22:y:2001:i:4:p:491-506

DOI: 10.1016/S0960-1481(00)00114-2

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