Wind turbine airfoil family design method based on prescribed pressure gradient distributions

Aerodynamic and geometric compatibility among airfoils of different thicknesses that are arranged at different blade radial stations are essential to ensure the blade's high performance. At present, methods for the design of a single wind turbine airfoil have been well developed but still not efficient enough for the airfoil family design. In this paper, a method for efficiently designing an airfoil family satisfying aerodynamic and geometric compatibility based on prescribed pressure gradient distributions is proposed. To apply this method, the main airfoil of an airfoil family is first designed. Then, for designs of other airfoils in the airfoil family, the pressure gradient distribution on prescribed regions of this main airfoil is adopted as the first design target. The thickness of each airfoil is given and adopted as the second design target. Other geometric characteristics like the maximum thickness location are set as constraints. Using above targets and constraints, airfoils of different thicknesses and similar pressure distribution patterns with the main airfoil can be quickly designed. The verification of the proposed method is conducted by successfully designing two airfoils of different thicknesses and similar pressure distribution to the main airfoil NPU-MWA-210, proving the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.