Design and optimisation of a 20 MW offshore wind turbine blade

Abstract

In the global pursuit of Net Zero emissions by 2050, wind turbines have become a leading solution. These renewable energy generators offer a trifecta of benefits, significantly reducing CO2 emissions, minimizing environmental impact, and delivering cost-competitive clean power. However, the key to maximizing their potential lies in the aerodynamic design of the turbine blades. By improving the blade performance, researchers and engineers can significantly increase wind energy capture, propelling wind turbines to the forefront of the global transition to a sustainable future. Higher power generating wind turbines are needed to reach the Net Zero target. By upscaling the “DTU 10 MW Reference Wind Turbine”, this research has achieved an aerodynamically stable 20 MW offshore wind turbine blade design. Variable rotation speed and variable pitch angle configurations have been considered to achieve an ideal power curve. The aerodynamic performance has been evaluated and quantified for a length optimised blade design, wherein the power and thrust have been increased by 80.84% and 88.67%, respectively, at a rated wind velocity of 12 m/s.