• Theory
  • Introduction
  • BEM Theory
• Available BEM Codes
• Code Modifications
  • Modifications
  • Code Operators
  • Code Interface
• Adding Profiles
  • Blade Profile Design
  • Multiple Profiles
  • Additional Profiles
  • Adding Own Profile
  • Modelling Degradation
• Methodology
  • Systematic Study
  • Geometry
• Results
  • Introduction
  • Uniform Pitch Result
  • Twisted Blade Results
  • Hub Radius Results
  • Increasing Tip Radius (Maintaining Uniform Chord)
  • Increasing Tip Radius (Twisted Blade)
  • Blade Position Results
  • Chord
  • Taper
  • R.P.M.
  • Variable Profiles
  • Number of Blades
  • Contra Rotation
• Tools
  • Tools Intro
  • Xfoil
  • Rfoil

Code Modification

In order to carry out our parametric study and investigate the effects of blade surface degradation it was necessary to modify the Fortran BEM code in order to increase its functionality. In the course of our work we added the following capabilities to the BEM programme:

• The option to employ up to 3 different profiles along the span of the blade.
• The proportion of the blade over which each profile is applied is user definable.
• The inclusion of additional profile options.
• NACA 63-418
• NACA 63-424
• NREL S814 with a degraded surface.
• The ability to carryout repeat runs with the same turbine geometry.
• The program will now output power values for a second contra-rotating rotor.
• Improvement to this faculty is ongoing.