Theoretical Aerodynamic Analyses of Six Airfoils for Use on Small Wind Turbines

Theoretical analyses of six airfoils--the E 387, FX 63-137, S822, S834, SD2030, and SH3055--have been performed for Reynolds numbers from 0.10 x 106 to 1.00 x 106 using the Eppler Airfoil Design and Analysis Code and the XFOIL code. The results from both codes exhibit the typical Reynolds number and roughness effects. Comparisons of the results from the two codes generally show good agreement, particularly for Reynolds numbers greater than 0.10 x 106. The maximum lift coefficient predicted by the XFOIL code is about 0.2 higher, and the Reynolds number and roughness effects are larger. The magnitudes of the zero-lift angle and pitching-moment coefficients predicted by the Eppler code are greater.