J. Sahili - Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese University, Faculty of engineering, Third branch, Hadath, Beirut-Lebanon

This work, present an approach to design a propeller for a low power wind turbine. This study is a part of a research project aiming to design and realize a wind turbine of low power suitable for domestic use. In this paper, we present the steps necessary to design the propeller, using the required electric power. We clarify the conversion principle of the wind energy to mechanical energy, Betz formulation, and the search of the most appropriate blade profile. Then, a 2KW three blades horizontal axis wind turbine is designed and simulated. The propeller diameter and the structural blade response to various solicitations are derived. A low cost manufacturing method is presented. The work shows the method of optimal blade design. The designed blades are fabricated and the turbine propeller is manufactured and assembled

Rotor blade manufacturing, Matlab, Optimization, Renewable energy, SolidWorks, Wind turbine