Blade shape influence on aerodynamic efficiency of a Magnus wind turbine using particle image velocimetry

Abstract

Magnus wind turbine uses rotating cylinders instead of conventional horizontal axis blades. These cylinders rotate around their own axes and create a rotational force according to Magnus effect. Although this kind of wind turbines have many benefits over conventional axis blades and can exhibit different blade characteristics, it is not clearly demonstrated which the most efficient blade geometry is. This paper focuses on assess the influence of the blade shape on the Mangus force, using particle image velocimetry.