I have designed a 7 meter HAW blade and modelled it using Ansys APDL. I'd like to validate the results so I'm think of scaling down this blade to a smaller similitude !
Dear Ahmed
The modelling similarity laws of fluid mechanics apply to the wind turbines also. As you are already aware , the geometric similitude, the dynamic similitude and kinematic similitude laws take into account the model scale factor to determine the sizes, flow velocities, the forces on the blade elements and the power output , etc. As working medium is same in the prototype and the test model, the modelling should be easily accomplished . This way, one can obtain the model size for tests on the model in a wind tunnel to compare with the analytical results from the software.
I hope, I have been able to answer your query.
You need to be careful about the operating Reynolds number. Unfortunately, small wind turbine / scale down wind turbines operate at transitional Reynolds number which are highly unstable in terms of Cl/ Cd ratio. Hence, the experimental / computational performance evaluation of small / scaled down versions of the large wind turbines may leave you with many surprises vis a vis the field performance studies of a full scale large wind turbine of scaled up geometry if Reynolds number is not maintained.
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