Numerical and experimental study of the effect of an innovative trailing-edge flap on the aerodynamic performance of small-scale horizontal-axis wind turbines

The impact of an innovative trailing-edge flap (blended TEF) on the aerodynamic performance of small-scale horizontal-axis wind turbines is numerically and experimentally studied. The blended TEF is characterized by both the pressure surface of the hinged TEF and the suction surface of the morphed TEF. The wind speed, rotational speed, and power coefficient of four wind turbines were measured in a wind tunnel. The results show that the wind turbines with the morphed and hinged blades were respectively the easiest and hardest to start, and respectively had the lowest and highest output axial thrust. Moreover, the wind turbines with the hinged and blended blades were found to have the lowest and highest output power, respectively. Compared with the original wind turbine, the wind turbine with the blended blade respectively resulted in additional power and thrust increases of 130.95% and 113.49% at the wind speed of 1.29 m/s.